On A
Balinese
Art Trail

In The Footsteps
Of Chang Fee Ming

Georgians
On Our Mind
All Things Jane
Austen In BathThe Art Of Afternoon Tea • Smoke House Style File • Niseko's Autumnal Feast

Contents
18Life Events

10 A round up of people, parties andplaces in the world of YTL Hotels.

Life Bites

16 Hot happenings and promotions at
YTL Hotels around the world.

Life on the Cover

18 Journey to Tembok, in Bali’s
unspoilt north, in the footsteps ofthe great watercolour artist, Chang
Fee Ming. YTL Life tags along for
an artistic adventure.

Life Features

30 YTL Life meets up with Aletha andGreg Carswell, the power-couple
behind World Swimsuit Model
Search, one of the world’s mostprestigious swimsuit competitions,and uncovers the highlights fromtheir recent trip to the picturesque
Gaya Island Resort.

32 Just as spring is all about hanami
or the art of cherry blossom
viewing, autumn demands morethan just a few sessions ofmomijigari – or kanpukai, as theappreciation of autumn leaves isreferred to in Hokkaido. Explore
the beauty of fall in Niseko, Japan,
with YTL Hotels.
34 Journey to Cameron Highlands
in Malaysia to discover the story
behind the tree that slaked the thirstof the world.
40 Exploring the city of Bath with
Jane Austen.
48 When in the historical heart of
Malaysia, a walk down time's
alleyways is a must. Let yourpath be guided by The Majestic
Malacca's resident historian.

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54 New York-based dancer andmodel turned yoga guru Tara Stiles
tells us how the practice has madeher life easier and why she’s beencalled the ‘yoga rebel’.
76 One of the great delights ofstaying at The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur is the myriad
pleasures on offer at The Smoke
House. Enjoy a snifter of the best
single malt whisky or catch a
nostalgic black-and-white movie,
The Smoke House lets you enjoy
the finer things in life, while looking
your best, of course.

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Temperatures rose and hearts
fluttered when Bastian Baker, thesandy-haired Swiss crooner, treateda select audience to an afternoon
of music at the Omega boutique inStarhill Gallery Kuala Lumpur. The
youthful new face of Omega shareswith YTL Life his enthusiasm on themagic of the Omega experience as
he jets around the globe.

Beautiful Life

Make a grand appearance withthese daring fashion choices.
Surrounded by mangroves, coral
reefs and a pristine coast, few
getaways are as intertwined with
their surroundings as Gaya Island
Resort. Tana Boshoff, winner of
the annual World Swimsuit Model
Search 2016, makes gorgeous for
YTL Life's camera.

68 Give yourself the love you needwith these wonderful fragrancesand skincare items.

Life of Luxury

70 Adorn yourself with these stylish yetelegant ornaments.

Life Cuisine

72 The wise ones among us certainly
got it right when they said tea isinstant wisdom. All you have to
do is just add water. If you wish tobe elegantly enlightened, then theplace for you to indulge is at the
beautiful and newly refurbished
Lobby Lounge of The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur.

96 Experience heritage, beauty andsensuality all at once with Spa
Village Kuala Lumpur’s Tun Tejaexperience, named in honour ofthe much-loved queen of the last
Malaccan Sultanate.

Life Guide

100 There’s something magical aboutlife by the South China Sea.
Philippe Cavory, former General
Manager of Tanjong Jara Resort,newly-promoted to Area General
Manager of YTL Hotels, shares his
favourite things about this magicalpatch on the Malaysian East Coast.

Portfolio Of Life106 Explore the world of YTL Hotels.
86 Hirsute crustaceans from China
make a gourmet’s dream come true
during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Spa Life

90 Working with local communities
and utilising the best of indigenous
knowledge have been at the heart of
the Spa Village philosophy.

Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Diana Khoo
Associate Editors
Christy Yoong

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

Art Director
Penny Chew
Editorial Assistant
Kirat Kaur Santokh Singh

Published By
YTL Hotels & Properties Sdn Bhd
8th 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

Photographers
Yong Keen Keong, Edmund Lee,
Robin Liew, Jason Lee

Chief Executive Officer

Datin Azliza Ahmad Tajuddin

Sales
General Manager
Loo Kit Choong

Publishing Services
Production Manager
Satvinder KaurFar East Offset & Engraving Sdn Bhd.

19-25, Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Printed By
Percetakan Zanders Sdn Bhd
No.16, Jalan BK 1/11, Bandar Kinrara,
47180 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

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

Contributors
Maya Michael,
Rubaashini Shunmuganathan,
Kim Mun, Kim Inglis,
Simon Pridmore, David Yip,
Steven Goh, Vivian Chong,
Andrea Wong, Jacob Termansen,
Law Soo Phye.

A Note fromTan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh
There is a famous saying of how the world is a book and those
who do not travel read only one page. In this light, we are pleased
to present a truly global outlook on the world of YTL Hotels.
From running the trails inspired by the brave escape of Colonel
Frederick Spencer Chapman during World War II on the islandof Pangkor Laut to autumnal excitement in Niseko, Hokkaido, as
well as all things Jane Austen this season in the jewel box townof Bath, England, discoverery is at your very ngertips.

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

We have also chosen to prole Spa Village Resort Tembok,
Bali in an unusual manner this issue – through the eyes ofan artist. And, not just any artist, but the great Chang Fee
Ming, undoubtedly one of the nest watercolour artists in theregion. Having just been feted by Christie’s Hong Kong witha successful solo show last year, he takes time off his busy
schedule to lead the YTL Life team on an exclusive artistic
trail through Bali. Turn to page 18 to read all about it andwe hope it inspires you to follow in his footsteps on yournext journey to Tembok.
From a historical point of view, few places embody it asvividly as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Malacca
and we invite you to walk along our historian’s trail todiscover the constant evolution of a place that has seen
the changing of sultanates to modern-day innovation.
Tanjong Jara Resort, our gem on the Malaysian East
Coast, also recently played host to the famous yogi,
Tara Stiles, while gentlemen with a taste for the nerthings in life can be inspired by our special featureon The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s Smoke
House. We trust you nd inspiration within.
Until then, God bless and enjoy the issue.

Fashion | Watch

life events //6

Challenge Accepted!
To commemorate the anniversary of Colonel Freddy Spencer Chapman’s escapefrom Pangkor Laut in 1945, the picturesque Pangkor Laut Resort welcomed fitness
enthusiasts for The Chapman’s Challenge recently. Hailing from all corners of theworld, 130 participants, including members of the Spencer Chapman family, ran
2.4km through the two-million-year-old rainforest and pounded the pavements for
3.8km before diving into the gleaming Emerald Bay for a 1km open water swim andsprinting to victory at Chapman’s Bar. The biathalon was created by YTL Hotels tomirror the British Army officer’s arduous moments on the island during World War II
before escaping onboard a submarine.
Despite the valiant efforts, there could only be one winner and Japanese-Malaysiannational triathlete, Rikigoro Shinozuka, claimed the top spot. The victory was truly
phenomenal with Malaysia’s national triathlete Irene Chong See Win, former national
triathelete Kimbeley Yap, Colorado Running Hall of Fame Adam W Chase, andSpencer Chapman’s grandchildren, Stephen and Hazel Spencer Chapman, allrunning determined races. All finishers, however, received personalised medals
made of wood while commemorative tokens from Reebok, TYR and Ipanema were
given to every participant. After the excitement, celebrations began at sunset by
Emerald Bay with games and a barbeque by the beach.

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1. Adam W Chase. 2. Hazel Spencer Chapman. 3. Irene Chong finished second in The Chapman’s
Challenge. 4. Rikigoro Shinozuka, winner of The Chapman’s Challenge 2016. 5. Mitchell Wong,
Richard Lee, Christopher Spencer Chapman, Kimbeley Yap and Noel Chelliah. 6. Stephen Spencer
Chapman, Christopher Spencer Chapman, Hazel Spencer Chapman and Susan Hutchinson 7.
Reebok Ambassador Loh Chee Khoon and Leong Moon Weng. 8. Ross Sanders, General Manager
of Pangkor Laut Resort, and Rikigoro Shinozuka. 9. Ross Sanders and Irene Chong.

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Fashion | Watch

life events //

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OrientEnchantment
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5Starhill Gallery Kuala Lumpur recently launched its first The Enchanting Orient
event, which fuses ancient Chinese art and culture with contemporary style andglamour. Highlights of the three-day event included tea appreciation sessions, private
screenings of epic Chinese movies set against a backdrop of authentic cinema
houses and a special exhibition of over 20 scenic Chinese ink artworks by Professor
Cheah Thien Soong. Guests who attended the gala dinner, in conjunction with
Taiwanese couture label Shiatzy Chen’s fifth anniversary in Malaysia, were also treated
to an exhibition of some of the brand’s iconic designs.

A GoodDeed

1. Taiwainese couture courtesy of Shiatzy Chen. 2. A host of luminaries turned up to support thefirst edition of The Enchanting Orient. 3. Dato’ Lewre Lew. 4. Steffanie Chua and Jessie Goo.
5. Harry Wang. 6. All-smiles at The Enchanting Orient. 7. An authentic cinema setting for
The Enchanting Orient

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Accompanied by the chorus of waves lapping
against the shore, the Lang Tengah Turtle Watch
at Tanjong Jara Resort was unveiled in the mostappropriate fashion. The evening was one ofmarvel and adventure as the new conservation
unit and turtle hatchery celebrated by releasing
turtle hatchlings into the sea. Supported by the
Ministry of Tourism and the Terengganu Departmentof Fisheries, the joint initiative between Tanjong
Jara Resort and Lang Tengah Turtle Watch will
provide a safe haven for the precious turtle eggs
from poachers and predators, while giving guests
the chance to witness the beginning of the gentle
creature’s life.
1. Leander Kruger and Natasha Zulaikha. 2. Capt (Rtd) Mokhtar
Mohamad, Resort Naturalist at Tanjong Jara Resort. 3. Zanariah
Zakaria, Carl Kono, Executive Vice-President of YTL Hotels, andTuan Haji Zawali Ali. 4. Scott Mayback, Raphe van Zevenbergen,co-founder of Lang Tengah Turtle Watch, and Nur Liyani Fauzi.
5. Philippe Cavory, Area General Manager of YTL Hotels andTerence Waller, Resort Manager of Tanjong Jara Resort.

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life events //1

JordanianJubileeStanding in the stately Mayang Sari Grand Ballroom
of JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur, it was hard
not to get swept away by the jubilant atmosphere.
Not only was it a celebration of the Independence
Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, butalso the Centennial of the Great Arab Revolution.
The evening, hosted by the Charge d’Affaires ofthe Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s Embassy to
Malaysia, Dr Maen Masadeh, included a splendid
display of Arabian music and cuisine, all thoroughly
enjoyed by the revellers.

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1. Suhair Masadeh and Dr Maen Masadeh. 2. Gan Chew andYeong Lai Kuin. 3. Prof Dr Mohd Zamri Yusoff, Gerald John
Pereira and Prof Ir Dr Kamal Nasharuddin Mustapha.
4. Christina Malaya and HE J Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of
the Philippines. 5. Frances Penafort and Professor Ron Edwards.
6. Ahmed Rashad, Ala’ Eddin Husni, HE Salah Mohi Eldin
Elwassimy, Ambassador of Egypt, and Dalia Elwassimy.

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Who
Run TheWorld?
Honouring the glorious achievements andcontributions of inspiring Malaysian women, theHer World Women 2016 gala dinner was indeed
a majestic occasion at The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur. It was a night of empowerment as Her World
Malaysia magazine, together with jeweller Damiani,
bestowed the Her World Woman 2016 award and
Her World Young Achiever Award 2016 to AnneTham and Francesca Chia, respectively, two women
who’ve achieved great success in starting their own
enterprises. Complementing the powerful mood of
the night was a soulful vocal performance by Jaclyn
Victor and an exceptional display of musical masteryby violin virtuoso, Dennis Lau.

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1. Datin Suraya Falak and Datin Lee Nai Yee. 2. Datin Mina
Cheah-Foong and Datuk Simon Foong. 3. Dennis Lau andJoanne Teo. 4. Lalita Abdullah, Datin Azliza Ahmad Tajuddin,
CEO of Her World Malaysia, and Nisha Ayub. 5. Datin Paduka
Marina Mahathir and Seema Viswanathan. 6. Joanne Yew andAmber Chia. 7. Beatrice Looi, Jaclyn Victor and Samson Wong.
8. Sazzy Falak.

life bites //

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At the Cameron Highlands Resort, ‘farm
to table’ is not just a marketing phrase,
but a way of life. With the Organic Culinary
Journey, guests will venture into one
of Cameron Highland’s most premiereorganic farms and be given a tour of theland by the farmer. As you walk through thevegetable plots, you’ll learn the secrets to
producing a bountiful harvest while giving
nature the respect it deserves. After thewalk, enjoy the fruits of honest labour witha cooking demonstration and three-course
meal by the resort’s chef in a rustic, open
kitchen. Take part in this green journey
every Monday and Saturday from MYR350
per person.

If you’re daunted by the rules and etiquettesof traditional Japanese onsen, then a dip
in The Green Leaf Niseko Village’s new
thermal pool is the perfect alternative.
Bathe, swim and enjoy the Japanese
thermal waters tapped from a mineralspring deep below Niseko Village. At a
comfortable range of 30°C to 36°C, theGreen Leaf Thermal Pool is a wonderfully
therapeutic soak, not only in winter but
also summer when you’re surroundedby beautifully lush foliage. Guests of The
Green Leaf Niseko Village, Kasara Niseko
Village and Hilton Niseko Village are all
welcome to spend the day enjoying thethermal pool, which is open year round.

Farm To Table

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Therapeutic Treat

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In a quest to protect the turtles ofTerengganu, Tanjong Jara Resort has
partnered with Lang Tengah Turtle Watch
to bring a new conservation unit and turtle
hatchery. The Lang Tengah Turtle Watch
at Tanjong Jara Resort offers guests a
chance to learn more about the trials andtribulations faced by these gentle creatures
as they battle to survive threats frompoachers. Though it may be only a simple
wooden structure, the hatchery is a placeof life where guests can view the turtle nests
up close and, if lucky, even witness thehatching. If you find yourself moved by thecreature’s plight, pledge in the nest adoption
programme where you can save a nest fromthe dinner plate. Once a pledge has been
made, guests will be regularly updated via
email with photographs of the development
and invited back to witness the hatching.

After spending the day exploring thewinding streets and colonial buildings ofhistorical Malacca, treat yourself to some
Peranakan pampering at the Spa Village
Malacca. The award-winning Suam-Suam
Panas Experience is a warming, three-hoursession of Malacca palm sugar and honeybody scrub, nutmeg-rice rolling massage,
pandan-coconut hair mask and bird's
nest facial with fermented tapioca mask.
Each of these treatments incorporates
plants and ingredients revered by local
culture throughout the centuries for their
healing properties to give you a truly
Malaccan affair.

How To Save A Life

Peranakan Pampering

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There’s nothing, really, like a good soakin natural warm waters to ease the bodyand soothe the mind. The next time
you’re in the UK, make it a point to visit
Thermae Bath Spa, the country’s only
natural thermal spa that is celebrating its
10th anniversary this year. Ideally locatedin the heart of the gem-like city of Bath,we recommend the Twilight Package, athree-hour session of relaxing bliss thatputs a perfect cap on a day of shoppingand exploring. Be sure to catch thesunset from the open-air rooftop pool,
before you saunter, across the road,to your room at The GainsboroughBath Spa.

It’s remarkable how the simple tiffin
carrier has kept many a meal nice andwarm for decades, and opening one isalways a delightful experience – much
like unwrapping a birthday present. At
Gaya Island Resort, relive this satisfaction
with the North Borneo Straits Tiffin. Inspired
by Borneo's history as the convergancepoint in the old trade routes, the tiffin is ataste of how local and Western flavours
come together in perfect harmony on
the plate.

Salus Per Aquam

Timeless Taste

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

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life on the cover //Go North,
Young Man

With a fisherman and his
jukung at Tembok beach,right outside Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali.

