T h e

Y T L

L u x u r y

M a g a z i n e

Vistana
VistasNew Energy,
New Verve

CottageCoutureThe Best Beds
in Bray

Saké & Tee

Golfing in Niseko

Swiss Watch Report • Diving Tenggol Island • Balinese Spa Oils

Contents
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Life Events

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

Life Bites

18 Hot happenings at YTL Hotels.

Life on the Cover

20 The newly-refurbished Vistana
Hotels are set to be theultimate choice for businesstravellers.

Life Feature

28 A forest walk in Cameron
Highlands turns a local legend
into a titillating adventure.
34 Japan’s northern island of
Hokkaido has long been awell-trodden tourist attraction

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for powder-hungry skiers in
winter. In late spring and earlysummer, though, the island’s
mountain retreat of Niseko
blossoms into an Eden-likegarden, famed for its fresh
fruit, eye-popping scenery andspectacular golf.
40 On your next trip to beautiful
Berkshire in England, a stay atthe lovely Lavender House or
the small but perfectly formed
Dormer Cottage should
certainly be on the cards.
46 Live the dive life on the East
Coast of Malaysia, bestexperienced through thetraditional Malay charms of
Tanjong Jara Resort.

52 Rosario Dawson opens
up about life and careerfrom The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur.
68 The recent Salon Internationalde la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH)
in Geneva proved to be, as
always, a celebration of allthings fine and precious.

Beautiful Life

54 Spring is officially here
and, along with it, a whole
new crop of colourful andjoyful bags.
56 While sun-dappled hours
away in smart, effortlesslyfeminine ensembles that keep
you cool while looking chic.

S U C I M U R N I
Every breath is pure refreshment, a relaxation of the soul, a journey of revival.
In Malay, we call this Sucimurni. In Malaysia, it is Tanjong Jara.
Embrace a way of life anchored in purity of mind, body and spirit.

For enquiries or reservations, please contact YTL Hotels Travel Centre at travelcentre@ytlhotels.com or call +60 3 2783 1000A Y T L LU X U RY R E S ORTw w w.y t l h o t e l s . c o mw w w. t a nj o n g j a r a re s o r t . c o m

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As Richard Mille and JaegerLeCoultre, two outstanding
watchmaking brands, show,
there is more to timepieces
than keeping track of hours
and minutes.
For most of us, skincare
and personal wellbeing are
not luxuries but necessities.
These latest beauty products
and miracle savers offer thebest in terms of function
and form.

Spa Life

The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur’s Scotch and Shavepromotion is an experience
to be savoured.
Explore the aromatic, healing
world of Indonesian essentialoils.

84 The Thermae Bath Spa
in historic Bath, England,is the country’s originalnatural thermal spa andthe latest feather in YTLHotels’ well-decorated
wellness cap.
86 When it comes to celebrating
special occasions, few gifts
keep on giving as much as
Spa Village Kuala Lumpur’s
generous birthday andanniversary packages do.

Life Cuisine

90 The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur transforms into an
oenophile’s paradise throughits highly rated Wine Cellar
Dinner Series and cameos
from blockbuster labels(and a wine expert).

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94 Chef Martin Büchele of Spa
Village Resort Tembok, Bali
serves up healthy cuisinewith heart.

Life Guide

100 Blessed with a long sandy
coastline and an abundanceof green landscapes,
Terengganu has so much
more to offer than just its
natural tropical beauty.
Celebrated artist Chang Fee
Ming shares his favourite
sites in this coastal haven hecalls home.

“Most Innovative Spa In The World” by Tatler UK, Spa Awards

M A N D I

B U N G A

Seven jars of scented flowers. Seven showers of blessings.
Secrets of ancient Malay healers, now a Spa Village ritual.

Portfolio Of Life106 Explore the world of
YTL Hotels

A Y T L L U X U RY R E S O R T

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

www.ytlhotels.com www.tanjongjararesort.com

Treasured Places, Treasured Moments

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

Y T L

L u x u r y

M a g a z i n e

ArtCreative Director
Eireen Ooi

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

Produced By
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Contributors
Helen Oon, Ong Chin Huat,
Eric Ian Chan, Kenneth Tan,
Simon Pridmore, Kassandra Kassim,
Todd Andre, Law Soo PhyeA Note fromTan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh
Nineteen years ago, YTL Hotels began our city portfolio with theVistana Hotels, a wholly Malaysian brand which flourished to the topof its genre. Our cover story this month showcases our fully refreshed
Vistana Hotels in the key cities of Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kuantan.
Taking business travel to the next level, our updated rooms maximise
comfort and practicality while new F&B facilities, complimentary
WiFi, 24-hour gyms epitomise the new brand promise of ‘Vibrance,
Verve and Value’, enabling the perfect balance between businessand pleasure.

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

Dive season also opens this issue on the Malaysian East
Coast. Tanjong Jara Resort, our uniquely Malay property in
Dungun, has always proven to be the preferred choiceamong underwater enthusiasts due to its proximity to Tenggol
Island – a true haven of marine life. For water pleasures ofa different variety, it is my great delight to announce therecent handover of the acclaimed Thermae Bath Spa, in
the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath in the UK, to YTL
Hotels, which will perfectly complement our soon-to-openclassic hotel, The Gainsborough Bath Spa.
For those who prefer terra firma, now’s the time to store
your skis away and prepare to tee off in Niseko, Japan,
in the shadow of majestic Mount Yotei. Golfing inthis pristine part of the world is always a pleasure.
The summer season in Niseko is also particularly
focused on families, offering a wide range ofactivities. If a slower pace sounds more pleasing,consider the charms of our new countryside
cottages in Berkshire, England, under YTL Hotels’
MUSE Collection, all ideal from which to explore
the surrounding towns of Eton, Henley andWindsor as well as enjoy the world-class diningof Bray village. Whatever strikes your fancy thisseason, we have a YTL Hotel for you.

Your eyes lock with a Proboscis monkey’s for the first time.

God bless and enjoy the issue.

It makes a strange noise.
And you don’t know whether to stand in awe or run.
Your moment awaits.
A Y T L L U X U RY R E S O R T

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

www.ytlhotels.com www.gayaislandresort.com

life events //4

Village CheerYTL Hotels gears up for further development
and expansion in Niseko Village, Hokkaido.
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A special groundbreaking ceremony was held recently
on the site of a new expansion plan for Niseko Village
in Hokkaido, Japan. Attended by key partners, local
dignitaries and representatives of YTL Hotels, anauspicious date was especially chosen for the occasion.
“Niseko Village is always in season,” noted Dato’ MarkYeoh, Executive Director of YTL Hotels, who had flown
in especially for the occasion. “Most people know
Niseko for the fine powder snow and world-class skiing
but what we aim to do is showcase and celebrate its
three other equally beautiful seasons as well.” The newdevelopments slated for the village include more retail
outlets as well as F&B, complementing and enhancing
the existing offerings of Niseko Village. “We are placing
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a lot of emphasis on food,” added Dato’ Mark, “as we
all know Hokkaido to be the food republic for Japan.
We are investing in Niseko for the long-term and what
we are aiming for is for the experience to get better andbetter.” This new phase looks set for completion by theend of 2014. Watch this space.

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1. Long Shiau Wee. 2. Tomomi Hayashi, Vice Mayor of Niseko
Town, Hiroyuki Nakamura, Member of the Japanese House ofRepresentatives, and Kenya Katayama, Mayor of Niseko Town. 3.
Toshio Kurotaki and Keita Yamamoto. 4. Tomoyuki Yamanobe, Punch
Ratnavele, YTL Hotels’ Executive Director, Dato’ Mark Yeoh, Long
Shiau Wee and Cedric Cheah. 5. Dato’ Hj Mohd Zainal Abidin and
Datin Marfuah Rahman. 6. Punch Ratnavele, Long Shiau Wee andEiichi Tanaka.

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life events //In conjunction with Louis Vuitton Malaysia’s
Global Store Opening, the Maison together
with YTL Corporation celebrated eight of
Malaysia’s iconic women with an exhibition
entitled Malaysia’s League of Extraordinary
Women. The evening, dedicated to honouring
women who have significantly contributed tothe development of the country and excelledin their respective fields, included an extensive
collection of biographical profiles of Tan Sri
Michelle Yeoh, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir,
Ling Tan, Tunku Azizah Iskandar, Datuk Nicol
David, Datuk Tom Abang Saufi, Tan Sri Dr
Jemilah Mahmood and Dato’ Sheila Majid. The
opening saw the attendance of honourable
guests, Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife, Tun
Jeanne Abdullah, before they were ushered
to a private dinner led by Group Managing
Director of YTL Corporation Berhad Tan Sri
Dato’ (Dr) Francis Yeoh.

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Women ofPride
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1. Carol Lee and Datin Joneser Chai. 2. Dato’ Sheila Majid, Dato’ Dr Zaha
Rina and Hashridz Mushrim. 3. Tara Sosrowardoyo, Datin Paduka Marina
Mahathir and Ineza Roussille. 4. Frank Nelwan and Kassandra Kassim.
5. Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, Tun Jeanne Abdullah, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,
Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh and Kathy Lam. 6.Model presenting the Louis
Vuitton’s Icon collection SS 2014 7. Datin Rebecca Choo, Professor Datuk(Dr) Jimmy Choo, Dato’ Yeoh Soo Min and Jeremiah Tan. 8. Yohan Rajan and
Lim Wei-Ling. 9. Ling Tan, Christopher Kilaniotis and Datuk Tom Abang Saufi.
10. Wei-Hsiang Chong and Ivan Lam.

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CheersFor The
Year!

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venue, with the melodies courtesy of a traditional yangqin(hammered dulcimer). The line up of the evening included
a Glenmorangie tasting with Moët Hennessy Diageo Brand
Ambassador Chong Wai Keng, as guests were led througha series of food and wine pairing sessions. Accompanied by
the evening’s crowd pleaser, special guest Chef Martin Yan leftmany guests starstruck with his live cooking demonstration. A
fashion show by Taiwanese designer Shiatzy Chen matchedwith timepieces by Bedat & Co capped off a perfect evening.

1. Paula Conway and Amanda Powell. 2. Elisabeth Laubel andElaine Ferguson. 3. UV Wong, Klevin Cheong. 4. Datin Joan Mary
Russell. 5. Chef Martin Yan. 6. Datuk Seri Michael Yam, Dato’ Larry Gan
and Richard Archer. 7. Chef Martin Yan and Aniza Khalid.
8. Paula Johnstone and Frank Johnstone. 9. Tina Fadzil and
Alwizah Al-Yafii Kamal. 10. A Chinese musician plays the yangqin(hammered dulcimer) as the entertainment for the evening.
11. Mohd Ibrahim Masrukin and Siva Kumeren. 12. A model presents acreation by Shiatzy Chen, paired with a watch from Bedat & Co.

The Starhill Culinary Studio proved the perfect venue for the British
Malaysian Chamber of Commerce’s New Year celebration, an
evening of drinks and fashion extravaganza that saw nearly 100
selected guests, comprising mostly chamber members as wellas the city’s movers and shakers. Orchestral music filled up the

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life events //1

It’s Bath Time!

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YTL Hotels welcomes its newest
member to the family – theThermae Bath Spa. A recent
ceremony was held in the historical
English spa town where a symbolic
key was presented to Dato’ MarkYeoh, Executive Director of YTL
Hotels & Properties, by Henk
Verschuur, of Thermae Bath Spa,to commemorate the successful
handover of the spa’s operating
contract. This marks yet anothersignificant milestone in YTLGroup’s notable investments in

Bath, which also includes Wessex
Water and The GainsboroughBath Spa, opening in the summerof 2014. Wellness enthusiasts
would soon be able to immersethemselves in a new dimensionof healing and spa therapies
in the very place where spa
culture originated. After all, Bath’s
association with well-being goesback centuries and the word ‘spa’
itself is an acronym of the ancient
Latin phrase of salus per aquaam(health through water).

3
1. Henk Verschuur, Dato’
Mark Yeoh, Executive
Director of YTL Hotels& Properties, and Colin
Skellett, Chair of the
newly-formed Bath Hotel& Spa Ltd. 2. Chik Lai
Ping, Vice President- Spa Division of YTL
Hotels & Properties.
3. Melissa Mettler.
4. Henk Verschuurhands over the symbolic
key of Thermae BathSpa to Dato’ Mark Yeoh.

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life bites //YTL Hotels’ latest news, events, attractions and not-to-bemissed experiences.

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Underwater enthusiasts, rejoice! Dive
Season 2014 is open at Tanjong Jara
Resort. A mere 50 minutes away by
speedboat from the mainland, Tenggol
Island is truly one of the region’s best-kept
diving secrets. Park yourself here for a few
idyllic days to explore the amazing diversity
and colours of its underwater sights. Fromvivid corals to marine life like doubleheaded parrotfish, eagle rays and blacktipped reef sharks, the resort’s team of diveinstructors are ever-ready to lead you ona journey of wondrous discovery. Checkout the Tenggol Diver’s Delight experience,
which includes two daily dives, equipment
rental, barbeque beach lunches and daily
breakfast and dinner at the resort. Priced
at RM1,540++ per room per night, basedon a twin-share basis for a minimum of
three nights, this package is available forbooking until 28 October 2014.

A specially created 'Art Promenade'can be seen at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala
Lumpur from now until June 2014 tohelp promote and support emerging
Malaysian artists. This initiative is apartnership with the Prudential Malaysian
Eye exhibition, which is sponsored by
Prudential in association with the Saatchi
Gallery. The hotel's satellite art exhibition
features 17 artworks by eight Malaysian
talents directly from the Prudential
Malaysian Eye book. A special menu,
available until 1 July, featuring creative
cocktails, mocktails and dishes, has also
been created by the hotel's executive
chef, bringing the term 'edible art' tolife. A special Art Stay package, which
includes overnight accommodation,
breakfast for two and a three-course
meal will be available for the duration of
the exhibition.

Dive Right In

An Appetite For Art

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Love In A Cold Climate
Valentine’s Day may be over but there’s
no reason you can’t continue to woo
your sweetheart in style. At the Cameron
Highlands Resort’s Spa Village, indulge
and unwind after a long day trekking orout on the golf course with its Romantic
Evening Experiences package, which
includes a two-hour spa experienceand dinner for two. For RM1,150 nett,
choose from the Cameron’s Mint, Rose
Garden, Fresh Strawberry Escapade or
Chrysanthemum and Avocado Escapetreatments, followed by a two-course
dinner at The Dining Room. Or for just
RM600 nett, enjoy a relaxing tea bathand deluxe massage, before tucking
into a hearty steamboat dinner atGonbei Restaurant. The packages areavailable from Mondays to Thursdays.
For reservations, please contact the
spa receptionist.

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Island-Tripping

It’s all too easy to refuse to leave the poshsurroundings of Pangkor Laut Resort’s
private beaches and verdant enclave
but, for the adventurous, an excursion
to nearby Pangkor Island, just a shortspeedboat ride away, is well-worth it. At
present, over 25,000 people live on theisland and are mainly involved in fishingand tourism. A visit to the island would
offer a unique glimpse into life on a sleepy
fisherman’s island. Dotted with small,colourful settlements, traditional Malay
homes and winding streets, you will betaken to visit a few sights, including a
restored Dutch fort, a remnant of theisland’s Dutch colonial history, as well as
the Fu Lin Kung Temple, a tranquil Taoist
place of worship built into the hillside. Also
pop into shops that sell local produce
such as freshly caught seafood, traditional
snacks and handmade noodles.

