CONTENTS
LIFE ONTHE COVER
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Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali
allows guests to commune
with the real Bali, a land withhappiness and authenticity inequal measure

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LIFE EVENTS
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With its latest on-trend men’scollection, Pink Jambu took
guests to a world where music andsophistication were the order ofthe day

LIFE FEATURE
36

Alchemy Bar at the newly minted
The Academy London poursbespoke cocktails to rave about

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The recent Eye On The Tiger
photographic exhibition at
London’s Royal Albert Hall brings
to global attention the plight ofthese stately creatures

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Threadneedles Hotel is placed at
the City of London’s beating heart

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High-spirited and immensely
enjoyable, The Glasshouse Hotel
Edinburgh’s single malt tours areproving quite the tourist attraction

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Steps from The GainsboroughBath Spa are bustling pop-up
weekend stalls selling the best
regional produce and crafts

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JW Firehouse at JW Marriott
Kuala Lumpur has a drinks
menu highlighting a variety ofunmatched cocktails andpremium spirits

CONTENTS
LIFE FEATURE
56

At The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur,
YTL Corporate Executive Chef
Wai Look Chow welcomes diners
to extraordinary meals built uponhis 30-year culinary career60

Spa Village Koh Samui serves
a restorative Thai massage
experience involving a hammer andwedge. Sounds painful? Not so

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The Estates at Pangkor Laut Resort
offer compelling privileges ofisland living

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The Majestic Malacca is theembodiment of centuries ofmulticulturalism, providing

glimpses into a glorious era

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At Tanjong Jara Resort, one can
indulge in rejuvenating R&R andalso participate in an active turtle
conservation programme

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Gaya Island Resort’s Resident
Naturalist Justin Juhun on theconservation efforts he spearheads

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEAt Cameron Highlands Resort,the British colonial refined style ofliving and enduring traditions havebeen recreated for today’s global
travellers to enjoy84

Niseko Village, beloved for its
powder-fine blanket of snow andthe variety of outdoor sports andexploration on offer, provides theperfect playground for an active

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family holiday

LIFE STYLE
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Take a fashion-forward stroll
through Kuala Lumpur’s historic
Jalan Kamunting neighbourhood;setting the scene for vibrant andauthentic street life that seemingly
hasn’t altered for over half a century

LIFE FEATURE
94

Bring the beauty of
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’ssignature orchids home with you.
The Majestic Orchids Collection
is now available at
The Orchid Conservatory

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The Hague Marriott Hotel with
its prime location presents easy
access to the city’s top attractions

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LIFE MOMENTS

From culture and sandy beaches
to delicious food, your stayat a Vistana Hotel in Kuala Lumpur,
Penang or Kuantan will
be nothing short of amazing

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PORTFOLIO
OF LIFE

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The world of YTL Hotels

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

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

EDITORIALART

Editor Mark Lean (m.lean@imv.com.sg)
Chief Sub-Editor Jacqueline DanamGroup Creative Director IMV Shabir Mahmood
Project Art Director Parvez Akiel Mahfooz
Picture Editor Kenny Nguyen
Designer Thao Truong
home this very notion. This is
depicted in in the peaceful way oflife of the locals and the landscape’s
unspoilt visceral beauty. Visits
to bustling markets and cultural
sojourns are made all the more
special – and personalised – when
led by the resort’s staff who call thearea home. Authenticity can also betasted in the local produce, fruits,
and seafood. It is also reflected in
the faces of the people who residein the area and their unhurried styleof living.

PRODUCTION

Production Manager Hilal Shahrul

CONTRIBUTORSElaine Lau, June Mong, M Wilson, Matt Leppard, Merritt Gurley, YS Ting

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

ADVERTISING SALES AND MARKETING

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

PRESIDENT

Michael von SchlippeAuthenticity is now
the byword when it
comes to travel, andquite
deservedly
so. We explore
the world to gain
newexperiences
and a deeper understanding of thecommunities who reside in theplaces that we visit.
At Spa Village Resort Tembok
Bali, our property on the island’s
peaceful northeastern coast brings

The
Majestic
Malacca,aheritage hotel in one of Southeast
Asia’s previously most vibrant ports,
marries tradition with elegance, Eastwith West, recalling bygone eras ina setting both unique and historic.
Over in the United Kingdom, The
Academy Hotel London ‘s Alchemist
Bar is a nod to the Bloomsbury Set– their creativity, brilliance, andundeniable penchant for living lifeon their own terms.
At YTL Hotels, we take pride incrafting experiences that engage
and inspire the mind and the senses,
creating opportunities for guests tobring home fond and meaningful
memories that constantly surpass
their expectations.

