TREASURED PLACES,TREASURED MOMENTS

culturalcrossroads

Architectural icons abound near
The Hague Marriott Hotelweddedbliss

Get married in style atMonkey Island EstatescottishwarmthThe Glasshouse honours its
deep connection to whisky

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1:55 PMPOIS MOI & CLASSIQUE PARISIENNE COLLECTIONS | robertocoin.com

W W W. MY S T I Q U E-U N I V E R S A L .CO M
TEL: +603 2141 9669 - +603 2142 1669

Contents
Life on the
cover
16

The dreamy Monkey Island Estatein the English village of Brayis the perfect spot to host asummer wedding.

16

48
Life Feature
26

Dine at a restaurant that pays
tribute to the world’s oldest andfinest fish brand, Wheeler’s of
St James, at Threadneedles Hotel.

Life Events
14

30

Malaysian designer extraordinaire,
Lee Khoon Hooi, dazzles at the
Mercedes-Benz Kuala Lumpur
Fashion Week 2019.

30

14

Mend your body at the
21st-century homage to the
Roman bathhouse, located at
The Gainsborough Bath Spa.

34

The Academy Hotel offers anafternoon tea with an Asian twist
inspired by lauded Chinese author
Lao She’s novel, Mr Ma and Son.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

38

Scotch whisky, heritage and thelove of nature are powerful draws
at The Glasshouse, Edinburgh.
Cover Image
On her: dress by Charlie
Brear, ring and earrings
by Lily Flo Jewellery,and veil by Jesus Peiro.
On him: suit by Gianni
Feraud, shirt by Reiss andshoes by Ted Baker.

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38

Cultural and historicallandmarks are bountiful near
The Hague Marriott Hotel,
ripe for urban adventuring.

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Contents
Life Feature
52

The pleasures of a bygone era
live on at The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur, thanks to a modern
retelling of its colonial identity.

56

Trek an ancient trail that took two
million years to craft and reward
yourself with delicious Ipoh-stylecoffee at Pangkor Laut Resort’s
Hornbill Café.

60

Gaya Island Resort’s guests cantake part in the hotel’s rewarding
marine conservation efforts toprotect local sealife.

64

68

Strategically located Vistana
Hotels provides excellent value forbusiness meetings across Malaysia.

66

Hip and sophisticated social
spaces at Hotel Stripes
Kuala Lumpur make it a terrificvenue to host your next event.

68

Tanjong Jara Resort has everything
you need to explore Tenggol
Island, Peninsula Malaysia’s bestkept diving secret.

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The YTL Luxury Magazine

Achieve the toned physiqueof Tinseltown’s stars at the
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
with Hollywood’s hottest
celebrity workout and a range ofstate-of-the-art equipment.

76

Kristang cuisine at The Majestic
Malacca is complex and rich inspices, made using authentic local
recipes passed on from generation
to generation.

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Extraordinary encounters, unique healing practices, bespoke services. Anchored in the principle of honouring the healing culture of the region
with modern approaches to health and well-being, Spa Village is more than just a place...it is a philosophy. For a private consultation, pleasecontact the YTL Hotels Travel Centre at +60 3 2783 1000 or email travelcentre@ytlhotels.com to handcraft your experience.
YTL Hotels is involved in both the ownership and management of the Spa Village brand in United Kingdom, China, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Contents
80

An elegant afternoon tea
awaits at Cameron Highlands
Resort, featuring region-famous
strawberries and fine teas.

84

Chinese weddings are a specialityof The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur,with a dedicated Wedding Butler
to take care of your every desire.

88

The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui’s
dining venues ensure that you’ll
never go hungry on vacation.

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90

Niseko Village welcomes thesummer solstice through festivals
centred around great weather.

94

Discover world-class coffee
culture and artistic displays
within walking distance of
The Melbourne Marriott Hotel.

98

Get in tune with yourself at
Spa Village Resort Tembok,
Bali, with gorgeous sights and aplethora of authentic experiences.

94

life Moments
102

The YTL Luxury Magazine

There’s much to eat, do andsee at the picturesque town ofSaint Tropez on the French Riviera.
Learn what to put on your bucket
list when staying at one of
MUSE Saint Tropez’s unique suites.

Portfolioof Life
108

102

The world of YTL Hotels.

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Editor-in-chief

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

editorial

art

Editor Tien Chew (t.chew@imv.com.sg)
Chief Sub-Editor Jacqueline Danam

Project Art Director Shabir Mahmood
Picture Editor Kenny Nguyen
Designer Thao Truong

production

Production Director Anna Tsirelnikova
Production Manager Hilal Shahrul

contributors
Jade Kandilis, Jason Tan, June Mong-Loftin, Renyi Lim, Sam Yen, Sasha George, Wan Phing Lim

production
Prepress: Far East Offset
Printer: Percetakan Zanders Sdn Bhd (205766A)
16 Jalan BK 1/11, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

advertising sales and marketing

Sales Manager Xana Lai (x.lai@imv.com.sg)
Sales Manager Phoon Qian Yu (qy.phoon@imv.com.sg)
Accountant Michelle Koh (m.koh@imv.com.sg)

president

Michael von Schlippe

published by

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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

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

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A Note from Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeohcontemporary 77-room hotel with thefacade of a free church built in 1846 by
the compassionate Lady Glenorchy.
The Glasshouse’s suites are named
after famous whisky distilleries andregions, reflecting the hotel’s deep
connection to the spirit of Scotland,
while The Snug offers the perfectplace to cosy up to the fireplace witha dram.

H

eritageisaprecious gift that
we should not
overlook. We canlearn much fromthe past, buildingon the knowledgeof our forefathers and preserving
our cultural identity through modernmeans. YTL Hotels embraces thisethos in everything that we do,whether it’s enjoying a cup of Ipohstyle coffee at the award-winning
Pangkor Laut Resort’s new Hornbill
Café or taking part in one of Niseko
Village’s many summer festivals.
This issue celebrates Edinburgh’s richhistory through The Glasshouse, aMonkey Island Estate, our sevenacre private island hotel in the villageof Bray with a legacy dating back to
the 12th century, was once a respite
for monks, royalty and showbiz
celebrities. Today, the botanicalwisdom of the monks lives on throughthe tipples that grace our bars and oursignature rejuvenating treatments at
the Floating Spa, the first of its kind on
the River Thames.
Back in Malaysia, The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur carries its colonialcharm into the 21st century. The
hotel’s original building that opened
in 1932 has been lovingly restored as
The Majestic Wing, boasting suites
that come with a 24-hour butler
service. Traditional recipes ensure
our restaurants offer unique dining
experiences that evoke the nostalgia
of a bygone era.
There’s much to discover at any oneof our hotels around the globe, andwe invite you to come celebrate thepast with us by enjoying the present
through the art of living.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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26/06/2019 3:14 PM2ndlife eventsA newawakening
Malaysian designer extraordinaire,
Lee Khoon Hooi, gives YTL Life an insider’slook at his Mercedes-Benz Kuala Lumpur
Fashion Week 2019 show.
Words Renyi Lim

Photo by soophye

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is the official
hotel and dining partner of Mercedes-Benz
Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2019.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Photo by soophye

Three looks from the
Khoon Hoi autumn/winter2019 collection.
Facing page:
Malaysian fashion designer
Khoon Hoi has received
several fashion accolades,
including the
Mercedes-Benz Stylo
Fashion Forward Award.

“T

here’s always a story
behind our catwalk show,”
Lee Khoon Hooi tells me.
“The first look represents
theentirecollection,although it’s never too
heavy, and then we progress to simple, easierpieces in the middle. Towards the end, we start
to come out with our evening dresses, just to
wow people as they appear.”We’re at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
discussing his recent appearance at the
Mercedes-Benz Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week
2019. The illustrious event featured prominentinternational names such as Venezuelan fashion

powerhouse Carolina Herrera. Khoon Hooi, ofcourse, flew the flag for Malaysia alongsideother local designers including Justin Yap andBrian Khoo, with a show that took its cues fromthe concept of a modern Renaissance.
“I’d just brought my autumn/winter 2019
collection back from Paris in March, so this was
an opportunity to launch it locally,” he explains.
“I called it Modern Renaissance because I
wanted to explore the silhouette of Renaissancefashion while keeping those classic Khoon Hooilines and looks. It’s common knowledge that
Renaissance garments and dresses had a lotof things going on at once, so my team and I
narrowed down the details and explored certain
parts – the colours, the poofy sleeves, thebeading – so that modern-day women would
still be able to love wearing the pieces, rather
than treating them as costumes.”
Equally as interesting was Khoon Hooi’s use of
textured fabrics, such as brocade, and origami
folding that gives plain material a voluminous
three-dimensional effect.
“It’s fun yet classic, being able to bring theold Renaissance to the modern world,” says thedesigner, who established his label in 1999. “Ibelieve the simple silhouette, combined withmore structural pieces, will really appeal towomen, and the fact that you can pair single
pieces together and dress them up or down. In
the end, it’s about how you play with it.”15
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25/06/2019 3:40 PM3rdlife on the coverOn her: dress by Jesus Peiro,
ring by Lily Flo Jewellery andearrings by YES.
On him: suit by Savile Row, shirt
and tie by Hawes & Curtis, shoes
by Ted Baker and ring by YES.