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Purnama Perfection

Full moon takes on new meaning at
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.
During this magical time, guests may
choose to indulge in two special rituals tocommemorate purnama (full moon). Take
part in a mystical ceremony at a nearby
temple and witness how the Balinesecelebrate the full moon. Guests are
required to dress appropriately, including
wearing long-sleeved tops with a sarongand sash. Or enjoy a beneficial Full Moon
Cleansing Bath, as it is believed thehealing process and absorption potentialof the body is at its peak on the day of thefull moon. Here, resort staff will prepare an
indulgent bath in the privacy of your own
room, using local sea salt from Tianyar
to bio-energise weak points as well as
facilitate energy flow. Choose from Herbal,
Detoxifying/Invigorating or Nurturing Milk,
depending on your needs

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

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Culture Club

Sabah might attract the bulk of its visitorswith its myriad natural offerings – from themajesty of Mount Kinabalu to its glorious
jungles and mind-boggling biodiversity– but its cultural offerings are also wellworth discovering. Gaya Island Resort
has A Cultural Journey package thatoffers guests the chance to visit andexperience the sights, sounds and smellsof a local tamu (market), before exploring
the intricacies of the Fook Tet Kung
Temple and a church that dates back to1885. The final stop in this unique cultural
trail is the Monsopiad Cultural Village,
named after a fearsome warrior who
lived some 200 years ago, where guests
will be regaled by tales of ancient headhunters. The highlight is, undoubtedly,
Siou Do Mohoing (the “House of Skulls”)
where 42 of Monsopiad’s “trophies” hangfrom the rafters.

life on the cover //The word ‘hotel’ brings to mind carefree holidays and escapades
to long sandy beaches and room service. There is a brand of
hotels, however, that operates a little differently. Hotels for thebusiness traveller work as a support system for the guest, andthis calls for a range of targeted services and facilities. The
executive, who has found himself with neither staff nor office,needs more than a plush room and computer workstation.
Cabanas and deckchairs do little for someone on a working
stay. Hotels for the business class have to function as a work
space as well as a place of
respite. Providing and anticipating
the needs of this special categoryof hotel guests means having
to keep up with changing work
trends. These usually short-staying
visitors require business amenities
as much as they need a sanctuary
after a long and gruelling day.

SimplifiedExcellence

The first thing that one notices
about the newly-refurbishedVistana Hotels in Kuantan, Penang
and Kuala Lumpur is the signage.
Gone is the blocky typeface,replaced, instead, by a stylishfont that hints at the changes
made to the chain. The decor
from the mid-1990s, similarly, is
Text Eric Ian Chan Photography Jacob Termansen, Marcus Wong & Yong Keen Keongno more, with the refurbishment
introducing contemporary lines
and modern fittings that brighten
the lobby, welcoming guests into
its cheery embrace. What you notice next are the staff: mostly
young and dressed in Edmund Ser-tailored uniforms, thisspirited crew sound off welcome greetings as soon as guests
are within earshot. Their exuberance seems to be linked to the
new ambience.

The newly-refurbished Vistana Hotels are set tobe the ultimate choice for business travellers.

The three Vistana Hotels, located in key city locations of thepeninsula, offer more than strategic positioning in bustling cities.
Being business guest-centric, the hotels go all out to cater to theneeds of their guests. Simplicity is the watchword for Vistana.
This does not mean skimping on providing a wonderful hotel
experience but comes in the form of cutting out the unnecessary
and focusing on what business guests really need the most.
The bright and cheery lobby ofVistana Penang is a welcoming sight.

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life on the cover //life on the cover //Room service, for example, is done away with. Having meals
sent up to the room is good for those on holiday, not so much for
the working professional.

Staying Connected
All Vistana hotels have free WiFi.
Each guest is given a personalised
password to get online. For those
who want faster connections,the hotels offer two affordable
Internet plans.

Instead of being cooped up in their rooms, Vistana encourages
guests to drop in at the Barista, a 24-hour coffee bar thatwhips up an assortment of drinks and light meals. Guests can
sit and watch the news on big TV screens. The Barista is also
a great place to pick up a morning shot of espresso before
heading out. Embracing the current coffee culture and trend of
spending an afternoon working in a quiet café environment isperhaps one of the cleverest steps the Vistanas have adopted.
Casual and unassuming, it has created a watering hole to draw
busy executives.
For private discussions, seats that are fashioned into intimate
nooks allow for working lunches. This cosy area is Hub247, afunctional workspace where document printing and quick online
research can be done. For meals, the hotels’ Cafe dishes up abuffet menu of Western favourites and Asian delights.
When the stress of the job gets too much, there’s the roundthe-clock gym that features some state-of-the-art treadmills andworkout machines. For the gym-averse, short laps at the hotel
pool might do the trick. Whether it is swimming or simply relaxing
in the cool water, the body and mind are energised and ready for
another day at the conference table.
When it’s time to retire for the night, the room’s styling and lighting
are most welcome. Significantly different from other hotels, whererooms are overly bright, each Vistana room has subdued lighting.
From the textured dark brown or maroon wallpaper to the ebonyof the furnishings, the room provides solace from the toils of the
day and gently whispers the promise of a good night’s rest. For
those who like to read before sleeping, lamps on either side of
the bed can be articulated to point at a page no matter how theindividual sits. Many a guest have praised how restful the feathertopped beds of the hotels are. The bathroom in each guest
room has also been upgraded. Old-styled bathtubs are out while
rainshowers are in. This modern touch makes it possible to standunder simulated raindrops and feel the stress drain away.
The upgrades of the Vistana hotels are significant and, more
importantly, specialised and tailor-made for the business traveller.
While the new look is certainly refreshing, it is the unique attention
towards the working guest that is most appreciated.

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Clockwise, fromleft: Cafe at
Vistana Kuantan
serves us goodeats from Eastand West; The
hotel crew,
rejuvenatedby the recent
refurbishments,
smiling in their
new Edmund
Ser uniforms;
Brainstorm or
meet in styleat Hub 247.

Vistana Kuantan City Centre
Located in the heart of Kuantan, Pahang, it caters to businesstravellers visiting the bustling East Coast Economic Region. Getting
to the hotel is easy as it is less than half an hour away from the Sultan
Haji Ahmad Shah airport.
Attractions: Standing at the lobby, the city is minutes away to yourright while the beautiful beaches of Teluk Cempedak await you on
the left. The hotel is also near some of Kuantan’s must-visit places,
including the Sungai Pandan waterfalls and the favourite hiking spot,
Sungai Lembing. For a round of golf, the Royal Pahang Golf Club isjust down the road.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life on the cover //Rooms: The hotel features two room types – Executive Deluxe
Rooms and Executive Suites. The former is perfect for the lonebusiness traveller and the latter offers space for meetings andimpromptu discussions.
F&B: The Barista, a coffee bar that serves up light bites and anassortment of drinks, is next to the pool, giving you an ideal place tochill and relax. Cafe, the hotel’s restaurant, is also near the pool andoffers a hearty Western and Asian buffet.
Facilities: Vistana Kuantan City Centre is popular with locals who
fill its ballroom with wedding ceremonies. For business, the eight
meeting rooms are more than adequate to hold seminars andcompany functions of varying capacities.

Vistana Kuantan City Centre is in Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25000 Kuantan.
Tel +609 517 8000.

Vistana Kuala Lumpur Titiwangsa
The hotel, which is near Putra World Trade Centre and Kuala Lumpur
Convention Centre, serves as an ideal catchment for businesstravellers. For those intimidated by KL traffic, the Monorail and LRT
are virtually at the hotel’s doorstep. Using both transport networks,
the entire city is well within reach.

Attractions: Shopping in KL is almost a given for visitors. Retailtherapy is to be found at Bukit Bintang and surrounding areas. For
those who like a little culture and a night at the theatre, the Kuala
Lumpur Performing Arts Centre is a short cab ride away.
Rooms: This hotel commands the lion’s share of rooms in the chain.
It boasts 360 Executive Deluxe Rooms, with two Executive Suites
tucked away for the business elite. Thick earth-toned drapes andcomfortably lit rooms keep the frenetic pace of the city at bay.
F&B: The buffet at Cafe is on frequent rotation, so guests will always
have something new to try out. The Barista near the lobby’s entrance
entices coffee lovers into its midst. Guests often sip their favourite brew
and watch the world news at Hub247 as they wait for their morning
rides to their appointments.
Facilities: With 12 meeting rooms and a banquet hall, Vistana Kuala
Lumpur Titiwangsa is equipped to handle meetings and corporate
functions of varying sizes. The hotel attracts event organisers, whofind it a conducive place for weddings and social events. As with all
hotels that bear the Vistana name, this one also provides gym andpool facilities for guests to unwind.

Vistana Kuala Lumpur Titiwangsa is at 9 Jalan Lumut, off Jalan Ipoh,
50400 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: +603 4042 8000.

Vistana Penang Bukit Jambul
A short drive from Penang International Airport and a heartbeat awayfrom the city centre stands Vistana Penang Bukit Jambul. The yearlong refurbishment has transformed this Vistana, making it gleam like ajewel in the heart of Bukit Jambul. It has 221 Executive Deluxe Rooms
and 17 Executive suites. The hotel’s location in prime real estate isideal for visiting executives.
Attractions: Penang’s culinary flair is well known, which is goodnews for hotel guests who want to sample the local fare. The hotel
is surrounded by places that offer some of the state’s best food. A
short walk away is Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar restaurant. The
eatery is so popular that patrons literally line up to sample the famous
Indian selection. Some rooms overlook the Bukit Jambul Country
Club, which beckons hotel guests looking to tee off. The consistently
The upgrades of Vistana hotels focusses
on the needs of business travellers. Roomsand suites are cosy and perfectly lit topromote a good night's sleep.

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life on the cover //“Being businessguest-centric, thehotels go all out tocater to the needsof their guests.”
agreeable weather also means they can stay longer on the green.
Kompleks Bukit Jambul, a shopping centre, is a mere five minutes’
walk from the hotel. It’s also a convenient place to shop for phones
and phone accessories.
Rooms: As in other Vistana hotels, the Executive Deluxe Rooms andExecutive Suites offer a consistent quality. The inviting layout of therooms makes for a relaxing haven after a long day at meetings. An
adjoining suite wing which will perfectly complement the main hotel
will be introduced in the near future.
F&B: The changing trend that is skewed towards coffee runs andsitting at the cafe is not lost here. Barista at the hotel offers 24-hourservice of great java and food. The counter is most popular in themorning as executives get their caffeine fix, or favourite beverage,
before work. This is Penang after all, so Vistana’s Cafe leans towards
offering local favourites that are rotated to ensure longer-staying
guests enjoy the full palette of street food the island has to offer.
Facilities: The pool is at the centre of an atrium. Although modest
in size, it is ample for guests to have a good soak after a long day.
However, if being still is not your style, the gym is the place for agood workout. Run on the treadmill and look out to the pool as you
burn calories and beat stress. Vistana Penang Bukit Jambul is afavourite for organising meetings and corporate incentive events.
Its 10 meeting rooms and one ballroom are always in high demand.
However, for short, casual discussions, the hotel’s Hub247 is private
and comfortable enough for talks that go well into the night.
Barista at Vistana Kuantan is anook where visitors can sip on
coffee and talk business.

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Vistana Penang Bukit Jambul is at 213 Jalan Bukit Gambir, Bukit
Jambul, 11950 Penang. Tel: +604 646 8000.

24-hour gyms keep corporate warriors
fighting-fit for boardroom battles.

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27

life feature //1. The sea of tea plantations on the way up Gunung Brinchang.
2. Verdant sights await intrepid trekkers. 3. A cicada finds respite on thesteps leading to the Mossy Forest.

2

didn’t want to be blinded by his headlamp so I let him walk in frontof me, behind Madi, and we headed into the shrubbery. I took his
tripod when he found it difficult to walk the trail and lug around hisbulky camera equipment. I turned off my lights and waited for myeyes to adjust to the dim surroundings. I stepped on rocks, thenwalked into water and got wet when leaves brushed against me.
The tripod was helping me balance a little and I was glad I took
it from Ed.

1

Highland
Mystery
A forest walk in Cameron
Highlands turns a local legend intoa titillating adventure.
Text Eric Ian Chan Photography Edmund Lee

28

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEJim Thompson, the American businessman who rekindled theregion’s silk trade, was on holiday in Cameron Highlands. On
Easter Sunday 1967, he went for a walk and was never seen
again. Or, at least, that was the story.
We got out of our hotel van. It was 8pm and already dark. As theheadlights of the van disappeared into the distance, we wereleft standing on a tar road enveloped by darkness. “Is this thetrail?” asked Edmund the photographer, taking the headlamp I
handed him.
“Yes, this is it,” replied S Madi, the resident naturalist from
Cameron Highlands Resort, as he walked towards some bushes
with his torchlight while Ed and I tried to find our bearings. Even
with the headlamp strapped to his head, Ed couldn’t see a thing.
He had problems seeing in the dark, he told us apologetically. I

3“Turn off your lights,” said Madi in a hushed tone. Ed did and
we stood still. It took me a few seconds to realise why we had
stopped. Moonlight was shining down through the canopy,
illuminating the foliage beneath. It was a stunning sight thatgalvanised Ed to set up his camera for a shot. I walked over to
Madi who was standing still, as if he wanted to blend into thedarkness. “This is part of the Jim Thompson trail,” he said finally.
“This is where he last walked before he disappeared.” Back at
the Cameron Highlands Resort, I prepared for hiking the nextmorning. I had been tired out the day before, having climbed
up Gunung Irau. On top of that, Ed and I had persuaded Madi
to take us for a night walk, so it had been a day well spent. But
I was more excited about the Thompson trail. There’s so much
mystery surrounding the prominent American businessman.
In the resort’s tea room, pictures of Thompson loom over the
walkway that leads to the silk boutique that bears his name.

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life feature //4. S Madi, resident naturalist of Cameron Highlands Resort, is a self-confessed
Jim Thompson hunter. His knowledge on the man makes the Jim Thompson
Trail an adventure. 5. A lone spider hides on the trail where Jim Thompson
walked for the last time. 6. The night sky that illuminated the Jim Thompson
Trail on the night hike. 7. Moonlight Bungalow, the place where Jim Thompson
stayed whenever he visited the highlands. He was seen waving from thegrounds the afternoon he disappeared.

4

6

5

“Thompson’s
disappearance was mademore intriguing whenpeople close to him also
disappeared. His sister
was found murdered a
few months later.”30

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When he vanished on 26 March 1967, a massive search party
combed the hillsides of Cameron Highlands. It proved futile,
however, and, because Thompson was never found, the mysteryendures to this day. He was more than the man who revived
the world’s desirability for Thai silk. During the Second World
War, he was a member of the OSS (Office of Strategic Services),the American secret service that was the precursor to the CIA.
He was well-travelled and often visited Cameron Highlands tosee his friends, Dr Ling Tien Ge and his wife, and stayed at the
Moonlight Bungalow.
According to Madi, locals remembered Thompson as aquiet man. He was known to walk into a shop for his tobacco,
pay for it and leave without uttering a word. “He wouldn’t
even say thank you,” said Madi, repeating this little insighthe had gleaned from the shop owner. A self-confessed
Thompson hunter, Madi, has been fascinated by the man
since he was young. Born and raised in Cameron Highlands,
Madi had done his homework, talking to people who knew
Thompson and could recall the day he disappeared and thesearch that ensued.

7“So what’s the deal with Thompson?” I asked Madi as weboarded the hotel van after the night hike. “I’ll tell you tomorrow,”
he replied. The trail looked completely different in the morning
light. With Ed now better able to see his way around, I could
focus on the path. Madi leads visitors from the Cameron
Highlands Resort on this trek daily. “I discovered this trail,” hesaid proudly. “Previously, they thought it was somewhere else,
but this is the right one.”
We walked in from a lone tar road and followed the path. It wasoddly quiet, making the trail a touch more mysterious. I tried to
picture a white man walking these parts on that fateful Eastermorning after church service. The trail was clearly marked andthe vegetation was only semi-thick, but I couldn’t see why anyone
would want to have a stroll in these parts. Madi said the foliage
was more lush 47 years ago and that Thompson had walked thestretch often. Throughout the trail, Madi piled on the Thompson
mystery with insightful commentary he had garnered frompeople he had interviewed. “He had asked for fish head curry,
his favourite, before he disappeared,” said Madi. “They thought
he had fallen into the ravine, or maybe he had gotten lost,” headded. His use of ‘they’ told me that he thought differently.