PUBLISHED BY

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

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

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life events

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1, 5, 6 and 7) Designs from Pink Jambu’s
latest collection inspired by the jazz age.
2) Lim Tooi Heng and Tengku Marina Ibrahim(CEO of Pink Jambu). 3) From left:
Tony Collingridge, Alison Collingridge,
David Hoh, Jacey Hoh and Tim Saw.
4) From left: Soon Tan, Roslan Said,
Geoffrey Thomas, Tengku Marina Ibrahimand Gowri Brochet.

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All
that
Jazz

With its latest
on-trend men’scollection,
Pink Jambu took
guests to a world
where music andsophistication were
the order of the day.

P

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Words MARK LEAN

ink Jambu held its annual For
Men event at The Majestic
Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s The
Smokehouse. The Malaysian
luxury lifestyle brand revealed
a collection comprising thefinest batik and tenun fabrics fashioned in thestyle of New Orleans blues, Monmartre jazzdens and lingering summer nights in Montreux.
The clothes feature batik pieces handpainted
with the age-old canting technique, and tenun
material hand-dyed and handwoven by expert
craftsmen from Cheminahsayang. The cocktail
event was officiated by HE Frédéric Laplanche,
the Ambassador of France, while Cuore
Italiano offered tastings of the finest boutique
Italian wine. Guests also enjoyed a lively jazz
performance as well as styling advice from
Truefitt & Hill.

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life events

life events

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THE EXHIBITION FEATURED THE WORKS OF
30 AWARD-WINNING WILDLIFEPHOTOGRAPHERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

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tigers in frame

The recent Eye On The Tiger photographic
exhibition at London’s Royal Albert Hall
brings to global attention the plight of thesestately creatures.

TL Hotels has continuously beenat the forefront of supporting
wildlife
andenvironmental
conservation. Two events – held at
The Gainsborough Bath Spa andThreadneedles Hotel in London– were held in collaboration with Eastern &Oriental Express and Save Wild Tigers prior to themain event, the biggest wild tiger photography
exhibition in the world.

excited that we can partake in this UK initiative,
showcasing this incredible exhibition at the worldfamous Royal Albert Hall in London.”1) Actress and Save Wild Tigers (SWT)
ambassador Jaime Winstone. 2) Ballerina andSWT ambassador Maria Sascha Khan with singers
Anna Straker and Dan Olsen. 3) Danish singer
and SWT ambassador Olsen. 4) Winstone andfashion designer Pam Hogg. 5) Wild tigers could
be extinct in 10 to 20 years, says SWT. 6) Japanesephotographer Toshiji Fukuda. 7) Straker andsinger Andrea Rocha.

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The exhibition, which ran from 18 September to
14 October 2018, featured the works of 30 awardwinning wildlife photographers from aroundthe world.
Founded by Simon Clinton, Save Wild Tiger is aconservation initiative to save tigers in the wild. It
is estimated that there are only about 3,800 tigers
remaining. According to Clinton: “Through thisstunning exhibition, we want to inspire the public
to join us and act to save what is surely one of theplanet’s most beautiful and captivating species
for future generations.”

YTL Hotels’ Executive Director, Dato’ MarkYeoh, said: “We are very honoured to be able
to take part in such an important cause yetagain. Since 2007, YTL Hotels has embarked on
several initiatives to support the conservation of
wildlife and the environment. We are particularly

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Y

Words HELEN OON

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life on the coverlife on the cover

walkingonsunshine
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali offers guests
a commune with the real Bali, a land withhappiness and authenticity in equal measure.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

words KENNETH TAN

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life on the coverlife on the cover

LOOMING IN THE DISTANCE ARE MOUNT BATOR AND
MOUNT AGONG, TWO OF BALI’S MOST FAMOUS VOLCANICPEAKS, WITH THE LATTER BEING THE ISLAND’S HIGHEST
POINT OF ELEVATION AT 3,031 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL.