Journey to Tembok, in Bali’s unspoilt north,in the footsteps of the great watercolour
artist, Chang Fee Ming. YTL Life tags along
for an artistic adventure.
Text Diana Khoo Photography Jason Lee Art Direction Penny Chew

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life on the cover //The great essayist Anaïs Nin had once written how “Life, religion
and art all converge in Bali”. And, indeed, it is irrefutable. Every
scene on the island seems to be a dizzying melange of beauty,
light and colour: women go about daily life resplendent in theirlace kebayas while the men look no less dashing in sarongs
accented with ceremonial udeng (headpiece); trays of offerings,
a quintessential part of life in Bali, heaped high with bright andbeautiful fruit and flowers, are an everyday sight while, everywhere,
incense and sandalwood burn merrily to delight the senses of
the gods. To all who’ve visited, it is easy to understand why Bali
continues to captivate. To an artist, however, the island must
prove doubly hypnotic and inspiring. Certainly that seems to be
the case with the great Malaysian watercolour artist, Chang Fee
Ming. Having first arrived on the island in the early 1980s, like many
artists before him, to “find inspiration”, Chang soon fell under its
spell, returning often and spending most parts of the year painting
in Bali, capturing its rich tapestry of life, mystical rituals and eventhe detailed beauty of everyday slices of life in his watercolours
and sketches. His published travel journal, Journey to Tembokwith Chang Fee Ming, is filled with sketches, anecdotes andobservations of the island’s vibrant, unspoilt north and is a delightfulcompilation of artistic memories of a special time travelling througha special place. Rekindle your sense of inspiration and wonder
as Chang retraces his steps to Tembok, sharing the sights andsensations that captured his imagination so many years before.
Sometimes, in life, you do need to wander to find wonder.

Taman Satrya Gatotkaca

Those who arrive or leave Bali by air would definitely not missthis beautiful, imposing statue at Taman Satrya Gatotkaca that
depicts the brave knight, Gatotkaca, the son of Bima, one of thefive Pandawa brothers. Built in 1993, it is believed to keep safe allincoming and outgoing flights from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
“Bali is filled with exquisite sculptures and you will definitely drive pastthis beautiful structure after leaving the airport terminal. It is created20

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market). Here, you still can stumble upon scenes straight out of a
Chang Fee Ming painting where wizened old ladies crouch on the
ground, searching for little black volcanic pebbles that would besold at IDR12,000 per bucket – an entire day’s work and wages.
“The way they look for these pebbles is as if they were, in fact,
looking for precious stones. These pebbles would then be used indecorative landscaping.”

Salt Farm, Klungkung

by Wayan Wintan, a sculptor from Ubud who is very famous for his
abstract wood sculptures. I think it’s a wonderful Balinese welcome
and it is inspired by the tales of the Mahabharata,” observes Chang.

Kusamba

The journey north will take you to one of the first ports of call, literally,at Kusamba, a famous fishing port where all the jukungs (traditional
fishing boats) come to shore with their haul. You will notice how theblack sand on the beach here is particularly glistening and adds a
glamorous sheen to the haggling going on at the Pasar Ikan (fishAlthough Amed, a famous diving spot about 30km further up
the coast, is traditionally famous for its salt-making community,
Klungkung is also a good place to stop for a short break en routeto Tembok to discover how this labour-intensive process works.
You can easily spot the salt farms from the road, where rows uponrows of carved out wooden trays are filled with sea water. You cansee how the salt crystals slowly form as they bake under the heatof the sun. This painstaking process can take up to over a week
to, finally, be rewarded with snowy white salt that tastes deliciouslyof the ocean. It is a good idea to buy packets of these Balinese
fleur de sel as it’s still very much a cottage industry and not easily
available for sale outside the area. Spa Village Tembok, Bali makes
it a point to support the neighbouring communities by buying as
much local produce as possible, so it is heartening to know thatyou can support the local Balinese while still being able to enjoy
authentic tastes and flavours in every meal.

Clockwise, from extreme top left:
Chang Fee Ming sketching; everyday life
in Kusamba; mounds of glistening salt inKlungkung; a traditional salt farm; Taman
Satrya Gatotkaca just outside Ngurah Rai
International Airport; ornate carvings are theattraction of every pura visit..

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life on the cover //The beautiful water palaceof Tirta Gangga.

As the setting sun begins to cast a golden
glow on everything, you suddenly findyourself driving through an emerald archwayof towering bamboo to arrive at the
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali

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life on the cover //Clockwise, from far left: Star struck at Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali;Fee Ming's artwork of akeker (wild fowl) in his kurungan; a delighted Ketut
Suradnya, caretaker of the Pura Dalem Segara
Madhu, holding up Chang's drawing of him; religion
is a pillar of Balinese life; scene from a purification
ritual before Nyepi.

antique ceramics on display allover the dining room. The menu
is international although few things
counter a long road journey than afreshly-cut coconut and plate heapedwith nasi kuning (yellow rice) and grilledmahi-mahi or perhaps the local babi
guling (roast suckling pig).

Pura Luhur Candidasa

Karangasem

Karangasem was once a mighty kingdom before Bali wasconquered by the Dutch. Today, it is classified as a Regency
and one of the delights of the island’s east coast, with temples to
explore, crystal-clear waters to dive into and authentic experiences
to soak up. On the Journey to Tembok, stopping in Karangasem
for a meal is definitely a good idea. The Lotus Seaview restaurant
is particularly pleasant, offering lovely views of the blue sea and,
if it’s dark when you arrive, you can still admire the collection of

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Located in Karangasem’s Desa Adat
Bugbug, a stop here is a must, if
only for the views of a picture-perfectlagoon, covered with blossoms, andjukungs just beyond. “Candidasa islocated on the way to Tembok, witha picturesque lagoon covered withwaterlilies. The lagoon is best viewed
from the Pura Luhur Candidasa
temple that sits high up in the hills, perched on the mountainside.
I’d painted a watercolour of the scenery but I knew that it could
never capture the beauty I saw with my naked eye. Still, it was avery pleasurable moment for me.”Tirta Gangga

One of the most famous water palaces in Bali, Tirta Gangga
is definitely a delightful place to break the journey and stretch
your legs in truly regal style. Conceptualised by the last king of
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life on the cover //Chang Fee Ming in front of
his artworks hanging at the
Neka Art Museum in Ubud.

Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, Tirta
Gangga is fluid tranquillity. Surrounded by lush gardens, fish-filled
ponds, pleasure pools, pagodas and intricate statues and carvings
everywhere, it is also more than possible to jump into the waters
for a quick swim, should you so wish, before continuing on to
Tembok. The gardens of Tirta Gangga are particularly wonderful to
explore, with their rich architecture and subtle Chinese influences,
but it is undoubtedly for its sacred water that people, especially the
local Balinese, come. The waters of Tirta Gangga are believed tobe holy and feature prominently at religious temple ceremonies orodalan. “I actually went swimming in one of the royal pools once,”says Chang, “imagining myself as the King of Karangasem.”

Gunung Agung

It is at this point in your Journey to Tembok you will most likely getyour first view of the 3142m Gunung (Mount) Agung, Bali’s highest
and holiest mountain. Regarded as the island’s ‘mother mountain’,
Gunung Agung is indeed as majestic as her name (agung means‘mighty’ or ‘great’ in Bahasa Indonesia) and also houses Bali’s
most revered temple – Pura Besakih – on her slopes. Today, as
we drove further northwards, Agung rewarded us with the chance
to view a procession up close, as it snaked its way through rice
fields and villages, before walking with us slowly, side by side, on
the narrow road.

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banana (sumping biyu) or pumpkin (sumping wuluh) – as well as
the freshest selection of fish, still gleaming with seawater, and evenmounds of fresh tobacco. In a corner, Balinese men crowd overa game of bola adil (a type of local roulette) while, a stone’s throw
away, fluffy brown bebek (ducks) and piglets noisily wait to be sold.
“In a small section of the pasar, you will also always find a section
provided for the trading of ayam jaguh (fighting cocks). In Bali,cock-fighting remains an important part of religious ceremonies at
the temples.”TembokAs the setting sun begins to cast a golden glow on everything,
you suddenly find yourself driving through an emerald archwayof towering bamboo to arrive, at last, at the Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali. And, few welcomes can outdo the one laid out
for guests here, with, first, a cool tropical quencher of lime, mintand honey, followed by a warm foot soak with flower petals andculminating in a neck and shoulder massage. “Tembok means ‘thewall’,” explains Chang, “and it divided Buleleng and Karangasem
and was considered the eastern gate of Singaraja when it waspart of the ancient province of Baling-Kang. Today, Baling-Kang
no longer exists in the eyes of the government but, as far as thepeople of Tembok are concerned, this great province still remains,as the temples of Baling-Kang continue to be an important part oftheir spiritual constellation of temples.”Speaking of constellations, one of the most blissful ways to simply
just ‘be’ at Tembok is to spend your night star-gazing. Here, things
are done a little more dreamily, where you just float weightlessly
on an airbed in the middle of the swimming pool and take in theblack velvety vastness of the star-lit universe far above you. You
may choose to enhance the experience with a specially-selectedsoundtrack but natural pleasures are sometimes best, just listening
in on the sound of the surf, the call of a night bird, perhaps, andthe soft, muted rindik music played on bamboo xylophones thatwaft over from the nearby Taman Gili pavilion.

Pasar Tianyar

To market, to market, says Chang and who are we to argue? “Ialways enjoy the market scene, which is abuzz with activity. I likegoing to the pasar pagi (morning market) in nearby Tianyar which
is a great place to observe local life at its best – what the people
eat, buy, wear and use.” And, certainly, it is a wonderful place toenjoy Balinese routine at its authentic best. Everywhere, businessand life are lived out in Technicolour splendour: gold is sold next
to piles of fresh ginger; bamboo poles display horizontal fashion
showcases of the latest splendid sarongs; a child’s delight of jajan
pasar (colourful breakfast cakes) like lak-lak (crumpet-like cakes
made with rice flour and topped with shredded coconut and palmsugar), cerorot (a sweet-salty dough cake encased in a coconut
leaf cone) and assorted sumping – steamed cakes made with

Afterwards, it is a basic but satisfying pleasure to return ‘home’,
if you will, to the resort, laden with fresh treasures. What makes
staying at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali particularly wonderful isthat it really does feel like a home away from home. That evening,
the chef rewards with the fruit of our morning market jaunt bypresenting us our ‘purchases’ all beautifully-prepared: grilled aswell as baked baby trevally, which we enjoyed with steamed rice,vegetables and that wonderful chilli condiment that is a mainstay of
every Balinese dining table – sambal matah.

Pura Dalem Segara Madhu

You will find it is easy to find the days just flying by in Tembok as
Bali’s north offers a cornucopia of treasures to discover. Far off the
tourist track, a world away from the beat of Kuta and the pulse of
Seminyak, it is a priceless treat to just be, sometimes, the only
people exploring the fascinating temples that surround Tembok
village and Singaraja. A short drive away in Desa Pakraman
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life on the cover //The Journey To Tembok is a uniquely-crafted stay by YTL Hotels
that takes you on a journey through an ancient province and its
legends, through the eyes and tales of an artist. The package
includes complimentary meals, return airport transfers, a deluxe
50-minute spa treatment for every night of stay, a complimentary
copy of the Journey to Tembok with Chang Fee Ming travel
journal as well as a selection of crafted day trips as featured
within the book. For more information or to book, please visit
www.spavillageresort.com

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jagaraga is a particularly interesting pura (temple). Although themodernistic elements hidden in the temple’s elaborate carvings
take a while to reveal their secrets, the journey is well worth
it alone to speak to Ketut Suradnya, the temple caretaker, who
has the brightest grin and the most animated way when tellingstories. The Pura Dalem Segara Madhu is also interesting inthe sense that its architecture doesn’t ascend to the heavens likemost other Balinese temples; instead, it descends. Look out forinteresting motifs carved onto the temple walls, depicting pistols
and airplanes, as it chronicled the horrors of the Dutch attacks, aswell as one carving that shows a ship, a big fish and a man being
devoured by a crocodile – a symbol of the evil of men and thewickedness of war.

Tempat Ibadat Tridharma Ling Gwan Kiong

A strong touch of Chinese culture may be detected in Bali’s
north as an ancient legend tells the tale of a Balinese prince who
fell in love with the daughter of a Chinese scholar, Kang Ching
Wee. “It is said that Shiva Gandu, the priest of Shiva, refused togive his consent to their marriage as the girl was Buddhist. The

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prince then abdicated and left with her to form his own kingdom.
This is said to be the ancient province of Baling-Kang, as it is aportmanteau of both their names and heritage: ‘Bali’ and ‘Kang’,
which remains a symbol of their love,” says Chang. In Singaraja, avisit to the Ling Gwan Kiong Temple also reinforces the Chinese
influence. Dedicated to the lady goddess and divine protectorof seafarers, Ma Chor, it is interesting to see how Balinese andChinese influences come together harmoniously, as devotees
proffer offerings of both joss sticks as well as canang sari – theubiquitous Balinese offering of flowers on a small palm leaf tray. It
is also a must to take a short stroll to the nearby Yudha Mandala
Tama Monument. “I find the monument so well-positioned,” says
Chang. “The statue faces the sea so defiantly and makes me thinkof how the Indonesians fought the Dutch invaders, who arrived
from the sea, so courageously.”

Neka Art Museum

If you’d travelled to Tembok by way of the coastal road, anotherway to return to Denpasar would be the equally charming routeof cutting through the island’s heart – through the highlands of

Kintamani – before arriving at the cultural heartland of Ubud. Here,a visit to the Neka Art Museum is undoubtedly the highlight for
many visitors to Ubud. Founded by the legendary Suteja Neka,
one of Bali’s most famous names in the world of art, the museum
was founded after he realised many masterpieces depicting thebeauty of Bali on canvas could no longer be seen on the islandof its inspiration and creation. In 1976, he then began to build the
Neka Art Museum to display pieces from his personal collection
to serve as a source of research, education, information andinspiration for future generations of artists, educators, collectors
and aficionados. “There are halls dedicated to the paintings in the
famous Kamasan style of Klungkung as well as celebrated names
like the Dutch-born Arie Smit, Indonesian contemporary greats like
Affandi, Widayat and Hendra Gunawan and, of course, Bali’s most
famous artist – I Gusti Nyoman Lempad,” shares Chang, whose
precious works also hang in the Neka, alongside other international
artistic greats who have collectively been bewitched by Bali, likeOng Kim-Seng, Donald Friend and Johan Rudolf Bonnet. “TheNeka Art Museum is, I think, the fitting finale to one’s Journey toTembok,” says Chang. There is a popular saying how art is ajourney of discovery. Likewise, as these few days so beautifully
proved, a journey can also be a discovery of art.

