YTL

Issue Twent y Ni ne

T h e

Y T L

L u x u r y

M a g a z i n e

Destination
DreamsExotic Venues
for Vows

T h e

Much Ado
About 'I Do'

Y T L

6 Dream Weddings
with YTL Hotels

L u x u r ySpirited Away

Haute Honeymoons
to Consider

M a g a z i n e

It's All White

Bridal Gowns
to Remember

Wondrous
PP 15585/10/2012(031264)

All The Days of Our Lives

Bridal Rituals • Bouquets & Banquets • Let Them Eat Cake

Contents
41

Flowers For Forever

6 Wedding images last a lifetime andbeyond, etched onto memories
and hearts. Ensure your bridal
bouquet is one to remember withthese posey ideas from Spring
Cottage and Armani/Fiori.

Dream Weddings
At YTL Hotels

12 Michael + Alison Elfwing at
Cameron Highlands Resort.
18 Hidy Yu + William Lau at
Gaya Island Resort.
22 Shaun Foo + Melissa Teo at The
Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
26 Ross Sanders + Diwa Tharam at
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.
30 Xandria Ooi + Yuri Wong at
The Majestic Malacca.
36 Yong Hui + Wai Ling at
Pangkor Laut Resort.

To Have & To Hold

41 While you may have been waitingfor his proposal for some time, it is
the wedding that you have been
dreaming about your whole life.
But where do you go to do it right?
YTL Hotels & Resorts may just havethe solution for you.

The Beginning Of
Our Lives

66 Every new husband and wife
should start their married life
together in style. Here, consider
the bridal designs of top Malaysiandesigner Khoon Hooi, paired withjewellery that promises to dazzle.

Say You’ll Be Mine78 Every dream romance begins with
‘Once upon a time...’ Here, YTLLife shows you the best places towrite the first lines of your love story
with secret proposal spots that will
have her saying ‘yes’ in no time.

Slice Of Life

90 Tony Hoyle, Group Pastry Chef of
YTL Hotels, whips up four beautiful
creations that’ll take your cakecutting ceremony from standard tosuperlative.

Fly Me To The Moon

94 For those planning a honeymoon
to remember, here are somedestinations and (bed)rooms with aview to consider.

Love & Marriage

102 A unique look at the wedding
customs and the 12-day ceremonyof Malaysia and Singapore's BabaNyonya community.
106

Portfolio Of Life

Explore the world of YTL Hotels.

Editorial Team
Editorial Director
Tracy Khee
Editor-in-Chief
Diana KhooSub Editors
Christy Yoong
George Wong      A Note fromTan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh

Art

Creative Director
Eireen Ooi
T h e

Y T L

L u x u r y

M a g a z i n e

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

Produced By
Blu Inc Media Sdn Bhd(Company No. 7408-K)
Lot 7, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, Section 13,46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +603 7952 7000
Fax: +603 7960 0151
E-mail: kitchoong@bluinc.com.my

Colour Separation By
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47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Printed By
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No.16, Jalan BK 1/11, Bandar Kinrara,
47180 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

In this fast-changing world, one of the most beautiful traditions toendure is the act of joining in holy matrimony before God. In thislight, we are pleased to present to you a special collectors’ edition,
showcasing YTL Hotels’ extensive portfolio of both destination
resorts and city hotels should you be needing inspiration for you
or a family member’s big day. We showcase six real couples,
each of whom made lifelong vows to each other in diverse
locations; from the powdery white sands of Emerald Bay in
Pangkor Laut to the beautiful, unspoilt north of Bali, in Tembok
as well as Malacca’s storied past at our boutique property, The
Majestic Malacca, a tycoon’s former mansion dating back to
the 1920s.

Art Director
Sheila Cheah
Editorial Assistant
Kirat Kaur
Photographers
Yong Keen Keong, Edmund Lee,
Robin Liew

Chief Executive Officer

Datin Azliza Ahmad Tajuddin

Sales

General Manager
Loo Kit Choong

Publishing Services
Production Manager
Satvinder Kaur

Assistant Production Manager
Kong Ah Kuan
Traffic Executive
Noor Aini Zainal Masri

Contributors
Brian Cheong, Maya Michael,
Law Soo Phye, Sam T

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

To most Asians, no wedding is also quite complete without
the requisite feast and, to assist with planning, flip to page 41
for ideas. We’ve also included nuggets of information on how
to make the celebratory day just that much more special:from thinking ahead with a proposal to remember as wellas jetting off together for an unforgettable honeymoon at
our Muse and Kasara properties in England, Spain, France
and Japan.
Not forgetting Starhill Gallery, our luxury retail arena in theheart of Kuala Lumpur, the team have also put together
some of the most beautiful accoutrements to add
sparkle to the grand occasion; from dreamy wedding
gowns to jewellery that’ll add lustre to any trousseau aswell as divine floral creations.
God bless and enjoy the issue.

All Things
Bright & Beautiful
A bouquet of red roses, wild
red berries, calla lilies andcymbidiums wrapped in maroon
ribbon. By Spring Cottage.

Wedding images last a lifetime and beyond, etched onto
memories and hearts. Ensure your bridal bouquet is one
to remember with these posey ideas from Spring Cottage
and Armani/Fiori.
Art Direction & Styling Sheila Cheah Photography Yong Keen KeongPure & Clean
Cream roses are paired withranunculus, ornithogalum and fresh
green berries wrapped in blushpink ribbon. By Spring Cottage.

All In Unison
Dark maroon calla lilies andgreen pandanus for a touch offloral drama. By Armani/Fiori.

A Joy To
Be-Hold
Lilac, dark and light pink roses
are peppered withd a dash ofornithogalum for a bridal bouquet
to remember. By Armani/Fiori.

White Delight
White phalaenopsis andornithogalum work beautifully
with eucalyptus and silver
leaves. By Armani/Fiori.
Contact Details: Spring Cottage at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur: +6 03 2142 1488. | Armani/Fiori at Starhill Gallery: +603 2710 3804

U

Michael+Alison Elfwing
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Cameron Highlands
ResortAdjusting to her return to Malaysia from London and new position
as a radio announcer in Kuala Lumpur, Alison was attending theStyle Rocks party organised in conjunction with the Malaysia
International Gourmet Festival 2008 when a beautiful man blushingdown the runway caught her attention.
Chef, not model, Michael Elfwing had been nominated to take tothe catwalk in recognition of the parallels between food and fashion.
Introduced backstage, the two shyly exchanged business cards,
but it wasn’t until a couple of months later, when meeting at anotherevent, that Michael asked Alison if she would show him some of
Kuala Lumpur’s supper spots. Two weeks later, she moved in and,after three toy poodles and years, he got down on bended knee.
They knew they wanted an intimate wedding with family and closefriends, and initially considered a castle in Michael’s hometown in
Sweden. Coordination, however, became difficult and the couple
decided to look closer to home. Pangkor Laut Resort, one of theirfavourite holiday spots, was a natural option but Alison, an astutebride-to-be, surmised that she didn't want to be too hot in her
wedding gown. A Catholic church was also a pre-requisite and,12

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hearing that a new church had been built in Cameron Highlands,
the couple set out to explore the possibility. The church was perfectand they immediately fell in love with it. Minutes after, they drove
up to Cameron Highlands Resort and fell in love all over again.
“The grand colonial feel, with its intimate, high-ceilinged ballroom,
sweeping staircase, four-poster beds, elegant touches andattention to detail… it was so romantic, we knew instantly that wewould have our reception there,” says Alison.
Michael being a professional chef and both being foodies, thecouple were keen to inject their passion and characters into
their wedding party. The Swedish kräftskiva – a party traditionallycelebrating the crayfish season –became the central theme of thecelebrations, with Michael’s own dishes served alongside. The
wedding day dawned crisp and cool. Grazing on sandwiches andBloody Marys, the bridal party began preparations in the luxurious
Jim Thompson Suite, while the groom and his entourage got readyin a Junior Suite. The couple particularly loved how the sophisticateddécor of the rooms supported their frame of mind that day – Alison
feeling like a princess on her big day, and Michael the gentleman
about to sweep his bride off her feet.

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13

Inspired by the resort’s Fireplace Lighting Tradition, Alison
asked to have her veiling done by the fireplace, where herfather made a tender toast before her mum joined in to gently
lower her veil in place. Next, they were off to the church for theevening solemnisation.
Back at the resort, the ballroom tables had been laid out Vikingstyle, with crisp white tablecloths topped with hundreds of candles,roses and hydrangeas. The resort team ensured that guests' gamepacks were taped under each chair, and that each setting wascomplete with place card, personalised bibs, menus, mini bottles
of aquavit and all the other finer details. In the kitchens, the culinary

team painstakingly created each dish as if Michael himself wereoverseeing things.
All was ready for the couple to make their entry. Making theirdebut as Mr and Mrs Elfwing, the newlyweds danced their way
into the ballroom to Bruno Mars' I Think I Wanna Marry You. Afterthe initial cheering and congratulations, guests sat down, and thefeast began.

The cool climate of
Cameron Highlands in
Malaysia provided theperfect setting for amost stylish SwedishMalaysian union.

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To start, mountains of fresh crayfish, and platters of Coffin Bay
oysters, Swedish cheese tarts, chicken liver parfait and gravlax
were served as guests donned their bibs and things got messy with
the Swedish Crayfish Game, all aided by aquavit. Next, traditional
Swedish meatballs were presented as the main course, followed
by Michael’s uncle, Clifford’s, recipe for Meringue Swish as a sweetending. And then, more games, singing, dancing and general
merriment ensued, interspersed with emotional speeches. All too
soon, the wee hours of the morning dawned, and the party drew
to a close.
Looking back, Alison shares: “All the months of stress and worrying
while wedding-planning were lifted off my shoulders because theteam at Cameron Highlands Resort were so sensational. Despite

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15

all the unique touches, special requests and personalisation,
they executed our wedding without a hitch. At least, if there were
any hiccups, I never found out and no one else noticed either.
Professionalism at its best.”Three months later, the Elfwings were invited back to Cameron
Highlands Resort for the weekend as part of the resort’s annual
Christmas Tree Lighting Tradition. Their son, Cameron, wasconceived that trip. The couple have now migrated to Australia but
plan to introduce their son to their favourite YTL Hotels when they
return next.

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The Elements

The Flowers: D​eep red and cream roses and white ​and​light green hydrangeas. Welcome Cocktails: The hotel’s signature'His and Her's' cocktails. Door gift: Customised ‘Marriage is Messy’ bibs to protect guests’ clothes when eating crayfish with
their hands. The Entertainment: Styled wedding video of how the couple met, complete with friends' interviews on what they
thought about the couple; a Swedish crayfish game; a surprise by Alison’s sister Cheryl; and Logan, the best man, singing ‘At The
Beginning with you’, followed by a DJ spinning party music.