Sunshine ofyour love
The YTL Luxury Magazine

dreamy monkey island estate in bray,a picturesque destination on the river thames
set across seven acres, is the perfect place
to get married in the summer months.
Words Tien Chew
Photography Emma-Jane Lewis
Styling Paulina Gzik

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On her: dress by Audrey Ashley
Couture, earrings by
Lily Flo Jewellery and headpieceby Jesus Peiro.
On him: suit by Gianni Feraud
and shirt by Reiss.

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3rdlife on the cover

The YTL Luxury Magazine

On her: dress by Jesus Peiro, ringsand earrings by Lily Flo Jewellery,and headpiece by Dolecka.
On him: suit by Marc Darcy, shirt
by Reiss and bowtie by Savile Row.

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3rdlife on the coverOn her: dress by Audrey Ashley
Couture, jewellery by Lily Flo
Jewellery, headpiece by Dolecka,
and shoes by Paradox London.
On him: suit and shoes by
Ted Baker, shirt by Hackett, tie byHenry Bucks and ring by YES.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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3rdlife on the cover

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3rdlife on the cover

The YTL Luxury Magazine

On her: dress by Jesus Peiro, ringand earrings by Lily Flo Jewellery,and headpiece by Dolecka.
On him: suit by Sartoria Trenti,
shirt by Hackett and bow tie bySaville Row.

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3rdlife on the cover

The YTL Luxury Magazine

On her: dress and headpieceby Jesus Peiro.
On him: suit by Moss London, shirt
by Hackett, bow tie by Savile Row
and shoes by George Webb.

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3rdlife on the cover

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3rdlife on the coverHair and make-up artist: Naomi Holdsworth
Flowers: Elle Sargant

The YTL Luxury Magazine

On her: dress by Jesus Peiro, ringand earrings by Lily Flo Jewellery,and headpiece by Dolecka.
On him: suit by Jaeger, shirt by
Hackett and tie by Ted Baker.

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Dining likethe greats

Wheeler’s of St James at
Threadneedles Hotel is the world’s
oldest and finest fish brand,
enduring the test of time thanks to
its excellent seafood.
Words TIEN CHEW

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Savour a grand feast at Marco Pierre White’s Wheeler’s of St James’s Oyster Bar & Grill Room.

W

ith its high ceilings,
elegant mix of woodand white walls and
plush
red
chairs,Wheeler’s of St Jamesat Threadneedles Hotelis a relative newcomer to the historic centre andcentral business district of the City of London. The
restaurant and oyster bar occupies a corner ofwhat was once an important bank, with portraitsof charismatic chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre
White adorning the establishment’s walls.

to start with, as is a surprising surf-and-turf duo ofseared scallops and black pudding finished withcauliflower puree and crisp pancetta.
Nothing quite satisfies like the restaurant’s
legendary fish and chips, an iconic London treat.
The flaky and juicy haddock has an irresistible
crispy texture and is paired with creamy peas andtangy sauce tartare.
Dover sole is another dish that will vie foryour attention, either grilled in classic British
fashion and served with shallots, capers, pickled
cucumber, à la forestiere with wild mushrooms or

White has breathed new life into “the world’s
oldest and finest fish brand” by adding
contemporary touches to classic seafood dishes.
à la grenobloise with shrimps. Even the humble
steak receives luxe treatment, aged for 35 days
for a more flavourful punch and matched withtriple-cooked chips, roasted vine tomatoes andthe option to add grilled oysters.
For a fitting end to your meal, choose an
English classic – Eton mess – a delicious mix ofstrawberries, meringue and cream.
For more information, please visit
www.hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

Harumi Suzuki

The YTL Luxury Magazine

White has breathed new life into “the world’s
oldest and finest fish brand” – it was establishedin 1856 – by adding contemporary touches toclassic seafood dishes.
Business executives and gastronomes patronise
the restaurant today, while prominent personalities
the likes of artists Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud,
as well as Walt Disney, have also enjoyed its farein days past.
Flavourful Colchester oysters served with aglass of fine bubbly are an excellent combination

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Harumi Suzuki

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Being
Bathsheba
Bathing as a ritual has beenwatermarked into the story ofhumankind for more than 5,000
years, a heritage exemplified at
Spa Village Bath.
Words June Mong-loftin

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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life feature

hen we talk aboutbathing, we might thinkof the story of David
spying on Bathsheba,
David Hockney’s pool
painting or Cleopatra’s
bath of donkey’s milk. Bathing plays a critical rolein the story of humankind, with four important
cornerstones relating to hygiene, religious
purification, aquatherapy and social interaction.
The thermal springs of the city of Bath (known as
Aquae Sulis in Roman times) offers us a classic
example of Roman bathing culture, where a bath
was a hub for exercise, relaxation and socialising.
The Spa Village at The Gainsborough Bath Spa
is the new guardian of the area’s famous thermal
spring waters and its traditions, designed arounda complex circuit of rooms and spaces. This luxury
21st-century homage to the Roman bathhousestarts with a pre-treatment self-guided 45-minutecircuit. This includes relaxing in a pool warmed to
40 degrees Celsius, a visit to either the infraredor traditional sauna, and a lavender ice rubdown
before you’re free to relax in the thermal pool.
The exfoliating scrub treatments at the spa evenmake use of the modern version of the Roman

The Spa Village at the Gainsborough Bath Spa is
the new guardian of the area’s famous thermal
spring waters and its traditions, designed arounda complex circuit of rooms and spaces.
strigil (an ancient instrument used for cleansing
the skin), but it is the spa’s two signature water
therapies that offer deep relaxation. Aquasana
is an intense movement class done in thermal
waters that combines strength-building andcardiovascular activities. Bringing together thebest of two worlds, Aquasana employs yoga
asanas to promote flexibility and the tai-chi form
for balance. Freedom, however, is a water therapy
session tailored to your needs. Your body will besupported by your therapist as you lie submergedin water, taking advantage of the fact that being
weightless releases tension.
Spa Village Bath proudly continues the ageold healing tradition of bathing rituals aroundthe world, like the Japanese onsen, the Koreanjjimjilbang, the Ottoman and Moroccan hammam,
the Finnish sauna, the native American sweat
lodge and the Russian banya. But I believe thatno greater culture has harnessed a more effective
system of bathing than the one that the principlesof the Spa Village are guided by, that of theancient Romans.

Spa Village Bath gently supports the brand’s philosophy of
honouring the healing traditions of the region.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

To book your therapy session, please visit
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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Mr Ma at The
Academy Hotel
For an afternoon tea with Asian flavours,
try Chinese egg tarts paired with the springtime
flavours of Jade Sword green tea from Hunan.
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2nd

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Words June Mong-Loftin

Flower Show. This chimes perfectly with Mr Ma’s
love of the floral blooms he observed in Regent’s
Park and Hyde Park, remarking in the novel on the“deep red fuchsias” and “pale blue hydrangeas
laughing in the sun”.
Created in partnership with fine tea purveyor
Jing Tea, Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea offers a delectablefusion menu of classic English teas such as assam
from India, earl grey and English breakfast, as wellas fine Chinese teas like the Jade Sword green tea
and oolong tea.
For an afternoon tea with Asian flavours, there
are Chinese egg tarts paired with the sweet
springtime flavours of Jade Sword green tea
from Hunan. Ginger and cinnamon scones go
exceptionally well with a pot of amber-huedand fruity oolong tea. And if you’re feeling extra
thirsty, the afternoon can always be decadently
rounded off with a cocktail from The Academy’s
Gin Afternoon Tea menu.
Jing Tea has also crafted a unique tea called
Mr Ma’s Special Blend for The Academy thatwould make Mr Ma and his son feel right at homein Bloomsbury.
For more information, please visit
www.theacademyhotel.co.uk

Harumi Suzuki

The YTL Luxury Magazine

he British singer Sting may have
had a hit with his 1987 song An
Englishman in New York, but there
was no one to ‘sing’ about the
Chinese in London at the turn ofthe century until 2013. It was thenthat William Dolby translated the 1929 novel,
Mr Ma and Son, written by Lao She for Penguin
Classics. He was one of the most important
Chinese authors of the 20th-century, best known
for his 1937 working-class novel Rickshaw Boy.
However, when Lao She came to London in 1924
to teach Mandarin at the School of Oriental
Studies, his experiences in England inspired him
to write three novels in Chinese. One of them was
Mr Ma and Son, which tells the story of how thetitular protagonist was bequeathed a curio shop
near St Paul’s Cathedral by his late brother. His
son sailed with him from China to England andthey lived in rented lodgings in Bloomsbury near
the British Museum to try and settle into life in
Roaring Twenties London as shopkeepers.
The Academy Hotel in Bloomsbury, a member of
Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has introduced
a teatime concept inspired by the protagonist
of Lao She’s novel. Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea waslaunched on the same day as the RHS Chelsea

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2nd

Mr Ma and his son lived in rented lodgings in Bloomsbury
near the British Museum to try and settle into lifein Roaring Twenties London as shopkeepers.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Harumi Suzuki

This and facing pages:
Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea artfully
combines Chinese sweet treats
with classic British fare.