Enjoy sun-drenched days and peaceful nights at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.

village community that greets visitors with a smile.
Looming in the distance are Mount Bator andMount Agong, two of Bali’s most famous volcanic
peaks, with the latter being the island’s highest
point of elevation at 3,031 metres above sea level.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEOn the idyllic northeastern cornerof Bali, one finds the village ofTembok. This area, which means‘wall’ in English, stood as theeasterly gateway for the city ofSingaraja, one of the key citiesof the 12th-century Balingkang province. Today,
Singaraja continues to be the closest city for
Tembok locals who occasionally make the onehour journey for shops and, for those looking tofurther their academic pursuits, the university.
Back in Tembok, you find yourself in an idylliclandscape of palm forests, coconut groves and aThis area of Tembok bears some unique featuresin topography, dissimilar to Bali’s southern
regions. The mountain ridge that divides theisland protects Tembok from much of the south’sfamiliar rainfall, resulting in near-cloudless skies
on most days save for the wetter months ofDecember and January.

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life on the cover

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life on the cover

life on the coverlife on the cover

The gentle spirituality of the island and its rich culture infuse every encounter in this tranquil spa resort.

It is also here where one finds the charming Spa
Village Resort Tembok, Bali, sprawled across 800
square metres, and comprising 27 deluxe rooms
with two suites and two villas (which come withindividual plunge pools). Here, in this adultonly resort – with a minimum guest age of 16 –the day brings birdsong, a constant sea breeze
and scents of garden life; ylang-ylang, jasmine
and frangipani.
To arrive here, you undertake a transformative
two-and-half-hour journey from Bali’s Ngurah Rai
airport, past the densely packed districts of theisland’s south and along a north-easterly coastalroad, configured to offer interesting attractions
along the journey.

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At Pasar Tukad Eling, the market which serves
the local community, live ducks and chickens
are sold alongside freshly caught mahi-mahiand yellowtail tuna, and incredibly sweet ‘harum
manis’ mangoes, all representative of the produce
from the surrounding land and sea. That verysame freshness is translated into the healthy farmto-table cuisine prepared at Wantilan, Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali’s restaurant, where the day’s
menus are written up following the morningmarket run.
Executive chef Mohamad Rizal brings his
understanding of truly cosmopolitan cuisine into
the food served here. That Balinese delicacy ofbebek betutu is prepared from over 20 herbs
and spices, marinated over a spring duck, andthen slow-baked in banana leaves. The result isa toothsome meal, infused with heady flavours of

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

The resort’s comprehensive pick-up and dropoff package ensures that your journey begins
at the airport’s arrivals lounge, the moment you
meet one of the resort’s drivers. Highlights along
the way include salt-making sites, temples and thecentury-old Ujung Water Palace where Balineseand European architecture meld into a spectacular
residence of the former raja of Karangasem. By
the time you turn into the Tedjakula-Tianyar
thoroughfare, which runs through the area ofTembok, that sense of discovery would have been

greatly heightened with the sight of a quaintvillage seemingly lost in time. Here, an assortmentof brick homes is interspersed with eateries,
shrines, sundry shops and smallholdings. You
would invariably notice the people here possess
an unhurried aura about them, a sense of ease ofthemselves and their lives.

life on the coverlife on the cover“IT’S IMPORTANT TO STRIVE FOR A BALANCE OF THE SALTY,
SPICY, SWEET AND SAVOURY TASTES.”

dispel arthritic pains and low spirits, in the sameway villagers would sit with their feet in the sand,as a means of detoxification. Yuyun Cindarsih
helped to design the spa menu by sourcing 100
per cent local organic ingredients, from yoghurt,
honey, lime and cucumber juice, to local flora.

There’s an undeniable sense that Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali is connected to the coreof this original way of life, where much of what
happens in the resort mirrors the best practicesof the villagers nearby. Kernia, who has worked
as a spa therapist at the resort for over a year,
mentions that the jamu – a calming elixir ofturmeric, palm sugar, salt and tamarind – which
is served to guests twice a day, is a drink which
she herself has been consuming since the ageof seven.

She has combined this chemical-free base withlocal traditions, which have proved to be effective
remedies across centuries. “For the locals,
the traditional ways are always the first option
before visiting the doctor,” Yuyun states. Boreh,a warming body mask, is used to restore vitality
to wearied bodies, in the same way the locals
do. “A lot of what we practice today is taught
to us by Tembok’s late respected healer Ka Tis,
who handed down the recipes using local herbs,
coconut oil and also his healing techniques.”