The trail was a U-shaped walk. Although there was a fair mix ofascents and descents, the trail was not difficult to cover. In thecool environment, we hardly broke a sweat. Our short hike ended
at the point where we began the night walk. I found out that thewater I had stepped into the night earlier was a stream.
We walked out of the forest and onto tar road. We continued
down a narrow road towards Thompson’s last known residence.
Along the way, Madi’s mood lifted and he resumed his taleof Thompson.   
“That’s Moonlight Bungalow, where he was staying,” Madi
said a short while later, pointing to a hilltop building a distanceaway. Although located on an adjacent hill, the bungalow was
clearly visible. According to Madi, someone saw Thompson
shortly before he disappeared. He was seen standing and wavingfrom the bungalow. We headed down the road and passed
the trail.
A little further on, Madi stopped. “This is where he was seen
getting into a car with a few Caucasian men.” My confusion
appeared to delight Madi. He proceeded to say he had

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31

life feature //spoken to many witnesses who saw Thompson on the day hedisappeared. Contrary to popular belief, Thompson was seen
getting into a car and was driven off. He was later reported tohave boarded a helicopter and left the country, sans passport orluggage. At least that was how Madi put it.
Thompson’s disappearance was made more intriguing whenpeople close to him also disappeared. His sister was foundmurdered a few months later. Were all these events linked
somehow? To Madi, the Thompson tale had all the hallmarksof a good conspiracy. Perhaps Thompson needed to leave
the country, he ventured. Perhaps, he orchestrated his own
vanishing act. Perhaps… Adding fuel to pet theory, Madi said
Thompson’s surviving relatives are keeping mum about thewhole thing.
The hotel was not far away from the trail and Madi suggested
we walked back. Along the way, he rattled on about the man,with speculations of international affairs or secret love affairs that
led to his disappearance. At the back of my mind, I wondered if
someone was working on a screenplay as this tale was turning

For quick hikes and night walks, here is a list of what you shouldhave with you.
• Headlamp – Try to avoid carrying a torchlight as you would
need your hands for balance.
• Good pair of shoes – While sneakers are fine, we suggest
you bring a sturdy pair that you are not going to regret getting alittle dirty.
• Bottle of water – Cameron Highlands is cool but you still needto keep yourself hydrated. Make sure you have at least a small
bottle of water handy.
• Sunscreen – The temperature can fool you into thinking thatyou won’t get sunburnt but, trust us, you can.
• Backpack – Put everything in your backpack and make sure
your hands are free. Sling on the pack before you go on the hiketo ensure you are comfortable with the weight.
You don’t need insect repellent as the temperature keeps mostbugs away. However, if you are more comfortable having one at
the ready, make sure it comes with sunscreen as well.

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8

out to be more fascinating with each subsequent step back to
the hotel. Before we went in, Madi had one more nugget of trivia
to reveal. The Cameron Highlands Resort was built on
the same spot where the Cameron Highlands Hotel used
to be. It was where Thompson would regularly go for his
afternoon tea.
Like the stories that surround prominent assassination plots
or famous disappearances, the Thompson tale fuels theimagination and excites the spirit. There is little possibilityof anyone knowing exactly what took place. Perhaps, that isa good thing. The mystery is what gets people coming to the
Cameron Highlands Resort to seek out Madi for an exclusive
tour of the Jim Thompson trail.
I shook Madi’s hand, thanking him for a great walk andfor the past two days of hiking in the highlands. A groupof Japanese tourists walked past and posed for picturesat the stairway of the lobby. They beamed and held up their
Jim Thompson bags, no doubt filled with exquisite silkbought from the hotel’s boutique. I wondered if they have
any inkling of just how fascinating the tale behind the namereally was.

9

Cameron Highlands Resort offers eco-tours and hikes thatshow visitors the lush greenery Cameron Highlands has
to offer. The tours, usually headed by S Madi, the resort’s
naturalist, are packed full of information that includes local
history, plant life and ecology. These tours can be customised
and tailored to visitor needs. The resort’s exclusive
Jim Thompson Mystery Trail is highly recommended
and you could ask Madi more about the enigma that is
Jim Thompson.
Cameron Highlands has grown over the years as a tourist
town and hamlet that is peppered with new farms
If you are a fan of nature, it is best to see the splendourof the highland’s fauna while you still can. Book yourself
a trip to Cameron Highlands Resort and spend time
appreciating the greenery. Ask your guide to tell you about
the indigenous plant life (there are more than 113 speciesof fern) and see for yourself the delicate line that natureand development straddle.
For reservations, please email YTL Travel Centre attravelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my or call +60 3 2783 1000

8. The narrow tar roadsaid to be where Jim
Thompson was picked
up by person or persons
unknown. 9. A Jim
Thompson portrait on
the wall that leads to thehotel's silk boutique thatbears his name.

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life feature //Saké & Tee

Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido has long been awell-trodden tourist trap for powder-hungry skiers in
winter, but it’s blissfully quiet in late spring and earlysummer. Leave the kerfuffle of big city life behind andhead to Hokkaido’s mountain retreat of Niseko as it
blossoms into an Eden-like garden, famed for its
fresh fruit, eye-popping scenery and spectacular golf.

Text Todd Andre Photography Yong Keen Keong

The air smells sweet and cool. The trees
are leafless except for dozens of tiny
green buds on the edge of every twig andbranch. It’s a clear day, so, before teeing
off, admire the snow-capped peaks ahead
and swig a dram of the best single-malt
whisky in the world, purchased the day
before from the local distillery. Sound likea perfect day in the Scottish Highlands?
Well, it could be, but this is spring – andthe start of golf season in Japan.

Tee off in the
shadow of Mount
Yotei in Niseko.

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Ta l k a b o u t H o k k a i d o , J a p a n ’s
northernmost island, and you’ll probably
think of snow first – mind-blowing andimprobable piles of it. Hokkaido has one of
the world’s most famous ski resort clusters
that receive some of the world’s highest
annual snowfalls. But even with Japan’s
golf-obsessed culture, the archipelago’s
stunning volcanic highlands and 172
golf courses, along with a size, climate
and population density comparablewith Scotland (more than 500 courses),
Hokkaido still has yet to carve out its

rightful place in the imagination of golfers.
South-East Asian golfers, in particular,
should have a special interest in
exchanging their hot and sticky cities
for a few weeks of fresh air and sweatfree swings. The uninterrupted horizonof pea-green pine trees and fresh, clear
rivers brimming with ice-blue snow melt of
Hokkaido is in stark contrast to the polluting,
dry cityscapes of South-East Asia.
Head straight to the heart of the island’s
tourism industry in Niseko, a tiny town ofnearly 5,000 farmers and fruit growers,
only about two hours’ drive west of
Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. Japan’s
economic bubble in the 1980s and early90s created a golf boom in Hokkaido,
with some of the most beautiful courses
located in Niseko. The green season starts
in April. By early May, Niseko is largely
thawed out, but the snow will have only
disappeared a week or two earlier – if at
all – so it’s best to postpone your trip tolate May or early June to ensure all the

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35

life feature //life feature //next to the 721-yard hole’s tee box fora group snapshot. Where playability isconcerned, the hole’s unbending fairway
will prove unchallenging for long hitters.
When you’re done, drop your gear off in
the locker room at the ground floor acrossfrom the clubhouse. Used by heavily
dressed skiers in the winter season,
the generously sized lockers can easily
fit your golf bag, and there are driers foryour shoes, socks and shirts. Green fees
run about ¥7,200 (RM233) on weekdays
and ¥10,000(RM324) on weekends
and holidays.

Wholesome family fun isavailable for one and all at the
Hilton Niseko Village.

courses are open and in good condition.
The courses are playable in May as the
Kentucky bluegrass does not go dormant
in winter; but, despite spring’s sunny skies,
brisk breezes off the snow-capped peaks
will keep fair-weather duffers away.
The courses are in semi-season, so thegreen fees are a bit cheaper with fewer
tourists around. The weather is quite
agreeable around this time: daytime highs
are a comfortable 21°C in the afternoon,but expect dips to 10°C late at night andin the early morning. If you like a lie in, youwill love this – you’re better off sleeping inand teeing off at noon than rushing out fora freezing first tee.
Whether you’re hitting the 900,000 sq mof ski-able terrain in the winter orsmashing drives in the summer, the Hilton
Niseko Village is probably one of the mostconvenient and luxurious places to stayin the region. Nestled at the base of the
1,308m high Niseko-Annupuri Mountain,
it has a stunning view of the slopes,with the 1,898m Mount Yotei flanking

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the hotel. Golfers need not venture far,as the 6,845-yard Niseko Village Golf
Course is right at the Hilton’s doorstep.
It’s a picture-perfect resort course. The
fairways are wide and flat. Shimmeringcold-water creeks occasionally crisscrossthe forgiving, spaced-out foliage thatis eager to catch your errant ball. The
scenery couldn’t be more beautiful, with
Yotei or Annupuri towering high above
most fairways.
The biggest challenge is the par-four fifthhole. If you’re playing from the whites,
dense silver birch trees stand under asilhouette of Yotei only 212 yards straightahead on this 90° dogleg right. Long
hitters are forced to either ease up on
their power to stay out of trouble, or risk
their ball hitting the right-side trees to
cut the corner. Once you’re done withthe bend, though, it’s a straight shot toa green guarded by only one left-side
bunker, a non-factor depending on pin
placement. There’s a perfect photo op
at the 10th hole, where your crew canclamber around the par-six signboard

For a cheaper alternative and different
golfing experience, the Niseko Golf
Course near the Hilton is worth the
15-minute drive. The 6,805-yarder ismore of a shot maker’s course, and more
frequented by locals than tourists. The
large local presence has more to do withthe significantly lower ¥5,500 (RM178)
weekday and ¥7,500 (RM242) weekend
price tag than anything else. It lacks thepolish and rigorous upkeep of Niseko
Village, but the distinctive character anddesign of the cosy clubhouse morethan make up for it. There are just as
many beautiful holes here as the flagshipcourse. The biggest difference between
them is that Niseko Golf Course hassizable changes in elevation from hole
to hole, resulting in shorter, hilly holes.
Inaccuracy is penalised by the deep-knit
texture of the rough and the comelybut-infuriating bamboo bushes known
as Sasa. Roaming drives gobbled
up by the Sasas are not retrievable
without a machete and patient-playing
partners, so stock up in the pro shop.
The course was designed by thelegendary Arnold Palmer, known for his
ability to integrate courses into their natural
settings. This design philosophy is evident
on Niseko’s par-three fourth hole: the“signature” hole treats golfers to a viewof snow-capped Yotei just to the right ofthe back tee box. Every hole is a feast for
the eyes. The volcanic vista has createddozens of hot springs called onsen.
One of the best is back at the Hilton. Itsaward-winning Wakka (meaning “water”)
Spa is pure relaxation. Treat those soreshoulders and lower back muscles withthe spa’s therapeutic, three-hour After
Golf Escape, and then let your freshly
kneaded muscles soak up the mineralrich springs and the geothermal heatof the onsen. Relax and admire Mount
Yotei’s crisp contours reflecting off theice-cold pond nearby.
Another, perhaps more manly, way
to warm up the body is with whisky.
Fortunately, this region produces someof the best single malt scotches in theworld. Founded by Scottish-trainedwhisky distiller, Masataka Taketsuru,
in 1934, the Yoichi distillery is one ofJapan’s oldest. The day trip is a mustfor whisky lovers, as it is only one hour
north of Niseko on the south-westernedge of the beautiful Shakotan
Peninsula. Owned by Nikka Whisky
Distilling, it’s the same brand thatshocked the world when its Yoichi
20-Year-Old was voted the best
single malt in the world – ahead of its
Scottish competition – in 2008.
Stop by the 1920s-era bar
and museum (frankly, it’s abouttime these two concepts werecombined) for a dram or two poured
from the liquid library. Once you’re
done savouring the selection ofsweet sherry and salty peaty
scotches, be sure to read about
the founder and master distiller’sunlikely romance with Glaswegian
Jessie Cowan. It only took thepint-sized Taketsuru two years in
Glasgow to woo the freckled lassback to Japan and take her handin matrimony.
If you’re up for a road trip, anhour’s drive east from Yoichi
will take you through sleepy
seaside fishing villages, pastcold-water surfers on Ishikari
Bay, through kilometres oftunnels to the historic port
city of Otaru. Walk along theglittering Victorian canal next to

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life feature //the main road for a bit of quaint nostalgia
and stop in a café occupying the oldstone-built warehouses. Grab a vanilla
ice cream made from fresh Hokkaido
milk and shop for handcrafted glass or aunique Otaru music box on Sakaimachi
Street.
Fledgling photographers should
venture north-west of these two towns
to explore the Shakotan Peninsula’s
craggy coastline. The mountainous
30km stretch, part of the NisekoShakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National
Park, has plenty of spectacular vistas.
Pull over at Cape Ogon and hike uphillfor 15 minutes to reach a lookout
tower where you will be greeted by thewondrous view of the Sea of Japan.
Of course, no trip to Japan iscomplete without tasting saké.
A healthy sampling of the local
sakés, as well as distilled potato,
buckwheat and rice versions ofshochus, are available at the Ezolounge back in Niseko Village.
Hokkaido’s chilly winter climate
contributes to the clean bite of theregion’s 15 brands of saké. Subzero temperatures allow the saké
to ferment slowly, producing a dry
and refreshing drink reminiscentof the crystal clear mountainwaters used to brew it. Ezo has
its own special charm. The stylishfaux log cabin is woody andwarm, but with a contemporary
twist. Branches are pinned tothe otherwise industrial lighting
fixtures in the ceiling, bringing alightness to the heavy cabin feelof the log panelling. It’s a greatplace to unwind; if you hangaround into the wee hours,
there are private rooms for a bitof karaoke, too.
Drinks aside, there is great
food aplenty. A good meal
made with fresh, locallysourced ingredients isn’t
hard to find. The mineralrich volcanic soil and38

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temperate climate yields a wealth offruit and vegetables, and supports
thriving dairy farms and ranches. Thosefamously expensive Hokkaido melons
aren’t available until July, but expect thefirst fat spears of asparagus in springand Niseko’s Camembert and “crispy”
cheeses are available all year round.
Seafood lovers can also expect bounties
of world-renowned kegani (horsehaircrab), salty uni (sea urchin) sushi andkurosoi (black rock fish) sashimi at local
restaurants and izakayas (shoebox-sized
Japanese pubs) when in season.

life feature //Take a mountainbike ride down thesteep slopes ofMount Annupuri
or try your hand at
Japan's longest
zip line.

Hokkaido is a bit of a distance for
Malaysians to get to as you have to fly
from Kuala Lumpur through South Korea
to get up to Sapporo or via Tokyo orHong Kong. Thai Airways offers a directflight from Suvarnabhumi, which is worth
noting. And it’s two hours’ bus rideto Niseko.
For an extended trip it’s worth goingthe distance, especially during the dry
season in South-East Asia when thehaze is full blown. Japan is known for its
friendly, but non-English speaking locals,
and its efficient local infrastructure andgeneral orderliness make it a headachefree family trip. Plus, the cool spring andspectacular scenery are reasons enoughto visit even if you are not there for golf.
Other forms of recreation are not lacking.
For a bit of adventure, Hilton’s PURE
activity centre is a nice diversion. Ride
Japan’s longest zip line, try your handat trapeze, or take a stomach-churning
romp down the steep summer slopesof Annupuri on a mountain bike. For thekids, there are any number of activities
to delight them, from junior golfing
lessons to kite-flying to trekking throughthe woods. Niseko Village’s other hotel,
the nearby Green Leaf, is anothergreat holiday base. It’s a boutique hotel
and each room comes decorated
with framed works from local artists.
Unfortunately, it’s only open during thebusy winter months. Either place is
excellent for a calm escape to nature,
Hokkaido-style.

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life feature //life feature //Glorious gardens
await you at
Lavender Housein Berkshire.

Cottage
CultureOn your next trip to beautiful Berkshire in
England, a stay at the lovely Lavender Houseor the small but perfectly formed Dormer
Cottage should certainly be on the cards.