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life feature //U

Hidy Yu +Willian Lau
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

It would appear that Neptune himself blessed the union of Hong
Kong actress Hidy Yu and Willian Lau. Having met purely bychance at a swimming pool, Willian, who works as a lifeguard,
thought it perfect to celebrate his nuptials to the sea-loving Hidy
at Gaya Island Resort in Sabah, Borneo. “I simply love the sea,
the beach and sunshine,” shares Hidy, who is also an avid diver.
“Gaya Island Resort was where my dream wedding came true. I
remember waking up to sunshine every day and seeing the sea
first thing in the morning. The resort’s staff had also filled the roomwith my favourite sunflowers and I thought that everything was justperfect – blue sky, beach, sunshine, sunflowers and my husband.
Everything I need for a great life.”
A beach wedding seemed perfectly apt, considering Willian had
proposed while on a diving trip in 2011. “He took me on a diveand, suddenly, stopped, got down on one knee underwater
and wrote out ‘Marry Me?’ on a board. He also showed me adiamond ring. I was so surprised and touched that I wanted to cry
underwater but couldn’t,” gushes Hidy. “He showed me the divehand signal for ‘ok?’, to which I replied, ‘ok’. I thought it was sucha meaningful proposal as diving is something both of us love very
much, and he took the time and trouble to give me such a special
memory, with all the fish around as witnesses.”18

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Gaya Island
ResortOnce the euphoria of the proposal had died down, it was timeto seriously plan a wedding to remember. Turning to the team at
Gaya Island Resort, Hidy and Willian weren’t disappointed. “Oneof my favourite memories of our wedding was when I walked out
towards Willian. I saw him waiting for me on the beach, surroundedby sunflowers. We both listened as the pastor we'd engaged
spoke about ‘love’ in his sermon– it was all very touching. Then I
remember looking into his eyes and putting the ring on his finger. I
knew then that this man would stay with me forever in the courseof my life. I really have to thank Gaya Island Resort for giving us
both such an unforgettable wedding with all our favourite elements
in it.” For Willian, however, it had to the moment when the couple
returned to their honeymoon suite. “I was so surprised to comeback to a room all decorated with roses and with a bottle of wine
waiting for us,” he says. “Even the bathroom had a bubble bathwaiting, with ‘I Love You’ spelt out in rose petals!”
A few more idyllic island days followed, with the newlyweds
spending every possible moment enjoying Gaya Island’s nature
and wildlife. “I love greenery and the ocean,” notes Willian. “AndGaya Island Resort is wonderful for that. I loved the forest and themonkeys, and I even met a hornbill for the first time. I love living life
this way.”

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The team at Gaya Island Resort
had prepared many surprisinglittle touches to wish the couple
well in their wedded journey,
including preparing a thoughtful
wedding gift and romantic
touches to decorate their suite.

U

The Elements
The Flowers: Bright and cheerful sunflowers, a favourite of the bride’s. The Concept: A very private, simple wedding - to marryamidst nature and surrounded by God's most beautiful creations: the sea, marine life and abundant nature. The Menu: The bridal
party enjoyed a special 'chef's choice' menu, which was especially created for them by the F&B team at Gaya Island Resort.
The Blessing: Wanting to honour God and be married in His sight, the couple had also arranged for a local pastor to assist withthe wedding vows and to bless their union.

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life feature //

U

Shaun
Foo
+
Melissa Teo
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur

It’s a bittersweet moment for every father as he gives his daughter’s hand away in marriage. But, for father-of-the-bride, Dato’ Robert Teo, one of
Malaysia’s best-known faces in the world of accounting and finance, he looked happy as can be. Welcoming close to a thousand guests to theMajestic Ballroom of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, guests came, dressed in their best, as early as 6.30pm to celebrate the coming togetherof two families. Laughter and excited chatter could be heard as old friends reconnected, family members celebrated and the younger guests
swarmed around the fun afforded by a souvenir photo-booth and its requisite props. Waiters handed out glass after glass of wine as well as
trays of East-meets-West-inspired canapés, including compressed watermelon cubes with feta cheese and balsamic reduction as well as Straits
Chinese kuih pie tee, before everyone was invited to find their places among the 99 beautifully-decorated tables. As the heartfelt speeches were
made, toasts pronounced and joy literally overflowed from the hearts of all in attendance for the happy couple, who could fail to see that this was,indeed, a match made in heaven?

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life feature //From the newly-weds’
heartfelt speech toa performance byfamily friend Johari
Abas, every detail wasseen to in style by theparents of the bride,
Dato’ Robert andDatin Anita Teo.

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The Elements

The Flowers: Pink hydrangeas, red and pink roses and blush-hued orchids
encircled a simple elegant white candle centrepiece. The Canapes: Nyonya
vegetarian kuih pie tee and compressed watermelon cubes with feta cheese andbalsamic vinegar reduction. The Beverages: Whisky, brandy, red and white wines,
beer and fruit punch. Door gift: Butterfly bookmarks. The Entertainment: Photobooth and a live jazz band.

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U

Ross Sanders+Diwa TharanSpa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali

The magical elements of sun, sea and sand seemed to haveplayed pivotal roles in this love story. Having been introduced
by a mutual friend while on the private island resort of Pangkor
Laut, Ross and Diwa's romance seemed destined to be playedout amidst sea breeze, shimmering waters and sun-kisseddays. The groom had, in fact, proposed while on a seaside
getaway to the Malaysian East Coast. “We were on the beachwhen Ross suddenly got down on one knee and proposed,”shares the still-radiant Diwa. “We'd just been swimming in thesea – the afternoon sun was glowing and it was a day of purerelaxation and contentment.” It seemed to make perfect sensethen to recreate the magic of being by the sea as the couple
planned their dream wedding – this time on the mystical islandof Bali.
Deciding upon Tembok, in the north-eastern tip of Bali, for thecelebrations, the couple mused: “We knew we wanted to keep
our wedding celebrations small and intimate. And, because of
our mutual love for the beach, we knew we wanted a destination
wedding. Having travelled to Bali and Tembok together before,
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali was a natural choice as weboth loved the setting. It possesses such beautiful, calming
energy, and our previous experience was filled with so muchgood vibes and loving, warm hospitality from the staff. The sizeof the resort was also perfect for our guest list and needs, so
we felt there was no better place to have our wedding. Our
mutual friend, who had introduced us all those years ago, also

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happened to be working in Tembok at that time, so it really
couldn't get more perfect than that.”
The guest list proved to be truly international, flying in from theUK, Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, all ofwhom cheered when the bride emerged to walk down the aisle,
accompanied by The Beatles' hit song, All You Need Is Love.
“I remember seeing the beautiful heart-shaped Balinese penjol
the hotel staff had created and the girls from the spa all lined
up on both sides of the aisle, with flowers in their hair and thesweetest smiles,” Diwa recalls. “The afternoon light was perfectand everyone looked sun-kissed. I saw Ross beaming at the end
and I nearly burst into tears right there and then. That feeling ofoverwhelming happiness was really indescribable. Now, wheneverI have a low-energy day, I just have to close my eyes and recall
that moment to start feeling happy and grateful again.”
After a night of dancing, merry-making and a supper of satay
and DIY pulled pork sandwiches, the couple woke up early thenext morning to visit a nearby temple for a special cleansing andblessing ceremony by a Balinese priestess. “She performed theritual for us by the sea and it was as invigorating as it was special,”
the couple shares. ”We also loved having the resort all to ourselves
for two days and there really was a special energy in the air. It wasalmost surreal seeing all the people you love in one place, having
a great time. You can't replicate happiness like that and we feel soblessed to have been able to share it all with our loved ones.”

Photography Terralogical Wedding Photography, Bali

Bali, Indonesia

Clockwise, from left: Traditional Balinese offerings
called canang sari; upon pronoucement as 'man' and'wife'; a seaside blessing; aisle-way splendour.

U

The Elements
The Flowers: Blue and white hydrangeas. The Beverages: Prosecco, Pinot Noir and cocktails. The Entertainment: Friends
played DJ, lots of dancing and a spectacular fireworks display. Doorgifts: Handmade leather coasters by Malaysian design brand,
thirtyfour, inscribed with the couple's four favourite quotes. The Menu: Curried Cream of Local Pumpkin, Traditional Rojak with
Tamarind Dip, Balinese Urab Salad, Roasted Eggplant Salad with Grilled Chicken and Marinated Black Tiger Prawns. On The
BBQ: Babi Guling, Beef, Chicken, Pork and Shrimp Satay, 150-Day Grain-Fed Australian Sirloin Steak, Ayam Goreng – Balinesestyle Marinated Grilled Chicken, Tum Ikan – Fish Cooked in Banana Leaf Parcels and Chargrilled Giant Black Tiger Prawns.

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life feature //U

Xandria Ooi+Yuri Wong
Malacca, Malaysia

Starting a new life together as man and wife is all about looking
ahead and the days to come. But, for celebrity couple Yuri
Wong, a renowned composer and producer, and televisionpersonality Xandria Ooi, they chose to celebrate all theelements of past, present and future. Deciding upon The
Majestic Malacca, a former tycoon’s mansion-turned-elegant
heritage hotel in the heart of Malaysia’s most historical city, fortheir exchanging of vows – it proved to be the perfect choiceindeed. “Malacca is, in fact, Yuri’s hometown,” shares the bride.
“We wanted an intimate and meaningful ceremony where we
could exchange the vows we have written for each other, withjust family and the bridal party.”“Right from the start, I envisioned the ceremony to be held at
The Majestic Malacca,” she continues. “I didn’t even look atother hotels as I was familiar with The Majestic – I have stayed
there before and I knew its restaurant would provide the perfect

30

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Majestic
Malaccasetting, with sunlight streaming in through the high windows.”
We wanted our family and best friends to bear witness to an
event that was so very special to us, outside of the usual tea
ceremony or lunch and dinner celebration. I’ve always believedthat one never goes wrong if the gesture comes from the heart.”
And, as if sensing the purity of their intent, the couple had a
special blessing that day, with the renowned Buddhist monk
Ajahn Brahm presiding over the marriage. “Ajahn Brahm lives
in Australia and, by sheer coincidence, he was travelling to
Malaysia to give a talk in Malacca the same day our vows
ceremony was scheduled to be held,” shares Xandria. “Thetiming couldn’t have been more perfect. We’d never met before
but, with the help of the kind people at Seck Kia Eenh Temple
in Malacca, we exchanged e-mails and Brahm gamely agreed
to bless our marriage. Upon arrival at KLIA, he made his way
immediately to The Majestic Malacca. His teachings have

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31

always been so precious to Yuri and me. So, to have him blessour marriage in person was surreal and incredibly meaningful.
It is now one of my favourite memories of the day – it was justmagical; perfect even.”
She adds: “I’ve always believed it’s the little details thatmake something spectacular and the hotel has always beenbreathtaking in a charming, quiet way. The Majestic Malacca
is itself like a treasure trove of tales – a place that has borne
witness to many moments in history and we were very glad to
add our own story to its collection.”

The Majestic Malacca's
combination of history,
charm and old world
elegance made it
the perfect choicefor Xandria and Yuri's
exchanging of vows.

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Buddhist priest Ajahn
Brahm was present topersonally bless thecouple's union.

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The Elements

The Weekend: “We performed the traditional tea ceremony at Yuri's house, as he is a Malaccan boy. Our event at The
Majestic Malacca was a heartfelt ceremony where we exchanged vows in the presence of our loved ones.”
The Flowers: Orchids, pale peach-tinged roses and green button pom chrysanthemums. The Bridesmaids: All wore azure
gowns by Soo Lin Lei of Divine Couture. The Highlight: A personal blessing by Ajahn Brahm, Abbot of the Bodhinyana
Monastery in Serpentine, Western Australia.