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An idyllic
Scottish summer
The Glasshouse, Edinburgh has a deep
connection to the city, its landmarks andgreater Scottish heritage, including whisky.
Words Tien Chew

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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The rooms and suites at The Glasshouse offer some of the most dramatic views in Edinburgh.

I
The YTL Luxury Magazine

t’s easy to fall in love with the Scottish
capital that is Edinburgh when you arestanding atop the historical Calton Hillduring the golden hour. From the top of
this UNESCO World Heritage site, themajestic Edinburgh Castle sits mightily to
the west, its presence made more prominent by
the sun’s dramatic orange hues. To the north rests
the Royal Yacht Britannia, gazing contemplatively
at the North Sea. Setting your sights southeast
brings Arthur’s Seat into view, an extinct volcano
and popular hiking destination 251 metres above
sea level.
Edinburgh is a city at the crossroads of past andpresent, renowned for its famed Georgian town
planning which led to its New Town being referred
to as the Athens of the North. It has over 4,500
listed heritage buildings at present. Modernity’s
influence on the capital has thankfully left its
charm and 18th-century architecture intact, wherebuildings like The Glasshouse weave Scottish
heritage and culture into their newfound identity.
The hotel’s facade is that of a 19th-century

church, lovingly preserved to showcase thebuilding’s origins. In the present day, the 77-room
Glasshouse is part of the Marriott’s AutographCollection and is set right in the heart of the city,
25 minutes from the airport.

A Celebration Of Identity

The Glasshouse sits at the bottom of Calton
Hill, which was originally the site of a freechurch built in 1846 by the compassionate Lady
Glenorchy. Today, the hotel’s exterior still has the
grand appearance of a Gothic church, but a cool
contemporary reception area quickly pulls you
back to the present.
The Glasshouse proudly celebrates that
Scottish gift to the world – whisky – with 17
plush suites named after famous Scottish whisky
distilleries the likes of The Macallan, Glenkinchie
and Dalwhinnie or notable whisky regions suchas Islay, Speyside and so forth. Top-floor rooms
and suites boast either direct access to the hotel’s
tranquil rooftop garden or close-up views of Leith
Walk, Edinburgh’s buzzy entertainment district

Today, the hotel’s exterior still has the
grand appearance of a Gothic church.
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At the heart of
The Glasshouse is
The Snug, aptly named
as a comforting lounge,
complete with aninviting open fire pit.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea or a seasonal all-day dining menu at The Snug.

with bars, restaurants and a theatre. The two-acrerooftop garden offers uninterrupted, sweeping
views of Calton Hill and a relaxing space to clear
the mind, making it popular for small weddings
and intimate celebrations.
At the heart of The Glasshouse is The Snug,
aptly named as a comforting lounge, completewith an inviting open fire pit. Here, rare andcoveted whiskies take the limelight, with over 150
bottles to choose from, 140 of which are single
malt. Cast a wider net and order a tasting flightof whiskies to cosy up next to the fire with as theevening sets in.
Tom Gibson, The Glasshouse’s General Manager,
recommends The Cally 40 Year Old as an ideal
dram to savour at The Snug. “It was producedby Edinburgh’s now extinct local distillery The
Caledonian, once the largest distillery of its kindin Scotland. Not only are there limited amounts
left available, but for a grain whisky to have been
aged for 40 years is incredibly uncommon. We are
but a handful of bars in Scotland who stock it,”he says. “The Laphroiag 27 Year Old is anotherworld-class example, demonstrating the impact
ageing can have on the flavour of a whisky. The
idiosyncratic medicinal notes that this whisky isrenowned for give way to a complex, yet smooth,and luxurious dram. The 27 Year Old has also been
discontinued, making it very rare to come across.”

From Nosing To Dining

Harumi Suzuki

The YTL Luxury Magazine

To go with your favourite dram, The Snug offersa mix of Scottish and international favourites. For
lighter options, haggis bonbons are served withwhisky sauce and a rocket salad, while caramelised
apple and black pudding sausage rolls make for
decadent bites to pair with your Scotch.
If you’re feeling ravenous, go for the surreal
Ox and Venison burger, where five ounces ofminced Scottish steak meet five ounces ofhighland venison in a double-patty extravaganza,
sandwiched between fluffy toasted buns.
To balance things out, the vegetable plattercomes with a selection of charred crudités, sundried tomatoes and marinated roasted peppers

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In the mornings, The Brasserie offers acontinental breakfast spread, with a selectionof à la minute dishes including the full Scottish
breakfast – traditional haggis, blood pudding,eggs, sausage, bacon, potato cake, tomato andmushrooms. In summer, when the weather is fairer
and warmer, The Glasshouse offers an afternoon
picnic at the rooftop garden, complete with thetrimmings. Sip on a refreshing cocktail before
tucking into Scotch eggs, cold cut sandwiches,
quiches, cheeses and jellied fruit while basking inthe sun.

Harumi Suzuki

A 350-year-old
national treasure of
Scotland, theRoyal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh is set inmore than
70 beautifully
landscaped acres.

There’s nothing quite like the Scottish
countryside during the summer, where beautiful
fields of rapeseed flowers and historicalarchitectural landmarks dot the land. And the best
way to experience this is with a private excursion,
one which allows you to discover Edinburgh andbeyond at your own pace. For this, The Glasshousehas partnered with local institutions like the Royal
Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Deanston Distillery
to offer unique adventures.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Sights, Sounds & Whisky

The Royal Botanic Experience is exactly what
it sounds like, enticing to nature lovers. The
experience begins with an overnight stay in
The Glasshouse’s Calton Hill suite and a hearty
breakfast, before embarking on a private tour of
the 70-acre Royal Botanic Gardens.
At the gardens, the experience includes entry
to 10 glasshouses of different climate zones, inwhich over 3,000 plants from around the world
are found. Upon your return, afternoon tea withscones, sandwiches, tarts and a variety of sweet
treats awaits, with an optional gin cocktail.
The Elite Whisky Experience, on the other hand,is a whisky connoisseur’s dream come true. The
grandest suite in The Glasshouse – the 92 square
metre Islay suite – is yours for two nights, with adram of whisky from the suite’s namesake region
to commemorate the occasion.
A seven-course whisky tasting dinner is also on
the agenda, with the freedom to dine privately inyour room or at the hotel’s garden.
Over the next two days, guests will visit selected
whisky distilleries, inclusive of a bespoke tour andlunch. Back at the hotel, a three-course dinner
in the Brasserie or The Snug completes the Elite
Whisky Experience.

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At Queensferry just outside Edinburgh, one canadmire The Three Bridges, a trio of icons signifying
Scotland’s progress from 1890 to the present.
Visiting established distilleries might seem likean attractive choice, but younger manufacturers
can be just as rewarding. Deanston, establishedin 1966 in the Highland single malt region, is only
an hour from The Glasshouse. The distillery’s
ambassadors, like Garry Ford, echo this youthfulspirit, with warehouse tours that feel relaxed andencourage conversations. “When I’m here, I don’teven feel like I’m working to be honest,” jokes
Ford, as he extracts whisky from a barrel labelled‘organic’. “This is one of the best whiskies wehave ever made. The wood used for this is whiteoak, but it’s seasoned by dark Fino sherry, giving
this organic whisky its amazing colour.” With

pleasant notes of chocolate and stewed fruit on
the nose, Deanston Organic 2002 has a mild oily
finish that continues to evolve the longer it stays
on the palate.
On the way back to Edinburgh, other landmarks
worth a visit include Stirling Castle and Linlithgow
Palace, which were the main abodes of Scottish
monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries. At
Queensferry just outside Edinburgh, one canadmire The Three Bridges, a trio of icons signifying
Scotland’s progress from 1890 to the present.
For more information, please visit
www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk

The YTL Luxury Magazine
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The YTL Luxury Magazine

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25/06/2019 3:32 PM2ndlife featurecity of peaceand harmony
The Hague in South Holland
is an international city with plenty ofhistory and culture to offer.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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Hold an outdoor cocktail reception in The Hague Marriott Hotel’s spacious private garden,
which is ideal for corporate parties.