Take three humble workers’ cottages dating back 500 years and merge them into one
big house. Bring in an architect/designer who can marry heritage charm with sleek
modern lines and you get a sumptuous cottage that's a little bit country and a little bitrock 'n' roll.
The idea is to retain as much of the historical integrity of the building as possible
without compromising style and comfort. The modest white double frontage ofLavender House belies its exquisite interior. From the outside, it looks just like all theother period cottages on the street, with a tiny box garden of lavender plants in Juliettebalcony iron-mongered baskets and dwarf trees of cherry, quince, apple and pear
to give that country orchard look. But, turn the door key, step inside and you will bewhisked into a different world.
Through a double glass door in the porch-cum-boot room to store shoes, coats andumbrellas, it opens into an inner sanctum that seems to stretch on forever into thegarden. It’s like looking at a painting-in-perspective scene. The indoor-outdoor effectgives the illusion of bringing the lush garden into the commodious interior through its
wall-to-wall glass patio doors, topped by a skylight that runs across the whole length40

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life feature //life feature //“Lavender House isdesigned to create a homeaway-from-home feel with anallure of decadence and ahint of indulgence.”of the back of the house. This is the ultra chic heart of the house that sets it apart fromall the other cottages on the street.
Lavender House has undergone extensive renovations to become a stylish modern
abode with heritage chic, painted in tones of lavender purple accented with silvery
grey and earth hues. Its open plan concept flows seamlessly from the dining and livingrooms into a kitchen that would make any cook weep with delight. It’s like a culinary
operating theatre, kitted out with all the mod cons, from a shiny chrome Americanstyle double door refrigerator and pull-out freezer drawer, and boiling water on tap (thekettle is so last century) to induction cooker and top-of-the-range gas hob completewith ovens fitted to professional chef standards. It is complemented with a country
touch by a large built-in circular cutting board in addition to a piece of freestanding
wooden cutting block in the centre of the kitchen. A wall of mirror by the sink brings ina reflection of the garden while one is doing the washing up.
Then, there’s my personal favourite – a miniature herb garden in a built-in trough witha variety of herbs planted next to the induction cooker. It’s brilliant! The garden isdesigned with a black stone water feature and spacious sitting area equipped with apizza oven and barbeque kit, surrounded by plants and lavender bushes.
The living-cum-dining room furniture is an eclectic collection of choice pieces, somepicked up from vintage shops, while others were commissioned or bought fromdesigner stores; Roche Bobois’ stylish collection is in there as well. To inspire theorangery feel in this area, a cluster of tall potted plants adorn a corner to give an
illusion of being in a garden in keeping with the indoor-outdoor theme of the house. It
is accented with a red brick wall by the living room to give texture and add colour tothe earth tone.
If the weather is not conducive to country walks or to sitting out in the garden, thereis the cosy cinema room to chill out in with a movie collection or plethora of TV
programmes on a large Bang & Olufsen cinema screen. The silver and purple tone ofthis room, with darkened walls and diamante-studded drapes for blackout effect, isthe perfect place for a spot of multimedia entertainment. All you need is some honeybuttered popcorn, a glass of wine and you are all set.
By the stairwell is an intimate study, paying homage to the extraordinary evolution ofPenguin books through the decades in a wallpaper montage of classic book covers

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Feel at home awayfrom home in YTLHotels' MUSE
Collection of charming
countryside cottages.

in splashes of red, blue, orange and purple, adding a playful touch to the otherwise
minimalist room. An antique desk with a modern laptop sum up the heritagecontemporary style of the house. Upstairs are three bedrooms set in dreamy hues ofearthy cream with a hint of lavender purple. The master bedroom has a dressing roomand en suite bathroom with a Victorian roll-top bathtub standing on clawed feet painted
in vivid purple.
Lavender House is designed to create a home-away-from-home feel with an allureof decadence and a hint of indulgence. It is perfect for a country getaway or for
private functions.
A stone’s throw away is Dormer Cottage, a 500-year-old one-bedroom building infusedwith period character. It is exquisitely quaint, with exposed original wooden beams on
the ceiling and an open log fireplace to enhance the cosy ambience. It is a perfect
showcase of clever designing, which somehow turned a tiny cottage into a spacious
sitting room-cum-dining room. A modern extension at the rear houses a contemporary
kitchen with all the mod cons and designer cookware.
A stylish bathroom with shower and water closet is tucked in the corner of the kitchen,
making smart use of tight spaces. The back patio door opens into a surprisingly large
garden with a wooden decking and cascading water feature that creates a tranquil
sanctuary. The elegant cottage is ideal for a weekend break in the countryside.
Lavender House and Dormer Cottage are located in the prestigious riverside parish of
Bray-on-Thames between Windsor and Maidenhead. This unassuming enclave is thejewel of Berkshire. It is quintessentially an idyllic old English village, oozing with periodcharacter and charm. It is also a culinary centre, as there are two three Michelin-starred

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43

life feature //life feature //restaurants — The Fat Duck, owned by Heston Blumenthal, and The Waterside Inn,helmed by Alain Roux, son of legendary chef Michel Roux.
The core of the village is made up of historic buildings, twee cottages and two
traditional pubs — the Hinds Head and the Crown, both owned by Blumenthal. There
are only four three Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK and two are in Bray. Everynook and corner is history personified. St Michael's, the village parish church, dates
back to 1293, with ancient graves standing in silent witness to its chequered past in
the churchyard.
Bray is the ideal base to explore nearby Windsor, with its imposing medieval Windsor
Castle, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It is the oldest and largest
inhabited castle in the world, and is HM Queen Elizabeth II's favourite weekend home.
Also worth a visit is the town of Ascot, which hosts Royal Ascot, the most prestigious
event on the British racing calendar. Graced by the British Royal Family, it takes place
every June and is an occasion where high society and aristocrats mingle with the
public to parade in their finery and outlandish hats.

The elegant Dormer Cottage
is ideal for a weekend breakin the countryside. Its backpatio door opens into alarge garden with a wooden
decking and a cascading
water feature that creates a
tranquil sanctuary.

Eton College is a stroll away from Windsor. A cruise on the River Thames is an
excellent way to see the sights of this wealthy county. What better way to experience
quintessentially English country homes than by staying in heritage cottages like
Lavender House and Dormer Cottage in the heart of Bray?

YTL Hotels’ MUSE collection in Bray includes Bray House, Lavender House andDormer Cottage. For reservations, contact the MUSE Bray Reservation Office:Tel: +44 1628 583 517 or e-mail bray@muse-hotels.com

Dormer Cottage is a 500-year-old
one-bedroom building infused withperiod character.”44

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45

life feature //Life-Changing
Tenggol
Live the dive life on the East Coast of Malaysia,
best experienced through the traditional Malay
charms of Tanjong Jara Resort.

A Great Location
March marks the start of the diving andsnorkelling season around Pulau Tenggol,
the underwater playground for visitors to
Tanjong Jara Resort on the East Coast of
the Peninsular Malaysia. This is a time ofcloudless blue skies and calm, clear seas,
ushered in by the south-west monsoon.
When you stay at Tanjong Jara, you have
Tenggol at your doorstep. As you recline
on the resort’s long, golden beach, youwill spot the island out on the horizon,
tempting you to rise from your torpor andget a little action in your life.

A wealth ofcolourful marine
life await divers
in the waters off
Tenggol Island.

46

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Tanjong Jara water sports teammakes it easy to get the best from a day
out in the water. During the season, whichruns from March to October, a van is on
hand every morning to whisk you from theresort to the dock on the mouth of the
Dungun River, a 10-minute drive away.
From there, it’s another 45 minutes by
speedboat to the island.

The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
borders the South China Sea and lies atthe edge of the famed Coral Triangle, theplanet’s epicentre of marine biodiversity.
Tenggol lies within the Terengganu National
Marine Park, so its waters and inhabitants
have been under government protection
and allowed to thrive undisturbed since
1994. So, not only is there plenty ofcolour and variety in the marine lifearound Tenggol and its satellite rocks andpinnacles, the fish are there in numbers,
too, and the corals are in excellent shape.
Just the perfect setting to draw divers
and snorkelers.
A major sea current flows along thecoast and there are a limited number ofoffshore islands along its route. Tenggol
is therefore something of a marine oasis
for large pelagic animals that break theirjourney to rest and feed nearby. Although

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47

life feature //nature is always capricious
and the gods of the sea aresometimes jealous of theirbounty, you can justifiably
anticipate encounters with
underwater celebrities suchas barracuda, black tip reef
sharks, eagle rays, manta
rays and enormous but
entirely benign whale sharks,
particularly towards March/April
and September/October.
The main island is steep, rocky,
rugged and heavily forested but
a large, sheltered white sand bay
on the western side offers calm,
crystal clear water and a thriving
coral reef to entertain snorkelers
and new divers. Everyone’s basefor the day’s activities lies in thebay, where the resort has an openair lodge with bathroom and dining
facilities. The speedboat anchors inthe shallows and you wade to thebeach in translucent, aquamarine
water. I know this sounds like every
resort brochure you have everread but, in this case, the fantasy
is reality!

A Snorkel from theBeach

If you are standing on the beachlooking out to sea and turn to yourright, you will see a small group ofrocks breaking the surface. This is
usually the “gateway” to your firstsnorkelling experience of the day.
To the left of these rocks is a long
rectangular rock formation that breaks
the surface at low tide. Beyond this, thereef begins and the action starts.
In the centre of the bay, close to the boat
mooring, a huge field of staghorn coral
stretches away to the small rocks. The
coral is so named because it forms a

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

structure that resembles intertwined deer
antlers. The staghorn provides shelter for
thousands of colourful reef fish, mainly
damsels and cardinals that sparkle in the
sunlight of the shallows. You will also seelots of green and blue male parrotfish,surrounded by their less brightly coloured
entourage, as well as a school of yellow
and black fox-faced rabbit fish.
Do a little duck dive and swim down tolook more closely and you may be able
to spot more exotic creatures living within
the protective horns of the coral, such as
the beautiful spotted juvenile sweetlips
which turn, twist and twirl like flamenco
dancers. Be careful as you approachthe corals. Although they look like rocks,
they are quite fragile and can be badly
damaged by a careless hand or foot.
Around the corner of the bay to the right,
you may follow your guides over a shallow
plantation of large table coral and into asmall inlet with gardens of soft corals.
Look for larger fish such as groupers andnapoleon wrasse here and be especiallyalert for one or more of the resident
population of turtles.

A Snorkel from the Boat

A second snorkelling route on the
opposite side of the bay offers schoolsof larger fish and some close encounterswith Nemo. This tour starts from the boat,
which is stationed by a white buoy placedin the sweet spot to begin your exploring.
The large boulders immediately beneaththe keel are home to a school of large flatsided batfish as well as several anemoneswith little Nemo clown fish peeking out
from the fronds. Duck-dive down to see
these cute guys up close. Notice how
brave the big ones can be in defending
their territory from you. Spend time
watching the batfish as they move slowly
with almost imperceptible adjustments of
their fins. You will see small blue cleaner

You will find crystal clear
waters and a thriving coral
reef in the bay on thewestern side of Tenggol;
Green sea turtles and clown
fish are among the denizensof the sea around Tenggol.

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life feature //“Do a little duck dive and swim
down to look more closely andyou may be able to spot more
exotic creatures living within theprotective horns of the coral.”wrasse darting around them,picking off parasites and deadscales, sometimes disappearing
completely into their gills to pickup tasty morsels.
If you swim back towards thebeach a little, you will come acrossanother luxuriant stand of staghorn
coral. The tiny damsels and otherfish will duck down into the coral as
you approach, sensing a predator,but, if you stay relatively still, they
will gain confidence and gradually
re-emerge.
When you head in the directionof the rocks near the shore, thewater will become very shallow so
be careful not to scrape your knees

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

and elbows. However, you may findturtles and bigger fish hiding there,
so it is worth a look. Swimming to
the sea-side of the boat will takeyou across more staghorn and afurther group of boulder corals withanemones attached.

East-Side Action

The action for more experienced divers
lies on the other side of the island, wherethe vertical cliff line continues underwater
to form current-swept walls, and aroundthe various rocks and pinnacles thatlie to the north and south. A vibrantreef community creates the perfectenvironment to sustain large schoolsof fish and keep the bigger animals
coming back. Even when the stars of theunderwater show are not around, there
is always so much to see. Do as very

Life-Changing Moment

experienced divers do and just stop fromtime to time to observe the behaviourof some of the more unusual andentertaining denizens of the reef. You canpause and listen to parrot fish crunching
down on hard corals with their sharp
beaks or watch octopuses moving overthe seabed, their skin changing colour
and texture to match their immediatesurroundings. It is fascinating to see
lionfish floating gracefully over schools ofsmall fry looking for stragglers, the beautyof their feather-like fin arrangements
belying their predatory intent.
On the seabed, look out for shrimps andgobies that share burrows in the sand,where they work tirelessly together tokeep their homes clear of debris.

Beware, though: there is a goodchance that the underwater encounters
you experience at Tenggol can change
your life. Sometimes, those used to
exploring tropical seas tend to forget
what a thrilling experience it can be forbeginners. As I was relaxing over lunch
between dives at Tenggol, I overhearda girl described her morning to a friend.
“I couldn’t believe it was real,” shedeclared, “it was like a 3-D movie!” The
next day, she took up a diving course
and, a few days later, she was waving
to me underwater to show me a bluespotted ray she and her instructor had
found. Life-changing indeed!

Tanjong jara resort
Embodying the essence of Malay culture andtradition, Tanjong Jara Resort on the East Coast ofPeninsular Malaysia offers the perfect experience of
Malay hospitality. Fronted by the South China Sea
and surrounded by the lush green beauty of the local
countryside, Tanjong Jara offers you an experience of
Malaysia like no other.

Look out for colourful soft coral and graceful lionfish
when you dive in Tenggol.

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51

life feature //“The film I did over the summer with
Chris Rock was great fun. It was really“I’ve been having a lovely stay so far,”she says, referring to her luxurious abodesilly to kinda’ get paid to laugh all day.”at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, theAnd I think it’s funny because, looking
around at all the people here, I think I
could pass off as a Malaysian!”colonial hotel that was recently reopened,having been fully restored to its former
glory by YTL Hotels. Dating back to the
1930s, it is an Art Deco architectural
masterpiece and is also home to
The Majestic Spa, which the actresshappily experienced. “I have tried the
Malay massage at The Majestic Spa andit was heaven. In fact, I think I might gofor another one. The only thing I’m sadabout is that I just don’t have enoughtime to do all the things I want to.”Dawson, it seems, has been keeping
busy, with a slew of films due out thisyear, from the remake of Sin City to
a comedy in which she co-stars with
Chris Rock. Although she tactfully skirted
around the question about which film
she enjoyed working on the most, shesays: “The film I did over the summer
with Chris, which he wrote, directed andstarred in, was great fun. It was really silly
to kinda’ get paid to laugh all day.”

Hollywood
BeautyRosario Dawson opens up about life and careerfrom The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Text Kassandra Kassim Photographs Getty Images

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Hollywood actress Rosario Dawson,
who is set to star in seven films due out
this year, swanned into Kuala Lumpur
recently for the launch of the show
Newsmakers Unplugged, which has justaired on StarWorld.
Vivacious and hardly the reserved,
unapproachable Hollywood star you
might expect, she gamely tried all things
Malaysian during her 48-hour stint in
the country. Among the things she didon her shortlist was to sample the local
food and the joy of massages. Dawson
lights up when the subject turned to
Malaysia’s famously spicy food. “I love
spicy food. It’s what I grew up with.

Discovered early in her childhood by überdirector Spike Lee, Rosario has gone fromstrength to strength, using her African/
Puerto Rican/Cuban/Irish descent to
her advantage. Her mixed ethnicity, shebelieves, has helped her stand out interms of getting roles, compared to thebus-loads of blonde blue-eyed hopefuls
who turn up in Hollywood chasing their
dream. “I think it has helped me to bein so many types of films, with so manydifferent kinds of leading men,” says
Dawson in reference to the wide portfolio
of films she has in her CV, which include
comedy, horror, musicals and dramas.

along the way, has driven her to pickup a few important life skills other thanacting. Like how to be a great cook
and a home DIY genius. “You justneed to learn how to really take careof yourself,” quips Dawson by way
of explanation.
We ended the interview by asking her
who she would choose to be if she
was a rock star, given her penchantfor appearing in musicals like Rent.
“Freddie Mercury!” she blurts out. Whatwows her about the late singer was his
latitude as a performer. “It was his voiceand his ability to do acrobatic acts onstage and performed to hundreds ofthousands of people.”
Meanwhile, this round in Kuala Lumpur
wasn’t enough and Dawson, 35, vows
to return to explore more of the country.
Unaffected, gracious and warm, Dawson
is the kind of person who appreciates
the subtle differences in people andcultures. To Dawson, we say: “Comeback anytime!”