At the spa, the mineral-rich black sands fromthe adjoining beach – a result of ancient volcanic
flows – are used in some of the treatments to

In time, one realises that it is a sense of
belonging and purpose which becomes thegateway to the happiness exuded on the facesof the members of staff at the resort, many of

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Balinese dance
remains an ancient
tradition that forms
part of the religious
and artistic expression
amongst theBalinese people.

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galangal, cumin and cilantro. “It’s important tostrive for a balance of the salty, spicy, sweet andsavoury tastes,” Rizal explains. “Fresh ingredientsare key of course, and we work closely withthe local farmers and fishermen to obtain the
choicest selections.”

life on the coverlife on the coverwhom originate from Tembok itself. Sika has lived
his whole in Tembok, growing up in a fishingfamily. As one of the original members of staff
at the resort, he has relished the regular income
which employment brings over the uncertainty ofthe day’s catch. One finds him up before dawn
breaks, preparing the resort’s boat – a traditional
two-seater vessel fitted with outriggers –called jukong.
His familiarity with the sea means you will findyourself in the choicest spot to contemplate thecoastline, with majestic peaks in the background,and filled by the undulating obsidian velvet of theocean in early light. Through the water, you will
spot fields of phosphorescent plankton (which
attracts whales in the months of December andJanuary). Most curiously, Sika and his ilk are able
to pinpoint exactly where to locate the boat, toprepare for the dramatically charged encounter
with schools of dolphins, numbering in thehundreds, which emerge from the warming waters
with aplomb.
That deep and abiding love for the land canclearly be seen in the faces of the groundskeepers
at the resort, who carefully gather frangipani

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life on the coverlife on the coverDuring your retreat, you will have the opportunity to explore health through the integration of healthy whole-food cuisine,
rejuvenating spa treatments, movement, mindfulness, hands-on wellness workshops and natural health practices.

celebration is in full swing, with the mangku –a temple priest – offering songs and prayer in
Sanskrit and Balinese.

blossoms to scent guestrooms. In the mornings
and throughout the day, various members of staff
are seen placing incense and floral offerings at
the resort’s shrines.

Once a year, when the moon waxes full,the Pujawali festival comes about, a sort ofthanksgiving ceremony for the Ocean Goddess
Baruna. At a temple dedicated to her, a 10-minute
walk by beach from the resort, a fiesta of

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Made Arjaya is the youthful village leader of
Ngis (estimated population 2,400), a village in thevicinity of Tembok. He has spent exactly half of hislife growing up here, and the other half drivinga cab in Bali’s southern districts. “The spirits are
old in Tembok,” he observes. “We celebrate
tonight because the ocean has given us so much,
everything, to our lives.”

Not far from the resort, Les waterfall serves asa sort of purification point, for which locals makea beeline on religious days of celebration. The
crystal cool waters, cascading from a height offive storeys, offer a sort of natural hydrotherapy
for locals, who revel in the pleasures of nature.

Made, who also possesses a more cosmopolitan
outlook by virtue of having developed manyfriendships through work, hopes to see people
coming to Tembok to see the ‘real Bali’. For

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FROM THE SMILING LADIES IN THE MARKETTO THE PLEASANT-MANNERED VILLAGERS
AND MEMBERS OF STAFF, ONE HAS CLEARLYSTUMBLED INTO A GUILELESS LAND.

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Nowhere is this more apparent than in thesmiling eyes of Gede who has been tasked to helporganise the Pujawali tonight. Gede has shown
up in his finery with wife Kadek Sri Widiasih, his
five-year-old daughter Putu Angela and infant son
Kadek Deo Honesta. He has had to take two days
off of work to help with preparations and temple
decorations, with his father pitching in on security
detail and mother on the gamelan.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

That sense of togetherness, for many, willbe the enduring memory of anyone who visits
Tembok. From the smiling ladies in the market
to the pleasant-mannered villagers and membersof staff, one has clearly stumbled into a guilelessland. Fauzi Abriansyah, a Javanese who has spent
10 years at the resort, has long noticed thesecharms at Tembok. “People are just friendlier,the environment is calmer and you can feelthat everyone is looking out for each other,understanding that they can only be happy when
everyone around them feels the same way.”

Made, that notion of a real Bali resides in the
deep-rooted culture, respect for customs anddeep relationships, all of which the people sharehere in Tembok.