Words Wan Phing Lim

A

The YTL Luxury Magazine

played host to many renowned global figures.
The Hague Marriott Hotel is also within walking
distance of the World Forum Convention Centre
and a short drive from Madurodam park, with its
scale models of famous landmarks. Its long history
in internationalism makes The Hague a mecca ofinternational law, global governance and security
as enshrined in the city’s coat of arms, Vrede en
Recht (Peace and Justice). Indeed, it is the only
judicial centre of the United Nations outside New
York City as it seats the International Court ofJustice and the International Criminal Court.
With rooms on higher floors overlooking thebeautiful cityscape, it is easy to admire the leafy
avenues of the city. The capital, Amsterdam, isonly 50 minutes away by train or car and makes
for a perfect day trip to explore its world-famous
canals and historic landmarks like the Anne FrankHouse, Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum
containing the works of Dutch masters Rembrandt
and Vermeer.

long the coast of the North Sea
lies The Hague, the third largest
city in the Netherlands andthe time-honoured seat of the
Dutch government. With a long
history of princedom, royalty,
government and diplomacy, The Hague is one of
The Netherlands’ most vibrant townships, famed
as a parliamentary city full of culture and heritage.
The Hague Marriott Hotel is situated a mere
10 minutes away from many landmarks, like the13th-century Binnenhof (House of Parliament),
Noordeinde Palace (one of the three official
palaces of the Dutch royal family) and Peace Palace,
whose library houses some of the world’s largest
collections of international, public and private
law research.
With 306 modern rooms that exude comfort
with excellent service, The Hague Marriott Hoteloverlooks the lush Park Sorghvliet, where theofficial residence of the Prime Minister of theNetherlands is located. With an executive lounge,business centre and meeting rooms that canaccommodate up to 700 guests, the hotel has

For more information please visit
marriot.com

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The Hague Marriott Hotel is situated a mere 10 minutes
away from many landmarks, like the 13th-century
Binnenhof, Noordeinde Palace and Peace Palace.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Above:
Binnenhof & Ridderzaal (Inner Court& Hall of the Knights) has a visitor
centre detailing the history of Dutch
democracy and governance.
Right:
take a guided tour of The Hague’s
Peace Palace, located minutes fromthe hotel.

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The YTL Luxury Magazine

The pleasuresof a bygone era
Rest, eat and play at The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur, a national heritage icon steepedin early 20th-century British colonial charm.
Words Tien Chew

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here’s a certain charm to the way
things were done in Kuala Lumpur
back when the British played a partin shaping the country during the
19th and 20th centuries. The centre
for glamorous social events when
it opened in 1932, the 51-room Hotel Majestic,
as it was known then, satisfied the demands ofcontemporary society. Sunday curry tiffin lunches
and afternoon tea parties were the norm during
the day, but at night, cocktails and star-studded
acts captured guests’ attention. Today, The
Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur expands the Hotel
Majestic’s size and scope while preserving its
colonial ties.
Designated as a national heritage site under
the Malaysian Antiquities Act, the original Hotel
Majestic lives on as The Majestic Wing, a fully
restored five-storey section of the hotel with suites
that boast a 24-hour butler service. Rooms echo
the original property’s luxurious art deco nuanceswith timber flooring, plush carpets, and black andwhite tiled bathrooms with claw-footed bathtubs.
The newer Tower Tower Wing, which houses 253
guestrooms and suites, is a more modern take,complementing the original building with its own
contemporary vibe.
At The Colonial Café, traditional recipes ensure
dishes the likes of prawn cocktail, mulligatawny
soup, Hainanese chicken chop and boiled beef,
are cooked just the way British officers enjoyed
them. At midday, the same officers working in thetin mines and tea and rubber plantations would
often take an essential afternoon tea break, a
tradition still honoured at The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur’s Tea Lounge and Orchid Conservatory.
During dinner, musical renditions from local
legends The Solianos enliven the atmosphere.
Celebrate the art of living at The Smoke House,a two-storey building embodying the delicious
decadence of the 1930s. Here, vintage cocktails
like Gin Pahit and single malt whiskies serve associal lubricants at the lounge and bar, manned by
the personable Johnnie The Barman. There’s also
an intimate cigar room for quiet conversations,
replete with smoking jackets, a private dining
room with its own on-call chef, and a grooming
room for today’s discerning gentlemen.

Above:
the 47 luxurious suites in the Majestic Wing exude old world elegance.
Below:
the Bar at The Smoke House serves exceptional vintage cocktails and single malt whiskies.

Harumi Suzuki

The YTL Luxury Magazine

For more information, please visit
www.majestickl.com

the original Hotel Majestic
lives on as The Majestic Wing.
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At The Colonial Café, traditional recipes ensure dishes
are cooked just the way British officers enjoyed them.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Harumi Suzuki

The Colonial Café offers authentic classical cuisine from the halcyon days of the colonial era.

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Ken Lim / Momenz Creation

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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a walk anda brew
The new Hornbill Café at Pangkor Laut Resort
is a fitting flourish to a nature trail thattook two million years to craft.
Words Kenneth Tan

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Ken Lim / Momenz Creation

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The quaint Hornbill Café is located at the base of the Hill Villas.

berries) and Robusta (a nutty, caramel blend forextra perk), with the beans specially roasted andpacked for use by Pangkor Laut Resort. Anotherrefreshing elixir is Jungle Spritz, a delicious
combination of iced green tea and lemongrass, agreat way to segue into your nature ramble which
begins in the café’s vicinity.
For guests, Aris – the resort’s naturalist – offers
an option of a steady 30-minute walk across thenorthern island or a one-hour trek through 2,400
metres of rainforest across the island’s south,
which finishes at Emerald Bay, so named for its
shimmering waters. Throughout the walk, thenaturalist highlights various indigenous plant
species that have thrived in the forest’s nearpristine state; from immensely useful rattan trees
to the red-listed 30 metre Keruing tree.
Back at Hornbill Café, an occupied nestingbox guarantees the sighting of a male hornbill
returning with food. In a similar vein, should
hunger pangs strike the viewer of this wildlife
rhapsody, the Café offers teatime treats suchas passion fruit and pandan financiers, marble
brownies and calamansi tea cakes, created by
the resorts’ own pastry team. Here, the aromasof the coffee mingle with the verdant scent of
the outdoors, a promise fulfilled of an afternoon
spent witnessing some of the animal kingdom’sfinest theatre.
For more information please visit
pangkorlautresort.com

Ken Lim / Momenz Creation

The YTL Luxury Magazinen the private island sanctuarythat is Pangkor Laut Resort, its
rainforest – which evolved overan estimated two million years –has become home to a diversityof flora and fauna including two
protected wildlife species: the Great Hornbill
and Sunda pangolin. The virgin rainforest is acontinual source of wonder for guests venturing
out of their commodious villas, with majestic
hornbills arcing through the air and white-bellied
sea eagles gliding overhead.
Here, amongst the 300 acres of sandy beaches
and lush hilly interiors, the villas of Pangkor LautResort are artfully designed to blend into thenatural landscape, be it among the bountiful
greenery or following the curvature of its bays
and coves. For guests of the Hill Villas, the trail
to their rooms necessarily leads them to thecentral elevator, which ascends 20 metres before
depositing them beneath the rainforest canopy
where their villas are situated.
At the base of the villas, one finds the quaintHornbill Café, a recent introduction to the island.
This café promises lazy, contemplative afternoons
over a cup of java, served in the authentic style ofthe coffee shops located in Ipoh on the mainland.
This style of white or black coffee is made all themore flavourful with the customary addition ofcondensed milk, conferring a creamy consistency.
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Authentic Ipoh-stylecoffee, restful nooks
and hornbill sightings– what more could one
ask for on a relaxing
vacation?

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Ken Lim / Momenz Creation

at Hornbill Café,an occupied
nesting box
guarantees thesighting of a male
hornbill returningwith food.

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The YTL Luxury Magazine

hatchinga grand plan
The Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre,
the cradle of marine conservation in
East Malaysia, shares a slice of its
valuable underwater initiatives.
Words Jade Kandilis

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Gaya Island Resort’s resident marine biologist, Scott Mayback, operates a turtle rescue programme that sees to the rescue,
rehabilitation and release of sea turtles that the resort receives from the Sabah Wildlife Department.