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U

Yong Hui+Wai Ling
Lumut, Malaysia

Pangkor LautResortHaving met at 20, through mutual friends, it’s safe to say Yongand Wai Ling are young sweethearts, in the sweetest sense.
And, indeed, it was a celebration of love, family and friendshipas everyone near and dear to the couple made their way to theprivate island of Pangkor Laut to celebrate their wedding. Heldat Emerald Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, thecouple made their promises of eternal love to each other under apavilion decorated with flowers and a swathe of turquoise, one of
the key wedding colours for the couple.
A special table, bearing framed snapshots of the couple’s
extensive travels, was also set up at the ceremony. Globetrotting
lovebirds, Yong had, in fact, proposed while on holiday together
in Tokyo – at the renowned Pierre Gagnaire restaurant. “He was

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nervous and we’d drunk a lot of wine beforehand,” shares Wai
Ling. “When he actually got down one knee and popped thequestion, I was stunned and immediately said ‘yes’, without evenlooking at the ring. I guess I was too excited!”“We chose Pangkor Laut Resort as we wanted a small andintimate celebration with close friends,” Wai Ling says. “We did
look around for a suitable venue and we knew we wanted a
destination wedding. We eventually decided upon Pangkor Lautas my in-laws enjoyed their vacations here while staying at The
Estates, and told us good things about the food and service
on the island. It’s also not difficult to get to – just a short drivefrom Kuala Lumpur. And we made the right choice as it was theperfect wedding for my husband and me.”U

The Elements

Yong and Wai Ling's
wedding brought
together their nearest
and dearest for a beachcelebration to remember.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Flowers: White orchids and white roses. The ‘Aaaww’ Factor: Flower girls dressed in dreamy tulle and wearing circlets ofwhite orchids. The Posse: The bride and groom each had eight chee mui (bridesmaids) and heng tai (groomsmen).
Party Touches: Funny glasses and flashing headbands. The Entertainment: Live music, courtesy of a singer and guitarist, lotsof dancing and drinking games. The Hangover Cure: Spa sessions and rides on a banana boat.

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life feature //YTL WEDDINGS //To Have&
To Hold
It was as romantic as you’d hoped it would be – candlelit dinner at a fancy restaurant,
the ring hidden in the chocolate soufflé, getting down on one knee when hepopped the question. And while you may have been waiting for his proposal forsome time, it is the wedding that you have been dreaming about your whole
life. Hence, everything about it has to be perfect – the dress, the cake, thevows, the wedding bands (Tiffany, of course!). But where do you go to do itright? YTL Hotels may have just the solution for you.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEYTL WEDDINGS //“ Imagine a romantic settingof candlelit lanterns, a garden
pavilion and a koi pond...”Saying 'I do' under abower of fresh flowers
is magical indeed.

Pangkor Laut Resort
The Proposal: A real gem along the Straitsof Malacca, Pangkor Laut Resort sweeps
you off your feet with divine qualities thathave made it one of the most romantic
spots in South-East Asia, if not Asia. This
small private island, just off the coast of
Perak, boasts a magical, tranquil setting,with Malay-style villas amidst palm andfrangipani trees, as well as an ancient
rainforest that is home to exotic birds, notto mention secluded coves with sandy
beaches and a scene of the sunset thatrivals the sunrise in its breathtaking beauty.
Put them together and you have a recipe
for an enchanting tropical spot that is aseasy to fall in love with, as it is the perfectvenue to affirm your love and commitment
to that special someone.
Say “I Do”: Imagine a beach wedding withthe gorgeous sunset as the backdrop.
The Pangkor Laut Resort Beach Wedding
lets you live that dream with the promiseof a beautiful ceremony on Emerald Bay,located on the other side of the island andaway from the main resort. Think seashelllined aisle strewn with rose petals, rustic
driftwood arch decorated with fragrant
white flowers and a guitarist seemingly
strumming to the rhythm of the sea
waves. Then say your vows as the setting
sun’s rays cast a magical glow over theproceedings.

next to a koi pond, the resident band
serenading as you walk down the aisle
towards the beautiful floral arch where yourhandsome groom awaits.
The above settings are wonderful but,
if you’re looking to do something a little
more adventurous, hop onto the sleek 65ft
YTL Lady 1 motor yacht that offers you
the chance to exchange your vows in the
open sea. Along with the setting sun, thegentle evening breeze and a celebratory
toast with Laurent-Perrier champagne, andyou have a set-up that is fairytale material.
Cherished Moment: For something a little
more private, especially if you plan to keep
the guest list small, check into the Estates,
an exclusive property literally hidden fromthe rest of the resort in a private bay
and up along a lush hillside. Each Estateboasts a minimum of two villas completewith infinity pool, sun deck, round-theclock butler service and in-house chef.
Akin to a resort within a resort, the Estatesoffer the ultimate option for the mostprivate and intimate of soirées.

While YouAre Here:
The over-water Spa Villas
are quite possibly the mostromantic rooms to checkinto. Ask for Villa 819 - themost private one.

The other option is the Lantern Courtyard
Wedding – imagine a romantic settingof candlelit lanterns in a garden pavilion

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YTL WEDDINGS //While YouAre Here:
Ask the hotel to arrange a
special blessing for you by
Balinese priests at Pura
Ponjok Batu, a temple
nearby.

Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali

The Proposal: You can’t help but be
awed by the majestic beauty of theactive volcanic peak of Mount Agung,which sweeps dramatically down to thegrassy lowlands, eventually meetingwith the black volcano sandy coast on
the Bali Sea. Somewhere in-between
is the Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali,a haven of blissfulness that begins
right at the entrance that consists ofa long path lined with leafy bamboo
trees. The serenity matches the awardwinning spa treatments inspired byancient healing cultures of the region,
which use only local ingredients foran authentic experience. In fact, it
takes its mission of rejuvenation andrelaxation so seriously that such modernday distractions like televisions areconspicuously missing. The calming,
healing energy, coupled with the mythicalBalinese spirituality, creates an intimate
atmosphere that helps you embark
on your new journey together on theright note.

Bali is magicalenough but
a destination
wedding will
only add to theromance andmemories.

Say “I Do”:The Intimate Balinese
Wedding promises a beautiful andintimate garden affair amongst fragrant

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YTL WEDDINGS //blossoms, with a Balinese dance
performance. The reverie then continues
with a celebratory champagne toast andfive-course Balinese menu that is crafted
to your liking.
Cherished Moment: It is a tradition in Bali
that the mothers of the bride and groom
prepare their offsprings for the wedding
with a cleansing ritual called Penganten
Melukat. And while the Balinese couple

is not allowed to see each otherduring this time, the resort’s versionof Penganten Melukat is a couple’s
treatment that begins with a traditional
Balinese massage of Mewangsul ,followed by an herbal body scrub( Meodak ). The scrub is rinsed off withfresh milk (Empehan), which moisturises
and softens the skin. The session
then concludes with a rejuvenating
soak in a floral bath (Mersiram Sekar ).

“ The best thing to hold onto
in life is each other.”

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE : BALIWANTILAN RESTAURANT

With a view of the deep blue Bali Sea and lush coconut
groves, it's hard not to feel happy at the resort's main
restaurant - Wantilan. Open-sided and constantly
cooled by sea breeze, it's the perfect place to head to forwholesome meals or something cold and refreshingin-between sunbathing. And, since you're in Bali, try tohave a jamu, a local herbal tonic made from plants, roots,bark, leaves, honey and fruit, daily as it's said to be a superhealth-booster. Wantilan Restaurant also has a special
drinks menu, conceptualised by an Australian herbalist,
featuring a variety of health-giving juices and smoothies.
Love never tasted so good.

SPA

A spa a day is a sure-firerecipe to keep the flamesof love burning bright.
Surrounded by gorgeous
tropical gardens, including
fragrant ylang-ylang
bushes, make it a point todrop in daily for a dose of
rejuvenation. The Segara
Giri pre-spa ritual is enoughto get you in the right frameof mind and make sure tocool off with an es bola - ashaved ice and palm sugar
confection - before you slip
away at the touch of yourmasseuse's hands.

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YTL WEDDINGS //Malay wedding
ceremonies consistof several steps
including the Bertunang(engagement), Nikah(solemnisation),
Bersanding (ceremony)and Kenduri (feast).

Of Malay
Traditions
Tanjong Jara Resort's'Unmistakably Malay'
atmosphere is perfect for a
traditional bersanding ceremony,
where couple are married amidst
joyful kampong beats
and colourful
bunga manggar.

Tanjong Jara Resort

The Proposal: You can’t help but get thesense that time has stood still at Tanjong
Jara Resort. For all its luxurious trappings,
the resort in the East Coast state ofTerengganu is full of the nostalgic charm,when life was so much simpler, aptly
evoking the laidback vibe of the fishingvillage surrounding it.
The Malay influences are evident
throughout the property, from thearchitecture and design that reflect the
grandeur of 17th century palaces, to thefood that incorporates local cooking styles
and ingredients. An element of the rich
Malay heritage is even introduced in the
Spa Village’s pre-treatment ritual, the mandi
bunga, or flower bath, an ancient tradition
practised by kings to rid themselvesof negative energy. Consider doing
this before the wedding for good luck.
Of course, it helps that the resort boasts
a natural beauty that rivals any five-star

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establishment, complete with a long
stretch of golden beach that meets thepounding waves of the South China Sea
and the pleasant kampong life around its
fringes.
Say “I Do”: The resort offers threesignature weddings and they all borrow
an element or two from Malay traditions
for once-in-a-lifetime experience ofthe local culture. The Teratai Terrace
S i g n a t u r e We d d i n g , f o r i n s t a n c e ,celebrates the union by the free-form poolat Teratai Terrace, with a performanceof gamelan music played on traditional
Malay percussion instruments. The
Nelayan Wedding ups the ante withthe opportunity to partake in a colourful
Malay tradition. The bride, dressed in a
beautifully embroidered baju kurung ,joins a bunga manggar procession
accompanied by the rousing drumbeatsof the kompang drum, demurely making
her way to meet her groom, who looks
handsome and regal in a baju Melayu“ Performances like pencak
silat (Malay martial arts)and berbalas pantun (poetry
exchange) are traditional
Malay wedding hallmarks.”
with a colourful samping. Meantime, theBunga Wedding also incorporates thebunga manggar procession except that,instead of being on the beach, it is held
in a coconut tree-dotted open field thathas been set up with hurricane lamps andwooden huts where kampong culinary
delights await.
Cherished Moment: The resort’s locationin the heart of a Malay village lends somemeasure of authenticity to the replicationof the pomp and gaiety of a traditional
Malay wedding. Suffice to say that thewedding pictures will be a hoot.

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YTL WEDDINGS //Begin your life together
as 'man' and 'wife' inthe shadow of majestic
Mount Kinabalu.

Gaya Island Resort

The Proposal: A pristine island thatis part of the equally unspoilt Tunku
Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya
Island possesses all the best qualities
of Sabah’s wondrous nature. The Gaya
Island Resort is located along the coastof the Malohom Bay and boasts its own
mangrove forest as well as an ancient
rainforest overlooking Kota Kinabalu, thecapital city of Sabah. On a clear day,the peak of Mount Kinabalu, South-East
Asia’s tallest, is visible in the distance.
Throw in the crystal clear emerald green

A typical
Sabahanwedding callsfor Sumazau
dancing, copious
amounts of lihing(rice wine) and a
grand feast.

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waters of the South China Sea, and you
have a great spot for a romantic wedding
blessed with the incomparable beauty ofMother Nature.
Say “I Do”: Embrace the exoticnessof Sabah with the Kadazan Blessing
Ceremony that incorporates traditional
elements from the Bornean tribe of rice
farmers. This fascinating ceremony
involves putting on an elaborate goldand-black Kadazan wedding garment
and a tribal priest officiating the unionon the beach. Or keep it straightforwardwith the Signature Wedding on the
Beach on the private Tavajun Bay, with aromantic scene complete with rainforest
arch, tropical flower-lined aisle and theidyllic backdrop of the marine park andsoothing sounds of the waves lapping
onto shore. With such an indescribably
vast and beautiful nature around you,it does sound like a brilliant idea to
hop onto the luxurious Lumba Lumba
yacht for a Golden Sunset Ceremonythat takes you out to sea for couple ofhours, enough time to exchange yourvows, witnessed by a glorious sunset in
the background.

“ Traditional Kadazandusun
weddings involve the custom
of giving napung (dowry).”