Born in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, in 1959, Chang Fee Ming
is one of Asia’s most highly-regarded watercolour artists whose
works remain highly sought-after by collectors as well as auction
houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s. A keen traveller andobserver of life, he is celebrated for his extraordinary grasp of
texture and light as well as vibrancy of colour and composition.
Although based in his home state of Terengganu, Chang
considers Bali to be his second home and has been a regular
visitor since 1984, often working part of the year on the island.
Many of his most acclaimed works, in fact, are inspired by Bali
and include The Undying Spirit (1992) which captures the calm
intensity of a Wayang Wong dancer before his performanceas well as Summoned by the Kulkul II (2005), which he says,referring to the ceremonial wooden or bamboo bell, “is one of myfavourite sounds in Bali”

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life feature //Picture Perfect
YTL Life meets up with Aletha and Greg Carswell, thepower-couple behind World Swimsuit Model Search, oneof the world’s most prestigious swimsuit competitions,and uncovers the highlights from their recent trip to the
picturesque Gaya Island Resort.
Text Maya Michael Photography Kim Mun/Hopscotch Photography

It’s been an especially busy couple
of weeks here at Gaya Island Resort.
Located a mere 15 minutes by boat
from Sabah’s capital of Kota Kinabalu,
this exclusive island retreat served as
the perfect backdrop for a glamorous
swimsuit photoshoot for World Swimsuit,
the spirited lifestyle brand from South
Africa that celebrates all things beautiful
and bodacious. Set amidst the tranquil
surroundings of the property’s luxurious
Spa Village Gaya Island, YTL Life meets up
with the ambitious duo spearheading thisendeavour – Aletha and Greg Carswell.
Tell us a liTTle biT more abouT
World sWimsuiT.
Aletha Carswell: In 1996, I founded
Netsport Media that owns and manages
the global brand known as World Swimsuit.
A year after the launch, we brought in thefirst Sports Illustrated Swimwear Issue toSouth Africa, which is where we are based.
My husband (Greg) joined the company not
too long after that. About three years ago,
we decided to break away from Sports
Illustrated and launch World Swimsuit.
Greg Carswell: Besides being available
on print, online, YouTube and social media,
World Swimsuit also runs a television
programme that is broadcasted globally inover 190 countries via Fashion TV. We havealso started to expand into e-commercewith the launch of our World Swimsuit
Shop and our first-ever beachwear range.
WhaT brings you To gaya island
resorT?
Greg: Our team has spent the last
two weeks conducting a glamorous
photoshoot in different areas around theresort with the winner of this year’s World
Swimsuit Model Search, which is a global
online competition where we seek out thenext international swimsuit supermodel.
This year’s winner is a South African
beauty named Tana Boshoff, and she’ll“My soul feels so at peace
when I’m here; and the moretime that passes, the morereluctant I am to leave.”– Aletha Carswell –be working alongside our top models andphotographers. She’s also one of the first
to model our new beachwear range.
Aletha: One of the main highlights about
this business is watching these girls pursue
their dreams while observing their progress.
We were actually one of the first to employ
supermodels Candice Swanepoel and
Bar Rafaeli. It’s really exciting to be able torecognise potential and see them become
successful. While there’s no exact formulafor success, I find that those who have thewhole package – beauty, great personality,
confidence in their own skin, intelligenceand professionalism – are the ones whowill go far in this industry.
is This your firsT Time visiTing
The resorT?
Greg: This is our third visit to Gaya Island
Resort; we have stayed in numerous YTLproperties over the past 16 years. When
we first visited this place in 2013, we were
so impressed by the entire experience that
we decided it would make a great venue
for our upcoming projects. There are
actually quite a few similarities between thisresort and the one at Pangkor Laut, which
also happens to be one of our absolutely
favourite places in the world.
Aletha: During this particular trip, we
befriended some of the other guests
who have stayed here numerous times.
According to them, the main reason theykeep coming back is due to the resort’s staff
and service, which is a major compliment
for any establishment. The thing about thepeople here is that they are always eager toassist in getting things done for you.

any memorable momenTs from
This Trip?
Greg: We went on this amazing rivercruise with Justin Juhun, the resident
naturalist at Gaya Island Resort. The
experience reminds me of the amazing
Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Aletha: Justin has been our righthand man throughout this trip, and he’s
absolutely amazing. Our nickname forhim is ‘Mowgli’, just because he's just so
knowledgeable and in-tune with all things
nature. He even took us on a tour aroundthe nearby mangrove swamps, jungle
trekking and a few remote islands.
WhaT is iT abouT This place ThaT
appeals The mosT To you?
Greg: Not many people have been to
rainforests; so, to actually be able toexperience a place where the jungle
meets the sea is rare. We also enjoy
our encounters with the local wildlife;
from the moment you wake up, you
can already hear birds chirping in the
distance, which is beautiful. But what
also makes this resort extraordinary is
its commitment towards preserving thenatural environment.
Aletha: My soul feels so at peace
when I’m here; and the more time thatpasses, the more reluctant I am to leave.
I especially love the fact that you haveto walk everywhere as it adds to theauthenticity of this place. The moment
you step outside your luxurious room,
you are already surrounded by nature,
which feels incredible. It’s almost likehaving our own little slice of paradise.
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life feature //Fall In
Love

Just as spring is all about
hanami or the art ofcherry blossom viewing,
autumn demands
more than just a few
sessions of momijigari– or kanpukai, as theappreciation of autumn
leaves is referred to in
Hokkaido. Explore thebeauty of fall in Niseko,
Japan, with YTL Hotels.

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The great outdoors best encapsulates
what life in Niseko is all about. Many
people associate Niseko with powder-softsnow and all the attractions connectedto ski slopes, alpine-style lodges andthe pleasures of après-ski, hence its
well-deserved reputation as the ‘Aspenof Asia’. Few realise it is, in fact, amagnificent holiday destination all-year
round. Autumn, in particular, is especiallydelightful. Harvest is in the offing, whichequals a host of bountiful produce toenjoy, while, all around you, the hillslopesof Mount Niseko-Annupuri are changing ina symphony of colour – from vivid red tovibrant yellow, orange and brown – that iscertain to delight.
Everyone is familiar with the iconic cherry
blossom-viewing ritual called hanami. Few,
however, are aware of momijigari. Taking
its name from the Japanese words formaple (momiji) and hunting (gari), this actof ‘finding joy in the autumn’ may also bereferred to as kanpukai in Hokkaido. This
pleasurable activity is said to date all theway back to the Heian period, as a relaxing
pastime for noblemen and a way to enjoy
their gardens. Here, sake would be sipped,
live music played and delicate cakes andsweets served as accompaniment. It is
not uncommon to find numerous autumnal
references as well in traditional Japanese
poetry. For the common folk, autumn wasan equally happy time as the summer
yields precious bounty for the upcoming
winter. Even today, it is a common sight tosee bright and beautiful pumpkins lining
the streets or decorating windowsills incelebration of the harvest season.
For guests of the Hilton Niseko Village,
the Kasara Niseko Village Townhouses or
the Green Leaf Niseko Village, it is easy toenjoy the season. Although many Niseko
regulars can’t wait for the first snow to fall,
there’s actually so much to see, do andexperience this season. Naturally, a love of
the great outdoors is a must and guests
can choose from a variety of adrenalineinducing or relaxing activities. Hiking is,undoubtedly, one of the most popular

autumn pastimes and a gentle trek up
the slopes of Mount Niseko-Annupuri will
reward you with wonderful views of thevibrantly hued forests and there is also adelightful trail that leads to a beautiful lakecalled Kyonuma (also known as ‘Mirror
Lake’). Mountain-biking is also getting
increasingly popular.
If you prefer pleasures of a more fluid nature,
fishing in the pristine rivers can prove highly
rewarding or, perhaps, a rafting adventure.
Moreover, one of the greatest pleasuresof visiting Japan is, of course, soaking
in an outdoor onsen. For guests of The
Green Leaf Niseko Village, a new outdoor
thermal pool has just been built, giving
them a chance to partake in kanpukai while
soaking up all the minerally goodness of the
hot springs. The best part is, since it’s an
outdoor pool, swimwear is mandatory – agodsend for those bashful types who have
yet to brave traditional Japanese baths!
Those who enjoy a sporting foursome cantee off at the two beautiful golf courses

in the vicinity – the Niseko Village Golf
Course, almost right next door to the
Hilton hotel, or the Arnold Palmer-designed
Niseko Golf Course, about 20 minutes’
drive away. An equestrian centre nearby
also gives you the option to enjoy thewonderful countryside on horseback.
And since autumnal holidays are decidedly
active, what better way to reward yourself
than with meals to remember while in
Niseko? Hokkaido is a region that is famed
for the freshness, quality and variety of
its produce – from the most wonderful
potatoes to unbelievable milk and dairy
products. If you’re visiting in early autumn,
you still stand a good chance of catching
the tail-end of the sweet corn and Yubari
melon season. And, if you have yet tosavour a freshly boiled or roasted Hokkaido
corn on the cob with a generous slatheringof local whipped butter, you are certainly
missing out on one of life’s simplest but
tastiest pleasures. But the real star of
Hokkaido’s food show comes from the icy
waters that surround it. And autumn meansthat oysters and uni (sea urchin) are attheir best. Enjoy it in a variety of forms – aunaturel, cooked, atop a mound of soupy
soba noodles or packed tightly into a pieceof sushi. In Niseko Village, the best places
to sample these delicacies would be at
Yang Shu Ten, which serves sushi, tempura
and teppanyaki, or The Crab Shack, where
you grill the seafood of your choice at thetable, à la minute.
Love Niseko in the fall? It should be more acase of fall in love with Niseko – in the fall or
anytime at all.
www.niseko-village.com

YTL LIFE TIP
Guests staying at the Hilton
Niseko Village would do wellto rise early in autumn to catchthe spectacular ‘Sea of Cloud’or unkai scenes that are so
typical of the season. Be sure
to book a Mount Yotei View
Room, though!

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33

life feature //life feature //The Tao
Of TeaJourney to Cameron Highlands in Malaysia to discover thestory behind the tree that slaked the thirst of the world.
Text Simon Pridmore

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35

life feature //Clockwise, from left: The author
and friends enjoying a sunny picnic
in the heart of the tea plantation;tea being processed at the BOH
factory in Cameron Highlands; Tea
and champagne do make perfectcompany for a tropical picnic.

Call it what you will: tea, tey, teh, cha, chai or chay, it’s all the samething. All these words, though apparently different, are derived
from the various ways one Chinese character is pronounced indifferent parts of China. That Chinese character is the word forthe leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which have been boiled
for consumption as a stimulating drink or medicinal concoction for
thousands of years. It is the second most common beverage on
Earth, after water.

gives black tea its dark colour and full avour. The oxidation occurs
when the crushed leaves are exposed to the air for a speciedperiod of time, during which they blacken.

Most Westerners call it tea, or a word that sounds like tea, because
they first heard about it via Hokkien-speaking traders in thesoutheast Chinese port of Xiamen and, in Hokkien, they call it “Te.”The Portuguese, however, learned about this miraculous plant fromtheir contacts in the southern port of Macau, where people speak
Cantonese and call it “Cha.” The people of Northern China also
pronounce the character as “Cha” and this led to the Korean andJapanese equivalents. However, as the exotic leaves were tradedalong the overland routes to Central Asia and Eastern Europe, theword "Cha" picked up the Persian suffix yi and became “Chai” inlanguages as diverse as Russian, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic and Turkish.

Oolong tea is made from leaves that are exposed to the air forless time, so have only been partially oxidised. Green tea is madefrom leaves that have been steamed or fried in order to preventoxidation, which is why the leaves stay green. White tea, themost expensive and rare form, is made from immature, unopened
leaves. Until comparatively recently, white tea was only available in
China, the undisputed home of tea.

All The Tea In China

Conveniently, or confusingly, the English language has all threeforms of the word. The most commonly used is tea, of course,
but British people will still refer to a “nice cuppa char” and chai hascome to mean in English a specialised form of black tea mixed withmilk, honey and spices.

When Tea Is Not Tea

Camellia sinensis is a tree, not a bush. If left to their own devices,the plants in tea plantations would grow to a height of 15m or
more. This, of course, would make the task of picking new leaves
at the top of the tree extremely difcult. So cultivated tea trees are
not allowed to grow over waist height.
Keeping the trees short with frequent trimming also encourages
them to bear more new shoots and leaves and it is this new "ush"that is harvested by tea pickers or, less expensively and morehaphazardly, by tea picking machines.
There are four types of tea: black, oolong, green and white. Other
packets of dried herbs or fruit destined for concoctions using
boiling water may be marked as tea, but they are not tea unlessthey contain camellia sinensis leaves. Whether a tea leaf ends up
in a cup of green, black, oolong or white tea depends on what
happens to it after it is plucked. The leaves that go into black tea
undergo a withering, rolling, oxidation and drying process that36

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Camellia sinensis originally came from an area of East Asia that
includes what is now north Burma and the Chinese provincesof Yunnan and Sichuan. It was first used medicinally, thenrecreationally, in Yunnan. Legends abound as to when tea was“invented” as a potion / drink but physical and documentary
evidence shows that it was certainly cultivated, boiled and drunk
during the time of the Han emperors over 2000 years ago.
During the Tang Dynasty, approximately 1300 years ago, thepractice of tea drinking spread to Korea, Japan and Vietnam.
Curiously perhaps, although people in India used tea as a medicine
for a long time, other than in the far, far north, drinking tea for fun inIndia did not become popular until it was introduced by the small
western European island nation of Great Britain, whose obsession
with tea is written large in its recent history.

Taking Tea To The WorldThe British relationship with tea is very strong but only comparatively
recent. They were not even the rst Westerners to discover thisunique elixir. It was Portuguese priests and merchants who rst
brought samples of tea to Europe in the 1500s. Then it was the
Dutch who began trading it, bringing consignments of tea from
China to Holland via Java. The rst commercial shipment of tea
arrived in Europe in 1606.
Tea immediately became fashionable among wealthy patrons
across Europe, but the British, then as now, were suspicious ofContinental trends and slow to pick up the trend. Indeed, there
were coffee houses in London before there were teahouses.
Over the centuries, the popularity of tea in Britain has led to morethan one signicant event that had a major impact on world history.
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37

life feature //An Illegal Exchange

The mega city of Hong Kong owes it very existence to tea. In themid 1800s, the British demand for tea was almost insatiable andChina still held the monopoly. The Chinese refused to buy British
goods in return and insisted on payment in silver. The British did
not want to forgo their tea but nor did they want to deplete theirbullion reserves. So they came up with a plan to trade tea for Indiagrown opium. It was illegal to import opium into China but theybribed Chinese ofcials to allow it to be smuggled in anyway.
In 1839, the Chinese Government decided to crack down on thesmuggling, and seized shipments of opium from British merchants,
who appealed to the British Navy for help. The First Opium War,as it came to be called, (rather than The First Tea War,) did not last
very long. The British Navy was too well armed and the Chinese
were forced to negotiate for peace. Part of the treaty was thehanding over from China to Britain of the peninsula and island thatformed a harbour the British had been using as a base during thewar. This was Hong Kong.

Taxing Tea

Half a world away and a few decades earlier, tea had a majorinuence on the destiny of an entire country. Soon after the drink
became so greatly desired, the Government in Britain placed a
tax on tea leaves, (as governments tend to do with many things
people feel they cannot do without!) Unsurprisingly, taxation led tosmuggling and adulteration. At one point, tea was often “extended”
by mixing it with leaves from other plants, even with sheep dung!
Across the Atlantic ocean, the colonists in America were also
very fond of their tea and were upset at the heavy taxes imposedby colonial authorities on their favourite beverage. They had
no representation in the British parliament and many refusedto accept laws passed without their consent. The discontent
reached its peak in the port of Boston, where the British Governor
forced colonists to unload all tea shipments that arrived and pay
taxes on them.
On 16th December, 1773, a number of colonists, disguised innative Indian dress, boarded three British ships, broke open all thetea chests they were carrying and dumped the contents into theharbour. This act became known as the Boston Tea Party and was
the most famous of many acts of deance that led to the American
Revolution and the colony's eventual independence from Britain in
1776. And it was tea that started it all!

A Lovely Cuppa

Strangely perhaps, tea continued to be taxed in the United
Kingdom until 1964, without any adverse effect on its popularity.
Britons set a great deal of store by the healing and life-enhancing
properties of this unique plant. Tea has given its name to one of the38

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major meals of the British day. Depending on your social class, tea
is either a casual gathering with friends at around 4 in the afternoon,with a pot of Earl Grey or English Breakfast, accompanied bysandwiches, cakes and scones with jam and cream. Or tea is thename you give to the meal that you eat when you come home froma day at work, usually at some time between 5 and 6pm. This meal
will not necessarily involve drinking any actual tea at all.

Clockwise, from left: The Tudor-inspired
Cameron Highlands Resort; it's all in thedetails here; continue your tea journey with acup of sencha at Gonbei.

But the importance of tea in the United Kingdom goes much
deeper. If you are British, when your team is expelled from a major
football tournament, when your country is thrown into disarray by aplebiscite very few of you wanted, when your daughter announces
she is to give birth to your rst grandchild, when people in ofces orfactories all over the country take a well-earned break, the thing to
do is have a cup of tea.
The very denition of anarchy in the UK is to refuse a cup of tea
when it is offered. Even simply saying “yes” or “OK” in responseto the question is considered quite rude. The expected reaction
is one of almost delirious excitement, as if the prospect of acup of tea, right here, right now, is the best thing that has ever
happened to you. “Ooh, that would be lovely,” you must trill. All
this simply at the prospect of partaking of a few leaves immersed
in boiling water, the avour enhanced (or ruined, according toindividual, national or cultural taste) by the addition of spices,
herbs, milk or sugar.

Tea Comes to Malaysia

This cultural obsession with tea was also responsible for theplant arriving in Malaysia. In addition to teaching them how to playcricket, the British Empire bestowed upon its citizens the gift oftea, if, of course, they had the right environmental conditions togrow it successfully.
In Malaysia, perfect tea-growing conditions existed in the Cameron
Highlands, the most fertile, agricultural region in the country, morethan 1500m above sea level and abundantly blessed with all theattributes you need to grow great tea: plenty of sunshine, plenty ofrain and well-drained soil. In 1929, entrepreneur JA Russell was
granted a concession of land there to create a tea plantation. He
and his partner AB Milne named the place BOH, (according tolegend, although the Russell family didn't conrm) after Bohea, amountainous, tea-producing region in China's Fujian Province.