For more information, please visit
www.spavillageresort.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

mixing elixirs
Alchemy Bar at the newly minted The Academy
pours bespoke cocktails trendy Londoners areraving about.
Words JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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The cosy Alchemy Bar is housed on the ground floor and is the perfect Bloomsbury retreat
for bespoke cocktails, speciality gins or a refreshing glass of wine or champagne.

London is a city with undeniableriches when it comes to speciality
cocktail bars. Alchemy Bar at The
Academy is one of the British
capital’s better kept secrets – fornow. Those in-the-know slip past
the elegant Georgian façade of this Small Luxury
Hotel, and amble to the inviting wall-papered bar
to consult the resident alchemist. A mixologist
par excellence, he can tell you about the delightsof two specialist gins stocked at the bar.

of one of the set’s central figures, artist Duncan
Grant’s Charleston House in Kent. The bar’s lush
leafy wallpaper design, the handpicked books,
the patio garden (a rare treat in Bloomsbury) andthe candles lit at dusk are the reason guests andLondoners mingle here at the cocktail hour.
The alchemist has created an excellent
cocktail for the Alchemy Bar. Order his Elixir ofForgetfulness and you will soon understand themagic of the bar at The Academy. It’s a drink thatcarries the fruity, spicy notes of summer throughto autumn.
It’s a fruity concoction served in a whiskytumbler. Refreshing, balanced sweet and sour, it’sbased on Sailor Jerry’s spiced rum and passion
fruit, with vanilla and star anise undertones,
an addition of lemon juice and a few dashes ofAngostura aromatic bitters. This delicious drink
brims with flavours and tastes of fruit and spices.
For the full experience, this potent elixir is best
enjoyed outdoors in the private garden.

The quietly luxurious Academy is a fabulous
boutique property inspired by the Bloomsbury
set, and Alchemy Bar pays homage to the garden

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Alkkhemist Gin is purportedly distilled bymoonlight and features 21 different botanicals
including rose petals, samphire, Muscat grape andfennel. It will take your gin-and-tonic to anotherlevel. However the Tanqueray Bloomsbury is reallythe signature gin of The Academy as its original
distillery was located in Bloomsbury in the 1830s.
Although the recipe of this London dry gin is a
closely guarded secret, it is believed to containfour botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica rootand liquorice.

For more information, please visit
www.theacademyhotel.co.uk

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life feature

life featureabout
tailors andgold ingots
Threadneedles Hotel is placedat the City of London’s
beating heart.
Words JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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life featureTlife feature

he next time you are
nursing a drink at theThreadneedles
Hotel
Champagne
Bar
in
London, be remindedthat you’re in the heartof the City of London’s historic centre.
The property is a luxury modern hotelwith a wealth of history behind it.

The Bank of Englandis just at the end of
Threadneedles Street.

The street it is named after dates
back to 1598 when it was known as
Three Needles Street for the coat ofarms of the needle makers in the area.
The street became known as Threed
Needles and eventually Threadneedle,
most likely referring to the Worshipful
Company of Merchant Taylors, a livery
company whose distinguished hall has
been on this street since 1347. It isright next door and now a prime events
venue, which makes Threadneedles
Hotel very popular for guests who arelooking for elegant accommodation.
For centuries, the City of London’slivery companies were some of themost powerful organisations. Guild
members are loyal custodians of
traditions and ceremonial practices
laid down more than 600 years ago.
The Merchant Taylors Company
became one of the Great Twelve livery
companies, the senior companies in
the City from which all Lord Mayors
had to be chosen. Today MerchantTaylors is mainly a social and charitableorganisation; the last working tailors
in the Company are believed to havebeen at the end of the 17th century

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINENEXT TIME YOU ARE A GUEST HERE ASK THE
CONCIERGE TO BOOK YOU ON A PRIVATESIGHTSEEING TOUR OF THE CITY OF LONDON.

Threadneedle Street is one of thethoroughfares that converge on Bank
station, one of the busiest in London.
But it is more famous for being hometo the Bank of England where 5,000
tonnes of gold reserves are stored ineight vaults on two floors. Next time
you are a guest here ask the concierge
to book you on a private sightseeing
tour of the City of London. There is athree-hour City of London tour by day,but the two-hour tour of London by
Night is much more atmospheric. It isjust one of the many bespoke services
available at this classic property.
For more information, please visit
www.hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

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scotch courage
High-spirited and immensely enjoyable, The
Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh’s single malt
tours are proving quite the tourist attraction.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Words JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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Receive a complimentary dram of whisky relating to your suite’s name when you book one of the Deluxe Suites.