From top: Rosario Dawson leaves
her mark in The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur’s celebrity guest
book; Rosario Dawson as Mimi
Marquez in the film version of the
Broadway musical, Rent.

Hugely inspired by her mother who
raised her as a single parent at just 17,
Dawson says she inherited her strong
and independent spirit. That outlook,

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beautiful life //Minimalist Beauty

Fully structured, highly detailed and impossibly classic, Dior has come up with yet
another drool-worthy bag collection. The new Diorissimo bicolour bag in smooth calfskin
and black and rose dragée details is playful yet perfect for the modern woman who
wants to look fun, fabulous and elegant. The bag boasts aesthetical perfection, with
its impeccable details and smooth calfskin exterior. The contrast of colours and printed
charms gives the bag a youthful appeal but stays true to Dior’s minimalist aesthetic.
Besides its exterior beauty, the bag also comes with an adorable detachable soft leather
pouch inside. There’s just so much to love about this bag!

Mellow Yellow

When you’re looking for a smaller
tote and in need of a colour pop,
M Missoni’s Multicolor Raffia Hazel
bag is exactly what you need. From its
distinctly simple shape to the hazelnut
stitch detail, this hand crotchet bag
is chic and unique. The bright yellow
colour adds frisson to your outfit, while
the exclusive Technicolor Plexiglas ringhandle is adorably distinctive. It also
helps that this charming bag is light yet
solid at the same time.

Mad About Bags
Spring is officially here and, along with it, a whole new crop of colourful
and joyful bags. Celebrate the season with bursts of colour and stylishly
designed bags to complete your outfit for every occasion.
Rock That Bag

For those who want to stand out and yet have their lives streamlined in a pretty package,
the Kenzo Kalifornia bag is the ultimate pick. This iconic Kenzo is recreated in new beachbreezy tie dies, high wave prints and vibrant colourways of such sophistication that it
becomes the perfect spring-summer statement by itself. Gorgeousness aside, the level offunctionality is also unparalleled as the interior features multiple pockets and holding areasfor easy organisation and storage. Look stylish and laidback as you tote a bag that exudes
luxury and versatility at one go.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Yours Truly

The new Valentino Rouge Absolute Signature emphasises individuality and authenticity
to bring a new dimension to the label’s classic bags range. You can now choose andcombine freely to create a signature look and embellish the handbags any way you
desire from the variety of available elements, ranging from monograms and zodiac
signs, to beetles and griffons. The vivid gold hardware here is dazzling, standing out
on the bright red hue that is also available in three different shades – from the Valentino
signature red to rubin and scarlet. The bag is spacious and just the right size foreveryday use.
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55

CrimsonleisureRed toga dress,
Paule Ka at Antoinette
at Starhill Gallery.

While sun-dappled
hours away in smart,effortlessly-feminine
ensembles that'll keep you
cool while looking chic.
Photography Gerald Goh/IROM Studio Photography Assistant Coby Choi
Styling Calvin Cheong Hair&Makeup Cat Yong Model Marcella M/Base Model
Location MUSE Pangkor Laut Estates

TEA BREAK

This page: Tweed jacket
and silk princess cut dress,
RED Valentino.
Facing page: White dress,
Khoon Hooi; Zip up jacket,
RED Valentino.

WATER
NYMPH

This page: Tube
bodycon dress,
M Missoni;
Sunglasses, Kenzo.
Facing page: Red
jacket dress, Kenzo;bag, Illiza Ho.

LUsCIOUS
LINESThis page: Shiny silk
blend dress, Kenzo.
Facing page: Stripedsilk dress, Khoon Hooi.

HOT
STRIPES

Tiger and tartan-print
bomber jacket andpleated wrap skirt,
McQ by Alexander
McQueen; Granvillebag, Dior.

beautiful life //Opulent
Timekeepers
As Richard Mille and Jaeger-LeCoultre, two outstanding
watchmaking brands, show, there is more to timepieces thankeeping track of hours and minutes.
Two-Timing

The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre
Unique Travel Time is the first-ever worldtime watch that allows to-the-minuteadjustment of the second time zone. This
timepiece boasts impressive designs
and mechanics, evident in its Dual-Wing
system of two distinct mechanisms
operating under one regulating organ
but powered separately for maximised
precision. The first displays the local
time while the other refers to the second
time zone; the globe at the bottom of thewatch, synchronised with the travel time,
represents a world map of time zone
indications. Powering the timepiece is theremarkable Calibre 383 movement, visible
through the sapphire crystal caseback,along with engraved names of the cities
in the world’s 24 time zones encircling theedge. This pink gold edition celebrates
Jaeger-LeCoultre fine watchmaking
that adds to the physical appeal anduniqueness of this ultimate timekeeper.

Back In Brown

Animal Magnetism

An exceptionally eye-catching piece, Richard Mille's RM51-01 Michelle Yeoh Tiger andDragon Tourbillon combines engraving and enamelling on top of its highly complicatedmovement. A tribute to Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and her upcoming film, Crouching Tiger,
Hidden Dragon II, the timepiece, as its name suggests, revolves around both creatures.
Sculptures of both animals are fused into the gear trains and through the horologicalcomponents, making it seem as if the tiger and dragon are clutching the manually wound
tourbillon movement. Created with 3N red gold and carved entirely by hand – with afinishing touch of micro painting – this timepiece boasts realism in the animal features
and an exceptional array of features, including a power reserve of 48 hours, grade 5titanium movements and a torque-limiting crown to protect from possible overwinding.
Available in 18K white or red gold, this stunning timepiece is limited to 20 pieces.

Web of TimeThe Academy Award-winning actress,
Natalie Portman, collaborated with
Richard Mille to create the phenomenallyinspiring RM19-01 Natalie Portman
Tourbillon that comprises a manually
wound tourbillon assembled around a
black rhodium-plated, 18K white gold
baseplate set with black sapphires, a firstfor Richard Mille. The centrepiece and an
integral part of the movement features
an 18K white gold spider encrustedwith diamonds, with its body supporting
the bridges of the tourbillon and its legs
holding up the two winding barrels. Just
like the one dedicated to Michelle Yeoh,
the Natalie Portman Tourbillon is limited to
20 pieces worldwide.

The third member of the splendid Jaeger-LeCoultre Grand Reverso Trilogy, the Grande
Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 comes in a chocolate-toned dial. Visually, the watch has apleasing appearance, with its 18K pinkish gold pin buckle and case complementing thechestnut brown Casa Fagliano alligator leather strap. A tribute piece to its 1930 steel
and brown dial predecessor, this manually wounded watch with two faces is composedof the reliable in–house Calibre 822/2, 19 jewels and 45-hour power reserve. With anultra-thin case that measures 46.8mm X 27.4mm by 7.3mm, this timepiece is also
lightweight and comfortable on the wrist.

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life feature //1145HRS,

Watch
Aficionado’s
Diary

The recent Salon International de la Haute horlogerie(SIHH) in Geneva, Switzerland proved to be, as always, acelebration of all things fine and precious.
Text Kenneth Tan“This timepiece exerts an almost
illusionary effect on the beholder,such is the magnificence in its
intricate nature and its play of light”
Van Cleef & Arpels

Day

01
1000HRS,

Cartier

Although the brand’s roots lie in Paris,
it was in Geneva where its fruits wererecently on display. The Rotonde de
Cartier Astrocalendaire embodies theinimitable Cartier style: audacious, creativeand eternally fashionable. Within the
45mm platinum Rotonde case, one is lostin an amphitheatre-style display, where thethree-dimensionality of concentric levels
emerges as the hypnotic centre. Here, theday, month and date are shown in a most

68

Visitors were captivated by the stunning
open-worked Patrimony Traditionelle 14Day Tourbillon. This timepiece exerts analmost illusionary effect on the beholder,such is the magnificence in its intricate
nature and its play of light. With highlypolished and matt surfaces courtesy of thebrand’s traditional adherence to the Geneva
Hallmark’s punishing requirements, thisplatinum encased timepiece is further proofof the brand’s founding principle, exhorted
by co-founder François Constantin who
declared: “Do better than possible, and it isalways possible.”

1515HRS,

Monday,Jan 20 th

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Vacheron Constantin

unusual and yet highly linear interpretationof a perpetual calendar. All this, of course,
is produced via a watchmaking divisionthat has earned renowned for its high levelof mastery in micro-mechanics. In thisparticular timepiece, the sublime 9459
MC movement forgoes the more brittle
traditional lever-and-spring mechanism
for a gear train that drastically increases
chronometric precision – for the Geneva
Hallmark certification – and greatly
reduces the risk of damage

This year, the brand reaches for theheavens and beyond with a wristwatch
called Midnight Planétarium Poetic
Complication that reflects the movementof the six celestial bodies closest to thesun, namely Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars,
Jupiter and Saturn, all of which are visible
from Earth with the naked eye. A selfwinding movement, infused with the genius
of Maison Christian van der Klaauw, is thelogical force behind the true orbiting circuitof all the planets (and hence Saturn takes
29 years to circle the dial). Then, to add
the poetry and myth to this piece, as Van
Cleef & Arpels are wont to do, a rotating
bezel is used to select a day of choice,in which a sapphire crystal star will ring
the Earth on the given day, to signify the
day’s importance. This 44mm timepieceof pink gold is available with baguette-cut
diamonds and a folding buckle set withround diamonds.

1400HRS,

Audemars Piguet

Last year turned out to be a great one
for this luxury sports timepiece brand.
It experienced a substantial jump inrevenue and, although its CEO, FrançoisHenry Bennahmias, was coy about
actual figures, he hinted that the bumphovered closely to the CHF100million
mark. For 2014, the party goes on withthe big news revolving around the RoyalOak Offshore – with six new versions of
the 42mm chronograph coming to thefore. Also new to the world is the 42mm
Royal Oak Offshore Diver , sculpted
entirely in white ceramic, making it
virtually scratchproof. The white ‘Super
Ceramics’ used on the bezel, casemiddle, pushers and crown is nine times
harder than steel and also 40 per centmore resistant than black ceramic, withhardness registering at 1,850 Vickers
versus 1,300 Vickers, respectively.

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life feature //Tuesday,
Jan 21 st1630HRS,

PaneraiThat ancient longing of being able to stoptime and start it up again, is now manifested
in a modern-day chronograph by Officine
Panerai: the Radiomir 1940 Chronograph.
Made available in a trio of noble materials,
namely white gold, red gold and platinum,
this timepiece fondly harks back to thebrand’s very first chronograph, the Mare
Nostrum of 1943, found on the wrists of the
Italian Navy’s deck officers. In the presentday, the Radiomir 1940 Chronographis powered by the OP XXV calibre
conceived and assembled at Panerai’s
Neuchâtel manufacture. Here, the brand’swatchmaking wizards used the Minerva 1322 movement as the base to develop thesophisticated hand-wound chronographcalibre, which features column wheel,swan-neck regulator and Côtes de Genève
finishing of the bridges. For those in theknow, the Minerva lineage is yet anothersubtle tip of the hat to Panerai’s heritage,
with the Minerva of the 1920s supplying
movements to the Florentine watchmaker.

1745HRS,

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Fresh from the whirlwind celebration ofits 180th anniversary last year, JaegerLeCoultre hardly pauses to catch its breathwith its jaw-dropping 2014 novelty – theHybris Mechanica 11. At 7.9mm-thick, thistimepiece is approximately half the sizeof most grand complication timepieces,ushering another era in ultra-thin grandcomplications. With its brand mantra
surmising that only the impossible matters,
Jaeger-LeCoultre thus rips up the rulebook on grand complications, to conceive
a minute repeater and flying tourbillon
with flying balance-wheel within an 18K
extra-white gold case. Limited to only 75
pieces, this 41mm timepiece relies on an
automatic winding system conducted by aplatinum segment on the oscillating weight,
which confers greater efficiency andeffectiveness in the self-winding process.

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By The Numbers:

Day

14,00002

1115HRS,Richard Mille

Always the great entertainer, Richard Millepremiered its 2014 novelties through asnazzy 3D presentation. This, naturally,raised lust levels past the roof whena slew of mouth-watering mechanicalmarvels appeared in front of the viewers
as larger than life. Among the wonders
were the arachnid-inspired RM 19-01
Natalie Portman and the NTPT-carbon
enhanced RM 35-01 Rafael Nadal – witha movement capable of withstanding
extreme shocks exceeding 5,000Gs. Yetanother piece that evoked a visceral pangof desire was the RM 36-01 Competition
G-Sensor Tourbillon Sébastien Loeb ,a horological personification to themost successful driver in World Rally
Championship history. In the exact centreof this tribute piece is the G-force sensor,
which indicates up to 6Gs of force. A
connected scale indicates safety levelsof G forces – from green zones to redzones – for the pilot, with one-touch
resetting on the central pusher. All thishappens within a case diameter of 47.7mm machined from carbon nanotubes
for the case band and titanium for bothbezel and caseback.

The estimated number of visitorsfrom around the world to the 24thedition of the Salon International dela Haute Horlogerie. The next edition
takes place from 19 to 23 January
2015 at Geneva’s Palexpo.

1400HRS,

Baume & Mercier

In his opening remarks, the brand’s CEO
Alain Zimmerman, lauded the Clifton
as a reference that has “turned into a
successful collection.” He continued:“It is important to us as a Maison, totransmit our most important elements ofaccessibility, perfection and quality.” Theevidence of this belief is amply provided
thr ough a gr and r ange of Cl i fton
iterations, from the superlative 1892
Flying Tourbillon to the classical Steel on
Steel. A particular delight is the Clifton
Two-Tone , a 41mm mechanical selfwinding piece with a sapphire crystal
case back, alligator strap and a beautiful
satin-finished silver dial which shows two
elongated hands and Arabic numerals.

The seventh-oldest watchmakerstill in operation, Baume & Mercier’s
excellence in measuring time goesback to its founding values of 1830.
Its beautifully crafted timepieces are
inspired by icons from its rich heritage
and anchored on its 184-year-old
motto, which states: “Accept only
perfection; only manufacture watchesof the highest quality.”

1515HRS,

Roger Dubuis

This year represented a return to tradition
for Roger Dubuis, with a giant cuckoo
clock adorning its booth’s interior. This
clock served as a wink and tribute tobrand founder, M Roger Dubuis, who
was enraptured from a young age by the
church tower clock in his village. It would
be this love which consequently drove his
fruitful journey into watchmaking. In linewith this heritage, the Hommage Double
Flying Tourbillon is a scintillating bridgeto the very first Hommage models of
1995, the brand’s founding year. Throughthe march of Time, the Hommage
collection has attained certain panache,with double tourbillons and hand-madeguilloché featuring on the 2014 version.
To power this flamboyant timepiece, an
all-new RD100 movement was crafted:
composed of 452 individually handfinished parts and requiring 1,200 hours of
manufacturing – necessary in part to attainthe seriously rigorous Geneva Hallmark.
Happily, the exuberant end result validates
the effort invested and, upon a cursory
gaze, one quickly identifies the brand’scherished historical design codes: long
slender lugs, a concave bezel, fluted
crown and large Roman numerals in either
pink or white gold cases.

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Tuesday,Jan 21 st

Day

02

Wednesday,
Jan 22 nd

Day

03

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1630HRS,

1400HRS,In a style accustomed to the brand, ahost of specialities wrought in the Swiss
Jura was spectacularly unveiled to theworld, with actor Hugh Jackman in tow
as the new brand spokesperson. Amongthe highlights is a timekeeping ode to thebrand’s famed Meisterstück fountain pen– celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
In the limited edition Meisterstück Heritage
Pulsograph , an 18K-red gold case of
41mm envelopes the beating MB13.21
calibre. The latter is a manually woundmonopusher chronograph, incorporating
the technically masterful column wheel andhorizontal coupling mechanism. Shadesof the famous Minerva manufacture – now
belonging to Montblanc – are naturally
infused in this timepiece, with the traditional
arrow of Minerva appearing on the handfinished movement and visible through asapphire crystal caseback.