Cherished Moment: With diving being
such a popular sport, it has become
quite trendy for couples to seal the deal
underwater. Blessed with abundant
colourful tropical fish and corals, themarine park boasts some of the mostspectacular snorkelling and dive sites.
The Marine Marriage wedding lets
you put on a wetsuit and dive into thedepths of the South China Sea for sucha unique sub-aquatic experience. Who
knows, maybe a turtle will turn up as asurprise guest!

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YTL WEDDINGS //Did you know Cameron
Highlands' first rosegarden was planted
by James Roberson
in 1934?

Cameron Highlands Resort

The Proposal: The view of themagnificent Titiwangsa mountain range,
the backbone of Peninsula Malaysia,
should inspire you to get on the phonewith your wedding planner right away.
But there is more than beautiful sceneryat Cameron Highlands Resort. Housed
in a stately colonial building that boasts
such pre-war touches as timber-beamed
ceilings, white French doors, grandwindows and even a working fireplace,
Cameron Highlands Resort possesses
the allure of a typical English lodge thatis still quite a common sight around theformer British hill station. What’s more,
the resort’s colonial charm is perfectly
matched with cool weather throughout
the year – kind of like escaping to aquaint English countr yside withoutleaving the country.
Say “I Do”: As befitting its vibe, theCameron Highlands Resort’s Signature
C o l o n i a l We d d i n g b e g i n s w i t h aceremony on the terrace decorated
with colourful blooms cultivated on thehighlands itself, and set against thebreathtaking backdrop of pine trees
and misty peaks. Celebrate the unionwith a champagne toast, followed bya traditional fireplace lighting ritual tosignify a glowing start to your journey ashusband-and-wife.
While colonial may be the natural
theme to go for here, the resort alsooffers the option of the Oriental Spring
Wedding that includes a pathway linedwith local flowers, gazebo whimsicallydecorated with paper cranes andlanterns, traditional tea ceremony andChinese banquet.
Cherished Moment: With its slice ofcolonial charm 1,500m above sea level,
Cameron Highlands Resort is not just an
ideal venue for a wedding, but also theperfect platform from which to explore
the lush hilly surrounding to capture

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEINSIDER KNOWLEDGE : CAMERON HIGHLANDSSTRAWBERRIES

Resembling a perfect little red heart, it's safe to say
the strawberry is the fruit of love. Some even call it anedible Valentine. Hailed for its aphrodisiac qualities,
it's the ideal snack for newlyweds - not to mention
being a perfect match for champagne! Since, thehighlands are famous for its strawberries, do ask
your butler to deliver trays of the fruit to your suite
daily, complete with chocolate dip, and a bottle ofchampagne on ice.

FLOWERS
more romantic moments for the wedding
album. Magazines from fashion tobridal have long taken advantage of thislandscape for some amazing photos,
so why not do the same? A favourite
spot is the tea plantation, with its acresof resplendent greenery that never fails
to create a stunning contrast with thedazzling white wedding dress.

Steeped in symbolism, no flower spells out L-O-V-E
quite the way a red rose can. But that doesn't mean
you're obliged to woo her only with one hue. Certainly,
a red rose says 'I love you' but also know that pink roses
denote admiration, grace and perfect happiness whiledark red speaks of her deep beauty. Yellow signifies
delight, gladness and the promise of a new beginning.
So, when you're busy shopping for flowers in Cameron
Highlands, feel free to go crazy with the colours!

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YTL WEDDINGS //The Surin Phuket

The Proposal: Hailed as the Pearl of theAndaman, Phuket is Thailand’s mostpopular island destination, blessed withmiles of white sandy beaches and crystalclear turquoise waters. And there is no
better place to enjoy them than at The Surin
Phuket, which lies along Pansea Beach,
voted one of the dreamiest stretches ofpowdery heaven on the island. Pansea’s
exclusivity – it is shared with only one otherluxury resort – certainly ups its charms.
The Surin Phuket, which recently
underwent an upgrade courtesy ofParisian designer Edward Tuttle, is a

While YouAre Here:tropical sanctuary shrouded in lush
foliage from which charming whitecottages peek out, and a shady coconut
grove beachfront where the luxurious
suites reside. With the Andaman Sea
on one side and the verdant hill on theother, this is a divine setting for a truly
magical wedding.
Say “I Do”: The best spot to utter those twowords is, without a doubt, on the beachitself. Its seclusion not only offers a measureof privacy but also helps it preserve its
amazing natural beauty from excessive
human intrusion. This breathtaking sightcan be the scene of either a modern

Western wedding, complete with abeautiful canopy and floral decorations, ora traditional Thai ceremony that involves
a drum procession, traditional dance andwedding blessings from no less than
five monks.
Cherished Moment: In ancient times, theThais make a wish by releasing lanterns
into the sky. Modern-day lovebirds haveadopted this practice in the hope thatthe gods will grant them their hearts’desires. At The Surin Phuket, newlyweds
get to participate in this illuminating ritual,thus sealing the bond on a decidedly
quaint note.

“ Flanked by the Andaman Sea
and verdant hills, Phuket offersa magical setting for weddings...”Known as dawk bua
sii khaaw in Thai, white
lotus blossoms add an
elegantly Asian touch to
any wedding.

After releasing your Khoom
Loi (sky lantern), retreat to
The Surin's beautiful bar forsomething cold and exciting,like the Tomyam Iced Tea or
the resort's signature Sunsetini- a blend of vodka, lemon andcranberry juice.

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YTL WEDDINGS //The Majestic Malacca

The Proposal: The Majestic Malacca,
located in the heart of a UNESCOWorld Heritage City, presents an alluring
possibility: a traditional Peranakan (Straits
Chinese) wedding held within the wallsof an authentic 1920s Chinese mansionthat has been faithfully restored, rightdown to the original porcelain tile flooring.
There is something to be said about
participating in a centuries-old tradition inits birthplace. That The Majestic Malacca
overlooks the historical river that once
teemed with traders from the east andwest is a bonus, the latter an elementthat has been translated beautifully in therooms designed in classic colonial style,by a delightful performance of Dondang
Sayang, where two singers – one maleand the other, female – exchange Malay
pantun (poetry) in a lighthearted andhumorous manner.

complete with poster beds and large
clawfoot bathtubs.
Say “I Do”: A Peranakan wedding is acolourful and merry affair that traditionallyl a s t s f o r 1 2 d a y s . T h e Malaccan
Heritage Wedding is inspired by thevibrancy of the Peranakan wedding –albeit in a condensed form – that gives
the couple a chance to don traditional
Peranakan wedding attire sewn by
local seamstresses, and partake in atea ceremony in accordance with theConfucian tenet of respecting the elders.
The couple then takes a ride on a trishaw
around the city before returning to thehotel for a Peranakan feast, accompanied

Cherished Moment: Malacca is oneof only three places in the world – theothers being Penang and Singapore that has a vibrant Peranakan culture andcommunity, making this a rare opportunity
where one gets to embrace an ancient
culture in all its glory. Plus, it certainly
doesn’t get any more memorable thana traditional wedding that is as culturally
extraordinary as it is colourful.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE : MALACCA

Infuse your matrimonialrites with a dose of
Peranakan panache at
The Majestic Malacca.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“ The traditional
love ballads of
the Baba-Nyonya
are known as
Dondang Sayang
and are a fixture
at Straits Chinese
weddings.”

Nyonya Cakes

When staying at The Majestic Malacca, do ask your butler
to ensure you get to try the famous Peranakan kuih called
Ang Koo or 'red tortoise cake'. With a soft and sticky
texture, it's filled with ground peanuts or mung bean
and is an integral element in any auspicious occasion.
To the Chinese, its red colour is symbolically associatedwith good fortune and prosperity, and its shape alludes tolongevity, as tortoises have famously long lives. These
sticky, delicious cakes are also a must during key festivals
and celebrations, particular the Lunar New Year and thefirst 'full moon' of a baby. If you're keen to sample a wider
variety of kuih-muih, ask your concierge to arrange a car
to Baba Charlie's - one of Malacca's most famous vendorsof traditional Nyonya cakes.

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YTL WEDDINGS //The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur

The Proposal: When it comes to luxury
at a desirable address, The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur has few rivals. Its locationin the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur,where it is not uncommon to spot a VIP ora big-name celebrity, is without question
its biggest draw. Additionally, its uniquebrand of personalised service is legendary,a fact that has led to a ranking as one of
the world’s top five hotels with full butler
Classic charm and flawless
service are trademarksof The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur.

service. This potent combo is bolsteredby the opulent but tasteful interior, theacclaimed cuisines (Li Yen’s Chinese
offerings and Carlton Gourmet’s continental
bistro classics are much talked about inthe upper social circle), not to mention the
VIP attention one inevitably receives assoon as one arrives on its doorstep.
There is no question that the name RitzCarlton inevitably lends a sheen of prestige
to the wedding invitation, a distinction
further aided by the distinguishedproperty’s splendid banquet hall andgorgeous bridal suite with a killer viewof the city skyline. Needless to say, thewho’s who of Malaysian high society
tends to gravitate here to celebrate special
occasions, including weddings.
A prestigious name. Personalised five-star
service. Great location. Highly lauded inhouse cuisines. If your big day demands
high glamour and lavish style, there is no
better place to impress your guests than
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur.
Say “I Do”: Nothing but the best inclass and elegance is expected at The
Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur. Choose tocelebrate your union with the pre-existing
wedding packages, appropriately named
Pearl, Crystal and Diamond, all of whichcome complete with a choice of multicourse menus, champagne fountain andthe luxurious bridal suite with 24-hour butler
service. Or, customise the wedding justthe way you have always dreamed about.
Lavish banquet hall decorations, forinstance, come in a choice of dramatic
red, pretty pink, classic white or a royal
combination of these colours. The hotel’stalented pastry chef also extends aninvitation to create your fantasy multi-tierwedding confection, gloriously decorated
with flowers and pretty sugary ornaments
to match the theme. Need a place toconduct the traditional tea ceremony? Thatcan be arranged at any one of its wellappointed rooms that comes complete

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with Chinese teacups, decorated with
auspicious symbols, to offer to the elders.
The wedding dinner itself is guaranteed
to be a feast to remember, thanks to theaward-winning culinary fares, with a choiceof Chinese, Indian or Western menus.
And what is a wedding celebration (or any
celebration, for that matter) without thepopping of the champagne bottle – better
yet, if it is a magnum of Moët & Chandon!
After the celebration has wind down, start
your first day as husband-and-wife on aromantic note by signing up for a couple’s
treatment at the splendid Spa Village,
located on the fourth floor. A veritablehaven of bliss and rejuvenation, the Spa
Village boasts an exquisite array of Asianand Western relaxation rituals to stokethat loving feeling. A fine suggestion is
the Trade Winds treatment that begins
with a decadent body scrub (Terra Timur
mixture of red clay, ground soy, rice andpapaya for the groom and the Papaya
Gentle Scrub for the bride), followed byan indulgent Swedish massage and acleansing European facial using renowned
Kerstin Florian products. Truly, it’s justthe couple time that you need after awhirlwind celebration.
Cherished Moment: Not many things canrival the pleasure of a good meal and,certainly, no wedding should be bereft ofsuch pleasure. The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala
Lumpur’s Li Yen is one of the city’s top goto places for Cantonese fare that entices
at lunch with steaming baskets of delicious
dim sum and, at dinner, a hearty meal of
specialty dishes. Li Yen doesn’t miss abeat either when it comes to whipping
up a wedding feast, with a delightful ninecourse banquet that features anythingfrom Double Boiled Fish Maw Soup andBraised Abalone Clams with Chinese
Mushroom to the signature Beancurd
with Conpoy, Honshimeji Mushroom andSpinach. Mark my word, your guests will
be singing praises for days

While YouAre Here:
Kuala Lumpur is a fascinating,multi-cultural melting pot. Maketime to see all the sights, from thehustle and bustle of Chinatown,
shopping for curios and trinkets
at Central Market and walking
hand-in hand in one of the city's
numerous parks.