S
The YTL Luxury Magazineabah, fondly known as the Land Below
the Wind, is regarded as a mystical
gem east of Peninsular Malaysia.
Its capital city Kota Kinabalu is thegateway to tropical islands shrouded
by rainforest and surrounded bygorgeous marine life thanks to their geographicalvantage. Locals are a melting pot of cultures; aculmination of indigenous tribes and migrants
hailing from a storied past.
Just a few kilometres offshore from Kota
Kinabalu is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
Pulau Gaya, the largest island among a clusterof five within that park, is home to Gaya Island
Resort, a luxury resort intent on honouring natureand preserving its marine wildlife.
Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre is committed
to three conservation pillars: turtle rescue,coral reef restoration and conservation througheducation. Guests of the resort can observe
the dedicated team at work or participate in

the varied programmes, which range fromlearning about the rescue, rehabilitation andrelease of sea turtles, to engaging in coral reeftransplant and getting involved in the centre’s
outreach activities.
Since its launch, Gaya Island Marine Centre
has rescued, treated and rehabilitated numerous
green sea turtles and endangered Hawksbill
turtles under the observant eye of its resident
marine biologist, Scott Mayback.
The centre also hosts a coral nursery where theharvest of coral fragments takes place before
they are returned to natural reefs. It’s a move to
rejuvenate the increasingly fragile ecosystem.
Through its Marine Centre, Gaya Island
Resort has fully embraced its proactive role,spearheading conservation programmes topreserve the beauty of its natural surroundings.
For more information, please visit
gayaislandresort.com

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Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre is committed
to three conservation pillars:
turtle rescue, coral reef restorationand conservation through education.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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befitting businessstandards
Vistana hotels across Malaysia are the ideal
locale to hold business conferences andmeetings in practical comfort.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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25/06/2019 3:20 PM2ndlife featureVistana Hotels are SITUATED IN close proximity
to the energetic business districts ofKuala Lumpur, Penang and Kuantan.

All three Vistana properties have everything you needto make your event a resounding success.

istana Hotels are Malaysia’s value businesshotels, ideally situated in close proximity
to the energetic business districts ofKuala Lumpur, Penang and Kuantan. A
five-minute drive to Putra World Trade
Centre (PWTC) and a two-minute walkto Titiwangsa Monorail Station, Vistana Kuala Lumpur
Titiwangsa features 12 meeting rooms and a 330-person
versatile banquet room that can cater for all industries
and functions.
Up north, Vistana Penang Bukit Jambul is only a 10-minutedrive to Penang International Airport, the Bayan Lepas Free
Trade Zone and SPICE Convention Centre – making it suitable
for seminars, exhibitions or company dinners with its array of

10 meeting rooms and a 500-seat pillarless ballroom. On theeast coast, Vistana Kuantan City Centre is ideal for corporate
events thanks to its convenient location for businesses in theIndera Mahkota Industrial Area and Gebeng Industrial Area.
Its variety of seven meeting rooms and a 480-seat ballroom
befit international standards.
With free Wi-Fi throughout the premises, a 24-hourbusiness centre, grab-and-go coffee bar, comfortable rooms
and, most importantly, brisk and efficient service, each event
is sure to be a success. Our meeting planners are ever readyto assist you with Vistana’s vibrance, verve and values.
For more information please visit
www.vistanahotels.com

The YTL Luxury Magazine

V

Words Wan Phing Lim

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The spacebetween us
The YTL Luxury Magazine

A brilliant combination of hip,sophisticated social spaces witha slick inner-city vibe makes
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur aterrific venue at which to planand host your next event.
Words Renyi Lim

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Within Hotel
Stripes are fiveversatile event
spaces, whichrange from threemeeting studios tothe snug and man
tao rooftop bar.

garden also offers a unique Sizzling
Sunday barbecue every week.
Best of all, you don’t have to be
an expert at organising events as
Hotel Stripes’ dedicated professionals
will work closely with you to ensure
your event runs smoothly. Just think of
it as an inspiring, multifunctional space
where the only limit is your imagination.
For more information, please visit
www.stripeskl.com

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Any event heldat Hotel Stripes
Kuala Lumpur isbound to be a memorable
success thanks to its arrayof unique spaces and theprofessional services of
its dedicatedevents team.

xperienced event organisers – evennon-professional ones – will no
doubt agree that when it comesto putting together a knockout
party, the primary rule is almost
identical to the one you use forreal estate: location, location, location. With thatin mind, Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur is perfectly
located in the centre of Malaysia’s capital along
Jalan Kamunting, without being penned in byneighbouring buildings and skyscrapers.
That means all the pluses of a luxury hotel in thecity centre, minus the ferocious snarls of traffic or
obstructed views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Within
Hotel Stripes are five versatile event spaces. There
are three meeting studios, collectively referred toas Studio S/T/R/I/P/E, ranging between 50 square
metres and 80 square metres, with a capacity of
between 15 and 80 people.
For more ambitious events, particularly thosethat extend from day to night, there’s The
Snug, which accommodates a maximum of 120
people. Hotly in demand, The Snug has hosted
numerous events including pop-up fashion affairs,
a Montblanc launch as well as a two-day eventby the opulent batik house Pink Jambu, during
which the brand showcased its tenun collection
and held a dinner with Her Majesty Tunku Hajah
Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, The Raja
Permaisuri Agong XVI and The Tengku Ampuanof Pahang.
There’s much to be made of the city’s colourfulsunsets at Man Tao Rooftop Bar, where up to
100 people can make merry with music, drinks
and a 360-degree panoramic view. Not only is
it a scenic setting for post-meeting cocktails,
movie premiers, product launches and birthday
or anniversary parties, the outdoor urban roof

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25/06/2019 3:19 PM2ndInto the blue
The YTL Luxury Magazine

Why Tenggol and its marvellous
underwater botanic gardens
are Peninsula Malaysia’s best-kept
diving secret.
Words Sam Yen

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P

eer out the window of your room
at Tanjong Jara Resort and you’ll
see the endless expanse of theSouth China Sea shimmering underrippling sunlight. A spectrum of
brilliant blue hues, it seems to be
beckoning you to wander along the golden grainsthat form the East Coast resort’s sweeping beachor to dip into the sun-warmed seawater. And whystop there? There are treasures to be discovered;beyond this shoreline, underneath those waves.
You might be tempted to think that these pristine
beaches and quiet villages – like Terengganu’s
Kuala Dungun, where Tanjong Jara Resort islocated – mark the easternmost physical points ofPeninsula Malaysia. But beyond these shores lie
islands strung out like individual pearls running
north to south. One such island is Tenggol, thelast in a chain that includes the more famous
Perhentian and Redang.
Obscurity has its benefits. Only 2km wide and
3km long, Tenggol has managed to avoid theconcentration of commercial activity that has
swamped its cousins. The tranquil and beautiful
beach is dotted with a few chalets and shacks, but
to find treasure, you must go look for it.
Diving season in Tenggol runs from March to
October, peaking in May to August when the
monsoons recede and the sea settles into acrystal-clear spectacular. With over 25 dive sites
in a short range, the variety is astounding. At
the beginner-friendly Turtle Point, keep an eye
out for hungry green or hawksbill turtles lazily
chomping away in between briars of wickedlooking staghorn coral. Take your time exploring
Rajawali Cave, where every reef patch could behome to an incredibly beautiful – and incredibly
tiny – nudibranch sea slug. Challenge yourself
with the Five Sisters, a series of five shipwrecks
that in death have become a new reef for gratefulunderwater fauna.

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For more information, please visit
www.tanjongjararesort.com

Tenggol Island, partof Terengganu Marine
Park, is famous for its
white sandy beaches,
untouched coralgardens and diverse
marine life.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Don’t forget to look out into the blue once in awhile. Tenggol’s location at the confluence of tidesmeans that there is always plenty of microscopic
food floating around. Big food means big fish. So
larger pelagic species like manta rays and whale
sharks sometimes step into the spotlight.
It might not feel like it at the time, but diving
is hard work, which is why Tenggol is bestexperienced with Tanjong Jara Resort’s Tenggol
Divers’ Delight Package. This includes two daily
dives over two days and a hearty barbecue lunch in
between to replenish. The package also includes
a complimentary 50-minute couples massage,a perfect way to ease the muscles after allthat swimming.
With recreation and rest sorted, isn’t it time you
experienced Malaysia’s best-kept diving secret?

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Flyproject

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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The Hollywood
PackageWellness and fitness are embraced at the
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur with FlyClimb,
a workout that is said to shape the toned
physique of Tinseltown’s stars.
Words Tien Chew

The Wet Lounge has a whirlpool and plunge pool for a relaxing post-workout soak.