Tea at Cameron Highlands Resort

During a stay at the Cameron Highlands Resort, a visit to the BOH
tea plantations is a feast for the senses, as well as a fascinatinghalf-day out. You will see first hand how BOH black tea isprocessed from tree to cup and be able to indulge in a little tasting
session with local gurus. A unique and wonderful excursion thatthe resort can also arrange for you is a BOH tour followed by a

picnic in a clearing within the tea plantation itself. A blanket is laidon the ground with cushions added for comfort and your private
butler serves a succession of dishes while you chat idly and gazeout at the rows of tea rolling endlessly over the hills around you.
Yes, it's decadent but you will remember it forever.
Indeed, you will nd during your stay at Cameron Highlands Resortthat tea punctuates almost every aspect of the experience. It
begins with a welcome cuppa when you arrive but this is but asingle note compared to the crescendo of a sumptuous afternoon
tea in the Jim Thompson Tea Room. Your server will tease you witha selection of teas to try. The choice can be hard. "Cameronian
Gold Blend?" "No, we can try that one tomorrow at breakfast. Let’sgo for the tangerine?" But, what about the vanilla?"
Tea features prominently in the Cameron Highlands Resort Spa
Village menu too. How about a warm tea bath? Lie back with coldtea bags to take away those eye bags, while you relax completely
and meditate to the sounds coming through your headphones.
Then, how about a tea facial scrub and body wrap?
Did I say decadent?
For more details, visit cameronhighlandsresort.com
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life feature //life feature //Novel
Pleasures
Exploring the City of Bath with Jane Austen.
Text Kim Inglis

The British novelist, Jane Austen, isundeniably tied to Bath, with two of her
books, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion,
set mainly in this middle-sized city in the
English county of Somerset. Austen’s
parents were married in Bath; she lived in
the city from 1801 to 1806; and her father
is buried there. During her time (as today),Bath served as a health resort and aprovincial outpost of fashionable life – andit offered all the amenities that a young girllooking for a husband wanted or needed!
It is, perhaps, for this reason that theacerbic Austen decried Bath’s pleasures;
she saw high society shenanigans as
shallow, as undoubtedly they were.
Nonetheless, as a single girl living withher parents, she knew the city intimately.
Despite writing “Bath is still Bath” in a letterin 1813, she probably enjoyed life there
more than she would have liked to admit.

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Certainly, the city comes alive in her novels,
perhaps more so than any of her othersettings.
To d a y, B a t h i s e n j o y i n g a t y p e o f
rejuvenation or, perhaps, a comeback, as
its civic purpose has traditionally been oneof amusement, diversion or enjoyment. For
centuries, people have been travelling toBath to ‘take the waters’ or a cure in the hotsprings; to enjoy art and music, good foodand entertainment in one form or another;or simply to experience the restorative
delight of one of Europe's most beautiful
townscapes. With major renovations, thecity is being scrubbed up — and muchof its Roman and Georgian refinement
is reappearing.
Edward, Jane Austen’s brother, visited
Bath with Jane in 1799 in order to try tocure his suspected gout. Jane wrote toher sister Cassandra: “He drinks at the
Hetling pump… and is to bathe tomorrow,”and “Edward has been pretty well thislast week, and as the waters have neverdisagreed with him in any respect, we are
inclined to hope he will derive advantage
from them in the end”. Visitors today cando the same by drinking the water at the
grand Pump Room, all the while listening to
the Pump Room Trio, or bathe at Thermae
Bath Spa, the only day spa in the UK
where one can immerse oneself in natural
thermal waters.
Run by YTL Hotels, this facility is fed bythree underground springs and offersa series of steam rooms, an open-air
rooftop pool with spectacular views overthe city and surrounding hills, and several
other warm pools, such as the Minerva
Bath, named after the Roman goddessof health and wisdom. Mineral-rich warm

For fans, no visit to Bathis complete without apilgrimage to The Jane
Austen Centre.

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41

life feature //Clockwise, from far left: Bath's Georgian spirit
lives on strongly in the city; shopping for Jane
Austen books and souvenirs is easily done in Bath;immerse yourself in Bath's famous thermal waters
at the YTL-run Thermae Bath Spa.

water containing over 42 minerals andtrace elements is guaranteed to sootheand rejuvenate, as will spa therapies that
include massages, body wraps and facials.
Also run by YTL is the newly renovated andrefurbished Gainsborough Bath Spa next
door. The rst hotel in the UK to tap directly
into the city’s famed mineral-rich hotwaters, its airy Spa Village Bath, completewith Roman columns and mosaics,
features three pools heated to between
35° to 40°C, as well as other facilities suchas traditional and infrared saunas, steam
room and ice alcove. Additionally, there
is a suite and two guest rooms that haveaccess to the thermal waters through taps
in the bath tubs. Open to both hotel guests
and special ‘Spa Village members’, it is aunique experience.
If an overnight stay is in order, the hotel
comes highly recommended too. A visitor

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in the early 19th century noted that “Bathlodgings are not only very numerous,
but are distinguished for the elegance,
convenience and comfort which theyafford visitors” — and nowhere is this more
apt than in relation to the Gainsborough.
Ninety-nine rooms feature huge high beds,
elegant period furniture and furnishings,
and a classic Georgian colour scheme ofdeep blues and browns. With two Grade
II listed facades in honey-hued Bath stone,
the hotel may be slightly austere inside, but
this allows views over the town throughhuge sash windows and the warmth ofhigh-standard service to take centre stage.
A stay here combines the elegance of an
earlier era with all the convenience of 21stcentury amenities and organisation.
In many ways, the rejuvenation of suchbuildings and facilities replicates the typeof experience earlier 19th-century visitors
to the city may have enjoyed. Austen’scharacters, friends and family patronised
the Assembly Rooms for balls, tea-drinking,card-playing and semi-secret sessionsof mild flirting. Today, they are open to
the public along with a Fashion Museumthat showcases the types of clothes that
may have been worn in Austen’s time.
Jane Austen herself preferred the New
or Upper Assembly Rooms, opened in
1771, and attended many balls there.
Similarly, theatre is strong in Bath: dating
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43

life feature //Clockwise, from far left: Sip Bath waters at the
Pump Room; catch a play at the elegant Theatre
Royal Bath; Spa Village Bath has become adestination in itself; a meal at Johann Lafer at The
Gainsborough promises a feast of global avours.

cooking styles. Think dishes such as aroast rack of Wiltshire lamb with Szechuan
pepper crust, celeriac and blood orange
at dinner or a Bavarian white sausage andpretzels for breakfast.

from 1805, the elegant Theatre Royal Bathhas three stages in the Main House, theUstinov Studio and the Egg Theatre, and is
extremely active today.
Twenty-rst century tourists expect worldclass restaurants in top destinations— and Bath doesn’t disappoint in this44

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respect either. There are plenty of pubs,
restaurants and wine bars to choose from,many reasonably priced for the quality thatis offered. The Gainsborough Bath Spa’s
restaurant is run by German chef Johann
Lafer, whose ‘dining without borders’philosophy combines locally sourced
ingredients with international avours andNaturally, tea is a big event in Bath aswell. Jane Austen’s heroines regularly
imbibed an afternoon tea of clotted creamand scones at one of the city’s regularestablishments – and these are replicatedat the Jane Austen Centre’s Regency Tea
Rooms. Try a ‘Tea with Mr Darcy’ or treat
yourself to a slice of Mrs Bennet’s lemondrizzle cake (from Pride and Prejudice). It isalso the place to learn more about Austen
and the way that Bath impacted on her andher characters. The neo-classical salon of
the Pump Room is another appropriate tea
venue: it was one of the lming locations
for the television adaptation of Persuasion
and retains a quaint period atmosphere.
And, for guests at The Gainsborough BathSpa, the stunning Canvas Room acts
as the venue for a sumptuous spread ofscones, sandwiches and Jing artisan teas.
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45

life feature //Clockwise, from far left: The Gainsborough BathSpa is the perfect hideaway; the breathtaking
view of the city from the top of Bath Abbey; theAssembly Rooms is one of the many places in Bathassociated with Jane Austen; Bath Abbey is thecity's sacred heart.

Avon. And, of course, the surrounding
countryside has some beautiful walking
trails – not forgetting the sublime site of
nearby Stonehenge.

Catherine Morland, the heroine inNorthanger Abbey, once exclaimed: “Oh!
Who can ever be tired of Bath?” – and,certainly, the city beguiles the longer
one stays. Morland was not averse toperambulating in Bath’s parks or partaking
of a spot of shopping, and such ladylike
pursuits are also popular today. The city’s
most famed department store, Jolly’s, is
now run by House of Fraser and has been
updated with a wide range of designer
brands; indeed, Bath has more, and better,
shops than a city 10 times its size.
Parks are no less prominent: Jane Austen
regularly walked in the 18th-century
pleasure gardens of the Sydney Hotel,
writing to her sister that she often took a“public breakfast” there in the mornings.
Present-day visitors can choose between
Prior Park with its Palladian bridge, oneof only four of this design in the world;
the Bath Skyline, a six-mile circular routeencompassing beautiful woodlands,
meadows and 18th-century follies; ora stroll along the towpath by the River46

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Diehard Austen fans should look no further
than a free, downloadable audio walking
tour of Bath city centre called ‘In theFootsteps of Jane Austen’. Developed by
the Bath Tourism Authority, it takes in themain attractions and views associatedwith Austen and her characters, all thewhile featuring extracts from her letters andnovels, and giving visitors an insight into
Bath then and now. Much of the Georgianarchitecture is, of course, the same, as aremany of the highlights – the Pump Room,
Assembly Rooms, Royal Crescent, Queen
Square (where Austen stayed for a while),
Gravel Walk (the location of a touching

love scene in Persuasion) and the Jane
Austen Centre, with its exhibitions relating
to the novelist and her life and works.
The audio tour brings alive many sites,
past and present, and is liable to makekeen readers reach for that Kindle for one
of Austen’s books again. As Catherine’s
mother says to her at one point inNorthanger Abbey: “My dear Catherine…
Your head runs too much upon Bath; but
there is a time for everything – a time forballs and plays, and a time for work. You
have had a long run of amusement, andnow you must try to be useful.”
Luckily, for visitors taking a vacation, it isn’t
a time to be useful or for work. It’s a chance
for amusement, balls and plays, or at least
entertainment, and fine food and wine. And
where better than Bath to indulge?

THE JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL
The best time to be in Bath if you are a fan.
From 9 to 18 September
2016, the 16th annual
Jane Austen Festival
takes place in the cityof Bath, complete witha spectacular Grand
Regency Costumed
P ro m e n a d e , m i n i b u s
tours, walks, talks,m u s i c a l re c i t a l s a n d
c o n c e r t s . T h e re w i l lalso be workshops on
playing the harp andbonnet-making. It goes
without saying that thebest place to bed down
for the night during thistime (as well as withany other time) would be The Gainsborough Bath Spa, located right in the heart ofhistorical Bath. Boasting the only natural thermal spa set within a hotel in the UK, it’s theperfect place to rest your weary body after a day of Regency dancing or promenading.
The luxurious hotel is also just a minute’s stroll from the ancient Roman Bath and themagnificent Bath Abbey, as well as a short walk from the best shopping at Milsom Street.
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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life feature //Trail Of A
Bygone Era
Dubbed as the historical state of Malaysia,
Malacca offers a myriad of activities, catering
to individuals from different walks of life. Follow
us as we unveil what to see and soak up on
The Majestic Malacca's popular historical walk.
Text Rubaashini Shunmuganathan Photography Robin Liew

With a history that stretches back morethan 600 years and its key role as anentrepot for the spice trade, Malacca, notsurprisingly, boasts a diversity that is uniqueamong Malaysia’s 13 states. Ever since
Parameswara, a fugitive Sumatran prince,
transformed a small fishing village into
one of the region’s most important ports,
Malacca attracted traders from both Eastand West, who brought with them cultures
and traditions that would, eventually, takeroot. Set midway between China and India
along the Straits of Malacca, the Malacca
Sultanate that Paraweswara founded grew
into an empire. Ironically, it was its very
success that drew the attention of Western
powers, who sought to dominate the spicetrade through conquest. The Portuguese
came first, defeating the sultanate in theearly 16th century, followed by the Dutch
and British, all of whom added to the
mélange that is now Malacca.
Today, Malacca remains fascinating as
ever, regularly drawing visitors attracted toits food and culture, historical landmarks,
architecture and traditional trade. Suchis its abundance, though, most only eversee or taste just a fraction of this cultural
wealth. At The Majestic Malacca, however,a specially designed walk offers to tell the48

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history of Malacca through a number of
specific landmarks within the city.

Living In History

Located on Jalan Bunga Raya, right in
the heart of Malacca city, The Majestic
Malacca is not without its own story.
Originally built as the stately home of a
Chinese tycoon, one fitted with imported
Victorian tiles, stained glass windows andexpensive furniture, it is a sumptuous
representative of its surroundings – agraceful merger of cultures and influences
both modern and traditional. The Majestic
Malacca is the perfect base for any stay inthe city, with an award-winning spa, lavishrooms and delectable cuisine. It is also thestarting point for the historical walk aroundthe city, guided by hotel historian Rahayu
Kamal, a two-hour tour that offers a brief
but comprehensive guide to Malacca.
Immediately after leaving the hotel, youwill find the beautiful Kampong Morten,a riverine Malay village built by Frederick
Joseph Morten, the British Land
Commissioner for Malacca in the 1920s.
Tucked along Malacca River, this quaintvillage is also home to Villa Sentosa, apale mint house-turned-museum thatTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life feature //down the river are Dutch era shophouses,
which are notable for being narrow andlong. Houses at that time were taxedbased on their widths, so it made sense
to keep them narrow. Up ahead is anotherlandmark, a rather infamous one. The
Kampung Jawa Foot Bridge was first built
by the Dutch from the red laterite bricks
that the Portuguese used to fortify theirfortresses around Malacca. During theJapanese Occupation, the heads of thevictims of the dreaded military police werehung from the pillars.

gives visitors a glimpse of Malay culture
and history. Take a walk, then, down the
walkways and bridges along the river.
Modelled after the San Antonio River
Walk in Texas, visitors get to see colourful
decorations and patterns that provide an
eye-pleasing experience for everyone.
Along the way, on a bend in the river,you will come across the ruins of Churchof St Lawrence. First constructed in
the early 1600s by the Portuguese, St
Lawrence languished after the Dutch took
over Malacca. By the end of the 1700s,
the Rosary Chapel was built on the same
site, which also fell into ruins in mid
19th century.

Clockwise, from left: The only remaining part of A
Famosa; The Majestic Malacca is the starting pointof the historical walk; learn about the Malay culture
and history at Villa Sentosa; Church of St Francis
Xavier with its beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture.

Leaving the ruins behind, you’ll head for
the Malacca River Boardwalk. Shelteredby mangrove vegetation, the promenaderuns alongside the river, where you’ll finda beautiful mural on the walls that gives
a chronology of Malacca history and its
role as a spice trade centre. At the end of
the Boardwalk is the old Cathay Cinema,
which has transformed into Panggung
Bangsawan, a centre for traditional andcultural dance performances. Further

After crossing the river, you will arrive at oneof Malacca’s treasures, the Church of St
Francis Xavier. This Neo-Gothic church
was constructed by a French priest,
Father Favre, in 1856 and named after the
famous missionary, St Francis Xavier, who
visited Malacca four times. Although its
twin spires have a slight tilt to the left, themore-than-a-century old building remains
in excellent condition, an airy space withlight streaming through the beautifully
maintained stained glass. A few hundred
metres from the church is the Red Square.
Around the red clock tower are a numberof majestic crimson buildings that are someof the oldest colonial Dutch buildings left inSouth-East Asia. Two of them are essential
stops on any tour of Malacca. Christ
Church was formerly the Dutch Reformed
Church of Malacca, which was converted
to an Anglican church during the British
Administration. Completed in 1753, it is
the oldest functioning Protestant churchin Malaysia. Its floor incorporates various
tombstones that feature Portuguese andArmenian inscriptions, telling insights intocolonial Malacca. The church still retains
silver altar vessels that date back to theearly Dutch period as well as a glazed tile
painting of the Last Supper.
Flanking Christ Church is the Stadthuys(old Dutch for city hall), built by the Dutch
between 1641 and 1660 on top of a
Portuguese fort. The building served as
Malacca’s administrative centre for nearly
300 years before it became a museum.
It is today the Museum of History andEthnography, showcasing Malaccan
customs and traditions as well as thecity’s rich history, from the Malay Sultanate
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51

life feature //Clockwise, from left: Artistic murals along
the Malacca River Boardwalk; ruins of thePortuguese fort discovered through the
excavation process; the bright and vibrant
Christ Church; old Portuguese tombstones
placed in the church at St Paul's Hill; a marble
statue of St Francis Xavier.

to the Portuguese, Dutch and British
occupations. Around the corner fromthe Stadhuys is a staircase that goes tothe top of St Paul’s Hill. At the peak arecommanding views of the city and theStraits of Malacca. Here are also the ruinsof a Catholic church named Our Lady ofthe Hill (Nossa Senhora do Oiteiro) built by
the Portuguese in 1521. After the Dutch
took over Malacca, they renamed it St
Paul’s and held services there while waiting
for the completion of Christ Church. Theinterior of the church was demolished afterthat and only the façade remains.

was part of A Famosa were uncovered.
Originally built to monitor incoming ships,
Santiago Bastion is now another historicallandmark that testifies to Malacca’s longand glorious history.