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YTL WEDDINGS //effort to realise your fantasy wedding. For
one, JW Marriott has one of the grandest
pillarless ballrooms in the city that isperfectly suited for throwing a lavish bashthat can host up to nearly 900 people. For
smaller parties, there are no less than 21
rooms to choose from.

Traditional Chinese
weddings are notcomplete without
loud and raucous
yells of 'yum seng'- the equivalent of'bottoms up'.

While YouAre Here:
The JW Marriott is locatedalong Kuala Lumpur's mostprestigious shopping street- Bukit Bintang. Shop fortreasures to signify your newlife together or even somethingfor your new home.

JW Marriott
Kuala Lumpur

The Proposal: JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
sits right smack in the middle of thefamous Bukit Bintang shopping district.
With direct access to Starhill Gallery,
Kuala Lumpur’s premier luxury shopping
destination, housing some of the most
exclusive names from around the world,
JW Marriott is a vibrant, lively address thatnevertheless shuts out the frenetic goingson of the outside world with the intimacy ofa sophisticated five-star abode.
Aside from its central location filled withall manner of retail temptations, JW
Marriott entices with a host of charming
gathering spots, including Shanghai, theonly hotel Chinese restaurant in the city
to serve authentic Shanghainese fare; AlHalabi, a sumptuously furnished Middle
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cosy Newens Tea House that serves an
excellent afternoon tea over which you
can go over last-minute details with yourbridesmaids. For an even wider variety,head to the Feast Village for its mélange
of international cuisines ranging from
Cantonese and Teochew to Vietnameseand Korean that attract an equallyinternational crowd.

The morning after, get an early start on thehoneymoon with a trip to the Spa Village
located next door at the Ritz-Carlton
Kuala Lumpur. Then proceed to a welldeserved quiet meal for two at any oneof the fine dining venues in the vicinity.
Go ahead, you know you deserve a treat.

Cherished Moment: The direct accessto Starhill Gallery, which in turn is directly
linked to the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur,is one of the best things about JW
Marriott Kuala Lumpur. Apart from the
shopping and dining, every imaginable
convenience and service is here under
one roof, including a cooking school,
the Starhill Culinary Studio, for some fungroup activity for your overseas guests
staying at the hotel. London’s famed
upscale barbershop Truefitt & Hill canalso be found here for the groom tohave a nice shave and/or trim before
the reception.

“ And, as thestory goes, they
lived happily
ever after...”In short, if you want to be in the thickof the action, what JW Marriott Kuala
Lumpur has to offer is second to none.
Say “I Do”: If such a prestigious address
is not enough to sway you, JW Marriott’s
top-notch service and facilities should do
the job. Right from the get-go, a dedicatedteam takes the burden of planning every
little detail off your hand – all you have to
do is make your requests and leave themto the professionals. The entire ceremony
will be tailor-made to the last detail in an

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YTL WEDDINGS //From Kuala Lumpur
to Kuantan and
Penang, Vistana
Hotels will go theextra mile to ensure
your wedding is one
to remember.

Vistana Hotels

The Proposal: The Vistana stakes its
claim as a contemporary city hotelthat banks on service, style and, mostimportantly, location. Vistana Kuala
Lumpur Titiwangsa, for instance, isminutes away from the central business
district and is easily accessible via Jalan
Tun Razak and Jalan Chow Kit, two of
the city’s busiest thoroughfares. The
Titiwangsa monorail station, which runs
on a track that links directly to the KL
Sentral transportation hub via such key
addresses as Bukit Bintang, is but a skip
and hop away.
Similarly, Vistana Kuantan City Centre’s
central location in the heart of the
Pahang capital – the East Coast Malla n d r e c r e a t i o n a l b e a c h o f Te l u k
Cempedak are a stone’s throw away
– is arguably its most attractive asset,
its soaring white façade one of thecity’s most recognisable landmarks.
Meantime, Vistana Penang Bukit Jambul
also boasts a de sirable addr es s ,thanks to its proximity to the Penang
International Airport and direct accessto the historical city of George Town.
Setting the brand apart as well are themodern amenities and stylishly designed
rooms with warm neutral colours andsleek furnishing, all of which make
Vistana, not only an attractive city venue
for a wedding banquet, but also a quality
alternative that is surprisingly gentle on
the wallet.
Say “I Do”: A professional wedding
planning team will help you design awedding that is uniquely yours, ably
taking care of ever ything from thesmall matter of wedding invitations andseating cards to the wedding cake. The
swimming pool with a vista of the nearby
skyline is the ideal outdoor venue tohold the reception – the hotel can evenarrange for a dramatic ice carving display
to jazz up the space. Accommodations

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“ Grow oldalong withme, the best is
yet to be...”can also be made for the traditional
Chinese tea ceremony or the Malay akad
nikah marriage solemnisation in one of
the rooms.
Later, guests proceed to dinner in thebanquet room (in the case of Vistana
Kuala Lumpur Titiwangsa) or ballroom(for Vistana Kuantan City Centre andVistana Penang Bukit Jambul) that has
been transformed into an elegant dining
space, decorated with exquisite floral
arrangements and the backdrop of yourchoice. Make your grand entrance along
a red carpet aisle, strewn with rose petals,
to the strains of your favourite love song.
And, if you decide to bring your own
drinks, you will be very pleased to knowthat corkage is waived for all alcohol.
Cherished Moment: No matter what
your theme is, the philosophy at Vistana
is to fulfil your every need and desire,so that your wedding will indeed be a
special one. And, as icing on the multitier wedding cake, the newlyweds get
to embark on a romantic honeymoon ateither Tanjong Jara Resort, Gaya Island
Resort or Cameron Highlands Resort, on
the house.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE : WEDDING RINGSOne of the most important symbols oflove and a union between two people, theuse of wedding rings have been recorded
since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Its
immediate symbolism is obvious, as thecircle signifies eternity, with no beginningor end. Over time, wedding rings also
became a status symbol - to demonstrate
the wealth of the giver. From gold and silver,
wedding rings of bygone days could also bemade using leather, bone and ivory. It is said
that Christians began using the wedding
ring as a symbol of marriage or betrothal
sometime around 860AD - a tradition that
endures to this day.

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YTL WEDDINGS //“ Don't marry the person you think
you can live with. Marry the one
you can't live without.”- JC Dobson-

While YouAre Here:
You might have alreadyproposed to her in grand stylebut, since you are at The Majestic
Hotel Kuala Lumpur, add anextra frisson of romance to yourunion by having a candlelit
dinner in the hotel's famous
Orchid Conservatory prior toyour wedding banquet. It's anexperience to cherish.

One of Kuala Lumpur's
grande dame hotels,
the historical Majestic
lives up to its nameindeed and is a grandyet gracious venue for awedding to remember.

The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur

The Proposal: It is not often that one canbrag about getting married in a national
heritage treasure and this is what makes
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur so
seductive. Built in 1932, the neo-classicaland Art Deco hotel was renowned forbeing the fanciest in its heyday, a place forthe elites to meet and moneyed travellers
to rest, and where glamorous The Great
Gatsby-style parties were thrown.
Gazetted as a heritage building underthe Antiquities Act in the 1970s, thehotel was refurbished to its former glory
and renamed The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur in 2012, with the addition of acontemporary wing. Its strongest allure,
however, remains its nostalgic charm –the white Art Deco façade, the interiorof marble flooring and Roman columns,
the curved driveway that slopes gently
towards a porte cochère (think about
the show-stopping entrance thiswould make!).

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Subscribing to the highest standardsof hospitality, The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur is also a member of The Leading
Hotels of the World luxury collection,
the only property in Kuala Lumpur to be
admitted into this exclusive club. Therefore,
if your fairytale wedding calls for a doseof old-world glamour, The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur is truly the only place in town
to make it come spectacularly alive.
Say “I Do”: Allow us to paint you apossible scenario: Hold the tea ceremonyin the elegant, sun-filled space of theOrchid Conservatory, surrounded byhundreds of colourful orchids. Guests
nibble on classic English tea bites, lendinga novel twist to this traditional ritual. In theevening, the expansive pillarless Majestic
Ballroom sets the stage for a lavishbanquet, complete with a red carpet for
the wedding march. Alternatively, theRoof Garden offers a unique setting for
an intimate al fresco wedding reception
in the company of the stars and thedramatic city skyline. After the final toast
is dispensed with, retire to the luxurious

colonial-inspired suite in the Majestic
Wing, where a bottle of champagne
awaits the newly-weds for a private
celebration. The next day, unwind with acomplimentary 60-minute massage at theMajestic Spa. Then, conclude your staywith a hearty Tiffin Lunch (available only on
Sundays) comprising Hainanese Chicken
Curry, Mutton Varuval, Egg Masala, Fish
Masala and Sago Gula Melaka at the
Colonial Cafe, a fitting end to the back-tocolonial-times wedding experience.
Cherished Moment: The decadentcolonial vibe is hard to resist. Venues suchas the Drawing Room and The Smoke
House, which houses a lounge bar, a cigarroom, a card room, a private dining room
and a movie room screening black-andwhite Hollywood classics, offer old schoolstyle gathering possibilities that are boundto impress that close circle of friends andfamily members. If a wedding is supposed
to be one of life’s most special celebrations,then The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’srich heritage and luxury may just be what
you need to make it even more so.

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Every new husband
and wife should
start their married
life together in style.
Here, consider thebridal designs of top
Malaysian designer
Khoon Hooi, pairedwith jewellery thatpromises to dazzle.

theBeginningof ourLives
Styling Calvin Cheong Art Direction Sheila Cheah Photography Ian Wong @ Home Studio Assistant Faris Jamaluddin
Hair VV Chan Makeup Kenny Yee Models Barbora K @ Icon Model & Nikolay B @ Attitude Models

Old World
Glamour

On Him: Shirt, suit and pants,
McQ Alexander McQueen.
Bowtie, Kenzo. Timepiece,
Audemars Piguet.
On Her: Necklace set in whitegold with 52.20 carats of
diamonds, earrings with 22.07
carats of rose cut diamonds
and ring in white gold with 3.97
carats of rose cut diamonds,
Samer Halimeh.

Shine Bright Like A
DiamondHead piece, Bremen Wong
Millinery. Garzas earrings set inwhite gold with diamonds, Carrera
y Carrera. Classic ring in whitegold and 8.13 carats of radiant cut
diamonds, Samer Halimeh.

Love DuetOn Him: Shirt, suit and pants, McQ
Alexander McQueen. Bowtie, Kenzo.
Fusion Dwyane Wade timepiece, Hublot.
On Her: Entanglement pendant andearrings in white gold with diamonds,
Heritage ring with a 4.53 carats cushioncut Burmese blue sapphire and brilliant cut
diamonds, Garrard.

An Entrancing
Entrance

New York necklace in whitegold with a 6.60-carat
aquamarine and 0.73 caratsof diamonds, earrings inwhite gold with 3.24 carats ofaquamarines and 0.37 caratsof diamonds and ring with 0.30
carats of diamonds, Gübelin.

Monochrome
Masculinity

Shirt, suit and pants and bowtie,
Kenzo. Pontos S Supercharged
timepiece, Maurice Lacroix.