Ha big role, with a pulsating vibe of rhythms to help
participants sync to the beat. Both beginners as wellas the more experienced climbers will find plenty towork on, with the intensity and move set scaling up
in difficulty.
To further tone those muscles and acceleratecalorie burn, the hotel’s gymnasium offers a full rangeof Technogym cardiovascular exercise equipment –treadmills, bikes and elliptical machines – as well as avariety of strength and weight machines.
Those so inclined may wish to cool down at theadjacent Wet Lounge, so named for its variety ofhydro-based amenities – a whirlpool, plunge pool,steam room and a sauna.
If you prefer a circuit of laps, the outdoor poolis just the spot, with the pool bar offering lightrefreshments to help with winding down from the
day’s workout.
For more information, please visit
www.jwmarriot.com

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Flyproject

ow
does
one
achievetheproportional
physiqueofaHollywood superstar? Leave it to
the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
to pioneer a first in the city. The
Happening Hotel has introduced
a new type of workout class to its
fitness line-up, partnering with FlyProject to offer
Asia’s first dedicated ‘group’ VersaClimber class.
CalledFlyClimb,
thislow-impact
cardioprogramme uses vertical climbing machines toimprove athletic conditioning, burning calories
and strengthening all major muscle groups without
unnecessarily straining the body. Touted as“Hollywood’s hottest celebrity workout”, one may
expect to climb an average height of between 3,000
feet and 6,500 feet and burn 660 calories within 30
minutes – the standard duration of a class.
FlyClimb’s classes are built around music, curated
by motivational instructors and bolstered by surroundsound systems and LED lighting. The music plays

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To further tone
those muscles andaccelerate calorieburn, the hotel’s
gym offers a fullrange of Technogym
cardiovascularexercise equipment.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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The YTL Luxury Magazine

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the dazzle
of kristang
Complex and profuse in spices, a mealrooted in Portuguese and Eurasiancultures broadens diners’ taste buds andtheir appreciation for culinary gems.
Words Jade Kandilis

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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The YTL Luxury Magazine

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25/06/2019 3:18 PM2ndlife feature“D

id you know that the keluak
nut is poisonous when eaten
raw?” asks Alvin Kessler,
the amiable Comprador of
The Majestic Malacca. We
are seated in The Mansion
restaurant, tasting an array of dishes invoking
Malacca’s cultural heritage. Using a narrow
toothpick-like spoon, Alvin extracts a black paste
from the nut, spreads it over his rice and takes amouthful. I follow suit and am blown away by its
rich and slightly tangy taste profile.
Alvin is one of the few descendants of theoriginal Portuguese-Eurasian settlers left in
Malacca, whose iconic presence has becomea hallmark. There’s no better way to satisfy
one’s curiosity about Malacca’s cuisine thanwith authentic Kristang dishes served here,
their recipes passed on through generationsof Kristang families. I start with the inchimintu

no experience ofKristang CUISINE iscomplete until you
try the specialities.

Above: Alvin Kessler, the Comprador at The Majestic Malacca, is on a mission to introduce
his Kristang roots to guests. Below: sagu kung Sukri Malaka.

For more information, please visit
www.majesticmalacca.com

Nicholas Ong

The YTL Luxury Magazinekarangezu (baked stuffed crab). While I nibble on
the golden morsels of crab, chicken, prawn andvegetables, and perceive oriental nuances, Alvintells me about the dishes. “Kristang cuisine isheavy with local influences, rich in stews, seafood
and pork. Rice is a staple,” he explains. The karikeluak comes next, tender braised chicken stewed
in a hearty curry, eaten with rice-lathered keluak.
Sambal kambrang arrives, sautéed juicy prawns
drenched in a thick and mildly fiery sauce. How
common are Kristang dishes and how authentic
are they? I wonder aloud, polishing off a second
serving. “We are one step ahead in serving only
genuine Kristang cuisine and it has become asignature offering here,” Alvin confirms.
My favourite is soy limang terung (eggplant).
Thinly sliced wedges are twice-fried until the flesh
becomes soft and the skin is lightly crisp, before aa gravy of soy sauce, tamarind, onions and lime ispoured over the dish.
“You must have dessert,” Alvin recommends,
and gets me a sagu kung Sukri Malaka. The
coconut milk enhances the silkiness of the sago
pearls, but the crowning joy is a burnt caramel
sweetness of melted palm sugar.
Food is a universal language and no experienceof Kristang cuisine is complete until you encounterthe bold impressions of the specialities for yourself.

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Clockwise from top: inchimintu karangezu (baked stuffed crab); pineapple prawn sambal; soy limang terung.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Nicholas Ong

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The Jim Thompson Tea Room at Cameron Highlands
Resort preserves the British colonial tradition ofafternoon tea in a most elegant manner.
Words Jade Kandilis

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Ken Lim / Momenz Creation

The YTL Luxury Magazine

A tribute with tea

2ndlife feature

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Ken Lim / Momenz Creation

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The home-baked scones are legendary here, sotake your time by first slicing them in half, thenslathering on the homemade strawberry jam.

At 1,500 metres above sea level, Cameron Highlands Resort was built as an extension of an existing
1930s cottage, where traditional English charm meets warm Asian hospitality.

A

For more information, please visit
www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

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Ken Lim / Momenz Creationin the authentic experience of that bygone era.
Here, the tradition is carried on with an elegant,tiered afternoon tea set that’s as prettily presented
as it is delicious. Each item on the delicate
china plates is made from ingredients grown in
the Highlands.
As etiquette dictates, start with the generously
filled sandwiches before tucking into the savoury
pastries and sweet, light-as-air delights. The homebaked scones are legendary here, so take yourtime by first slicing them in half, then slatheringon the homemade strawberry jam – a must as it’s
one of the famous finds in the Highlands. Topwith Devonshire clotted cream and you haveyourself a slice of buttery goodness tinged withfruity sweetness. A mandatory complement to thedelightful meal is the fabled Cameron Highlands
tea – add milk first, if you must.

Aurelia Teslaru

The YTL Luxury Magazine

weekend trip to Cameron
Highlands is always a good idea
for those who want a scenic
escape from city life. British
planters from the colonial era
first discovered the cool weatherof the Highlands that mimics their homeland andturned it into a retreat mirroring the pretty English
countryside, complete with tea plantations andcool-climate crops like strawberries.
Among some of the traditions passed down
to modern-day Malaysia is afternoon tea. British
explorers considered it an indulgent pastime tosit down for a light nibble of dainty finger foodaccompanied by a pot of tea, between lunch
and dinner.
What makes afternoon tea even more special
is its emphasis on the proper etiquette, from theright way of taking tea to assembling your scone.
At Cameron Highlands Resort, the Jim
Thompson Tea Room is the best place to soak

2ndlife feature

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Ken Lim / Momenz Creation

Aurelia Teslaru

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A ritzy wedding
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur offers
Chinese wedding options that cover everything
you’ll need for the biggest day of your life.

Y

Words Tien Chew

our wedding is an incredibly
important life moment, so it’s fair to
expect the best. Celebrate in style at
The Banquet Hall at The RitzCarlton, Kuala Lumpur, which canseat up to 330 people across 486
square metres. You will be assigned a dedicatedWedding Butler to serve as your point of contact,
helping you with everything from food tasting,floral arrangements and decorations to yourdeparture after the ceremony.
Choose from a selection of Chinese wedding

packages, with the Puttin’ On The Ritz package
offering the grandest experience. On your big
day, there’s a feast for the senses – a canapésand barbecue hors d’ouvres during the welcome
reception, a resplendent nine-course Chinesedinner and a Moët & Chandon champagne
fountain, to name a few. The Private Room, a
261-square-metre space, is at your disposal
for the tea ceremony. Your Wedding Butler will
ensure you enjoy the impeccable hospitality andattention to detail synonymous with The RitzCarlton. The Puttin’ On The Ritz package even

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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25/06/2019 3:14 PM2ndlife featureYour Wedding Butler
will ensure you
enjoy the impeccable
hospitality andattention to detailsynonymous with
The Ritz-Carlton.
offers a night’s stay stay for the newlyweds in theluxurious Penthouse suite, along with two deluxe
rooms and your choice of afternoon tea or Sunday
roast for 20 people.
Your big day doesn’t end at The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur as a honeymoon in Thailand
awaits. The package comes with return flights
and transfers to The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui for aromantic three-night stay in an Ultimate Pool Villa.
A 60-minute couple’s treatment at Spa Village
Koh Samui is also included, along with a private
three-course dinner prepared just for you by yourpersonal chef on your Villa terrace.
For more information, please visit
ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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The YTL Luxury Magazine

Island bites
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui’s
dining venues ensure you’ll nevergo hungry on vacation.
Words Renyi Lim

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Dine outdoors in acasual beachfront
setting at
Sea Salt Deck.

Sea Salt Deck

Situated at the resort’s stunning pool, Sea Salt
Deck is only a short stroll from your deckchair. The
casual beachfront setting goes hand-in-hand withclassic Thai dishes (the green papaya som tum
salad is a must). Grilled freshly caught seafood isa highlight of the evenings, along with a daring
fire show on Mondays. For dessert, cool off with ascoop of coconut ice cream, served in a shell with
peanuts and sticky rice.

The YTL Luxury MagazineT

he excitement of being in a foreign
land with different foods and exotic
flavours is just one of the alluresof vacationing at The Ritz-Carlton,
Koh Samui. Six distinct restaurants
offer a dizzying array of cuisinesand gastronomic treats at the resort, ranging fromquintessential Thai dishes to flame-grilled steaks.
Here are some favourites.

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3rdTides Upper Deck

Soak in the ocean views from up high as you sip
on one of Tides’ island-inspired cocktails, such as
Bangrak Pier – a heady concoction of Diplomatico
Planas rum, Campari, lemongrass syrup, and lime
and pineapple juice. Citrus-cured ceviche, crudos
and tiraditos make superb accompaniments,
while the grilled Kurobuta pork tenderloin androck lobster antichuchos provide substantial
padding for your next cocktail.