UPON CHECK-IN THROUGH THE 172-YEAR-OLD GEORGIAN
CHURCH FACADE, GUESTS ARE INVITED TO THE SNUG
WHERE THEY CAN UNWIND BY THE OPEN FIREPLACE AND
ENJOY A DRAM OF THE WHISKY WHICH THEIR SUITE IS
NAMED AFTER.

A

lthough whisky has been distilledin Scotland for hundreds of years,
the first written record of it was
in 1494. This was when Friar John
Cor was given enough malt to
produce 1,500 bottles of whisky.
As Scotland’s only Autograph Collection property,
The Glasshouse Hotel in Edinburgh offers
exceptional knowledge of the various distilling
regions with the aim to find the perfect dram orwhisky cocktail for each guest.

menu. Standout lines in the collection include
vintages from extinct distilleries such as The
Imperial 1996 (bottled by Gordon & MacPhail) andthe 40-year-old Cally from the former Edinburghbased Caledonian Distillery.
The hotel will soon be adding more bottles tothe range including the Balvenie 30-year-old, theLedaig 19-year-old Pedro Ximinez finish as well as
the special release edition Lagavulin 12-year-old.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh’s two-day Elite
Whisky Package is popular with guests. Stay in the
hotel’s grandest suite, go on personalised tours of
two of the hotel’s favourite distilleries and enjoy
a seven-course whisky pairing dinner, all hosted
by an accredited whisky expert and connoisseur.
Courage is indeed a pill best taken with whisky.

The hotel boasts 20 luxurious suites, all of which
are named after single malt whiskies. Upon checkin through the 172-year-old Georgian church
facade, guests are invited to the Snug where
they can unwind by the open fireplace and enjoy
a dram of the whisky which their suite is named
after. Once the mood is set, the expert teamof bartenders can then take you on a journey
through the Glasshouse’s collection of around
100 exclusive whiskies, as well as a premium cigar

For more information, please visit
www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk

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exploring bath’s
artisanal outdoor
markets
Steps from The Gainsborough Bath Spa
are bustling pop-up weekend stalls sellingthe best regional produce and crafts.

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T

Words JUNE MONG

he Gainsborough Bath Spa consistsof two Grade-II listed buildings
and is the only hotel in the United
Kingdom with access to natural
thermal waters, sourced from a
private water reserve which once
supplied the city’s ancient Roman baths. Its Spa
Village boasts three bubbling thermal pools,a sauna, steam room and 11 treatment rooms.
The spa offers a range of massages and Asianinfluenced therapies.

Outdoor farmer’s markets have been a staple ofBritish life since the Middle Ages. And the first
farmer’s market in the UK was in Bath. Today,
goods at the outdoor market are sold directly by

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Another must-stop is The Fine Cheese Company
on Walcott Street that has been making andselling handmade cheese from the British Isles
and beyond for 20 years. If you are about togo on a country walk recommended by The
Gainsborough Bath Spa concierge, stop by The
Fine Cheese Company for a snack. For delicious
sustenance, we recommend packing a few of their
Spanish tortillas before you start your trek.
Bath Farmer’s Market, every Saturday 9am–1.30pm
Bath Artisan Market, every second and third
Sunday 10am–4pm
Bath Vintage & Antiques Market, every first andfourth Sunday 8am–4pm
For more information please visit
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Founded by Romans and famous for its Georgianarchitecture, Bath is one of two UNESCO Heritage
cities in Europe. After 400 years, the Romans left asophisticated culture of thermal baths, love of fine
food and conspicuous consumption unrivalledoutside their empire. At The Gainsborough BathSpa, the thermal source of Spa Village Bath, its
extensive treatment menu, the hotel’s traditionof fine dining and excellent wine cellar presents
guests with all that Bath is renowned for.

the people who produce them and everythingcomes from within a 60km radius of the city. There
are several outdoor markets in Bath, which open
on different days beneath the vaulted glass roofof a former Victorian rail station called Green Park
Station. Located 500 metres from Queen Square,
this elegant station was opened in 1870 as part of
the Midland Railway line.