As you descend St Paul’s Hill, you will
arrive at the Porta de Santiago gateway,
the only remains of A Famosa, the great
fortress built by the Portuguese after theyconquered Malacca in 1511. The fort
protected the city with 70 cannons, four
bastions and walls that were 6m highand 2.4m thick. The Dutch renovated A
Famosa in 1670 – which explains the ‘Anno
1670’ inscription on the Porta de Santiago– but the British decided to demolish thewalls in 1806, leaving only the gateway,
one of the oldest surviving examples ofEuropean architecture in South-East Asia,
intact. From the foot of St Paul’s Hill, thefinal stop of The Majestic Malacca’s
historic walk is just a short walk away. The
ruins of Santiago Bastion are a fairly new
discovery: while clearing a construction site
in 2003, the remains of a watchtower that

1. The St Lawrence Church was
originally painted a pastel blue, remainsof which can still be seen at the site.

The Majestic Malacca offers all guests
a complimentary guided walk to theprominent historical landmarks in the city.
Held daily (except Wednesdays), guests
can join either the 10am or 5pm tours.
www.majesticmalacca.com

TRAIL-LING FACTS

2. The mural along Malacca River
was produced by local artists andart students.
3. The boardwalk and boat ride at
the Malacca Riverside were featured
in the 1999 film Entrapment, which
also included, inexplicably, Kuala
Lumpur’s Petronas Twin Towers inthe background.
4. At Christ Church, mass services are
conducted in four languages – English,
Chinese, Tamil and Bahasa Malaysia.
5. The body of St Francis Xavier, who
was also known as the ‘Apostle of theEast’, was briefly laid to rest at the
church on St Paul’s Hill, before beingtransferred to the basilica in Goa,
India. He was canonised in 1622.

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Taking It Easy
In Tanjong
Jara Resort
With Tara Stiles
New York-based dancer
and model turned yoga guru
Tara Stiles tells us how thepractice has made her lifeeasier and why she’s beencalled the ‘yoga rebel’.
Text Vivian Chong Photography Steven Goh

Tara Stiles in
Dandayamana
Dhanurasana pose.

life profile //“Since I was young, I have been doingclassical dance including ballet,
and yoga was a part of it. I’d always found thatit helped me feel betterand more relaxed.”

The setting couldn’t have been more idyllic:on the manicured gardens of Tanjong Jara
Resort, facing swaying coconut trees thatlook out towards the South China Sea. It
was coming up to high tide and the waves
were crashing relentlessly against the
sandy beach. A balmy breeze whispered
among the trees while the fading sun
peeked through, a contrasting relief fromthe morning’s rain.
The gardens were the centre of all attention
that afternoon, the air even more festive
than the weekly Kampong Sucimurni
experience that takes place every Saturday,
transforming the resort into a rustic village offood stalls, traditional games and dances.
The green of the lawn was speckled withthe striking red of Reebok yoga mats that
had a huge smiley face and the words“Don’t stress” emblazoned across. Morecolourful were the outts worn by the nearly
90 yoga enthusiasts who had checked
into a 3 day, 2 night yoga retreat hosted by
Reebok and led by New York-based yogi
Tara Stiles.
Tara was warming up on the makeshift
stage, in between exchanging hugs andhellos with familiar faces who she hastaught or had attended her previous
retreats. The friendly vibe continued as
Tara launched into the rst of three yoga
classes of the weekend, which included
spa sessions, cooking demonstrations
with the resort’s Chef Ann, and a Sucimurni
exercise session with Tanjong Jara’s
resident naturalist Captain Mokh.

Striking a pose on
Tanjong Jara Resort's
pristine beach.

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Tara led us through a series of uid
movements, all the while reminding us to“take it easy, take your time, whenever
you’re ready...” and “soften all the way,sway from side to side – do whatever feels
good for you...” With her calm, soothing
voice and sing song tone peppered withhearty laughs, it felt more like being lulled
into relaxation than being instructed toworkout. With most classes, there is that
unspoken pressure to catch up with therest but Tara’s approach is about enablingand empowering you to the best of
your ability.

This gentle take on yoga is what Tara is
known for and what she advocates throughStrala Yoga, the studio she co-founded withhusband Mike Taylor that has since growninto an international movement. From freeclasses at Central Park and that rst studioin New York’s SoHo in 2008 (where theycharged just USD10 per class), Strala now
has four studios outside of the USA – in
Singapore, Barcelona, Tokyo and Mexico
City – and is also taught in at least 15
countries. So how did she go from growing
up in a solar-powered farmhouse in Illinois
to teaching yoga with a global following?
“Since I was young, I have been doingclassical dance including ballet, and yoga
was a part of it. I’d always found that it
helped me feel better and more relaxed,”
Tara revealed. “When I moved to New
York to pursue a dance career, I begantraining to be a yoga teacher while studying
different types of healing modalities like taichi and shiatsu. I was also modelling at thesame time, to pay the bills, and used toteach yoga to the photographers on set. It
was just a natural progression; yoga began
taking up more and more of my time.” Hermodelling agency had encouraged her to
do a series of yoga video tutorials, whichbecame a big hit, earning her a loyal fanbase that continues to grow. YouTube
viewers were drawn to the fact that Taramade yoga fun and practical with guides
such as ‘Yoga for Hangovers’.
There were already many schools of yoga
at the time but Tara never subscribed toany of them. “It felt like a secret club, kindof exclusive and insular. I saw a pretentious
world that needed to get off their highhorses. The essence of yoga, after all, isabout being connected to yourself. I think
I was ahead of the time in encouraging the‘yoga is for everyone’ mindset.” It earned her
the nickname ‘yoga rebel’, a label she’s notentirely uncomfortable with. “Being a rebel isabout doing things your own way; I denitely
fought against the rigidity and dogma.”
Naturally, there were naysayers who called
Tara out on her unconventional ways. “I
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57

life profile //got the exclusive bunch riled up. It was afair response, I suppose. But now yoga has
become a lot more mainstream and others
are saying what I’ve always encouraged –that everyone can do yoga.”
Strala Yoga also stays away from religious
connotations and focuses on helping
people feel good about themselves. Theirstudios have an open concept and allwhite interiors, and instead of teachers or
instructors, Tara prefers the term ‘Guides’
and that’s how she sees herself too – notsomeone who instructs others but a guide
who shows the way. In hiring Guides, shedoesn’t prioritise qualications but more
importantly, how that person treats his or
her students and how much they care. “It
has to be genuine,” Tara explained. “The
rst job in yoga is to help others feel good.
To be a Strala Guide, you must rst feel
good about yourself.”
Then there’s the Strala ‘language’ that all
Guides use, as Tara had demonstrated, thatencourages students to relax into a poseand not force yourself into it – because
when you do, the body tenses and thatmakes it more difcult to achieve what you
want. This “do more with less” philosophy
can be applied to improve other aspects ofyour life besides wellbeing.

that it helps to break down the load into
parts instead of cramming everything into aneight-hour stretch, for example. She details
all these in her fth book, Strala Yoga, which
launched in August 2016 and will likely
follow in the successful footsteps of her
previous titles – on yoga, clean eating andhealthy cooking – that have been translated
into several languages. Clearly, Tara’s styleof yoga has struck the right chord among
many, and has led to some interesting
collaborations. “In 2008, I was writing abook and my publisher asked who I would
like to write the foreword. I said, 'Well, it’dbe great if Deepak Chopra would do it.'
Then I received an email asking if I would
like to teach yoga at an event that Deepak
was also attending. He came up to me,
said he knew who I was, and suggested
that we work on something together. And
yes, he did end up writing the foreword
for my book.” That ‘something’ turned out
to be an iPhone app, Authentic Yoga with
Deepak Chopra and Tara Stiles.
Tara met Jane Fonda a year after that,when the latter was seeking collaborators
on some new workout videos and took aliking to Tara’s no-nonsense approach. The
two became friends and the result is a DVD
titled Jane Fonda’s Workout: Daily Yoga
with Tara Stiles.

“Yoga can complement any other sport oractivities you do as it helps improve yourrange of movement, breathing, exibility,
and mobility. In New York, we train a lot ofrunners. For endurance athletes, you willlearn to use just the necessary amount ofeffort required to power through.” Yoga canalso be a remedial therapy to help the body
heal itself by creating more space for yourbody to work for you.

In 2013, Reebok roped Tara in to create theiryoga line and they have worked together
since to release several collections. Tara
nds inspiration from a variety of sources forher designs. Last season, she introduced
a pair of rainbow leggings inspired by leg
warmers her grandmother had made for her
years ago. For the current collection, she
captured Harajuku’s vibrant, urban energy
and street art in colourful, edgy pieces.

It doesn’t stop there; adopting it within a
corporate setting means not using force
against resistance but nding a way aroundthings. “Try planking for two minutes, forexample, and observe where you start
shaking. Feel it, experience it. Expand yourperipheral vision and increase the room for
improvement.”

From studios and Strala Guides around theworld to bestselling books, and yoga wear
to her name, it would seem that Tara hasdone it all – but not if you ask her. “There’s
still so much more to do. I want to continue
helping people feel better, and reach out
to different populations, such as children.
Food is also an important aspect. You can
do yoga all day but if you’re not eating well,
you won’t feel good.”

In writing too, the bestselling author nds

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“Yoga schools then felt like a secret club, kind of
exclusive and insular. I saw a pretentious world thatneeded to get off their high horses. The essence of
yoga, after all, is about being connected to yourself.
I think I was ahead of the time in encouraging the‘yoga is for everyone’ mindset.”

QUICK TAKES: SOME OF
TARA’S FAVOURITE THINGS
On a roll – “On my rst trip to Malaysia,
I had dinner at Petaling Street and reallyenjoyed the chee cheong fun (steamed
rice rolls) there! I’ve even tried recreating
it back home in New York.”
Soup vs sup – “I enjoy Malaysiansoups and curries. The idea of having
soup for breakfast is comforting. That’s
what inspired my Make Your Own Rules
Cookbook.”
Hats off – “I love knitting, and amalways making hats for friends. My
favourite yarn brand is called Wool &The Gang.”
New York, New York – “I live in SoHo,
which is great for walking around. On
weekends, I enjoy going to the farmers’market to pick up fresh produce tocook at home. New York is a very fastpaced city but come the weekend, thepace drops dramatically. Everyone’s out
and about, you can easily catch up withthree to four friends within a day.”
Asian affection – “This is my third
visit to Asia. I’ve noticed that people
here are more connected to nature.
Things are also more authentic
here compared to America, where
everyone’s always so busy and things
feel more manufactured.”

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59

beautiful life //Bold And Beautiful
Make a grand appearance with these daring fashion choices.

Knitted Coat

If making a fashion statement is your definition of style, then the overcoats and blazers
from M Missoni might just be the right pick for you. As part of the brand’s Fall/Winter2016/17 Collection, the fashion house exudes a distinctly British spirit, harnessing
both classic serious elegance as well as fun, fresh and quirky modes. One outstanding
element is a golden knit that can be seen on the overcoats and blazers, making it asparkly and exciting addition to your wardrobe.

Eastern Enchantment

Taiwanese fashion house Shiatzy Chen’slatest Autumn/Winter 2016 collection is atribute to The Journey to the West, one ofpre-modern China’s most famous novels,
employing captivating motifs and texturesthat pay tribute to the epic undertakingof the story’s characters. The looks
transcend the boundary of typical Oriental
elements, moving towards a more classic
Victorian style with elements like lace,girdles, frills and ribbons. The brand isagain collaborating with top Taiwanese
illustrator, Inca Pan, whose handdrawings of characters from the novel,
like Tang Sanzang and his disciples, Sun
Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, add
child-like wonder to the apparel.

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Colourful Cover
Trendy Tote

This season, McQ by Alexander
McQueen brings you a carryall that isboth pragmatic and fashionable. Partof the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2016
collection, the Loveless Tote Bag ismade of lightweight sheepskin leather
with a matt finish and embossed logo on
the front. A front zippered compartment
affords extra convenience in storingessentials like smartphones, while
the interior is roomy enough to store
everything you need for a day out.

Shoes are one of those items that caneither downgrade or elevate your style.
Understanding the importance of footwear,
Sergio Rossi reveals a collection thatis both persuasive and glamorous, with
its typical strong presence of colour andsavoir faire. A highlight is the Freda sandal
with a narrow toeline, covered heel andextremely feminine buckling ankle strap
closure. Glittering sparkles and jet sequinembroidery on soft velvet make these heels
the perfect choice for a fun night out.

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NaturalMod
Surrounded bymangroves, coral reefs
and a pristine coast,
few getaways are asintertwined with theirsurroundings asGaya Island Resort.
Tana Boshoff, winnerof the annual World
Swimsuit Model Search
2016, makes gorgeous
for YTL Life's camera.

Sweater, M Missoni; Skirt andshoes, Khoon Hooi; Necklace,McQ by Alexander McQueen.

Photography Kim Mun Styling Andrea Wong
Make-up Cat Yong Hair Bibian Leong
Photography Assistant Ng Kai Jun
Model Tana BoshoffDress, RJR.John
Rocha at Debenhams;
shoes, Khoon Hooi;
necklace, McQ by
Alexander McQueen.

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Top and pants,
Shiatzy Chen.

Dress andshoes,
Khoon Hooi.

Dress and shoes,
Khoon Hooi; coat,
Zang Toi.
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beautiful life //Self-Indulgence
Give yourself the love you need with these wonderful fragrancesand skincare items.

Masculine MuseAll Rounder

Mystical Trail

Amouage Creative Director Christopher Chong’s personal metamorphoses in life andhis love for the expressive art of opera is the inspiration behind the luxury fragrance
house’s Myths, an oriental scent that explores surrealism. Presented in two contrasting
variants – Myths for Man and Myths for Woman – the former represents the celestial
Chinese dragon, projecting the natural beauty of chrysanthemum and orris that is further
intoxicated with enigmatic tones of labdanum, ashes and leather. As for Myths for
Woman, this mystical fragrance paints one with floral and green facets like narcissus
laced with violet leaves and galbanum, as well as carnation, musk and patchouli thatguarantees to leave an intriguing scent behind.

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Dreams do come true, actually, especially
if you use Essential Face Cream by
Diptyque. It’s a dream face cream that
nourishes, energises and replenishes
the general well-being of skin. Thisvelvety potion transforms into a sorbetlike texture when coming into contact
with skin, leaving behind a beautiful, freshand replenished face. The secret? A
combination of prickly pear flower oleate,orange blossom hydrosol, nasturtium
extract and bluebonnet extract, which not
only nourishes the skin but also exudes a
divinely captivating scent.

Hugo Boss’ brand new Boss Bottled Intense caters to the man of today, as afragrance that expresses his modernity and strength. The new scent is laden withwoods, spices and a powerful concentration of precious oils. Additionally, there’s alsoa blend of green orange blossom laced with crisp apple in the top notes, mixed witha lavishly spiced storm of geranium, cinnamon and clove, along with sandalwood,
vetiver, cedar wood and vanilla as part of the base notes.

Flake-Free

Just like your skin, your hair needs equalamounts of care and love, ensuring you’ll
have luscious locks to flaunt confidently.
The new SACHAJUAN Scalp Treatment
visibly reduces flakiness to keep dandruff
at bay, while providing moisture and acooling sensation to soothe the scalp.
Healing doses of piroctone olamine andclimbazole, as well as ingredients likerosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid andginger extract assures a healthy scalp, freeof irritation.
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life of luxury //Dashing Details

Adorn yourself with these stylish yet elegant accessories.

Eternal Bow

Drawing inspiration from the treasures of the Romanov family that ruled Russia for 300
years, Italian jeweller Damiani collaborated with renowned Italian actress Nicoletta
Romanoff, a direct descendant of the Russian royal family, to create a stunning collection.
Comprising of necklace, rings, earrings and bracelets, the glittering Fiore assemblage
has the bow as its main motif. Seen as a symbol of an eternal bond that enhances awoman’s femininity, the jewellery is available in pink gold for daytime adornment, and awhite gold set with diamonds that is perfect for elegant evening affairs.