Reaching into the depths of its creative
wisdom and the underwater world, IWC
put forth an array of Aquatimer diving
watches, powerful and enigmatic inequal measure. The Aquatimer Perpetual
Calendar Digital Date-Month sits loftily as a
top-of-line reference in the collection, witha limited production of only 50 pieces in
18K red gold and rubber-coated titanium.
With the perpetual calendar being oneof the most exacting of complications,this self-winding tour de force utilises
the herculean 89801 calibre to drive fiverotating discs that display day, monthand leap year, with no loss of precision.
Luminescent elements on the hands, dial
and internal rotating bezel provide clarity
in the jet-black darkness, and it is theselfsame rotating bezel which gives IWC
an edge in diving timepieces with the IWC
SafeDive system. This life-saving piece ofcase engineering eliminates the severityof an accidental movement of the externalbezel, with an ingenious counter-clockwise
only rotation of the internal ring. It is thisfeature that thus ensures that divers do not
exceed their requisite dive time – since theinternal ring will never push forward underunintentional means – and hence negates
potentially perilous consequences.

Montblanc

1045HRS,A Lange & Söhne

Visitors to A Lange & Söhne’s booth
could not help but be moonstruck by
the 45.5mm Richard Lange Perpetual
Calendar ‘Terraluna’. Inside this timepiece,
an awesome feat of mechanical wizardry
creates four precisely jumping displaysof the perpetual calendar: date, day ofweek, month and leap year. This regulation
takes place amidst the precise strokes of
the hours, minutes and seconds. And, ofcourse, with the brand being the standard
bearer for Saxon inventiveness, there is aclear innovation in the form of the patentpending orbital moon-phase display,surrounded by 2,116 stars of five various
sizes. At any time of day, those who gazeupon the inky blue of the moon phase –positioned on the caseback – would havean extraterrestrial appreciation of the moon,
sun and the earth’s northern hemisphere.
A constant-force escapement controls
delivery of power in the twin mainspringbarrels, ensuring constant precision acrossa 14-day power reserve.

IWC Schaffhausen“Piaget – the master of ultrathin timepieces, succeededin staking its flag in the lastremaining unconquered territoryof ultra-thin mastery.”

1515HRS,

PiagetAn extremely precise
mechanism in this Lange
timepiece reproduces thesynodic month (planetaryinteractions of the Earthor moon with the sun) of
29 days, 12 hours, 44
minutes and 3 seconds thatit takes 1,058 years before
the display needs to becorrected by one day.

One of the biggest stories at SIHH
also happens to one of its slimmest.
If the statement seems a bit curious,
it’s only because Piaget – the masterof ultra-thin timepieces, succeededin staking its flag in the last remaining
unconquered territory of ultra-thinmastery. The 38mm Altiplano 900P is, inessence, a reinvention of the wheel – ortimepiece, in this case. What Piaget did
was to re-imagine the watch, removing
the main plate from the equation andfusing case and movement into one.

This revolutionary move earned it theright to claim the mantle of the world’s
thinnest hand-wound mechanical watch,wresting the last of remaining ultra-thintitles away from the previous holder. The
new world-record holder measures in ata thickness of just 3.65mm for both caseand movement. Housed in an 18K whitegold case, this timepiece brings Piaget’s
story – celebrating its 140th year – fullcircle, starting with the brand’s 2mmthick Calibre 9P of 1957, which was, atthe time, the first ultra-thin hand-woundmovement by Piaget.

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beautiful life //Beauty At Its BestFor most of us, skincare and personal wellbeing are not luxuries but
necessities in our daily lives. These latest beauty products and miracle
savers offer the best in terms of function and form.
The Perfect Shave

Acqua Di Parma dedicates its new
shaving experience, Collezione Barbiere,to refined men with impeccable lifestyles.
A projection of modernity, Collezione
Barbiere presents a fair fusion of elegant
design, refined textures and stylish
packaging designed with the idea ofenhancing the pleasure and luxury of
the shaving ritual. The entire collection
expresses masculine elegance, withproducts composed of the finest formulas
and accessories intended for the modern
man who takes pride in his appearance
and wellbeing. Combining elegance andergonomic design, this collection is,indeed, an essential accoutrement of thecontemporary gentleman.

Super Shield

La Mer breaks new ground with the creation of its luxury sunscreen, Blanc De La Mer
SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid. This miracle sunscreen not only protects your skin from sun
damage and future hyperpigmentation, but also gives all the benefits of La Mer’s Miracle
Broth, which aids cell renewal and enhances the skin’s natural healing ability.

Sonic Cleansing

Nature’s Miracle

A new age of timeless beauty is revealed with the latest breakthrough from La Prairie.
The new Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Cream and Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Dry Oil
combine the goodness of nature’s most powerful and sophisticated secrets to createa perfect formulation for modern needs and environment. Using these two products
together will bring remarkable results in delaying the process of aging and providing
lavish and lasting hydration to the skin.

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The daily cleansing ritual is now enhancedwith Clarisonic’s newest addition, Aria.
Unlike typical routines, Clarisonic Aria isthe latest innovation in advanced skincare, utilising oscillation movements
to transform the cleansing experience
into an enthralling ritual that produces
unsurpassed results each day forbeautifully transformed skin. With a sonicmovement brush that allows a threespeed option, this device cleanses ourskin six times better than hands alone.
The face is left perfectly cleansed andrefreshed with no damage to the skin.
With the new Aria, cleansing has neverbeen more stylish and effortless.

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spa life //Gentlemanly
Indulgence
The Scotch and Shave promotion at
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is
an experience to be savoured.

If you feel the need for some gentlemanly pampering, head for
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s Smoke House, where a treatof dappery and drink awaits. The ongoing Scotch and Shavepromotion has the happy promise of ensuring you leave with alighter step than when you arrived, once you’ve had your personal
grooming session at Truefitt & Hill and a flight of subtly different
vintages of Glenfarclas single malt whiskies.
Start by going to Truefitt & Hill on the lower ground floor of The
Smoke House, where you can get comfortable on the plush barberchair. Ashkan Malekpour, who manages the salon, will help you
decide if you would like a Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shave or Royal
Hair Cut. “We start the shave by applying pre-shave oil to soften thebeard or moustache,” Ashkan says. “Then we cover the face with a
hot towel, scented with lemongrass, for two minutes.”
Shaving cream is prepared and applied liberally using one of Truefitt& Hill’s famous super badger hair shaving brushes. “Each brush
contains up to 4,000 bristles and is handmade entirely in England,”Ashkan says. The shave is carried out with a straight or cut-throat
razor as “you get a very close and smooth shave,” he adds. A cold
towel wrap follows before he uses baby powder to soothe yourface and applies aftershave balm.
Ashkan Malekpour of
Truefitt & Hill preparesto give Bruno Vanin a
Traditional Hot Towel
Wet Shave.

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Ashkan also explains that Truefitt & Hill takes every care possible
to make the occasion, which takes 30 minutes, a painless one – areflection of its long experience in the practice, having first opened

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spa life //in 1805. “Some people have more sensitive skin and we haveshaving gel and cream specially formulated to deal with this,”he says.
The Royal Hair Cut takes about 15 minutes longer and begins witha wash and conditioning. “We’ll talk about styles before we startand use both scissors and electric razors, and finish with texture
clay or styling paste to shape the hair after we’re done,” Ashkansays. Take your time, then, to peruse Truefitt & Hill's wide rangeof products; having been in the business for more than two
centuries, it knows a thing or two about gentlemanly grooming.
Once you’re done, head back upstairs to the bar of The Smoke
House, where John Yap, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s
Director of Beverage and true barman-at-heart, will be happy
to lay out your flight of Glenfarclas single malts. “These are
textbook Speyside single malts, aged in sherry oak,” hesays. The Scotch part of the promotion offers shots of 15,
17 and 21-Year-Old expressions of Glenfarclas – Gaelic for‘glen of the green grass’ – located in Ballindalloch, in theheart of the Speyside malt whisky country.

life feature //“These are
textbook
Speyside single
malts, aged insherry oak.”“It’s a good, traditional, family-owned distillery, with very
loyal staff,” Yap adds approvingly. “It is a small producer,
which means those who work there are well-versedwith the entire operation, from distillation right up to thebottling, which allows them to better control the qualityof the whisky.”
The promotion is a real treat especially for single malt
lovers who enjoy discerning the finer nuances ofvertical flights. All three vintages are complex and fullbodied, richly amber in hue with a long finish on thepalate. “They are very subtle whiskies; very refinedand rounded,” Yap adds. “They are just the thing to
sip and linger over.”And linger you should – as alltrue gentlemen know, there’s nothing like a soothing
dram (or three) smooth chin, and, perhaps, even acigar, to put the perfect gloss on your day.

The Scotch and Shave promotion at The Majestic
Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s Smoke House is priced at
RM165 nett per person. For details or to makea reservation, call 603-2785 8000 or e-mailtmklresv@ytlhotels.com.my
The three Glenfarclas vintages on
promotion are complex and full-bodied,with a long finish on the palate.

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life feature //Changing Ways

Demand for essential oils is increasing as people lookfor natural rather than manufactured products. Tapping
this trend, businessmen are encouraging farmers to growspecific crops for the purpose of creating essential oils andare paying them a fair price for the products. Rather thanjust growing the plants and selling the raw material, someenterprising villages have taken the next step and set up
distilleries to process the essential oils locally. By doing this,they increase their direct income and provide employment,
both skilled and unskilled, for local people, keeping theolder generation occupied and giving the young thechance to live and work close to home, rather than join
the exodus from the countryside to the cities.

PerfumePlantations

Explore the aromatic, healing world of
Indonesian essential oils.
Text & Photography Simon Pridmore
Additional Photography Edmund Lee

Hundreds of years ago, the part of the world that we now know
as the Indonesian archipelago was the focus of attention forspies, explorers and entrepreneurs from the west, who were
desperate to find the source of the enormously valuable
and rare spices that were believed to originate from thesemysterious dots of land on the edge of the known world.
Christopher Columbus was one of these explorers and it was
his quest to find a western route to the ‘Spice Islands’ that led
to his discovery of the Americas. And the rest, as they say, is

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history. But the same trees and plants that gave the region its
fame remain much coveted today and the fertile volcanic soilof Indonesia, combined with the labour and skills of its people,
still produce rare and valuable crops that delight the world. In
remote villages in Bali, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Sumatra
and elsewhere, farmers cultivate trees, bushes and grasses
and distil fabulous oils that are the essences of our perfumes
and aromatherapy potions.

Natural Benefits

Essential oils are liquids that are extracted from the leaves,stems, flowers, bark or roots of a plant, usually by steam
distillation. They are so named because they contain the true
essence of the plant they are derived from. They are highly
concentrated and a little goes a long way. They are not thesame as fragrance oils, known in Bahasa Indonesia as minyak
wangi. Whereas essential oils are derived solely from naturally
occurring organic material, fragrance oils are largely composedof alcohol and artificial substances and do not offer the same
therapeutic benefits.
These bounties come from the chemical composition of theessential oil and can be both physical and psychological.

Above: Harvesting patchouliin Central Java; Left: Aromaticylang-ylang thrives in Spa
Village Resort Tembok,
Bali's gardens.

They are usually achieved either through inhalation, whereby
the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into thebloodstream, or by application to the skin, which absorbs
the oil.
Normally, essential oils are not applied directly to the skin on
their own as they are just too potent. Instead, small amounts
are mixed with a carrier, such as sweet almond oil, apricot
kernel oil or grape seed oil, to create an all-natural massage oilthat can be safely and effectively applied. The ideal ratio is 1mlof essential oil to 50ml of carrier oil.
Aromatherapists will create custom blends of several essential
oils, which combine to have a more beneficial effect than any
single oil on its own.

However, it is not always easy to change rural ways.
I recently visited a village in south-west Sumatra with
one of the sons of the village chief, who told me that
he had great difficulty persuading the local farmers
to grow ylang ylang trees and patchouli bushes tomeet the needs of his friends who ran a small export
business in Jakarta. The older folk remembered days
gone by when experts and businessmen would arrivein their cars, ask them to plant specific crops andmake exciting promises of riches to come. When the
farmers complied and harvest time arrived, either themen failed to return or offered only token amounts
for the crops. Many had burned the crops in anger
and the experience has since been seared intheir memories.
The young man and his friends convinced thefarmers of their sincerity this time by paying an
advance and won them around completely when
they paid the balance promptly at harvest. They
also helped the farmers set up a small distillery
and taught them how to process the essential
oils themselves.

Fabulous Fragrances

I first visited one of these distilleries just as thepatchouli (nilam in Bahasa Indonesia) crop was
being harvested. Patchouli is a small bushy
herb of the mint family and its essential oil isin huge demand worldwide – in cosmetics,
where it is used as a fixative, slowing down
the evaporation of the more volatile elementsof a perfume; the food industry, where it acts

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life feature //Clockwise from left: Patchouli being processed in Indonesia;
the patchouli plant; Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is anenthusiastic advocate of local essential oils.

as a good masking agent for unpleasant tastes and smells;
Chinese medicine, which uses the herb to treat headaches,
colds, nausea and abdominal pain; and aromatherapy, whichuses it to combat stress and a wide variety of skin complaints.
I was shown around the operation. Outside, newly
harvested leaves were arriving, piled high on the back ofpick-up trucks as workers were spreading them out inthe sun to dry. Others were tending a nursery containing
hundreds of small patchouli plants under plastic covers,
while the mountain stream providing the distillery’s watersupply gurgled past them.
Inside a shaded area, I found a large vat of boiling watersuspended above a log fire. On top was another vat
into which a consignment of dried patchouli leaves
was tipped before being tightly sealed. The steam fromthe first vat rose through the second where it became
saturated with the vaporised oil from the leaves. It
continued to rise and passed into a long coiled pipe
fitted into the lid where it cooled, condensing into a
mixture of essential oil and patchouli flavoured water(the hydrolate) that dripped into a metal bowl waitingat the mouth of the pipe. Being lighter than water,
the oil floated on top. A sweet, rich, herbaceous andearthy scent hung heavy in the air as a technician
used a ladle to scoop the precious, viscous, amber
oil from the surface.
For the farmers, patchouli is an excellent choice as
it does not need to be replanted each year and theleaves can be harvested every four to six months.
Another huge advantage is that it is shade-tolerant
so it can be grown under the forest canopy orin the shadow of coconut trees or fruit orchards
without the need for destructive land clearance.
When I visited again towards the end of the year,
the ylang ylang harvest was in full swing. It had
been delayed by the extended rainy season but
we watched as the flowers were picked, loaded
into vehicles and bags, and delivered to the
distillery where the fire had been lit and the water
was bubbling away. This time, I photographed
the process and marvelled at the teamwork
on display and the large number of villagers,
both men and women, who were involved in
the work and diligently and expertly went about
their business as I clicked away.

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How to Buy Essential Oils

How do you make sure that the essential oil you are buying isgenuine? The first indicator is the price. This is not to say that, if abottle of beautifully scented oil is expensive, it must therefore be
pure. Especially in Indonesia, some essential oils are surprisingly
cheap in comparison with similar oils in Europe or the UnitedStates, primarily because the plants are grown there.
The cost of producing different essential oils, however, can vary
greatly. Take into account the rarity of the plant, the conditions inwhich it is grown, the quality of the distillation and how much oil
can be extracted from the plant material by weight. For example,
it takes about 1,000kg of jasmine petals to create just one litre ofjasmine essential oil, whereas it takes only 30kg of lemongrass
to produce a litre of lemongrass essential oil. Jasmine is thus avery expensive oil, while lemongrass is not. Therefore, if you arelooking at a range of essential oils and they all carry the same
price, they are highly unlikely to be the real thing.
If the oils are brightly coloured in attractive pastel shades ofpink, blue and green, they will not be pure essential oils from theplant. Essential oils tend to be clear or possess natural plant-likecolours; various shades of yellow, amber or brown are common,
while black pepper essential oil is dark green bordering on black.
Another clue that you are buying the genuine article is thatessential oils are packaged in dark brown or dark blue glass
bottles. This is because sunlight has a detrimental effect on
the oils and plastic is not substantial enough to resist theirpower. The bottles will also have orifice reducers fitted toallow the oil to be dispensed one drop at a time. Remember,they are very powerful. Four or five drops in an aroma diffuser
lamp or candle burner will keep a room smelling wonderful
all evening!
The Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is an enthusiastic advocate
of local essential oils and you will find their fragrances andtherapeutic effects everywhere you go. From the small flower
soaps in your room to the massage oils in the spa and even insome of the wonderful concoctions produced in the kitchens,
the product of Indonesia’s perfume plantations infuses every
aspect of life here.