Love Is All Around

On Him: Shirt, suit and pants, McQ Alexander McQueen.
Bowtie, Kenzo. Resilience timepiece in 18K red gold,
Speake-Marin.
On Her: Ref 324 timepiece, Bedat & Co. Emerald set ofnecklace in 18K white gold with 22.74 carats of diamonds
and a 10.64 carats of emeralds; earrings in 18K white goldwith 5.43 carats of diamonds and 5.81 & 5.12 carats ofemeralds; and ring in 18K white gold with 6.52 carats of
diamonds and a 16.24 carats of emeralds, Mouawad.

ForeverStarts Now

On Him: Shirt, suit andpants and bowtie, Kenzo.
Timepiece, Omega.
On Her: Head piece, Bremen
Wong Millinery. Royal Blue
Tanzanite & Diamond Set,
Mouawad.

Tie the Knot
Shirt, suit and pants andbowtie, Kenzo. Chapter Three
Reveal, Maîtres du Temps.

A Time To
Fall In Love
Shirt, suit and pants and bowtie,
Kenzo. V16 GMT Double Tourbillon
Classic timepiece, Cecil Purnell.

Rockstar Romance

On Him: Shirt, leather jacket, pants
and bowtie, Kenzo. Chapter Two
TCR timepiece, Maîtres du Temps.
On Her: Head piece, Bremen Wong
Millinery. Ladies V11 La Croix Lucky
Lady timepiece, Cecil Purnell. Wing
collar, ring and earrings in rose goldwith diamonds, Garrard. All bridal
gowns featured, Khoon Hooi.

life feature //life feature //Say You’ll
Be MineEvery dream romance begins with ‘Once upona time…’ Here, YTL Life shows you the bestplaces to write the first lines of your love story
with secret proposal spots that will have hersaying ‘yes’ in no time.
Primal Nature

Right: The team at Gaya
Island Resort would be
only too happy to arrange asunset picnic, complete withchampagne at a quiet, privatebay. Proposal-perfect? We
think so.
Far right: Firefly-pretty lights
make the gazebo at Cameron
Highlands Resort fairytale
enchanting. Pop the question
surrounded by misty mountains
and cool night air.

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Surrounded by the azure waters of the South
China Sea and ensconced within lush tropicalforest, Gaya Island Resort, off the coast of
Kota Kinabalu, offers several choice locations
at which to ask the all-important question.
Serene bays like Malohom and Tavajun
offer quiet, pristine beaches – perfect for
setting up a pique-nique á deux, where thelady may say ‘yes’ in private, accompaniedby the sounds of nothing else but the sea
and a celebratory pop of champagne. If thepairing of motion and emotion seems like amore potent combination, a private charterof the resort’s luxurious Lumba Lumba yacht
may also be arranged. Throw in a fiery sunset
and sea breeze, there’s no way she’ll say no.
Take our word for it.

Highland Fling

Long hailed as the premier hill station ofcolonial Malaya, Cameron Highlands,blessed with a unique botanical heritage,is the place to head to if your beloved
3
appreciates verdant beauty. With its coolingclimes and misty hills, short treks to nearby
waterfalls or the famous Mossy Forest are
all good ideas but, should you wish to notstray too far away from the colonial grandeurof the Cameron Highlands Resort, may wesuggest this pretty little gazebo, just a stroll
away from the Jim Thompson Tea Room?
Once night falls, this little nook, with all its
fairy lights, is as pretty as a picture. Strew thepathway with flowers before leading her here,
where champagne is a-chilling and the ring is
a-waiting. Love in a cold climate? We think so.

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life feature //Eastern Promise

Resembling a sultan’s istana from bygone
days, Tanjong Jara Resort, set on theeastern seaboard of the Malay Peninsula,offers a setting fit for a king. Exuding a
traditionally Malay charm, the resort is filledwith many quiet spots – each perfect toorchestrate a proposal of marriage – but
simplicity might work best here, with thebeach’s golden sands, tangy sea air andswaying palms providing a picture-postcard
setting. Our advice? Bag one of thebeautiful beachfront pavilions, shrouded bybillowing linen. Once dusk falls, the added
romance of a gamelan melody, carriedby the wind, only adds to the magic of
the moment.

Saying It With Flowers

Getting down on one knee is significantly
less daunting when you are surrounded
by a thousand orchids in full bloom. The
Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s Orchid
Conservatory has indeed been at theforefront of the property’s most singular
events. Let it work its floral magic for you,likewise. The affable staff are ever-readyto help you orchestrate the occasion
flawlessly. This may include arranging fora solo violinist or, perhaps, even filling theentire space with votive candles. It is often
said that a flower cannot blossom without
sunshine. Likewise, a man cannot live
without love. Here, at The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur’s Orchid Conservatory, seize
the moment with both.

Clockwise, from right: The teamat YTL Hotels will ensure bottles
of bubbly are on standby forthe ‘yes’ moment; The Majestic
Hotel Kuala Lumpur's elegant
melding together of historical andcontemporary elegance makes
for a proposal setting that isirresistible; say it with flowers fora positive answer – only at The
Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s
Orchid Conservatory

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life feature //8

8“Star-crossed lovers may appreciate
the magical beauty of Tembok, Bali
– a haven of black sand beaches,swaying palms and frangipaniscented breeze.”Star-Crossed Lovers

Clockwise, from above:
Imagine asking her the allimportant question while
floating on a midnight
blue pool and gazing at
the heavens? All that is
possible, and more, at
the Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali; float away

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to a lifetime of bliss byproposing aboard a
traditional jukong; let themagic of the Malaysian
East Coast cast its spellon both of you as you
retreat to one of themany seafront pavilions
for privacy.

Bali is always magical. But that element ismagnified many times over in its unspoilt,
isolated north – a haven where blue skies
and sea meet on the horizon and where its
ebony-hued beaches soak up all the heatof the sun to warm your body and soul ingreater measure. Set amidst coconut grovesand fragrant, flowering frangipani trees, theSpa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, with its
illuminating environment, is a place where
spirit, soul and body can find rest andrestoration. One of its signature spa activities
is the after-dark starlight gazing, which isdone while floating in the sapphire-tiled pool.
Tweak it a little by arranging for a floating
platform, complete with music, with only therustle of palm fronds and the vastness of thenight sky opening up above you. Connect
with each other as the magic of night sky
and the liberating feeling of weightlessness
combine to transport you. As the mind
opens, so does the heart. It’s hard to say
no when you’re spirited away like this.

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The Touchof Love
The English novelist Angela Carter may have written ‘Moonlight, white satin,roses. A bride.’ But those with an Asian soul might prefer ‘Sunlight, a sarongand frangipani blossoms.’ Regardless of whether you’re a blushing Mrs-tobe or basking in post-wedding, honeyed light, don’t miss these romantic spa
journeys that are best experienced together.

The Princess And The Moon

Where: Pangkor Laut Resort, a private island off the West Coastof Peninsular Malaysia.
What: Royal Secrets of Puteri Lindungan Bulan (for her) andBukit Gantang Warrior Treatment (for him).
How long: Three hours, excluding a 45-minutes signature BathHouse experience.
Highlights: The prelude to any treatment at Spa Village Pangkor
Laut, the signature Bath House experience certainly sets
you in a spa state of mind. Encompassing a seven-pronged
celebration of the region’s unique bathing rituals, including a floral
foot bath, a soak in a rotenburu and a Shanghainese-inspired
back scrub, all these physical treats are designed to prepare
mind, body and soul for the three-hour spa journey that will soon
follow. After a consultation with the resident Malay specialist,
this special couple’s treatment begins with urutan panglima andurutan gamelan, traditional Malay massages for him and her,respectively, a hair cream bath or herbal hair root treatment, ascrub, a steam bath or herbal spice bath, and, to finish, a herbal
tonic drink.
Resort tip: Make sure to book a dreamy, above-water Spa Villathat promises privacy amidst an island-luxe setting. It’s also themost convenient location from which to access the spa; perfect
if you’re making daily treatments your honeymoon indulgence.

Baba Bliss & Nyonya Nuances

Where: In Malaysia’s historical heart of Malacca, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, at The Majestic Malacca.
What: Signature Peranakan (Straits Chinese) rejuvenative
experiences.
How long: A three-hour spa journey, as well as a signature prespa ritual of a Peranakan hair wash, hair combing and scalp
massage – a traditional Nyonya treat for brides-to-be.
Highlights: Embodying all the charm and grace of the famously
decorative Peranakans and their yin and yang outlook on living life,
the Spa Village Malacca’s iconic couple’s treatment is dependent
upon one’s body type. After filling in a detailed questionnaire,
your therapist will diagnose you to be either a ‘warm’ or ‘cool’
person, in line with the tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
A cool person would need a warming treatment and vice versa.
The treatments are intriguingly named: Suam-Suam Panas andShiok-Shiok Sejuk for yin and yang personalities, respectively.
The former includes a Malacca palm sugar and honey bodyscrub, pandan coconut hair masque, a bird’s nest facial withfermented tapioca mask and a session of nutmeg rice-rollingmassage. The latter offers a session of egg-rolling body therapy,
which is believed to draw out stress from the body, as well asa yoghurt and guava leaves body scrub, lime and yoghurt hairmasque and a bird’s nest facial with star fruit.

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Top: Spa Village Malacca’s ShiokShiok Sejuk treatment features asession of egg-rolling body therapy
to draw out stress. Below: Spa
Village Pangkor Laut’s signature
Bath House experience will set you
in a spa state of mind.

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Hotel tip: Nothing soothes the soul quite like a hot cup of tea.
The Majestic Malacca has its very own blend of lychee tea(which is served to guests as part of the welcome service).
Make sure to buy back a few boxes to bring home, so that the
memory of your stay here lingers on and is brought to mind witheach sip.

Hills Of Healing

Clockwise, from right: Enjoya soothing cup of tea after
your treatments in Spa
Village Malacca; The Semai
at Spa Village Cameron
Highlands Resort is basedon ancient health remedies;
Spa Village Tanjong Jara’s
treatments are inspired bytraditional Malay practices.

Where: Set amidst misty mountains and emerald jungle,
the Cameron Highlands Resort’s Spa Village is a bijou
highland haven.
What: The Semai.
How long: Three hours, excluding tea bath ritual.
Highlights: Named after one of the ethnic subgroups of
the Orang Asli, Malaysia’s indigenous people, The Semai
is a rejuvenative ritual that’s based on ancient Semai healthremedies. Divided into the Tok Batin Mystical Tradition (forhim) and The Jungle Secrets of Anti-Aging (for her), both spa
journeys draw from the healing bounty of the jungle and include
the use of numerous botanicals, including henna, tea, betel
leaves, rambutan bark, ginger, cinnamon and kaffir lime. For
the ladies, a Muhak herbal sitz bath, designed to firm muscles,
is also included in the package. The Semai is designed tocleanse, moisturise, promote healthy blood circulation as well
as remove negative energy, and, as always, is preceded by the
Spa Village’s signature pre-spa ritual, which features an antioxidant rich and Zen-inducing tea bath using tea leaves fromthe area’s famed tea plantations. Slip into the claw-foot tub andsoak all your cares away before journeying into bliss with yoursignificant other. A herbal tonic drink, best enjoyed in one of theoutdoor pavilions, brings The Semai experience to a suitably
soothing close.
Resort tip: Steamboats, packed with highland-fresh veggies,
are a healthy yet indulgent way to spend a lengthy dinner at the
Cameron Highlands Resort. Be sure to make a reservation for asteamy hot pot meal during your stay here.