Flowy Gemstone
Transparent TimeAll fashionistas know that black nevergoes out of style. With this in mind andgiving the colour its own twist, Hublotchanges the natural order by usingtransparency to foster a new connection
between the visible and invisible with its
Big Bang Unico Sapphire All Black. Ten
years after the launch of the All Black
concept, the brand has reinterpreted this
iconic style, rendering the watch’s exterior
invisible to fully reveal the construction
and proprietary Unico movement within.
This limited edition of 500 pieces iscrafted from blocks of sapphire that havebeen coated with metal and enhancedwith black, allowing it to maintain its
transparent properties in a subtle
balancing act. Even the strap combinestransparency with the signature all black
style, a fitting touch for what is certainly a
new icon of timekeeping.

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Avant-Garde Adornment

Paying tribute to Chopard’s ongoing relationship with Porsche Motorsport's World
Endurance Championship team and its 919 Hybrid race car, the Chopard Superfast
Chrono Porsche 919 Black Edition is a 45mm sporty flyback chronograph in titaniumthat has been treated with a bead-blasted DLC black finish. Powered by Chopard’s
COSC-certified 03.05-M automatic chronograph movement, the timepiece boasts
a 12-hour chronograph with flyback and 60 hours’ power reserve. Limited to 100
pieces, the Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Black Edition picks up the aesthetic
codes of the supercar, with the matt black rubber-moulded screw-lock crown bearing
a steering wheel emblem, while the grooves on the case middle represent the coolingfins of race-car engines.

Archi Dior, the high jewellery collection
created by Victoire de Castellane,
is a gem-set reinterpretation of someof the most iconic Christian Dior
designs. From dress necklaces to suitbracelets, all the movement of fabrics
and lightness of material of Monsieur
Dior's emblematic looks are recreatedin metal and precious stones. This year,
eight new pieces, based on the Cocottehoundstooth dress from the Spring/
Summer 1948 collection and the Milieu
du Siècle line from the Autumn/Wintercollection 1949/50, have been added
to the collection. The silhouette of the
Cocotte dress inspired an asymmetricalring and necklace on white gold anddiamonds, while the flow of the Milieu duSiècle’s curves reappears in a gold anddiamond necklace as well as white goldand diamond earrings.

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life feature //There’sSomething
About Tea
The wise ones among us certainly
got it right when they said tea isinstant wisdom. All you have to
do is just add water. If you wish tobe elegantly enlightened, then theplace for you to indulge in is at the
beautiful and newly refurbished
Lobby Lounge of The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur.
Photography Jacob Termansen & Andrew Ooi

Tea is, as George Orwell famously quipped, one of the mainstays ofcivilisation in this country. He, of course, meant jolly ol’ England but
the potent powers of a warm cuppa, accompanied by a selection ofdelectables, knows no boundaries… nor borders. Even in tropical
Malaysia, imbibing afternoon tea has become a pleasure; a social
ritual; a few hours of delicious respite from the humdrum of daily
life. At The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, however, afternoon tea has
been elevated to a veritable art form.
One of the best ways to begin your journey into an experiential
masterpiece would, of course, be with a pot of signature
Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Blend. Created exclusively for this luxury
property, tea connoisseurs would easily be able to appreciate thisexquisite variation of the classic Chinese Tie Kuan Yin. Already oneof the most legendary and highly regarded Chinese teas in the world,
Tie Kuan Yin has been served in the Forbidden City since the timeof the Tang Dynasty and is also notoriously time-consuming and72

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life feature //“Tea is instantwisdom. All
you have to do
is just add hot
water.”

complex to produce. Working with the acclaimed Frankfurt-basedteehaus of Ronnefeldt, the hotel commissioned an exceptional
blend to celebrate the rebirth of its iconic Lobby Lounge, and theresult is a palate-pleasing and deliciously harmonious green oolongthat captures the essence of East and West beautifully, with alingering creamy flavour.
Such a flavoursome cuppa would be a tad lonely without a trayof treats to keep it company and the Lobby Lounge team doesn’t
disappoint. One of the great pleasures of partaking in afternoon tea
would be the sight of your waiter heading towards your table witha silver tiered stand bearing all kinds of good things to eat. And
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur goes all out to ensure the food, as
well as the brew, reflects its position in the upper echelons of thehospitality world. The chef normally serves up an amuse bouche to
begin the experience and we were treated to slices of Melba toast
served with a rich salmon and cream cheese dip. According to thehotel's legions of afternoon tea enthusiasts, the first item one shouldreach for is the signature beef pastrami sandwiches – a savoury
nod to the hotel’s American heritage. Served hot and toasted, withgenerous portions of beef, mozzarella and sauerkraut wedged in
between, it is, for many, the star of the afternoon. For the rest of thesavouries, there’s usually a quiche of the day (we had onion) and achicken pie. And no tea is quite complete without sandwiches andhere, it always includes traditional favourites like tuna, chicken andegg mayonnaise.
Those with a sweet tooth would do well to concentrate on the
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is, of course, a slice of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur’s iconic
brownie (a much looked forward to edible ‘nightcap’ by guests as
it forms part of the turndown service), as well as a changing arrayof delights: from raspberry cheesecake to strawberry flapjacks,
lemon tart and macarons. Once you’ve cleared the tray, your waiterwill arrive, once more, bearing the final gift of fresh-baked scones.
There will be a traditional plain one as well as a flavour of the day,which may range from honey caramel to raisin, all served withclotted cream and preserves. Through all of this, a live quartet ison hand to entertain while, in between sips, you can admire thebeautiful posies of plump hydrangeas or the elegant new look of
the furnishings, marble walls or even people-watch in style. If you
are feeling particularly celebratory, you can, of course, transformthe traditional tea into a champagne one, while a full and extensive
list of other brews (we counted at least 40), including Irish Whiskey
Cream, Tarry Lapsang Souchong, Fancy Sencha and Superior
Gyokuro, is also available for your tasting pleasure. For those who’djust come straight, post-treatment, from the Spa Village Kuala
Lumpur upstairs, you can choose to prolong the sybaritic feelingwith a herbal infusion as well. The Ayurveda Herbs and Ginger isparticularly restorative, as is the Rooibos Lemon and the uniquely
named Chill Out with Herbs – a tea made with Rooibos and lemon
to banish stress and tension while helping to restore tranquillity. And
all this is yours to attain in just one afternoon – with a fancy tea toboot. Now, who’s free for a cuppa?
Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala
Lumpur is priced at MYR80 nett per person and is available daily,
from 1500-1800hrs. To reserve, call +603 2142 8000.
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life feature //life feature //This IsThe Life

One of the great delights ofstaying at The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur is the myriad
pleasures on offer at The Smoke
House. Enjoy a snifter of the best
single-malt whisky or catch a
nostalgic black-and-white movie,
The Smoke House lets you
enjoy the finer things in life, whilelooking your best, of course.
Styling & Art Direction Penny Chew
Photography Edmund Lee
Make-up Taisu Hair Bibian Leong
Model Luke G / Andrews Models

The Smoke House at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is athrowback – in the best possible way – to an earlier, moreindulgent time. Here, the pursuit of the finer things in life is taken
seriously, offering the best in terms of food, drink and service, thevery hallmarks that The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur takes pride in.
Be it a fine single-malt whisky, bespoke dinner menu or the perfect
shave, The Smoke House has you covered, whether you’re there
on your own or if you have company to entertain.

Light Up

While The Smoke House strives to offer the best of food and drink,it hasn’t forgotten to stock a excellent range of cigars for those
who enjoy a post-prandial puff. With the majority from them fromCuba, you are sure to find a panatela or corona that’s just right foryou in the dedicated cigar room, where you may request to don aluxurious smoking jacket to complete the experience.

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Red coat, shirt
and trousers byDior Homme.
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life feature //Classy Mixes

Checked Jacket,
shirt and pants by
Ermenegildo Zegna.

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Cocktails are another forte of The Smoke House. Look out for
vintage colonial mixes like Gin Pahit (gin and bitters) and Stengah(whisky and soda), as well as local inspirations like The Malayan
Colada and Jungle Bird. Special mention, however, must be madeof the ‘house’ cocktails, created by The Smoke House’s bartender
extraordinaire, John Yap, including The Tanqueray Blue andCode 55 and Two Bulat, the latter inspired by a real and dramatic
confrontation in the hotel. The personable Johnnie the Barman, as
he’s better known, is also a fount of knowledge where alcoholic
beverages are concerned.

Great Scotch

Enjoy a fine dram of single malt whisky to see out the end of
the day. The Smoke House has a fine range of Scottish single
malt whisky, covering the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Islay,
Orkney and Campbeltown of Scotland. If it’s wine that you
prefer, do know that The Smoke House also offers an unrivalledvertical flight of Opus One from 1980 to 2011, a veritable dreamcome true for any oenophile.

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life feature //Sweater and trouser
by Z Zegna.

Supper ClubThe Smoke House also has an elegant private dining room thatcomes with your personal chef-on-call, who will work with you
to create a menu customised to your requirements and tastes.
Comfortably sitting up to a dozen, you can host an exclusive
dinner here to impress or make any celebration truly special.

Close Shave

Gentlemen take pleasure in being well-groomed and theTruefitt & Hill outpost at The Smoke House will have you
looking your very best. Established in 1805 in London, theworld’s oldest barbershop offers a range of professional
hair services as well as products that will groom you to
perfection. The signature Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shaveis an experience not to be missed!

Black wool baratha
double breasted dinnerjacket, white cotton
evening shirt, white
cotton pocket squareand black velvet bow tie
by Alfred Dunhill.
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life feature //Double breasted blazer,
brown cotton gingham
shirt, cashmere trousers,
black nappa classic
gloves and khaki knitted
silk tie by Alfred Dunhill.

Showtime

Forget the world outside and immerse yourself in the
nostalgia of black and white movies in The Smoke House’s
dedicated Screening Room. Sit back in comfortable settees
as you relive classics by Alfred Hitchcock, Bob Hope,
Fred Astaire and Humphrey Bogart in some of the silver
screens most unforgettable moments.

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life feature //BEING A SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONALMUSICIAN, HOW IMPORTANT IS A
WRISTWATCH TO YOU?
I wake up, shower and put on my Omega.
I think watches are a man’s jewellery andyou will never see me without mine. When
I’m performing live, I have this move where
I oh-so-casually lift my wrist and glanceat my watch. Some people say it’s apromotional stunt, but I’m actually checking
to see how much time I have left for myset. I respect the amount of time given tome and I don’t want to cut into anothermusician’s performance. Besides, I actually
like to look at a watch to check the time,rather than using the phone.

A Song For Time
Temperatures rose and hearts uttered when Bastian Baker,
the sandy-haired Swiss crooner, treated a select audience to an afternoon
of music at the Omega boutique in Starhill Gallery Kuala Lumpur.
Armed with baby blue eyes and a cheeky grin, the youthful new face ofOmega shares with YTL Life his enthusiasm on the magic of theOmega experience as he jets around the globe.
Text Kirat Kaur Photography Omega

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WHAT’S ON YOUR WRIST RIGHT NOW?
Oh, I picked out this Omega Globemasterwith a beautiful blue dial because it says
who I am perfectly. When you rst look atit, you see a sombre, humble watch but,
as you keep looking, you can’t help but
get fascinated by all the details – from theclassic indices to the uted bezel and that
trademark pie-pan dial. At least, that’s what
happens to me. I often nd myself staring
at the watch for quite some time. Besides,
someone told me it matches my eyes, sothat’s a bonus!
WHAT SIMILARITIES DO YOU SEE IN
WATCHES AND MUSIC?
Both inspire great passion in people.
Music drives people crazy and brings
them together. Watches do that, too. In
Baselworld, you see connoisseurs fromall over the globe converging at this one
place just to experience the excitement ofseeing the newest watches. I see the sameamount of excitement when a musician
releases a new single. The excitement, theanticipation, the passion is the same.

HOW HAS YOUR OMEGA EXPERIENCE
BEEN?
Being one of the most prestigious brands
in the world – and as a Swiss – I am truly
honoured to be part of the Omega family.
Omega has been nothing but caring andsupportive; they want me to be the happiest
ambassador and I want to reciprocate that.
Every time I’m in a new city or country, I
always check to see if there’s an Omega
boutique and invite them to my shows.
Through the places I discover and people
I meet, Omega has denitely spurred myimagination and creativity, while I’d like tothink that I inject some youth and coolness
into the brand. It’s like a happy marriage
and we have a very loving relationship –three years so far and no one’s sleeping on
the couch!
FAVOURITE OMEGA MOMENT?
What I love about this relationship with
Omega is how it has allowed me todiscover wonderful experiences in amazing
places. I remember this one event they
had in a chalet on the top of a mountainin Switzerland that blew me away. I playeda very exclusive show and they had
someone drawing shapes in the sandas I played. It was truly beautiful how themusic, art and mountains came together
in harmony.
IF YOU HAD THE FREEDOM TO
DESIGN YOUR OWN WATCH, WHATWOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
First, I would hire Omega to design awatch for me with musical elements andit’ll be something very personal to me.
I see a watch made with guitar pieces
and engraved with my album titles,
Tomorrow May Not Be Better and Too
Old to Die Young.

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life cuisine //Gourmet Delight
In A Shell
Hirsute crustaceans from China make a gourmet’s
dream come true during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Text David Yip Photography Law Soo Phye

Chan Chee Hoong (left) and Wong
Wing Yeuk are the taste supremos
at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur’s
Shanghai restaurant.

Each year, the Autumn Mooncake Festival
brings two delicious things in its wake: its
namesake mooncake and the hairy crab.
These hairy or mitten crabs – as they’reotherwise known because of their haircovered claws – come into spawningseason around the time of the festival. They
are filled to bursting with roe and are mostsought-after and prized during this period.
In JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, Master Chef
at Shanghai restaurant, Wong Wing Yeuk,
lives and breathes hairy crab. So, who
better to take us through the intricaciesof this epicurean delight than the 64-yearold Shanghai native? “In Shanghai, during
the bumper harvest, every street andlane is lined with makeshift stalls sellingthe crabs,” he says. “They’re kept in wirebaskets and we just put our hands in to
make our selection.”
There are some golden pointers whenchoosing your hairy crab, according to Chef
Wong. Look for one with a green shell andwhite belly, yellow hair and golden claw, andalert eyes. “Most importantly”, he stresses,“regardless of size, the crab must be heavy
when you hold it. It means it is filled withplenty of roe.” After the selection is made,the crab would be tied with straw-string
and bundled like grapes for taking away.
Chef Wong recommends straightforward
steaming as the best way to cook the
crabs, as it retains the full, unadulterated
flavours and allows the decadent richnessof the roe to come through.
There’s no denying, however, that hairy
crabs take patient labour to eat; children,
especially, might find it tiresome. “Thereis a recipe in which the crab is de-shelled
and the meat simmered in oil,” explains
Chef Wong. “It is called xiefen and this oily

Anjia in Chongming Island, Shanghai, holdlarge populations of the water snails thathairy crabs feed on, making it ideal habitat
for the crabs. In recent years, the harvest
from this region has gained rave reviews
from food connoisseurs. “I procure mycrabs from this region these days,” says
the chef.
Anyone familiar with hairy crab will realisethat there are two types of roe: the orange,
female roe; and the whitish ‘roe’ of themales. “As a native Shanghainese, I prefer
the hard orangey roe of the female crab,”says Chef Wong. “It is rich and burstingwith umami with every bite.” He does
concede that most locals prefer the male‘roe’, which is often soft and creamy.
“Compared to the orange roe, its taste is
subtly rich and smooth.”
From 5 October to 5 December 2016, Chef
Wong will present a Hairy Crab Promotion
at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur’s Shanghai
restaurant. Together with his team, Chef
Wong has been based in Kuala Lumpur
since 1999. “After 17 years in Kuala
Lumpur, I’ve cooked for dignitaries andvisiting VIPs, and organised numerous foodpromotions, so I know how to pamper taste“In Shanghai, during the
bumper harvest, every street andlane is lined with makeshift stalls
selling the crabs”
crab paste is great for tossing with noodles
or rice, and as a filling for our famous
xiao long bao.”buds,” he says. “Diners at this Hairy Crab
Promotion will get to taste the finest dishes
highlighting this amazing delicacy!”

For a long time, the most prized hairy crabs
have come from the Yang Chenghu area inSuzhou, China. But high demand and low
yields have seen a rapid deterioration in thequality of the catch, and, as a result, Chef
Wong has turned to another source. The
pristine waters around the dam of Henan

Shanghai restaurant at the JW Marriott
Kuala Lumpur is open Monday to Saturday
for lunch from noon to 2.30pm; dinner
starts 6.30pm to 10.30pm. On Sundays
and public holidays, Shanghai opens from10.30am to 2.30pm. Call +603 2715 9000
to book.
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life cuisine //For the adventurous home cook, Wong Wing Yeuk, Master Chef at Shanghai restaurant in
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, offers the following easy-to-follow recipes that lets you share thepleasures of hairy crab with your loved ones.