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spa life //Soaking
Up BathThe Thermae Bath Spa in historical
Bath, England, is the country’s
original natural thermal spa and thelatest feather in YTL Hotels’ welldecorated wellness cap.
Photography Matt Cardy, Rob Slade & Andy Short

One of the greatest and simplest pleasures in life would be to soakin a hot bath. From the Japanese obsession with onsen (natural
hot springs) to the ancient admonishments by Hippocrates, thegreat physician, that bathing comes with a host of health benefits,
there’s much to be said for the sybaritic ritual of soaking in
hot water.
Naturally, one of the best spots for any aquatic wellness seeker
would be the ancient Roman spa town of Bath. After all, the word‘bath’ stems from the Old English term for ‘to immerse oneself inwater’, and the city’s natural thermal springs have long provenirresistible: attracting, first, Bladud, the legendary king of Britons,
and then the Celts, Romans, Saxons and Georgians.
Modern-day Bath is an elegant and lively destination, being
recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located on
the banks of River Avon and just 144km west of London, it ispeppered with striking examples of architecture as well as amajestic abbey. However, its ancient Roman baths remain oneof its main draws. Bath’s association with water-wellness islegendary and the word ‘spa’ draws from the Latin phrase of salus
per aquam or ‘wellness through water’.
Today, three springs in the centre of the city feed, not only the
Roman baths, but also The Gainsborough Bath Spa and Thermae
Bath Spa. It is said that over a million litres of mineral-rich water
bubble up from the springs each day. Opened to the public
in 2006, Thermae Bath Spa is set in the heart of the city andremains the UK’s only natural thermal day spa. Here, visitors cansoak away the stress of modern-day living simply by immersing

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themselves in the soothing, warm waters. It’s no different fromwhat the ancient Celts and Romans used to do.
The spa, opened day and night, is divided into several sections
to cater to different customer needs. Embracing both the ancientand modern, The New Royal Bath offers a spectacular openair rooftop pool that overlooks Bath’s seven surrounding hills,
while the more bashful may opt for the indoor Minerva Bath. For
smaller groups, the intimate 18th-century Cross Bath, housed ina separate building, is another delightful option, standing on an
original Celtic sacred site dedicated to the goddess, Sul.
To enhance the Thermae experience, a spa therapy is highly
recommended. Massages and facials are popular but Thermae
Bath Spa’s signature treatment is watsu, an aquatic body therapy
that incorporates elements of massage, stretching and shiatsu.
Twelve qualified therapists are available to take you through thisgently restorative treatment. With all these and more to discover,there’s no better time than now to start planning your trip to
discover true Bath culture in this beautiful city set on the banks of
the Avon.
Thermae Bath Spa is open all-year round, except for Christmas Day,
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

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spa life //spa life //Something To Celebrate
When it comes to celebrating special occasions, few gifts keep on
giving as much as Spa Village Kuala Lumpur’s generous birthday andanniversary packages do.
Photography Edmund Lee Art Direction Yvonne Low
Spa Village Kuala Lumpur is a havenof bliss set in the heart of the city'sbustling Golden Triangle.

There’s much to be said for the gift thatkeeps on giving. And few live up to thiscatchphrase as much as Spa Village
Kuala Lumpur’s birthday and anniversary
packages do. For just RM3,000 per
package, expose that someone special inyour life (or, heck, even yourself) to a slew
of services that include 10 complimentarytreatments at the award-winning Spa
Village Kuala Lumpur, a night’s stayin a deluxe room of The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur with breakfast for two, acandlelight dinner for two at the renowned
Shook! Restaurant at Starhill Gallery anda complimentary cake with which tocelebrate the occasion.
For those among you who needconvincing, do know that Spa Village
Kuala Lumpur is a veritable oasis in theheart of the city’s famed Golden Triangle
shopping and leisure district. Locatedwithin the classic elegance of The RitzCarlton, Kuala Lumpur, the spa is aperfectly-formed urban retreat surroundedby breezy balés , water features andaquamarine-hued pools. Offering abroad spectrum of sybaritic therapies,
the package allows you to take yourpick of a variety of 90-minute treatments,
including scrubs and the spa’s celebrated
massages.
There’s the Terra Timur as well as a gentle
papaya (the tropical fruit has long been
known for its skin-softening enzymes
and its qualities have featured in Asian
treatments for at least two centuries

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already) body scrubs, but it is really in its
massages that Spa Village Kuala Lumpur
shines. Spa Villages around the region
are famous for their highly trained andsensitive therapists, all of whom know
exactly how to treat and soothe away any
niggles your body might have with their
instinctive finger and bodywork.
Choose from eight different massage
options, depending on what you like orwhat you feel your body needs that day.
Those who enjoy soothing pressurebased massage deployed with oil andusing strong, long, rhythmic strokes
would enjoy the classic Swedish

massage, while those who need to beblissfully transported away for that hour
and a half would do well to select thearoma massage, which is designed toelicit a feeling of profound relaxation.
One of the more unusual treatments totry, however, would be the Lomi-Lomi
massage. An ancient, Hawaiian massage,
it takes its name from the Hawaiian word
for “rub”, “knead”, “press” or “massage”.
Lomi-Lomi was traditionally used forgeneral healing as well as a restorativeand digestive therapy. This form of
massage is unique in the sense that thetherapist focuses on using her elbows

and forearms in long, strong strokes toadminister the treatment. Guests who
have experienced it described Lomi-Lomi
to a hula dance performed on the body!
Each treatment ends with a Spa Village
Kuala Lumpur signature ritual of tiao da fa.
Inspired by the ancient Chinese methodof boosting blood circulation by lightly
and rhythmically beating the body along
the meridian lines with rattan bundles,
it is said to be extremely efficacious in
unblocking energy channels and allowingchi (life force) to travel freely through the
body. Whichever treatment you choose,
do know that the tempting pools of Spa

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spa life //“Spa Villages are famous for their highly-trained andsensitive therapists, all of whom know exactly how to treatand soothe away any niggles your body might have with
their instinctive finger and bodywork.”

PERFECT 10
Take your pick from these choice treatments.
Massage Therapies
Swedish Massage – A classic Western oil massage that works onmuscles using long, rhythmic strokes.
Aroma – Deeply relaxing and incorporating the use ofaromatherapy oils to soothe mind and body, this massage is ideal
for the highly-stressed and those who wish to seek respite fromthe rigours of modern-day life.
Hot Stone – Heated river rocks meet Swedish massage’s longrhythmic strokes in this deeply-relaxing and stress-relieving
treatment.
Lomi-Lomi – An ancient Hawaiian therapeutic massage, it isrecognisable by its long, strong, sweeping strokes which people
have likened to hula-like movements.
Malay – The ancient art of Malay healing massage is second tonone and few places do it better than Spa Village. The techniqueconsists of long, kneading strokes that focus on muscles andpressure points.
Tui-Na An-Mo – Chinese Tui-Na massage places emphasison accu-points and the directional flow of the subtle channels
in the body, mirroring the all-important Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM) principle of maintaining good chi (“life force” or“inner energy”).

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Thai – Often likened to the practice of yoga, primarily due to its
stretches and bends, Thai massage is ideal for those who wish toincrease energy flow, while improving flexibility and suppleness.
Guests are required to don loose cotton pants and a top for thistreatment, both of which will be supplied by Spa Village.
Balinese – Therapeutic in nature, Balinese massages are vigorousin nature and designed to uplift and energise, rather than relax.
This massage ritual uses techniques that vary in tempo comprising
acupressure, rolling motions, long strokes and percussion.
BODY Scrubs
Terra Timur Body Scrub – This Eastern body scrub ,customised
for men, features a mixture of red clay, ground soy, rice andpapaya. It will exfoliate, smooth and refine skin texture.
Papaya Gentle Body Scrub – This natural scrub has long been
the preferred treatment of Asian women seeking soft, supple skin.
It combines the skin softening properties of papaya enzymes
together with calamansi, which works to gently smooth andlighten skin tone.

Village Kuala Lumpur are also at yourdisposal, pre- or post-treatment, where
you may relax in style, accompanied bya pot of the spa’s delicious lemongrass,ginger and honey tea.

Spa Village Kuala Lumpur is located on the fourth floor of The RitzCarlton, Kuala Lumpur at 168 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours are from 10am-10pm. The last treatment of the
day must start at 9pm. For reservations, tel: +603 2782 9090.

You may also choose to use your 10
treatments together with friends or a loved
one or even enjoy them in sets, like a
90-minute scrub, followed by a 90-minutesupreme massage of your choice. If thetreatments relax you to the point of utter
bliss, the good news is that you also
have the choice of simply sauntering rightback into the comfort of your room at The
Ritz-Carlton. Not a bad offer at all for justRM3,000, isn’t it? The only question thatremains to be answered is: would justone package suffice?

Spa Village Kuala Lumpur’s Birthday/
Anniversar y package is priced at

RM3,000 nett and includes 10
90-minutes spa treatments of your choice(see facing page), a complimentary night’s
stay in a deluxe room at The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur, including breakfast for two
at Cesar’s and a candlelight dinner for
two at Shook! as well as a complimentaryhalf-kilogram cheese or chocolate cake.
The package is valid for one year fromthe date of purchase and is available until
further notice.

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life cuisine //spa life //Left: Dinner began with theRobert Mondavi Fumé Blanc, acrisp drink that left the tongue
buzzing with anticipation.
Right: At the capacious cellar ofMajestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur,
the evening was set forsomething extraordinary.

Those familiar with the wine cellar at the celebrated Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur would be surprised at what transformation has takenplace at its inaugural Wine Cellar Dinner Series. A square wooden
table with seating for eight becomes the centrepiece, with floral
arrangements glowing in candlelight. Soft, smoky strains of big
band jazz and nostalgic barbershop quartets are piped in, creating
an altogether pleasant escape from the harsh world beyond.
In this enchanting space, one can quite easily drift upon a cloud of
relaxation and anticipation. If you were to peruse the menu, it would
appear that the hotel’s Executive Chef Mohd Zaidi’s mission is to
sweep diners away, such is the overflowing cornucopia of delights.
What’s even better is that this gastronomic quintet is allied to a trioof stellar wine labels. Among the labels is the inimitable Opus One,
long a reference point for California’s signature reds.

Den of Delights
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur transforms into an oenophile’s
paradise through its highly rated Wine Cellar Dinner Series andcameos from blockbuster labels (and a wine expert).
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Joining this dinner and lending his learned palate is Roderick Wong,president of the Sommelier Association of Malaysia (Somlay) who
also wears the hat of the founder of The Wine Academy, which
provides both oenophile-related consultative and educational
services. Wong made his mark two decades ago, with qualifications
that include the Courts of Master Sommeliers in the United Kingdom
and actively working with Michelin-starred chefs on wine dinners
throughout the course of his storied career. Also seated at the table
was Peter Chen, General Manager of Caldbeck Macgregor, thedistributor of the labels that I was about to savour.
Dinner begins with a presentation of nigiri sushi, roasted crispy duck,breaded chicken and a crystal dumpling with wasabi mayonnaise
and a mild chilli sauce. This quartet of savoury bites is paired with an
elegant Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc, a 2010 Napa Valley Vintage.
The crisp drink seems to elevate the freshness of the ingredients,
particularly the prawn-stuffed dumpling, which suffuses the tongue
with a light echo of fresh seafood and citrus.

Wong begins the night’s discourse by explaining the winemaking
principles behind this cool white – a method not dissimilar to theFrance’s Loire Valley where the Sauvignon Blanc is aged in barrels togive it that toasty, smoky note (hence fumé). “Mondavi, despite being
quite old, ingeniously predicted that a tinge of barrel fermentation on
the Sauvignon Blanc would be the way to go,” Wong recounts. “Thistwist on a conventional Sauvignon Blanc made it a European-styled
white wine, slightly softer with a nice acidity to it. People went crazyfor it and fumé became more popular.”With Wong holding court, conversation vacillated between points ofinterest, from the long citrus finish of the Mondavi vintage in the room,
to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which Wong says is undergoinga phase in which it is prone to being “overly herbaceous”. “New
Zealand really raised Sauvignon Blanc in the world’s estimate, butthey now risk being too stereotypical, like how Australian Shirazwas, at one point, when they went all out for the fruit-driven flavour.”Predictability, for Wong, is his bane. He lets on that the crafty ones
would be stocking up on New Zealand Pinot Gris, an underrated
segment that seems poised for an upswing in popularity. Withchilled glass in hand, Wong then asks fellow diners to wrap theirpalms around it to raise its temperature, in order to release thewine’s complex, elegant aromas.
The next to grace the table was the sampler of beef carpaccio withherbed goat cheese mousseline. This lightly fragrant presentationis blessed with the slight chewiness of the beef slices, dovetailingperfectly with the deep red Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve,
also a Napa Valley Vintage 2010. The secret, according toWong, is to also chew your mouthful of Pinot Noir, to accessthe rich red fruit within: the raspberries, strawberries and a bitof cherry enhance the subtle flavours of the delicate carpaccio.
Wong observed that Pinot Noir has an easy style, possessing

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life cuisine //of the wine, a rounding of the drink’s notes that hints at the food’s
advantageous influence on the wine, and vice versa.”
Naturally, an important wine such as the Opus One requires acosmic intervention of sorts. History points to Hawaii’s Mauna Kea
Beach Hotel, circa 1970, where Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippede Rothschild met for the first time. This led to a masterpiececollaboration between celebrated winemakers from New and Old
Worlds, or, as they later decided, an opus.