King & Queen For A Day

Where: In the heart of old KL, The Majestic Spa is a bastion of
Art Nouveau chic and colonial-inspired charm.
What: The English Afternoon Tea experience.
How long: Two hours.
Highlights: Evoking celebrated Scottish architect Charles
Rennie Mackintosh’s famous Willow Tearooms, The Majestic
Spa complements the grande dame hotel beautifully. Facing
the Moorish towers of the old railway station, come early to
enjoy the Gift from the Garden, the spa’s pre-treatment ritual,
where you will be pampered with two English garden classics:
lavender and rosemary. A soothing lavender foot soak and a

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stimulating scalp massage with rosemary oil is the perfect prep
for the therapeutic journey ahead. The English Afternoon Tea
experience pays homage to the quintessential tradition begun
by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. Slough off dead cells indelicious style with a blackberries and cream scrub before amassage and a fragrant English rose facial.
Hotel tip: Schedule your spa experience for around noon to
one o’clock as you’d finish perfectly in time for tea. The hotel
serves up a marvellous afternoon tea, accompanied by live
piano music from Ooi Eow Jin, the creative force behind someof Malaysia’s most popular songs over the past four decades.
And, if you’re honeymooning or simply want that extra-special
touch, arrange to have it amidst the floral confines of The
Majestic’s famous Orchid Conservatory.

The Sun Rises In The East

Where: Set along a picture-postcard view of golden sandbeaches, lusty waves and swaying palms is Spa Village Tanjong
Jara, a Malay-inspired sanctuary of the senses in the northeastern state of Terengganu.
What: For him and her, the Panji Alam and Dandan Puteri

Tujuh, respectively. This couple’s treatment is also referred to as
Raja Sehari, which, in Malay, translates as ‘King and Queen forthe day’.
How long: Three hours.
Highlights: Begin with mandi bunga, a Malay floral bath thatoriginated from the royal courts as part of the investiture of a
new king, it is still practised by traditional healers as a meansof ridding the body of negative energy. Today, it takes pride ofplace as Spa Village Tanjong Jara’s pre-treatment ritual. Here,your therapist wraps you in a colourful sarong and proceeds
to bathe you, head to toe, in floral water, reciting a blessing foreach of the seven times she pours it over you. This charming
practise is also all-important during coming-of-age rituals
as well as for soon-to-wed couples, and held seven days
before the wedding day. After donning a fresh sarong, let yourtherapist treat you to a session of urut (massage) and a seriesof other sybaritic treats, including a conditioning hair treatment,
scrub, a milk or herbal spice bath, traditional body steaming
and, lastly, a shot of herbal tonic. As a parting gift, a beautiful
batik sarong will be presented as a memento of the day’s
royal experience.

evocatively-named Papakang – the Odyssey of Seven Brothers –for him and the Unduk Ngadau (for her). Each treatment includes
a body scrub, an avocado and coconut hair masque, urutan
pribumi (an indigenous massage) using rice pouches, and ahoney and avocado seed facial to end.
Resort tip: Honeymooners, do know that Gaya Island Resort
also organises movie nights under the stars. Find a cosy spot
in which to plop yourself down on beanbags, snuggle up andwait for something romantic to play. If you prefer to play by day,snag one of the private relaxation chambers by the poolside –each one named after a Sabahan tribe – perfect for snuggling
in-between sun-worshipping.

Spa & The City

Clockwise, from below:
The Majestic Spa evokes
the famous Willow Tearooms
designed by celebrated Scottish
architect, Charles Rennie
Mackintosh; the Spa Village in
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur isan oasis of calm in the middle ofthe city; enjoy treatments inspiredby the Kadazan-Dusun people in
Spa Village Gaya Island.

Resort tip: Dusk is a particularly magical time in this part of thecountry. Make sure to find time to stroll, hand in hand, preferably,along the beach and take in the tangy South China Sea breeze
before calling it a day. If you can persuade your better half torise early, few things beat starting the day with a sun salutation –performed right on the beach, of course.

Borneo Bliss

Where: Spa Village Gaya Island Resort, off the coast of Kota
Kinabalu in wild and exotic Borneo.
What: Tadau Kaamatan.
How long: Three hours.
Highlights: Named after the all-important harvest festival of
the Kadazan-Dusun people, the Tadau Kaamatan is steeped insignificance. Celebrating the rituals and symbolism associatedwith the planting of rice and its subsequent bountiful harvest, oneof the highlights of Tadau Kaamatan is also the festival queen
pageant, known as Unduk Ngadau. At Spa Village Gaya Island,
this unique couple’s treatment is divided into his and hers: the88

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Where: A veritable oasis of calm in downtown KL, this city
outpost of the Spa Village is tucked away within the classic luxuryof The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur.
What: City slickers can slough off their concrete jungle skinand, instead, slip on a cloak of serenity; which is easy enoughonce you step into this unique retreat, surrounded by the leafy
surrounds of a rooftop pool.
How long: Three hours.
Highlights: Offering a myriad of Eastern and Western healing
therapies, couples would do well to opt for the special Hang
Tuah treatment for him, named after Malacca’s most famous
admiral, and Tun Teja, the legendary ‘last queen’ of the Malaccan
sultanate, for her. Inspired by traditional Malay healing therapies,
it is an all-encompassing spa experience that includes massage,
scalp and hair conditioning, facial and body scrub, herbal bath,herbal oil application, traditional body steaming and a tonic todrink. The massage session is particularly restorative. Named
Urutan Pasak Bumi, the gentleman’s massage is designed for awarrior and is said to incorporate silat (the Malay martial art) handpostures. For the women, the Urutan Kebayan is also a special
treat. It is said to have been invented by Tun Teja’s personal
royal beautician and uses a sweetly scented oil called minyak
kebayan, made from a potent jungle blossom called melati as
its main ingredient. Exceedingly indulgent, it is a spa journey thatbrings the evocative court rituals of ancient Malaya to mind – andall these in the heart of one of South-East Asia’s most dynamic
and exciting metropolises.
Hotel tip: After such a therapeutic journey, the best thing to dowould be to immediately retreat to one’s room. But it would besuch a shame to be in the heart of the city’s ‘golden triangle’
without indulging in a spot of shopping. After all, the luxury
destination that is Starhill Gallery is just steps away. So, be sure
to schedule your spa experiences during the second half ofthe day so you can effortlessly make the transition from retail to
spa therapy.

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Slice of Life

Pretty In Pink
Yes, white's the reigning colour of the night where
the bride is concerned; but that's no reason not tohave a wedding cake that's the epitome of feminine
sweetness. Here, a stunning rose detail, cascading
down the cake, is the focal point of interest.

Tony Hoyle, Group Pastry Chef of YTL Hotels,
whips up four beautiful creations that'll take yourcake-cutting ceremony from standard to superlative.
Photography Law Soo Phye

Shades Of Sunset
Elegant and visually-stunning, a simple tiered cake is made eye-catchingwith delicate detailing coupled with vibrant roses in varying sunset hues.

Two-Toned Treat

Key Lime Colours

There's something to be said for a dramatic black
and white cake. Here, Chef Tony Hoyle ups theante with an embellished four-tiered cake that's
sure to be the centre of attention during the allimportant cake-cutting ceremony.

Fresh and appealing, this floral design utilises zesty
shades of lime to create a wedding cake that is simple
and highly-suitable for an al fresco or beach wedding.

All In Unison

Fly Me To
The Moon
As much as every bride lives for an unforgettable wedding
day, there’s much to be said for starting off the marriage
on a good note. By this, we mean a honeymoon toremember. In this light, here are some destinations and(bed)rooms with a view to consider.

Spain

Where: Imagine being at the very point
where the Mediterranean meets themighty Atlantic or, perhaps, traipsing
through pristine whitewashed villages
bright with bougainvillea, and soaking
up a vibe that brings all the colour andgaiety of rhythmic flamenco and toreros
to mind. Certainly, for a destination thatcombines all the magic, music andmarvels of Spain in one location, it’s hard
to beat this land the Arabs used to call AlAndalus, today Andalusia. One of its mostcharming towns is the seaside resort ofMarbella, a gem of the Mediterranean
and a magnet for the international jetset. This mountainous region embraces
the celebrated coastline of the Costadel Sol, which offers everything for the
globetrotter, from breathtaking nationalparks, sublime cuisine, quaint towns andvillages to explore and sapphire waters
to bathe in or boat on. Although it alsobears the added advantage of being
studded with world-class golf courses,
which led to some wags coining the areathe ‘Costa del Golf’, we would, however,advise the groom to exercise all caution if
planning to sneak in nine holes during thehoneymoon. Save it for the next trip.

Glamorous, sun-soakedSaint-Tropez is theperfect destination forsoon-to-be or June-tobe honeymooners.

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Stay: If the idea of sprawling gardens,
expansive living areas and flawlessly
unobtrusive service tickles your fancy,
then the MUSE Casa Marbella is
your honeymoon casa of choice. We
particularly like Casa Marbella Two,
which was formerly owned by the film

star, Madeleine Carroll, at one time
Hollywood’s highest-paid actress, whoplayed alongside big screen greats like
Gary Cooper and Henry Fonda, and,later on Glenn Tipton, Grammy-winningguitarist and riff-meister of Brummie heavy
metal headliner, Judas Priest. Its mastersuite is particularly welcoming, with aromantic four-poster bed that looks out
onto the deep blue. Depending on theseason, choose to have breakfast or cavaon the beautiful private terraces that offer
180° views of both valley and sea.
What else: Marbella is a delight towander around in and explore for hours
on end. Stroll along the promenades orvisit renowned museums like the Ralliand Grabado Espanol. Sip the delicious
cocktails at Pangea and dine at worldclass establishments like Infuchsia, Skina
and Santiago. If light bites are more yourstyle, don’t miss the tapas at El Estrecho.
The old town of Casco Antiguo is also amust and do find a shady spot to peoplewatch along Puerto Banús harbour. And,given Marbella’s 320 days of almostguaranteed sunshine, it’s really quite theperfect year-round destination to consider.

FranceWhere: Sun-kissed and glamorous, if
Saint-Tropez were a woman, she’d be
Brigitte Bardot at the height of her fameand desirability. Yet, for each of us who
remembers Roger Vadim’s iconic movie,
a mere day in Saint-Tropez would haveus remember that God created it too. Its

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White's more thanalright at snowy
Niseko but the'Aspen of Asia'
is fast gaining a
reputation as adestination for
all seasons.

DID YOU KNOW?
In ancient days, married couples
were made to drink mead – awine made using water andhoney. According to Pliny the
Elder, it consisted of three parts
water to one part old honey. It
was believed that, if drunk daily,
the couple would be blessed withsons. This ritual of drinking wine
made with honey, thus, led to thecreation of the term ‘honeymoon’,
which links the phases of themoon to marriage, tracing it as it
waxes and wanes – just like in any
relationship. The moon phases arealso a subtle nod to a woman’s
fertility, referencing the ultimate aimof unions in bygone days, which
was to be blessed with children.

reputation as a celebrity playground andhaven for hedonists is well-deserved,
but honeymooners who like a bit of
sparkle and shine would bask equally
luxuriantly in its sexy surroundings. Not
that it’s all hedge funders and the Euroriche, though. Its main plaza, the Placedes Lices, still buzzes with local life andactivity. Come early to watch the petanquegames in full-swing. Grab a café au lait
and a slice of the local Tarte Tropezienne
at a café shaded by plane trees. Ramble
along the walls of the fortified citadel orthe narrow cobbled streets that are aliterary cliché but never more charmingly
so. Saint-Tropez is also surrounded byvineyards that produce delicious roséwines – and, somehow, being so pretty
If your missus has theMediterranean on her mind,
the MUSE Casa Marbella
and MUSE Saint Tropez are
ideal honeymoon options.