Steamed Hairy Crab
Hairy crab
Chinese basil leaves
Zhenjiang black vinegar

1
2
0.5g

Method:1. Clean hairy crab thoroughly.
2. Steam hairy crab with Chinese basil leaves
for 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Serve it with Zhenjiang black vinegar.

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Handmade Noodle with Crabmeat Soup

Xiao Long bao with Crab Filling

Blanched Dou Miao with Hairy Crab Sauce

Hairy crab
Handmade noodle
Chinese cabbage
Superior stock

1, around 200g to 250g
100g
50g, finely julienned
100g

Flour
Water
Pork
Hairy crabmeat

10g
20g
20g, minced
0.5g

Hairy crab
Dou miao
Superior stock
Starch liquid

1200g, blanched
100g
to thicken

SeaSoning:
Huadiao wine
Salt
Rock sugar
PepperGinger juice

10g
0.2g
10g
a dash0.5g

SeaSoning:
Salt
Sugar
Chicken powder
Gingera pinch0.5g
0.3g
fresh ginger, minced

SeaSoning:
Huadiao wine
Rock sugar
Salt
Oil
PepperGinger juice

10g
10g
2g
1½ tbsp.
a pinch0.5g

Method:1. Clean crab by brushing away the mud and seaweed
under running water.
2. Steam crab for 20 minutes. De-shell and set themeat aside.
3. Sauté crabmeat for a minute before adding
seasoning. Pour superior stock and simmer for
three minutes.
4. Add noodle.
5. Serve immediately when noodle is cooked.

Method:1. Mix flour with water and knead into dough. Divide
dough into 35g balls.
2. Marinate pork with seasoning and add crabmeat. Mix
thoroughly.
3. Roll dough into a circular sheet, spoon crabmeat
filling in the centre and fold it into a bao shape.
4. Steam xiao long bao for 10 minutes and serve
immediately.

Method:1. Clean hairy crab thoroughly and steam for 20
minutes. De-shell and set meat aside.
2. Heat oil. Add crabmeat, seasoning and superior
stock, and simmer for two minutes.
3. Thicken crabmeat with diluted starch liquid.
4. Pour over dou miao and serve immediately.

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spa life //spa life //Herbal Healing
Working with local communities and utilising thebest of indigenous knowledge have always been
the heart of Spa Village's philosophy.
Text Kim Inglis

Nature lies at the heart of Malaysian wellness traditions, with all therapies – to a greateror lesser extent – reliant on the healing essences of indigenous plants. For thousandsof years, local cultures have extracted the biological diversity from 130-million-year-old
rainforests and used it to their advantage. They know that the key to a satisfying, healthy life
is the concept of seeking and maintaining balance. The forests, with their multiple powerfulleaves, roots, flowers and herbs, help with this process. Whether healing ingredients aretaken as food or medicine, placed on the body, drunk as an elixir, or otherwise ingested
is immaterial. What matters is that they have been harnessed within an ancient culture ofwellness traditions – one that is as relevant today as it was hundreds of years ago.
Malaysian traditions look beyond mere physical health and focus on the totality – on body,mind and spirit. In the Malay world, inner and outer health and beauty go hand in hand; theancients did not differentiate between a tranquil mind, a generous spirit, toned muscles ora clear complexion. The idea was that they were all the same.

The Power of NatureLong before today’s surge of ‘cosmeceuticals’, where beauty products are a mix of plants
and chemicals, rainforest communities were making preparations such as herbal masks
and scrubs, flower baths, scented steams and herbal oils for women. For men, treatments
focused on male vitality and vigour. Within the family, massage was a daily occurrence.
These practices and products were used as naturally as one drinks water from streams
and eats a bowl of rice harvested from the fields.
Scientists today have noted these habits and are beginning to validate the efficacy ofsome of these traditional formulations. More research needs to be done, but there is now
no doubt that many age-old therapies have direct benefits: they are anti-aging, calming,
preventative and curative. Above all, they seek to address imbalances. If somebody is too‘heaty’, they seek to cool; if somebody is too ‘windy’, they attempt to bring the body backto equilibrium. In the ancient Malay world, the basic purpose is to restore the chemicalbalance of ‘heating’, or panas, and ‘cooling’, or sejuk, elements within the body.

The Growth of the Spa Industry

This surge of interest in Malaysia’s venerable wisdoms has resulted in a massive growthin the spa industry. Some 20 years ago, ‘spa’ was almost entirely a Western concept,
based on specific hydrotherapies. Now, it is often associated with Asia – as the region’s
multicultural historical practices are harnessed in increasingly sophisticated ways. Be it a90

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spa life //Malay practice, a Malaysian Chinese habit, a Peranakan beauty ritual or something basedon Ayurveda, it is now packaged and practiced in an increasingly international way. The
world is sitting up and taking notice.
As spas have sprung up across Asia, many seek to replicate some of these traditional
village practices in salubrious surrounds. People have also begun to plan their vacations
round the spa experience, something that may have seemed almost unbelievable a decadeor so ago. Eschewing Western medical approaches for something more natural, such
holidays offer meaningful wellness experiences from the surrounding locale. Counteractingsome of the stresses of modern-day life – obesity, stress, environmental toxins – withgenuine local contact has enormous appeal.

One Step Further

Spa Village, the spa arm of YTL Hotels, has taken this approach to its natural acme.
Working with local communities and combining indigenous knowledge with modern
techniques and extremely high standards is at the heart of the Spa Village philosophy.
Authenticity is hugely important, as is the quality of ingredients used. Added to this are
high-quality spa environments and well-trained therapists.
Each Spa Village is designed to best meet the needs of the customer with nature taking
centre stage. If the spa is on an island, there is plenty of water in the form of decorative
features, pools, reflecting pools and, of course, the sea. If the spa is in a town, local
heritage is reflected in the décor. If the setting is rural but inland, local plants, vernaculararchitecture and the like are utilised. The idea is to reflect the locale in which the spa
finds itself – through fabrics, textures, choice of wood, furniture, fixtures, fittings and soon. Nonetheless, state-of-the-art massage beds, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms
accompany the more rustic elements.

Clockwise, from top left: Gaya Island Resort's
Spa Village is set amidst mangroves; oldworld luxury at Cameron Highlands Resort;
Spa Village Malacca is bright and beautiful;
Pangkor Laut Resort's Spa Village offers anexperience of a lifetime; Straits Chinese utilise
ingredients from the kitchen for both wellness
and beauty.

Similarly, Spa Village is fervently enthusiastic about the quality of the products it uses.
Ninety per cent of spa formulations are freshly prepared just prior to application – and thefruits, flowers, roots and/or herbs will have been bought fresh from the market, harvested
from the forest, or carefully stored for full efficacy. For the most part, spa menus optimise
the benefits of the immediate region’s botanical heritage through a number of Signature
Treatments. Every guest has their favourite; and many repeat visitors return to certain spas
to experience something that they have come to love and trust.

Long-term Benefits

Many of the Signature Treatments are based on local family recipes or therapies long usedby indigenous peoples who inhabit the region in which the spa is placed. A good example
is at Cameron Highlands Resort, where a family of Semai, one of 18 ethnic subgroups oforang asli or ‘original people’ of Peninsular Malaysia, has worked with Spa Village personnel
to educate them about their local apothecary. The result is a couple’s ritual that takes fulladvantage of aromatic root and bark extracts, leaves, seeds and juices used by the Semai
in their traditional therapies.
Called the Tok Batin Mystical Tradition for Him and the Jungle Secrets of Anti-Aging for
Her, the rituals are designed to cleanse, moisturise, promote healthy circulation of theblood as well as remove negative energy. The ladies’ sequence includes both a sitz bathas a monthly anti-aging maintenance and an anti-aging bath to soothe irritation, moisturise
skin and reduce any swelling. A massage with local herbs is another highlight. The men’s
ritual is a little more vigorous, with a steam and scrub, and the addition of a deep-pressure
massage. As well as providing a truly authentic experience for guests, this particular
programme is helping to document Semai folk remedies while bringing their knowledge toa wider audience.

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spa life //At Gaya Island Resort, the newest of the Spa Villages is set within a lush mangrove forestthat fringes a coral-rich marine park. Here, spa therapies reflect the profusion of healing
traditions devised by Sabah’s many indigenous peoples, such as the age-old practicesof the last remaining group of sea nomads, the Bajau Laut. The Signature Treatment,
however, is based on traditions that honour rice planting and harvesting as practiced by
the agriculturalist Kadazandusun group. The Tadau Kaamatan, a celebration for couples,pays tribute to that most Asian of elements – rice.
The Kadazandusun is known for its rice masques and scrubs, so this ritual begins witha brisk scrub that uses rice and cinnamon for cleansing and exfoliating. The men’s
scrub also utilises coffee and tongkat ali (a root that has been used for centuries as
an aphrodisiac) to stimulate and invigorate. An avocado and coconut hair masque isfollowed by an indigenous massage with rice pouches that were traditionally used to
rejuvenate and restore mobility and flexibility in padi planters and farmers; the conclusion
is a soothing honey and avocado seed facial. When ensconced in one of the island’ssybaritic spa pavilions, listening to the lap of waves on the shore and the sounds of theancient mangrove inhabitants, the guest not only feels primped, petted and pampered, but
beautifully nurtured by nature as well.

The same can be said at Tanjong Jara Resort, where guests are introduced to thephilosophy of sucimurni, a particularly Malay concept that is based around a way of lifethat embraces purity of spirit, wellness and revitalisation. It lies at the heart of Spa Village
Tanjong Jara, a tranquil enclave set on the Terengganu coast on the eastern seaboardof the Malaysian Peninsula. Many guests talk about the healing energy of the resort and,certainly, there is a feeling of wholesome living permeating throughout. Turtles use thebeach as nesting grounds; the resort is staffed almost entirely from nearby villages; manyof the spa treatments are based on therapies formulated by local families of healers.
Guests that embrace the environment with an open heart find themselves de-stressing
and relaxing almost immediately.

Rich Mix

Another culture that doesn’t really differentiate between food, drink and therapy is
the Peranakan, prominent in Asia but less well known internationally. Referring to thedescendents of early Chinese migrants who settled in the Malay and Indonesianarchipelagos around the 17th century and married local women, they are also known as
Straits Chinese. They developed a distinct and specific culture that is a unique blend ofcustoms and traditions, with traces of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Malay, Indonesian andChinese influences – and with this culture came many rich traditions. Particularly beloved
in Asia is Peranakan cuisine. Cooking involves not only tasty eating, but sustenance for thesoul as well. It includes a variety of teas and tonics, as well as dishes designed to produce
genuine wellbeing – a healthy balance of yin and yang (dark and light, hot and cold).
Therapies and practices that accompanied the cuisine were also developed; and the
Spa Village in the town of Malacca taps into this ancient yore.

One of the highlights for many is the Asam Roselle Body Treatment, a three-pronged ritualthat is based around the roselle flower, a dark red type of hibiscus that grows abundantlyin the area. Introduced to Malaysia from India, the plant now grows wild throughout thecountry: known locally as asam paya, asam kumbang or asam susur (asam translates
as ‘sour’), it is high in vitamins and minerals, and is used in local remedies to benefit thekidney system and lower blood-sugar levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties,
detoxifies and cleanses the body, and serves as an organic formulation for anti-aging as it
forms natural collagen. The 100-minute experience begins with a relaxing massage using
a blend of roselle, ginger, nutmeg, galangal and caroteno oil to gently ease away aches
and pains; followed by a vivid pink, creamy scrub that is made from rice, coconut oil androselle; and concludes with a cup of refreshing roselle tea.

One of the brighter, more cheerful spas, decorated in the pastel
tones so favoured by the Peranakans, Spa Village Malacca is
known for its marvellous mix of the Malay and Chinese. There’s afacial containing the saliva of swifts from birds’ nests highly prizedin Chinese cuisine; a scrub that pulls on the potent propertiesof local palm sugar, or gula melaka; and a warming tea servedwith a spicy acar pickle. And, of course, many foodstuffs foundin the Peranakan kitchen (coconut milk, rice, galangal, ginger,
candlenuts, pandan leaves, tamarind juice, lemongrass and thefragrant kaffir lime leaf) find their way into the various treatments
on offer.

Island Healing

Once guests have had a taste of these local therapies, they are usually keen to investigate
further, so trips to two island resorts may well be on their radar. The Spa Village at Pangkor
Laut is high on any traveller’s agenda as it is not only situated in a private beachfront
enclave, but also set within a private island! Beautiful overwater dark wood villas on stilts
front the spa, while a plethora of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), Malayinspired and other therapies take place in the luxurious land-based treatment pavilions.
Here, the couple’s spa experience is based on traditional wedding preparations thatused to be carried out for a Malay warrior and his princess. Called the Secrets of Puteri
Lindungan Bulan for Her and Panglima Bukit Gantang for Him, the ritual includes a series of
special body treatments that were devised centuries ago to prepare the wedding couple.
Today, they have been slightly adapted, but nonetheless utilise fresh-from-the-forest
ingredients that have, literally, been plucked, crushed or pounded minutes before use.
The ladies’ ritual combines beauty therapies in the form of a facial and hair treatment witha traditional massage, scrub and scented body steaming called ukup wangi using jasmine
and rosewater. The men’s is no less intoxicating and ends with a herbal tonic that is
brewed in an earthen pot and designed to invigorate and strengthen mind, body and spirit.

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Clockwise, from top left: freshly-harvested
ingredients all ready for the spa chamber; ensuring
the setting is just right at Pangkor Laut Resort;flower baths are rich in symbolism and not a mere
bathing ritual; the pre-spa ritual at Pangkor LautResort includes Malay-style bathing.

On arrival at the spa, guests are asked to fill in a questionnairethat ascertains whether they are in need of a warming or coolingtreatment; depending on the conclusion reached, they are
offered the warming Suam-Suam Panas or the cooling ShiokShiok Sejuk, both devised to remove ‘wind’ from the body andincorporating a scrub, special body therapy, hair masque andbirds’ nest facial. The ingredients are different and the techniques
employed vary considerably – but the end result is the same. A
satiated customer, one more balanced and at ease.
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spa life //Royal Treatment
Experience heritage, beauty and sensuality all at oncewith Spa Village Kuala Lumpur’s Tun Teja experience,
named in honour of the much-loved queen of the last
Malaccan Sultanate.
Photography Jacob Termansen

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The ancient sultanate of Malacca might seem a world away fromthe gleaming metropolis that is modern-day Kuala Lumpur. But,in the heart of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, the Spa Village
Kuala Lumpur offers a treatment that’ll take you back to the timeof heroic court hulubalang (commanders), the ancient spice tradeand battles fought with the sacred but deadly keris, the traditional
Malay dagger that was greatly feared in bygone days. Named
after the last queen of the Malaccan Sultanate, the Tun Tejaexperience is an elaborate three-hour journey of beauty, wellness
and rejuvenation, encompassing all manner of sybaritic delights:
from a traditional massage to bring out the princess in you,scented body steaming to purify the system of toxins, a traditional
face and body scrub as well as a royal herbal bath, enriched withmilk and scented with rose petals and kaffir lime.

Paying tribute to the beauty rituals of the ancient Malaccan court,
the Tun Teja experience is, at once, a blend of ancient traditions,
local ingredients and that inimitable touch proffered by Spa
Village’s justifiably-renowned therapists. Begin with a decadentfoot bath, scented with your choice of invigorating peppermint or
camphor-like cajeput oils. Your dedicated therapist will begin by
gently bathing your feet in warm, scented rose petal water before
scrubbing them with slices of kaffir lime and Himalayan rock salt.
Once you are slowly slipping into the spa frame of mind, you willthen be invited to proceed to the massage bed where, for overan hour, your entire body will be pressed, kneaded, soothed andmassaged in the traditional Malay style, called urut, with minyak
kebayan, a special oil blend made with gaharu (aloeswood),
coconut oil, minyak kayu putih (eucalyptus) and melati, a potent
jungle flower, designed to relieve muscular tension, joint pain andmental and physical fatigue while proving to be deliciously relaxing.
This particularly therapeutic massage technique is also believed
to have been created by Tun Teja’s personal beauty attendant, awoman famed for her anti-aging formulations.