Soak in the ocean views
from up high as you sip
on one of Tides’ islandinspired cocktails.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Afternoon Tea at The Peak

Enjoy the charming English tradition ofafternoon tea in style at the highest point of
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui. Take your pick of
the finest Dilmah loose-leaf teas, with the optionof a tea-inspired cocktail or a glass of Bollinger
Special Cuvée champagne. Delights include rose,
lychee and raspberry macarons, house-baked
scones with Devonshire cream, and compressed
local watermelon with feta cheese and mint.

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3rdlife feature

The YTL Luxury Magazine

The Ranch at Shook!

You can’t leave The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui
without visiting the steakhouse for dinner. Diners
can select their own cuts of steak and have themcooked to their liking, whether it’s a bone-in strip
steak from Kansas City or a whole kilogrammeof Wagyu porterhouse. The sides provide a Thai
twist, especially if you’ve never had stir-friedmorning glories or grilled sticky rice with yourmeat, partnered with a stellar wine from The
Ranch’s cellar.

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life feature

Jon Teo

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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life feature

in a festive mood
Japan’s family holiday haven Niseko welcomes
the summer solstice in the best possible way
through festivals centred around the great
weather and long days of sunlight.
Words Tien ChewCome
summertime,
popular family holiday
destination Hokkaido
warms up to offer
travellers new ways toenjoy the lush nature
the prefecture is blessed with. From
June to September, the famous ski
resort Niseko Village trades snow for
emerald waves of grass, breathtaking
floral beds and clear rivers. Soaking
in an onsen to the soothing hymn ofcicadas, hiking up picturesque Mount
Yotei and indulging in some of theworld’s best seafood are essential
bucket list items during your summer
stay here.
The island’s allure in summer issweetened by the plethora of Japanesematsuri (festivals), which intersperse
the long summer days with exciting
highlights. On 14 July, Niseko Village
gears up for an outdoor celebration

Slide across stunning landscapes at adrenaline junkie speeds.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Above: Shafiq anak Saleh

Jon Teowith the Niko Niko Niseko Village
Festival. Families staying at the Hilton
Niseko Village and The Green Leaf
Niseko Village can take a short walkto enjoy the festivities, with delicious
offerings from local food vendors,
games and crafts for kids, as well as live
performances by local musicians.
From 26 to 28 July, balmy afternoons
set the stage for the Niseko Yoga
Festival, a three-day event led by yogis
to celebrate nature and yoga. Stretch
and unwind outdoors with the majestic
Mount Yotei in full view, and let thecool breeze and sounds of summer
soothe the mind. The Niseko Summer
Art Festival is also slated to makea return in the first week of August.

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life feature

Above: summer in Niseko Village is warm and pleasant with mild temperatures and low humidity.

enjoy the appetisingaroma of yakisoba(fried noodles) wafting
through the air.

For more information, please visit
niseko-village.com

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Far right: Jeremy Lai

Jon Teo

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Expect Japanese artists, both established names
and rising stars, to put on a grand show of a rangeof visual arts. No summer vacation in Japan iscomplete without a stunning display of hanabi(fireworks) and the annual Niseko Town Tanabata
Fireworks Festival on 3 August will feature a grand
spectacle with over 1,500 fireworks. Don youryukata (summer kimono), buy the family a roundof soft serve and enjoy the appetising aroma of
yakisoba (fried noodles) wafting through the air.

life feature

Below: Niseko Village offers something for everyone, from traditional handicrafts and food to gorgeous flora.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Far right: Jeremy Lai

Jon Teo

YTL_269497_090-093-Life Feature Niseko_CS6.indd 5

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20/06/2019 5:22 PM2ndlife featurea melbourne
minuteThe YTL Luxury Magazine

Explore the richness of Australian culture,
world-class coffee and a treasure trove ofartistic displays all within walking distance of
The Melbourne Marriott Hotel.
Words Tien Chew

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The YTL Luxury Magazine

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25/06/2019 3:01 PM2ndlife featureW

e are led to believe thata minute in New Yorkis fast and precious. In
Melbourne, a minuteis best spent enjoying
the moment. The charmof Melbourne is manifold, made vibrant by thevarious cultures that colour the city. Consistently
ranking high on ‘world’s best’ lists, Melbourne
is a crossroads of art, cuisines and celebrations
that offers something for everyone, whatever yourfancy. Especially if you’re here to sample the wine
and looking for places to dine.
In the heart of the city, there’s The Melbourne
Marriott, a luxury cosmopolitan hotel ideally
positioned for exploring. Situated a few minutes
away are Princess Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre
and Regent Theatre, while hopping on a tram willquickly get you to art haven National Gallery ofVictoria as well as bustling Melbourne Central andthe inspiring State Library Victoria.

hopping on a tram
will quickly get you
to art haven National
Gallery of Victoria
as well as bustling
Melbourne Central
and the inspiring
State Library Victoria.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

For nature lovers, there’s the Royal Botanical
Gardens to explore, perfect for a relaxing daytime
picnic by the Yarra River or a midday stroll. For
cafe hoppers, there are plenty of famously quirky
coffee shops to appease your need for quality
caffeine and pastries. And for just about anyone,
there are many restaurants to visit, markets toshop at, wineries to tour and penguins to see. Not
to mention the popular beaches nearby. You get
the picture.
Adjourn to The Melbourne Marriott Hotel in theevening and pay a visit to the vibrant lounge tolift your spirits with a couple of cocktails, or diveinto the heated indoor saltwater pool to relax
and unwind. The hotel’s location is so centralthat it makes it easy to return for a little R&R fromsightseeing, shopping and discovering the little
nooks and crannies that bring the city to life.

Recharge in the gorgeously appointed rooms and suites or go exploringin Melbourne Central or at State Library Victoria.

For more information please visit
www.marriott.com.au

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Board one of the many rivercraft at Southgate or Princes Walk or travel along the Yarra in your own boat
to visit attractions such as the Royal Botanical Gardens.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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Bali highFrom creature comforts to excellent adventures,
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali has it all.
Words Jason Tan

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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Day 1

We embark northeast from Denpasar airport
in our Indo-Japanese MPV customised for Spa
Village Resort Tembok, Bali. I’ve met some greatIndonesians, but never a driver like Mr A, whose
affable nature made the long ride more pleasant.
We climb higher on ribbons of tarmac made forclose shaves, and catch sight of a smoking Mount
Agung, the sacred active volcano, from acrosspetite paddy fields and plantations. “It rumbled
again yesterday,” says Mr A.
It’s my first visit to Indonesia. Like Phuket andKoh Samui, Bali is a byword for ‘paradise’, so
I’ve avoided Google to keep expectations frommessing with reality. Once we broke free from
Denpasar in the south, Bali became fecund andsplendid. I am taken by how compact and almost
bespoke the villages are, featuring a geometricallysimilar architecture of courtyards, open-air placesof worship and schools. Their relationship with theearth’s contours appears calculated; all the built
elements are aesthetically proportionate andseemingly feng shui-compliant. I spot papaya,
banana and coconut trees on one parcel of land.
“And durian and mangosteen,” points out Mr A.

I arrive at the adultonly Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali greeted bya gentle sea breeze andfloral aromas.

Day 2

The hotel’s receptionist has just given me thegentlest and most patient of wake-up calls for thesunrise cruise. My mission: to see dolphins in theBali Sea. I walked the black-sand beach yesterday
as big waves, called gelombang, pulled theground from under my feet; I’m looking forward to

The YTL Luxury Magazine

We pass scenes of primordial creation; “a lava
river”, explains Mr A, made by the flow of molten
rock. It’s a glimpse into a big bang from way back;rebirth, fresh from the cauldron; ashen, rugged,
raw; like the cavernous interiors of the planet
turned inside out, rolling and toasting its way
around the hills.
I arrive at the adult-only Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali greeted by a gentle sea breeze andfloral aromas. The luxury resort has 27 deluxe
rooms, two suites and two villas, and offers 800
square metres of authentic Balinese living.

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this. But alas, the skipper doesn’t see the roilingseas subsiding. He postpones our mission.

Day 3

The perks of travelling far from Bali’s tourist
hubs in the south are priceless. Desa Les is far
from the Instagramming crowd and has one of thehighest waterfalls, Air Terjun Yeh Mempeh. But
it’s only a quick drive from Spa Village Resort. If I
get on my bike, I could take the 45-minute scenicroute but I’m a city bumpkin.
The hiking trail, maintained by the villagers ofLes, is quite Eat, Pray, Love (cute lodgings, hipdesserts, adventure seekers) mixed with big rocks,
roots and giant bamboo shoots. We get to the
top in 15 minutes. There’s no one else here. It’s
spectacular. I feel awed and small in the presenceof nature’s power and beauty.