Clockwise from top left: The chargrilled lamb loin and lobster provided
the perfect foil for the Opus One’s
expansive taste; The case of theOpus One bears the signatures of
two wine greats, one from the New
World and the other from the Old; A
smoky lime sorbet to add dramatic
tension to the dinner; A Hotel Chef
concentrating on the next course.

a subtle astringency of tannins that enable pairing with whitemeat and even some forms of red. “My favourite pairing of Pinot
Noir is with Peking duck, minus the plum sauce,” he claims.
For Wong, Pinot Noir is both a winemaker’s dream and nightmare.
“It’s so hard to cultivate and doesn’t travel well,” he says. Wongthen proceeds to paint a picture of the persnickety Pinot Noir’s
habitat preferences — unfriendly to warm weather and fussy withsoil types. (Warm areas will burst the grapes.) This is why thebest terroir for Pinot Noir in the United States remain the northerly
west coast states of Oregon and Washington, where cool ocean
breezes meet grapes growing at an elevation for the ideal low
average temperatures.
The 2010 vintage in our hands was perfectly chilled for optimaldelivery of aromas. “A first nose that is pungent means the Pinot
Noir has been stored in a warm place,” Wong cautions. He recalls
an invitation to Switzerland to judge in the 2010 international
competition of Pinot Noir. What surprised him most were thevarietals representing the host country. “Swiss Pinot Noir is oneof the most interesting but, unfortunately, it is not friendly to travel,
being delicate, cool climate wines. The wines are unable to absorb
the variation of temperatures.”On that melancholic note, a bisque cappuccino with crab custard
and black olive bruschetta was served. This foam-topped meal was

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“Taste the wine, taste
the dish and then taste
the wine again.”a liquid umami hit that segued into a hearty finish. The slightly tarty
olive layer on the bread added a groovy twist to the combination,
sending the taste buds racing in several directions at once. To sort
this out, an interlude of smoky lime sorbet efficiently refreshed thepalate, teeing it up for the star of the show.
Finally, the 2008 Vintage of the Opus One Mondavi-Rothschild
Oakville Napa Valley arrives, accompanied by its gastronomic
pairing, a char-grilled lamb loin noisette, lobster au neutral withbarbecued red peppers, braised red cabbage, sage butter andtamarind glaze. On the smoky, juicy lamb and a lobster redolent withshell and butter, the Opus One elevates the experience, conferring
its earthy notes of black cherry, cassis and a hint of chocolate,serving to set receptors alight with pleasure.
“The main thing about pairing wine with food is balance,” Wongobserves. “These days, chefs have become more creative thanartists and food has gone from fusion to confusion,” he jokes,
adding, “and because of this, the old rules of pairing wine (suchas white wines to white meat) no longer apply.” What is more
important, Wong emphasises, is knowing your ingredients andmethod of preparation. He offers the example of salmon served as
sashimi versus a grilled version. The latter style of cooking makes
the fish heavier and more pungent in taste and scent, requiring amore powerful wine to balance it out. Wong’s tip on getting thebest match? “Taste the wine, taste the dish and then taste thewine again. What you’re looking for is a change in the structure

In the present day, the label on the Opus One actually reflects theside profile of both its makers, a reminder of this fortuitous union of
geniuses. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot,
Malbec and Cabernet Franc was a cult wine of the 1990s that has
since become the coveted star of Californian reds. Its secret lies
simply in a complexity of aromas and elegance – much like how
William Shakespeare’s words have meant so much to so many inthe literary world. “It’s a very Bordeaux-style blend,” Wong notes,“with great potential for aging, even for 30 to 40 years.” At The
Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, guests will be pleased to discoverthat they need not wait that long to taste an aged Opus One, as
its wine cellar boasts a collection dating back to 1980, when thesecond vintage was released.
For Wong, the Rothschild influence goes further back to a 1955
Château Mouton Rothschild which he describes as a “mindblowing experience.” He remembers that it was the first wine thatreally impressed him to an extraordinary degree, with a softness
and elegance matched by super smooth tannins. “I had it at acompany dinner,” he says, adding that, “although it was only fiveof us.” Tasting it helped Wong appreciate how well a wine could
hold itself, retaining a structure and fruit profile even after three tofour decades.
Conversation then swung onto the inescapable topic of Asian food,a cuisine that Wong mentions actually goes very well with wine.
His recommendation? “A rosé from Provence with chicken rice isheaven.” What actually complicates the pairing is the presence ofchilli, which Wong says overpowers the subtleties of wine. Other
ingredients and condiments to avoid with wine are asparagus(which emits a strong acidity), garlic, egg and vinegar.
Over a frangipane tart with vanilla anglaise and honey-scented
mascarpone, the evening wraps up with wine stories, of Spain andits cornucopia of undiscovered and yet delicious varietals. Wong
recommends Mencia and Albariño.
Chen of Caldbeck Macgregor interjects to say that the wines
are great for personal consumption but have yet to attain therespectability for them to be brought to parties. The enigmatic
solution, according to Wong, is to wrap each bottle so only its
contents are appreciated. And, just like that, with the glorious tasteof the evening on palate and lips, the convivial session draws to aclose – a gastronomic and wine escape that refreshed the senses,
leaving one a bit misty-eyed and longing for more.

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life cuisine //spa life //Food For Life
Chef Martin Büchele of Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali serves up
healthy cuisine with heart.
Text Diana Khoo Photography Leon Bin Yee

The black volcanic sand beaches of Balimight seem a world away from Austria’s
pristine alpine valleys but, for Chef Martin
Büchele, it would seem he has foundhis oasis of life at last. “My parents
owned a restaurant in the mountains, inKleinwalsertal, and I remember having
to stand on a crate to be able to reachup and work the beer tap to earn pocket
money,” he laughs. “Ever since I could
remember, I’ve always wanted to be a cheflike my father.” Naturally, it didn’t surprise
his parents that the young Büchele sought
to sign up for hotel school once he wasold enough. “From Bludenz, I went on toapprentice in Lech, a famous Tyrolean ski
resort,” he says. “Since then, I’ve always
been fortunate to have worked in many
five-star properties.”
Slowly but surely, Büchele climbed up
the corporate ladder. He has worked his
way around the world – from Ireland to
Dubai to Malaysia and now Indonesia,
where he is the Executive Chef of the
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali. “I hada most interesting 10 years or so being
based in various locations all over the
globe, particularly in Dubai, where I had
to look after a restaurant that offered eight
different cuisines. But I soon realised I wasconsumed by my career. I wasn’t happy
and felt frustrated and generally stressedout all the time. I knew then that I was living
my life in the wrong direction.”
Austrian-born chef Martin Büchele
has found his balance in Bali.

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Things came to a head not long after, with
Büchele handing in his resignation papers.

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life cuisine //spa life //“Just like that, without any options,” hesays emphatically. “I just wanted to getaway.” Büchele decided to go on a longtrek through Asia, with Nepal as a required
stop. “I’d always had Nepal in my mind.
Some of my best memories were on avisit to the Rainbow Children’s Centre in
Pokhara, where the children there reallyopened up my heart,” he says with asmile. “I actually spent quite a lot of time
there, living in a monastery and studying
Bon Buddhism.”
It was while he was travelling throughCambodia that the call from Sharron
Hopley, the Resident Manager at the
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, camethrough. “We’d met each other in Kuala
Lumpur before and she asked if I could
come and help out for a short spell. So,
we met up and talked, and she also put
me in touch with (the renowned clairvoyant
and healer) Diana Manilova.”“Working with the Balinese is anamazing experience as they are likea mirror, reacting to your actions or
emotions so quickly. They pick up
on energies instantly!”

It was then that Büchele said hediscovered he was a monk in a past life.
He was led to believe that the path for him
in his current existence was to be either
a chef or a doctor. “It was a bit late forthe latter, so I chose to stick with cooking– but, now, focused on health,” he grins
at this revelation. His new focus on
creating dishes that heal and nourish has
also helped Büchele enrich and hone hismenus that are flavourful and bursting withgoodness. “Aside from Diana (the healer),I also work with Samuel Rogalasky, anamazing nutritionist who’s based in Perthand who created our juice menu. He’s averitable encyclopaedia and, together, we
work on menus and recipes to ensure ourguests eat well and work their way towards
rejuvenation through their daily meals,” hepoints out.
“Working with the Balinese is an amazing
experience as they are like a mirror,
reacting to your actions or emotions soquickly. They pick up on energies instantly!

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Here, I do my job but am also always
aware about (the need to) work on myinner peace and compassion. Only then, I
believe, can I make loving food – food withgood energy.”
Energy or prana is an element Büchele
considers to be of utmost importance.
“Diana has told me that my kitchen is my
temple and I work hard to keep it pure.
You won’t hear raised voices in my kitchen
and I even chant mantras as I cook. The
staff enjoy the atmosphere and I also
believe that when you cook with yourheart, success will come. There’s no needto push. Make space and the universe
will provide.”
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali's
Wantilan Restaurant offers theperfect setting for Chef Büchele's
healthy, flavourful cuisine.

Certainly, life as a health-minded chefseems positively idyllic at Tembok. “I amhappy here as I have time for work as well

as spiritual practice,” he says, smiling.
“With the sea right on my doorstep, there’s
also the chance to dive and snorkel when
I’m not working, and I do so enjoy meetingthe locals and sourcing produce fromthem. Who knows what the fisherman
might bring you in the morning? It’s usuallymahi-mahi, barracuda or Chinese mackerel
but, sometimes, a swordfish or tuna turns
up as well.”
Büchele also finds time to work the earth,tending to his organic herb garden, whichis replete with basil, lemongrass, kaffir
limes, aloe vera and cacao. “I even growdaun piduh, which is great for juices,and dalumen for jelly. It really is perfect
here. I see how my life is changing daily,
becoming more balanced and happieralong the way. Now, all I want is for ourguests to experience it as well.”

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life cuisine //Spiced Avocado

Seaweed and Crispy
Tofu Salad

Ingredients A: Spice Mix
10g cumin seeds
50g black peppercorns whole
100g coriander seeds whole
175g sesame seeds white
50g sesame seeds black
100g corn flakes (optional)
75g organic sea salt (fleur de sel)
5g chilli flakes

Ingredients A: Salad5g wakame seaweed, dried
150g carrots, peeled, grated roughly
2pc spring onion, washed, cut,julienned
100g bean sprouts, washed,dried on paper towel
1 bunch green coriander,
washed, plucked
Sea salt, black pepper andsesame seeds to taste

Ingredients B: Sambal Mantah
4pc shallots, peeled, julienned
3pc long chilli, seeds cleaned, julienned
1pc lemongrass, washed, chopped finely
2pc lime for juice
30ml extra virgin coconut oil
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Raw Vegetable UrabIngredients A: Salad
220g shredded coconut meat
150g long beans, cleaned,julienned
150g mung bean sprouts
150g yellow or red pepper,
julienned
150g white cabbage, julienned
100g carrot, peeled, julienned

Ingredients B: Sauce
150ml coconut water
1tbsp tamari (or any healthy sauce)
2tbsp honey1tbsp lemon juice
1tbsp kaffir lime leaves
1 clove garlic½ tsp fresh galangal / blue ginger,
peeled, chopped½ tsp fresh turmeric, peeled, chopped½ tsp ginger, peeled, chopped
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

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Ingredients C: Fish
200g red snapper or tenggiri filet
20g butter
5pc kaffir lime leaves
Method
1. Mix all vegetables in a bowl and keep
covered in the fridge until used.
2. Grind all ingredients for the sauce in amortar or spice grinder and marinate thevegetables 5 minutes before serving.
3. Clean the red snapper filet, debone andscore the skin with two lengthwise cuts tokeep it from curling in the pan. Season withsalt, pepper and lime juice.
4. In a hot non-stick pan, add a little extra
virgin coconut oil. Fry the fish on the skinside until golden brown and crispy.
5. Flip the fish, take off the head, and add
the chopped kaffir lime leaves and a pieceof butter. Let it rest until served.
6. Arrange the salad in a bowl or plate,with the fish on top and finish with grated
coconut and coriander leaves for garnish.

Method
1. In a dry, hot pan, individually toast
ingredients A and set aside for cooling.
2. Using the spice grinder attachmentof your blender or an electric coffee mill,coarsely blend the spices individually.
3. Roughly chop or pulse blend thecornflakes for extra crunch and texture on
the avocado.
4. Fold in the sea salt and chilli flakes. Storein an airtight container at room temperaturefor up to 3 months.
5. In a bowl, mix ingredients B together andfinish with salt, pepper and lime juice.
6. For serving, cut wedges from avocado,
peel and roll generously in the spice mixture.
7. Serve with crunchy green salad, friedchicken or pan-seared scallops.

Mango-Strawberry Salad

Ingredients A: Salad
2pc ripe mango, peeled, diced 1cm
500g strawberry, washed, cleaned, cut
into half
1 bunch mint leaves, washed, plucked
2pc limes for juice
1pc limes for zest

Ingredients B: Sesame Dressing
10g sesame seeds, roasted
50ml rice vinegar
2pc limes for juice
50ml ice water or 3 ice cubes
80ml extra virgin coconut oil
20ml dark sesame oil
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredients C: Tofu
500ml vegetable oil for frying
300g silky tofu
50ml tamari or soy sauce
20ml sesame oil
100g rice flour
Method
1. Soak the seaweed in cold water for 30
minutes and mix all the other vegetables.
Season with salt and pepper, marinate
with the dressing before serving and finish
with coriander leaves and roasted sesamefor garnish.
2. Combine ingredients B in a household
blender cup and blend until smooth. Keepin fridge until used.
3. Cut the tofu into bite-sized squares andmarinate with tamari and sesame oil for
30 minutes.
4. Heat the vegetable oil to 180°C.
5. Roll the tofu in rice flour and deep fry
until golden brown.

Ingredients B: Basil and Lime Sorbet
220ml fresh lime juice
250g honey
800ml water
1 bunch fresh basil, washed, plucked,
cut, julienned
Method
1. In a bowl, carefully combine ingredients A
and sprinkle some finely sliced mint and limezest into the mixture. Fill the mix in bowls orrock glass and refrigerate until used.
2. Boil the lime juice with water andadd some honey. Stir and cool to room
temperature.
3. Add the sliced basil and make sorbet in ahousehold ice cream maker or in a bowl in
the freezer. Stir every one hour.
4. Form round shapes with an ice cream
scoop or scrape from the bowl and arrange
them on top of the salad.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

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life’s moments //Truly Terengganu

Blessed with a long sandy coastline and an abundance ofgreen landscapes, Terengganu has so much more to offer
than just its natural tropical beauty. Discover the state’s
hidden spots, mesmerising nature and cultural wealth ascelebrated artist Chang Fee Ming shares his favourite sites inthis coastal haven he calls home.

A DAY AT THE MARKET

If you’re after a bit of culture
and tradition to bring awaywith you, Pasar Payang Kuala
Terengganu offers just that. Here,one can easily find a variety ofstalls that offers local delights like
dodol, tapai and lekor as well as
traditional colourful hand-painted
batik. This local market is a onestop for all the bits and pieces ofwhat Terengganu has to offer at anaffordable price.

GREEN BLISS

Located in Dungun, there is no better place that captures
the beauty of a shoreline of palm-fringed golden sands
than Tanjong Jara Resort. The resort’s architecture
is inspired by 17th-century Malay palaces and blends
elegantly with the natural surroundings of lush green
landscapes and pristine beaches. The view from therooms overlooking the South China Sea is really a sight tobehold. Overall, a perfect place to retreat to, combining
luxury, tranquility and cultural exploration throughnumerous activities available at the resort.

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Shop for local delights and snacks at
Pasar Payang Kuala Terengganu.

A TASTE OF TERENGGANU

Inject yourself with a dose of cultural vibrancy withauthentic Terengganu delicacies and cuisine atits best in this kampong style restaurant, Meka.
This humble store is one of my favourite places todine in as it offers not only a wide range of dishes
but also the freshest in terms of ingredients andcooked in the most authentic kampong styleflavours. I particularly recommend the local fishsoup, kuah singang, which combines a mixture ofsweet, sour and spicy flavours that come together
just right.

ALL-TIME Favourite

Keropok lekor (local fish rolls or sausages) is the ultimate snack in Terengganu. Fried or boiled, it
tastes scrumptious both ways. The coastal road to and from Dungun, where Tanjong Jara Resort
is located, is lined with numerous keropok lekor warungs (stalls).

A PYRAMID OF FISHY GOODNESSPak Nor is a great stopover for satar and otak otak,
which are Terengganu’s specialties. Satar is sweetand succulent, made out of fresh fish and wrappedin banana leaves and grilled to perfection. Otak otak,on the other hand, contains chunks of fish and has amore smouldering flavour. Both capture the essence ofTerengganu perfectly and are an ideal tea-time snackthat is addictive but not too filling.

HISTORIC BEAUTYThe Terengganu State Museum is nestled amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and covers
a total area of 27 hectares. The museum offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural
traditions of the state. It is touted as the largest museum complex in South-East Asia, housing
four main blocks ,an adjacent Maritime Museum and five traditional houses of architectural
marvel.

ENCHANTING BEAUTY

Hike your way through huge trees and up a shaded
path of concrete stairs to the 300m high Cemerung
Waterfall. This two-hour trek is worth it as the
spectacle of rapid water gushing from the mountainto the rock pool at the bottom is breathtaking. Also
known as Lata Cemeroh, this natural beauty isalso Terengganu’s tallest waterfall and is located in
Dungun. Mother Nature at its finest.

BATIK BEAUTY

Learn the art of batik painting offered exclusively forguests of Tanjong Jara Resort. A great way, indeed, tospend time in the beautiful surroundings of the resort
while learning about the local culture.

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

Nasi dagang is a traditional Terengganu breakfast
food made out of rice cooked in coconut milk anddrenched with fish curry. A must-have!

Born in Dungun,
Kuala Terengganu,
Chang Fee Ming is
one of Malaysia’s mostcelebrated names
in art. He has also
published a bookwith YTL Hotels, titled
Journey to Tembokwith Chang Fee Ming.