ABOUT SPA VILLAGE KUALA LUMPUR

An oasis of regeneration and beauty in the heart of Malaysia’sbustling capital, Spa Village Kuala Lumpur is a unique healing
retreat that combines the most sophisticated therapies withthe region’s traditional healing practices. Its recent, extensive
renovation has resulted in a bright and beautiful new look andfeel that pervades throughout the serene space. Therapies
range across a spectrum of treatments, from traditional Malay
to the Sensory Sound Bath Room, still the only one of its kindin Asia. For the gentlemen, feel free to reward yourself with thecomplementary Hang Tuah spa journey, the masculine version of
the Tun Teja experience. (www.spavillage.com)

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spa life //“The ancienttherapeutic massage
technique known
as urutan kebayan
is thought to havebeen invented by Tun
Teja’s personal beauty
attendant herself.”

Clockwise from left: The Tun Tejaexperience includes a Siram Panca
Cahaya soak; herbal tea awaits you,post-spa; feel like an ancient Malaccan
princess in the heart of modern-day
Kuala Lumpur.

rice powder, no bigger than a beach pebble, may still be found in
old fashioned apothecaries, where they are sold in glass bottles.
After your body has been petted and pampered to an extreme
state of bliss, you will then be invited to rinse off the remnantsof the Lunak Mayang and body scrub, before proceeding to the
outdoor tub for a languorous Siram Panca Cahaya soak, where
you may feel free to imagine yourself here as a 15th century Malay
princess. As you let your body soak up the nourishing propertiesof the fragrant, milky bath, it’s hard to imagine you are actuallyin the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s bustling leisure and commercial
district. The final part of the Tun Teja experience lies in theapplication of a herbal cream made with nutmeg oil to improve
the skin’s suppleness and firmness, after which a short session ofscented body steaming ensues, in order to expel excess water inthe system as well as built-up toxins.
As you finally get to towel yourself off and be rewarded with a potof herbal tea, it’s equally hard to believe three hours have alreadyflown by. But, as the old saying goes, time flies when you’rehaving fun; and it’s an infinite bonus if glowing skin, radiant hairand a bright and beautiful complexion form part of the equation as
well. Tun Teja herself would have approved.

WHO WAS TUN TEJA?
Once you are in a blissful state of ease, it is time for the tresses tobe treated. Called Lunak Mayang, a mixture of pandanus extract,
extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil and atlas cedarwood
will be massaged into your hair and scalp, to promote stimulation,
hair growth and provide a shiny, healthy glow to your locks while
reducing dandruff and hair loss. As your hair luxuriates in the richmasque, a natural scrub, using ingredients which include blended
rice, turmeric and galangal is applied all over the body. Your
therapist will also treat you to a cooling face pack – a traditional
beauty remedy called bedak sejuk, which literally means ‘coolingpowder’. A mixture of powdered rice scented with rose, jasmine
and pandan leaves, it is wonderful to firm and tone skin, while
minimising pores and reducing irritation or inflammation. Similar
to the Burmese practice of wearing thanaka as a cosmetic cum
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Born in the 15th century, Tun Teja Ratna Benggala was thesole daughter of Bendahara Seri Amar Diraja Pahang, a highranking official of the court of the Sultan Abdul Ghaffar Shah of
Pahang. Legend has it whispers of Tun Teja’s remarkable beauty
had reached the ears of the powerful Sultan Mahmud Shah of
the glittering Malaccan Empire. Despite being already betrothed
to the Sultan of Pahang, it was none other than the legendary
Malaccan warrior, Hang Tuah, who managed to persuade
Tun Teja to run away to Sultan Mahmud Shah’s court and be
his consort. In the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals), however, it
states that it was another warrior, Hang Nadim, who’d spirited
her away to Malacca. In 1511, when the Portuguese invaded
Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah was forced to flee. Tun Teja, who
was already very ill at the time, had to be evacuated in a litter.
Her health began to deteriorate rapidly and she soon passed
away, forcing the royal procession to bury her en route, in a placecalled Pengkalan Samak. Her mausoleum stands to this day, inthe middle of a paddy field, in Merlimau, Jasin, Malacca. If you
happen to be staying at The Majestic Malacca, do make a roadtrip and pay your respects to the last Queen of Malacca.

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life guide //The Sun Rises
In The East
There’s something magical about life by theSouth China Sea. Philippe Cavory,
former General Manager of Tanjong Jara
Resort, newly-promoted to Area General
Manager of YTL Hotels, shares his favourite
things about this magical patch on the
Malaysian East Coast.

Nature Watch

I observed a ritual every morning after leaving myhouse – I’d walk straight to the Nelayan Restaurantat Tanjong Jara Resort and watch the sky dancewith a myriad of colours. There’d also be wildlife
running in the grass, eagles soaring in the sky andmany other things Mother Nature would share withme. I also enjoy walking to the Teratai Restaurant
to view the rocks in front of Anjung 1601. You can
see the shermen from afar as well as children trying
to catch crabs. It sounds strange but I found somuch happiness observing these simple slices oflife. I’d worked so hard my whole life and being able
to combine daily work and an appreciation of thesimple things in life is such a pure pleasure for me.

Escapades

When I’m not working, I love going to Dungun to eat
Malay food, shop at the local stores and go aroundlooking for items for the resort. I enjoy talking to the
shopkeepers and sometimes I drive to Mesra Mall towatch movies, discovering street vendors along theway. Another treat is borrowing my friend’s HarleyDavidson and getting caught in torrential rain
halfway. It wasn’t a favourite memory with my wife,
I can tell you!

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life guide //Food For The Soul

One of the delights of life at Tanjong Jara Resort is the
food. Chef Ann and her team do incredible dishes
but my favourite has to be the butter prawns. I also
love having roti canai in the mornings – it’s denitely
a favourite but not daily, if not my running time at thegym has to be doubled!

The Ties That Bind

The beauty of Tanjong Jara Resort helped me ndmyself, really. This site stretches for 900m along
the beach and i walked the length of it at least fourtimes each day. Every step on this golden sandgives me a sense of contentment, peace andharmony. I loved how my daily routine allowed
me to stop and talk to the housekeeping ladies
preparing the guest rooms, or to the gardeners as
they cut the grass and swept away leaves, as wellas the bell boys waiting to welcome arriving guests.
The staff at Tanjong Jara Resort taught me family
values and how to balance work and family life –for that, I cannot thank them enough.

Salubrious Sips

Don’t miss Tanjong Jara Resort’s frozen mango
daiquiri, prepared by Mukumba, the bartender at
Nelayan, or the James Bond martini by the eversmiling Amira at Teratai Bar.

Sensory Pleasures

The entire Spa Village team and, of course, thespa at Tanjong Jara are pure pleasures. I havebeen lucky to experience the spa four times in the
two and a half years I was based there and each
visit was simply amazing. I have to recommend theBalinese oil treatment which makes me fall asleep
each time yet wake up feeling rejuvenated. The
surroundings of the spa are also very beautiful.

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life guide //Resort R&R

I lived in an Anjung room for a year and it was
my little corner of paradise. My favourite way to
de-stress was to sit on the balcony reading andwatching the sky till the wee hours of the morning,observing the Milky Way. I also enjoyed the routineof a daily swim by the Nelayan Restaurant’sinnity pool. All these helped me tremendously innding peace and tranquillity.

Seascapes

I used to enjoy diving but have stopped as aresult of my sinuses. I do, however, recommend
going to Tenggol Island. The flora and fauna
will blow you away. I remember once spending
20 minutes swimming alongside a turtle. When
she’d had enough of me, she simply disappeared
into the darkness of the sea, leaving me with anexperience to treasure. I can tell you, I’d lived
nearly four years in the Maldives and never saw
a single turtle!

Out & About

Aside from Tenggol Island, there’s also a lot to
see and do, nature-wise, around the resort. I
must suggest the Chemerung waterfall, where
you can climb all the way to the top. I’d done thatonce with Captain Mokh, the resort’s naturalist,
and his knowledge of the jungle, coupled withhis sense of calm and kindness, gave me an
unforgettable experience.
Philippe Cavory is
Area General Manager
of YTL Hotels.

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People Pleasures

This is intangible but I must say that it is thewarmth of the team at Tanjong Jara Resort that
truly resonates. It brings to mind something I’dbeen told by Dato’ Mark Yeoh, Executive Director
at YTL Hotels, who’d said: “If you care about yourpeople, they will care about you in return.” I’d heard
this philosophy before but never experienced it in
my working life. And it’s something you cannot
ask for. It has to be practised in order to be given.
I nally found it after 30 years of searching!
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Set within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island
Resort is a gem located just off Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Golden sand beaches and crystal clear waters that teem withmarine life beckon, while the Spa Village offers guests a
unique experience of Borneo-inspired healing and wellness
traditions.
www.gayaislandresort.com

Located off the Straits of Malacca, this luxurious resort
boasts an entire tropical island all to itself. Villas aretucked into the hillside or gracefully perched on stilts
above the water, while an award-winning Spa Village offers
world-class treatments to leave you feeling recharged,
relaxed and rejuvenated.
www.pangkorlautresort.com

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

This unique hill station combines all the splendour, romanceand nostalgia of the area's grand colonial heritage while
the resort, with its luxurious rooms and award-winning
Spa Village, remains the best place to experience it all, fromverdant hills, tea plantations, rose gardens and strawberry
patches.
www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

Fully restored to its former glory, this elegant property
which dates back to the 1930s, is an Art Deco monument thatblends history with world-class hospitality. Dining options
include Hainanese favourites at the Colonial Café or aninteractive dining experience at Contango, while the rooms
are a blend of contemporary style and Old world elegance.
www.majestickl.com

Regarded as the cradle of Malaysian history, exploring
Malacca is like stepping back in time, when the port-city used
to welcome spice traders, sultans and warriors from bygone
days. Soak up all the magic at The Majestic Malacca, one of
the city's finest hotels whose structure dates back to the1920s and whose interiors are a reflection of the city's finepast.
www.majesticmalacca.com

Ensconced within this refreshed and stylish all-butler hotel
is a contemporary urban retreat with a legacy spanning 18
illustrious years. Located in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle
business district, this luxury hotel is conveniently placed
for upscale shopping, dining and entertainment. It also
boasts its own award-winning spa while gourmets would be
hard-pressed to find better Cantonese cuisine than at Li Yen.
The Afternoon Tea experience is one of sheer indulgence.
www.ytlhotels.com

Located right along Bukit Bintang road in the heart ofKuala Lumpur, the JW Marriott is ideal for all travellers.
From busy executives to families wishing to soak up the city’ssights, sounds and world-class shopping, this well-placed
hotel with its extensive range of facilities is undoubtedly
the perfect choice.
www.ytlhotels.com

The Village is the heart of Niseko Village and where better to feel its pulse than along its paved intimate walkways or in
one of the contemporary shopping and dining outlets. Just minutes away from Niseko Village’s award-winning hotels andresidences, the Village offers a vibrant experience amidst a setting inspired by traditional machiya architecture. Hokkaido
is considered the breadbasket of Japan and summer sees the freshest and most diverse bounty from the harvests served up
throughout the season. It’s a great time to try the region’s best cuisine.
www.niseko-village.com

Situated at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse occupies a unique position at the heart of
Niseko Village. Eight exclusive 3-bedroom townhouses mark the first highly anticipated phase of YTL Hotels’ redefinitionof year-round alpine living at Niseko Village with seamless access to outdoor adventures in the summer as well as stylishdining and shopping. Embodying authentic Japanese charm with contemporary elegance and sensitivity towards nature, thedwellings are an ode to Japan’s heritage townhouses that were inhabited by craftsmen and wealthy merchants toward theend of the Edo period.
www.kasara.com

Set at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri, the Hilton Niseko
Village offers year-round activities, from skiing during thewinter season to a host of wholesome, family-friendly activities
during summer. There are also two 18-hole championshipgolf courses, a tennis complex an equestrian centre and anature-based activity centre.
www.hiltonnisekovillage.jp

Located in the heart of Niseko Village in Hokkaido,
Japan, this premium contemporary resort offers guests a
convenient base to explore the countryside and the excitingsummer activities at PURE. World-class shopping and dining
are just steps away at the Village.
www.thegreenleafhotel.com

Situated on Pansea Beach, without doubt one of Phuket’s
loveliest and most private, The Surin offers a perfect sliceof thai beach life. Charming cottages and suites are all
discreetly built into a carefully conserved landscape amidst
coconut trees. From sumptuous cuisine to watersports,
a world-class spa and spectacular sunsets, it combines
idyllic tropical charm with all the warmth and grace of Thai
hospitality.
Www.Thesurinphuket.Com

Black volcanic sand, majestic Mount Agung, the deep blueof the indian ocean and the mystical balinese way of life allcome together in style at the Spa Village Resort Tembok,
Bali. Set in the north of the island, it is a place of enchanting
peacefulness and a haven of wellness, where guests canenjoy all the benefits and pleasures of spa life in tranquil,
spiritual surroundings.
Www.Spavillageresort.Com/tembokbali

More than a train service, the Eastern & Oriental Express
epitomises the grandeur, luxury and romance of rail travelfrom a bygone era. Relive it today as you journey fromSingapore to Bangkok via the entire length of Peninsular
Malaysia in true luxury and ultimate overland style.
www.ytlhotels.com

The Gainsborough Bath Spa exclusively offers the only
natural thermal spa within a hotel in the United Kingdom.
Keystone to the geographic heart of Bath, the hotel is a
moment's stroll from Bath Abbey. The high street-shoppingon Milsom Street, the Roman Baths and is the best locationfrom which to explore the city and its other pre-eminent
attractions.
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

Guests who wish to enjoy a more spacious stay while exploring
the historical soul of Bath would do well to consider the
Elizabethan charms of the MUSE Townhouses. Spread out
over five levels, each with its own individual character, theMUSE Townhouses combine spaciousness, modern comfort
and quiet elegance all within the heart of this fine ancient
Roman spa town.
www.muse-hotels.com

Muse Bray Cottages are situated in the heart of thepicturesque village of Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire, England.
The renovated period properties consist of Bray House,originally the stables for the nearby Manor House of Brayin the 1780's. Dormer Cottage is a particularly quaint andbeautiful 500 year old cottage while Lavender House is oneof the most stunning houses in this beautiful 14th century
village.
www.muse-hotels.com

Spa Village Pangkor LautSpa Village Cameron Highlands

A glamorous yet private hideaway in stunning Saint Tropez,
living the south of France lifestyle doesn’t get better
than at the Muse Saint Tropez. Located in Ramatuelleand surrounded by forests of umbrella pines, this bijou
property boasts just 15 suites, each named after famous‘muses’. Make it your base to exlore all the sights, sounds
and delights of this jewel of the Riviera.
www.muse-hotels.com

Two gorgeous and luxurious villas, with 9 and 6 bedrooms
respectively, offer countryside living, tranquility and peace
as well as the security of an exclusive residential estate, yetremain in close proximity to all types of amenities and are
ideal for exploring the famous costa del sol.
www.muse-hotels.com

Spa Village Malacca

Spa Village Gaya Island

The Spa Villages honour the healing culture of the region in which each is built. Each Spa Village has its own character
and authenticity, working with local healers and traditions.
www.spavillage.com

Shook! Shanghai occupies the penthouse floor of The
Swatch Art Peace Hotel, A Renaissance-style 1906 heritage
landmark on the Bund. The celebrated restaurant featuresa show kitchen where signature dishes for four different
cuisines are created around the senses, flirting withseasonal trends.
www.shookrestaurantshanghai.com

Choice is the key word when it comes to dining at Shook KL
and Lot 10 Hutong. The former offers four cuisines fromfour live kitchens, including Italian, Japanese, Chinese and
the Grill, while the latter is the de facto destination when it
comes to enjoying the best of Malaysian street food under
one well-formed roof.
www.starhillgallery.com
www.lot10hutong.com

Each Australian Marriott Hotel is situated within the central business district of its city and ideally positioned to serveboth business and leisure travellers alike. the 563-room Sydney Harbour Marriott is set in the heart of Circular Quay,
overlooking iconic landmarks the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The 186-room Melbourne Marriott is close to the city's
theatre precinct, the shopping districts and Chinatown. The Brisbane Marriott, with 263 rooms and 4 suites, is situatedbetween Brisbane's CBD and the Fortitude Valley hub, close to shopping, riverside dining, and the city's corporate andcultural locales.
www.marriott.com

Embrace the new Vistana vibes in three choice locations across Malaysia as we take business travel to the next level, Brisk,
efficient service; be it at check-in or departure. Comfortable rooms with practical amenities suited to work or relaxation plus
complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel. Pause at Barista, the 24-hour coffee bar, and adjacent communications centre,
Hub 247, for a quick business breakfast, or sit down to fresh hot meals at Cafe. Be it for work, rest or leisure, Vistana
Hotels is always welcoming, always connected, Always here. Experience the new Vistana vibes.
www.vistanahotels.com