Note to self: next time, get on your bike andcancel all other plans.
For single travellers like myself, Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali offers a Solo Adventure
package that allows you to get in tune with yourself
through meditation, spa treatments and various
activities and experiences within the resort.

I make a last-ditch attempt to meet the dolphins.
It’s pitch dark and the sea gods are no longer
angry. Our jukong, a canoe with outriggers, looks
as unsinkable as a water skimmer. I’m reassured.
The majestic animals don’t appear despite all myefforts at telepathy. But the sun has risen. Mount
Agung is illuminated.
For more information, please visit
www.spavillageresort.com

The gentle spiritualityof Bali and its richculture infuses every
encounter at
Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali.

Anna-Rina Photography

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Day 4

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2nd

The perks of travelling
far from Bali’s
tourist hubs in thesouth are priceless.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Anna-Rina Photography

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12 things to dowhen staying at
MUSE Saint Tropez
This vacation hotspot on the French Riviera is nothing
short of quaint. Here are 12 things to do if you findyourself in this once-quiet fishing village.
Words Sasha George

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1. Explore Place des LicesSaint Tropez’s legendary and very charming
central square is studded with plane trees, cafésand pétanque players. Simply sitting at a café
terrace watching the world go by or jostling withthe crowds at its twice-weekly (Tuesdays andSaturdays) market extravaganza, jam-packed
with everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to
antique mirrors and sandals, is an integral part of
the Saint-Tropez experience.

2. Enjoy the views at Vieux Port

1

This harbour is the very heart of Saint Tropez. After
Brigitte Bardot made the port town as famous asshe was in the 1956 film And God Created Woman,the harbour is where the jet set can be still beseen lounging alongside idyllic fishing boats andMediterranean houses.

3. Meander through the Old Town
(La Ponche)

History meets hustle and bustle at one of Saint
Tropez’s most picturesque areas. Stroll along
the cobblestoned streets of La Ponche, as the
locals call it, and get yourself lost browsing small
artisanal shops and boutiques. There’s also a tiny
beach with stunning views of the Sea Alps.

4. City views at the Citadel
This and facing pages:celebrities, glamour, luxury,
tranquillity – Saint Tropez has it all,and then some.

2

The Citadelle de Saint Tropez is 400 years old andwas originally built as a fortress. Its dungeons now
house a maritime museum where you can learn
about the lives of the locals who lived and foughton the seas.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

3
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4
5. Appreciate art at
Musée de l’Annonciade

Built by monks in 1510, this building is now thelocation of an art museum with works by the likes
of Henri Matisse and Paul Signac. The works ofart on display are mostly by artists who lived andworked in Saint Tropez and are testament to its
avant-garde past.

6. Get spotted at
Pampelonne Beach

5

The go-to spot to see and be seen, the whitesandy beaches of the Pampelonne bay draw
celebrities by the flock. Head on over to Club 55,
the site Brigitte Bardot and her film crew madefamous as their lunch spot.

7. Satisfy your sweet tooth at
La Tarte Tropézienne

8. Hike the Sentier du Littoral6

One of the best coastline paths in the south ofFrance will take you through rugged but beautiful
terrain. Journey through pine- and junipercovered paths and crystal-clear rock pools. After
that, relax your muscles at the exclusive La Tenteby Spa Village which is serenely tucked away in an

The YTL Luxury Magazine

A polish baker designed a new dessert in the
1950s based on the French brioche and his
grandmother’s recipe. When Alexandre Micka
was then asked to cater for Brigitte Bardot’s film,
the eponymous tart was given a name and is now
Saint Tropez’s best-loved dessert.

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open-air luxury tent in the gardens of MUSE Saint
Tropez and uses organic ingredients sourced fromthe region.

9. Be pleasantly surprised at Muséede la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma

A museum of police and cinema might seem likean odd combination but there is a charming reason
for that. The façade of this former police station
has been used in numerous films, particularly
a much-loved series of comedies about the
Gendarmes of Saint Tropez.

10. Visit Chappelle Sainte-Anne forsome romance

Romantics and Rolling Stones fans will be thrilled
to know that Mick Jagger married Bianca Jagger
in 1971 in this enchanting 17th-century chapel.

11. Cruise the seas and take aboat out

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Everyone who visits Saint Tropez knows that this is
the heart of the Cote d’Azur and what better way
to explore its coastal areas than by boat? Options
range from yacht charters to day trips to popular
coastal towns like Cannes and the Lerins islands.

12. Get your dancing shoes onSaint Tropez enjoys a buzzing nightlife. Twounmissable locations for those in search of a
thriving night scene are Les Caves du Roy, ahistoric nightclub, and the VIP Room. Both venues
boast all the glitz and glamour you would expect
in Saint Tropez.
For more information, please visit
www.muse-hotels.com

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11This and facing pages:
your itinerary may be packed with visits to romantic seaside spots and indulging in desserts,
but don’t forget to relax and rejuvenate at La Tente by Spa Village at MUSE Saint-Tropez.

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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

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

www.pangkorlautresort.com

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

www.tanjongjararesort.com

www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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

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Nestled within the embrace of a private sun-kissed
bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui is surroundedby
oceanfront
beautyandquintessential
experiences that artfully reflect the Samui wayof life. This makes the beautiful property an
ideal setting to embark on wellness programmes,
cultural immersions or culinary journeys.

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

ritzcarlton.com/kohsamui

ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

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jwmarriottkualalumpur.com

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

www.stripeskl.com

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Located along Bukit Bintang Road at the heartof Kuala Lumpur, JW Marriott is ideal forbusiness and leisure travellers. With world-class
shopping malls nearby, this conveniently locatedhotel with its extensive range of facilities is oneof the city’s finest.

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

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

www.thesurinphuket.com

www.spavillageresort.com/tembokbali

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

www.majesticmalacca.com

www.majestickl.com

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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

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This luxury boutique hotel is considered one of
the best places to stay in Edinburgh, with cosy
contemporary interiors, warm Scottish service
and consistently spectacular views of the city
centre and Calton Hill from the hotel’s twoacre rooftop garden.

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

www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk

www.hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

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Monkey Island Estate is located on a picturesqueisland in the River Thames in the historic villageof Bray, Berkshire. Set across seven acres, theproperty features 41 exquisite rooms designed by
the award-winning New York-based Champalimaud
Design as well as six private residences.

www.theacademyhotel.co.uk

www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk

The YTL Luxury Magazine

Situated in Bloomsbury, The Academy Hotel
London comprises a collection of five Georgian
townhouses combined into one charming luxury
hotel. This rejuvenated 50-guestroom/suite
boutique hotel juxtaposes timeless glamour anda contemporary take on townhouse living.

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

www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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

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www.niseko-village.com

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

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Feast Village at Starhill Gallery is the first of
its kind in Malaysia. It offers unparalleled dining
experiences featuring 13 upscale restaurants
with an exotic array of cuisines ranging from
Asian to Mediterranean. The laneways of therustic Village and its ‘Time Tunnel’ take diners
on journeys of sensorial discovery.

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

www.feastvillage.com

www.ytlhotels.com

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PANGKOR LAUT I TANJONG JARA I KUALA LUMPUR I CAMERON HIGHLANDS I MALACCAGAYA ISLAND I Tembok, Bali I

HANGZHOU I BATHI

Starhill I Koh Samuiwww.spavillage.com

The YTL Luxury Magazine

The Spa Villages celebrate the healing culture of the region in which each is built. Each spa village
has its own character and authenticity, honouring local healers and traditions that have been
passed down the generations.

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The Melbourne Marriott is centrally located,close to the city’s theatre precinct, shopping
districts and Chinatown. Featuring world-classservice, all 186 well-appointed rooms and suites
are modern and elegant. Facilities include
a heated indoor pool, gymnasium, signature
restaurant and vibrant lounge.

The 563-room Sydney Harbour Marriott is set
in the heart of Circular Quay, overlooking
the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Guests
will find themselves near dining, fashion andentertainment hotspots. The Sydney Harbour
Bridge, Opera House, The Rocks and Hyde Park
are all moments away.

marriott.com

marriott.com

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Centrally located near The Hague city centre
and the North Sea coast, The Hague Marriott
Hotel features contemporary style with a warm
ambiance. 306 comfortable and spacious rooms
and suites are thoughtfully appointed withstylish design accents and complimentary Wi-Fi.
many of the city’s attractions are located nearby.

marriott.com

www.thehaguemarriott.com

The YTL Luxury Magazine

The Brisbane Marriott, with 267 rooms andsuites, is ideally placed between Brisbane’s CBD
and the Fortitude Valley hub. With a stunning
backdrop of the Brisbane River, Story Bridge,
Kangaroo Point Cliffs and city skyline, thehotel is close to shopping, riverside dining, thecommercial district and cultural attractions.

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www.vistanahotels.com

The YTL Luxury Magazine

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

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