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in pink, we can’t think of a more-perfecthoneymoon drink. Touché, we say!
Stay: Inspired by the modern world’s
legendar y muses, the MUSE Saint
Tropez is the perfect place to stay – justfar enough away from the buzz of thetown, and secluded enough for lovers tohave their privacy. Perched atop a little
hillock studded with pins parasol , theregion’s iconic umbrella pine trees, theMUSE Saint Tropez is a sleek boutique
hotel whose reception hall charmingly
resembles a moulin (windmill). The
swimming pool is a focal point but it is
the rooms that really take one’s breathaway. Offering just 15 suites, choose
your ‘muse’ as each is named afterlegendary figures, like Edith Piaf andCatherine Deneuve.

What else: The hotel offers
complimentary shuttle service to the town
and its surrounds, including La Croix de
Fer and Pampelonne Beach, making it
easy to get your fill of activity yet allowing
you to retreat, whenever you wish, to yourlittle near-private haven. Although beachclubs are the main places at which to see
and be seen during Tropezian summers,
we think honeymoons are best enjoyed
quietly. Here, we recommend strolling
hand-in-hand in the town, samplingsweet treats (Barbarac does the area’s
best ice creams in a mind-boggling arrayof flavours, including can’t-be-foundelsewhere ones like speculoos andcanelé) and shopping for unique treatsfor each other. If the bride loves shoes

as much as the fictional Carrie Bradshaw
does, rack up the brownie points by
taking her to Rondini – famous for its
gladiator sandals since 1927.

Japan

Where: Niseko isn’t known as the‘Aspen of Asia’ for nothing. If your bridelikes the idea of being a snow bunny,
whisk her away to Japan’s pretty-as-apicture northernmost region of Hokkaido.
Although primarily known as a skier’s
heaven, Niseko is also fast building a
reputation as a year-round destination.
So, if snow and ice don’t rock her boat,bring her here in the snow-free months fortrekking, horseback riding and golf. The
region is also dotted with innumerable
onsen (natural hot springs), wonderful
to soak in post-piste or after too much

The tiny but charming
village of Bray inEngland's Berkshire isdefinitely for couples wholove to eat together.

With a concierge at yourdisposal, you only needto relax and enjoy yourhoneymoon at the Kasara
Niseko VIllage Townhouse.

fairway action. Hokkaido is also wheremost of Japan’s justifiably-famous
produce comes from, not counting theseafood harvested off its icy seas, making
Niseko a gourmet getaway par excellence
whichever month you choose to visit.
Stay: If you’ve ever visited and fallen in lovewith the old world charm of Kyoto, you’dadore the machiya-style townhouses thatare the flagship of YTL Hotels’ new Kasara
brand. The first phase of the Kasara
Niseko Village Townhouse offers justeight units, spanning 240 sq m each. The
highlight of a Kasara stay is the service andattention to detail, ensuring your Japanesehoneymoon is genki. A concierge is at yourdisposal, while the fully equipped kitchen
is ideal if you’re considering stocking up
at the nearby View Plaza farmer’s market.
But, it’s your honeymoon. Leave theslicing, dicing and washing up for lateron and, instead, spend each day tryingout someplace new. You will find plentyof dining options, at Niseko Village’s retailand dining hub. The nearby Hilton Niseko
Village’s Ren Restaurant, is also renowned
for its sushi and teppanyaki. And, don’teven think about walking over as each
Kasara townhouse comes complete with adriver-on-call to ferry you around the village
in style.
What else: A little spot of exploring isalways a good idea and the seaside
town of Otaru is ideal for a day out. Once98

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known as the ‘Wall Street’ of northern
Japan and home to the numerous ‘herring
tycoons’ who made vast fortunes fromfishing, Otaru is today best-known for its
romantic unga (canal), made famous asa location in many movies and televisionseries. Spend the day sampling local
street food like Otaru’s famous friedchicken and bakudanyaki (a massive
savoury fritter filled with meat, cheese andvegetables), and buy precious presents,
particularly lovely music boxes from theOtaru Music Box Museum. Perfect for adaughter in the future, perhaps?

England

Where: An extremely do-able drive from
London, the beautiful village of Bray inBerkshire is perfect for a long weekend
tacked onto an existing honeymoon
plan. As idyllic a honeymoon locationas can be, the quiet village, surroundedby beautiful woodland, is best-known
for being a gourmet mecca, with two of
the UK’s only four three Michelin-starred
restaurants located here. Its most famousname is, of course, Heston Blumenthal,
who owns The Fat Duck, the Hinds Headand the Crown pub, all within a stone’s
throw of each other, although Alain Roux’s
The Waterside Inn is an equal culinarystar, making Bray the perfect spot if
husband and wife like Michelin stars intheir eyes. Adding to its gustatory appeal
is yet another restaurant in this small
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village – Caldesi di Campagna – giving
you one more reason not to eat and run.
Of course, digestion in-between meals
can be easily aided by countryside tours.
The picturesque and historic towns ofHenley, Eton and Windsor are but shortdrives away, while, if you can still stomach
the thought of tea, beautiful Cliveden, thescene of the infamous Profumo scandalof the 1960s, offers one of England’s
most stunning settings in which to sipon Lapsang Souchong with requisite
cucumber sandwich in hand.
Stay: With 500 years of history, Dormer
Cottage in the heart of Bray, has been
spruced up, restored and lovingly
modernised to placate even the mosthardened city slicker forced here for the
weekend. An open log fireplace takes
pride of place in the wood-beamed living
area, while further drama comes in theform of a striking burnt orange silk clad
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
is the only place to stay when
visiting the ancient and beautiful
city of Bath in England.

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wall. Pop open a bottle of champagne
while music plays from a Bang & Olufsen
system or, if it’s summer, sit outdoors in
the charming little garden complete withcascading water feature. Once bedtime
beckons, retreat upstairs to a wellappointed bedroom done up in creamand ivory silks.
What else: Opened in the summer of2015, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is
the UK's latest luxury destination. With
its dreamy hot springs, Roman history,
Georgian architecture and breathtaking
natural surroundings, it's no surprisethat the ancient city of Bath is also oneof the favourite cities for proposals,
weddings and even pre-wedding parties
for stags and hens alike. Set in the heartof historic Bath, The Gainsborough, with
its first-rate dining, world-class spa andsplendidly-appointed rooms is the only
place to stay.

Love &
Marriage
Multicultural Malaysia means that weddings here are colourful
affairs, steeped in a host of traditions and customs. YTL Life
shares an overview of the Peranakan Dua Belas Hari ceremony,
one that is unique to the Baba-Nyonya communities of theformer Straits Settlements of colonial Malaya and may partly be
experienced in The Majestic Malacca's pre-spa ritual.

“Love and marriage, love and marriage
Go together like a horse and carriage.
This, I tell you brother,
You can’t have one without the other.”Frank Sinatra’s velvety voice might have crooned the ditty but, in Malaysia, forget thehorse and carriage. Marriage brings into the equation hundreds of years of traditions,heritage and customs. Here’s a quick look at the Peranakan wedding ceremony, onethat is unique to Malaysia as well as neighbouring Singapore.

THE 12-DAY WEDDING CEREMONY

Peranakan or Straits Chinese weddings are renowned for their pomp and opulence.
To those who don’t know, Peranakan is a term used to describe the descendants
of 15th and 16th-century Chinese immigrants, mostly traders, to ancient Malaya.
This is on top of the descendants of the legendary entourage that accompanied thePrincess Hang Li Po of Ming Dynasty China in the 1400s for her marriage to Sultan
Mansur Shah of Malacca, who eventually inter-married with the locals after settling in
the Malay Peninsula. Although influenced by Malay customs (the Peranakan word for102

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE‘marriage’ is, in fact, the same as the Malays – kahwin), festivities and ceremonies are
essentially Chinese in origin. Derived from the wedding traditions practised up to thelate 19th century in southern China’s Fujian Province, both the bride and groom will be
involved in a series of events, often lasting up to 12 days long and, hence, referred toas Dua Belas Hari, that paid respect to the families as well as undergo rituals to blessthe couple, wishing them a successful, happy and productive marriage ahead.

Peranakan weddings
are known for their pomp
and opulence, andthe bride and groom
traditionally participate in aseries of events thatlast up to 12 days

The hair ritual is particularly significant for the bride. Brides of the past were subjected
to a hair cleanse, scalp massage and gentle combing in the open courtyard of theirhomes, an architectural fixture in traditional Peranakan houses. This was believed toeradicate impurities and negative energy from the girl, while bestowing good luck on
the couple’s union. Floral water is used abundantly, as this is believed to buang soey
(to rid back luck).
The exchange of gifts is also customary and this would include a gift of handembroidered slippers from the bride to her groom, in addition to traditional Nyonya finery
like kerongsang (brooches) cucuk sanggul (hairpins), kamcheng (beautiful coveredjars), belt made of intricately carved gold or silver for their baju kebaya and kasut
manik (beaded slippers). In traditional Peranakan households, a prospective bride
was often assessed by, amongst others, her prowess with needle and thread. The
groom’s family, on the other hand, would need to put together a generous trousseau
for a sophisticated Nyonya. This includes lavish gifts of clothing and jewellery, as well

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“The giving and receivingof food and the hosting of
elaborate wedding banquets
are also hugely important.”

as symbolic tokens of marriage, including a comb made from banana wood, a stick oflemongrass and some yam, along with three lit incense sticks in an earthenware pot
to be placed beneath the marriage bed. This was supposed to bring wealth, longevity
and fertility to the couple. Another custom called the Ahn Chng ceremony included
the page boy rolling three times over the marriage bed as a blessing for a firstborn
male child. More traditional families were also known to release a rooster and hen
underneath the bridal bed in the belief that, if the rooster emerged first, the couple
could expect a son as their firstborn and, likewise, a daughter, if the hen took the lead.
Although steeped in cultural tradition, these ceremonies had a practical aspect too.
Lemongrass and incense sticks help to keep mosquitoes at bay, while yam is often
used as a folk remedy for impotence. All these intricate details would normally beseen to by a Pak Chindek and Sang Kek Um, the master and mistress of the wedding
ceremony, respectively.
The giving and receiving of food and the hosting of elaborate wedding banquets arealso hugely important. Auspicious dates and times were set for specific meals. To
the Chinese and, indeed, the Straits Chinese, food was of paramount importance.
In fact, the Peranakan kitchen was often referred to as perut rumah (stomach of thehouse), the core of the family’s daily life and the seat of feminine power. In fact, one of
the highlights of a Peranakan wedding would be the night-before feast, often referred
to as a Tok Panjang. Literally translated as a ‘long table’, it would hold a staggering
number of uniquely Baba-Nyonya dishes to fete all the friends and relatives the family
could afford to host.

AT A GLANCE

Unique to Malaysia and Singapore, an invitation to a traditional Peranakan wedding
is not to be missed. Here are some of the colourful rituals and ceremonies that are
fast disappearing as the culture hurtles into modernity.

Lap Chai

The custom of exchanging gifts between the bride and groom is of paramountimportance and will often see the bride presenting gifts to her husband-to-be thatshowcase her skill as a well-brought up and accomplished Nyonya. Likewise,
being a culture that is famed for its sophistication, the groom is expected topresent a lavish trousseau to his bride, laden with fine gifts of sumptuous textiles orclothing and, of course, jewellery for the luxury-loving Nyonya.

Cheo Thau

This is the ‘coming of age’ ceremony and marks the occasion when the bride andgroom are presented wearing their ceremonial wedding robes. Expect a feast forthe senses as music, colour and gaiety are hallmarks of this auspicious occasion.

Chim Pang

Just as Western-style weddings have the groom unveiling the bride at the altar,
the Baba-Nyonya do it a little more discreetly, in the relative privacy of their bridal
chamber. After he casts eyes on his bride, the couple will be served tea and kuehee – round rice dumplings in sweet syrup. Only after all these ceremonies are
performed would the Dua Belas Hari commence.

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The groom's family
will put together asplendid trousseauthat includes lavish
clothes and jewellery.

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