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JW Firehouse at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
has a drinks menu highlighting a variety ofunmatched cocktails and premium spirits.
Words KENNETH TAN

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Heating it Uplife featureT

he recently opened JW Firehouseis all about chilling out in styleat the Happening Hotel. Unwind
after work with colleagues at thisgorgeous bar in the centre of
Bukit Bintang. Or pop by if you’revisiting the city and hankering for some expertly
made classic cocktails.

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SIGNATURE DRINKSINCLUDE THE CREATIVE
FIRE STARTER AND THE
HOUSE OLD FASHIONED.

Past the ruched panes, you are transported
into a modish interior, replete with wall scones,
copper trims, leather upholstery and a dazzling
marble bar. The plush seating makes for somedelightful evenings, as does the cigar menu
comprising Cuban stars such as Cohibas, Romeoy Julieta and Montecristos.
Signature cocktails include the creative Fire
Starter, comprising tequila, mango juice, chilli andlime. The House Old Fashioned plays up bourbon,
rum and cognac, swirling the potent tipple withangostura bitters and citrus syrup. For a lighter
approach, Hazy Morgan blends the unmistakableorange aromas of Cointreau with rum andcitrus syrup.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Those who enjoy their spirits will be pleased
to discover some uncommon expressions nestledin the back bar. Among them are the Modestia
Aparte mezcal and a Don Ramon tequila – a 100
per cent agave stunner with special bottlings
for JW Marriott. And, should the night at
JW Firehouse call for a grand celebration, thewell-provisioned beverage list includes a Royal
Salute Hundred Cask, a rare blend of whiskiesfrom 100 very aged casks, bursting with the scentsand the flavours of honey, sherry, dark chocolate
and endless celebration.
For more information, please visit
jwmarriottkualalumpur.com
The drinks list at
JW Firehousecomprises a mix
of classic andcreative cocktails.

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Of Taste, Textures
and Colours
At The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur,
YTL Corporate Executive Chef Wai Look Chow
welcomes diners to extraordinary meals built
upon his 30-year culinary career.
Words KENNETH TANTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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T
FOR DESSERT, LOOK TO
CHEF WAI’S HOMEMADEICE CREAMS.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

For more information, please visit
ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

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here’s a great level of precision andpurpose in Chef Wai’s daily actions.
“I enjoy cooking my own breakfast
and, for me, it’s important to selectthe freshest eggs, with the yolk
cooked to 80 per cent, and to still
have the whites runny.”This same sort of methodical precision
is what he now applies to dinners at The
Library at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur inan ambience heightened by the sound of jazz.
Chef Wai’s preparation of eggs – from freerange chickens – feature in the Sea Urchin with
Cauliflower Mousseline, a sensuous rhapsodyof tastes.
His restraint in over embellishment of themeats, fish and poultry helps to elevate each meal
into a gastronomic trip to remember, where themore delicate flavours take the limelight over richsauces and heavy spice.
Among his culinary signatures is Brown Crabwith Avocado Veloute, a labour which entails thesimmering of fish bone as stock, drawing upon thegelatin and essence of hirame, turbot, lemon soleand other flat fish. This stock is then merged witha mirepoix of carrots, onions, leeks and celery toobtain a distinctive medley of flavours and hues.
From the Brest duck and Australian lamb to
the Kyushu tenderloin, each meat course is also
subject to Chef Wai’s careful process of unlocking
an ingredient’s full potential.
The same kind of attention is devoted to thelobster, which Chef Wai breaks down to three parts:
the claw with its firmness, the arms which havea stronger consistency and the muscled tail, towhich he applies 85 per cent of cooking, poachedin butterfat, to achieve that perfect bite. For
dessert, look to Chef Wai’s homemade ice creams
such as tonka beans and Arabica – which offer
a counterpoint to caramel and warm chocolate.
When in season, musk melon and persimmon
also feature.
The Library Dinner Series with Chef Wai offers
three-course sets and an a la carte menu, from
Mondays to Saturdays, with recommended wine
pairings from the in-house sommelier.
Chef Wai Look Chowis adept at bringing
out the freshnessof the produce andingredients he uses.

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strikingback
Spa Village Koh Samui serves a restorative
Thai massage experience involving a hammer
and wedge. sounds painful? not so.
Words MATT LEPPARD

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I

t has been said that you haven’t
experienced a true Thai massage until
you’ve tried tok sen. This involves yourtissues being pounded by a mallet anda wedge, calling to mind the maxim that
an authentic Thai massage is heavenly
torture. Well, tok sen isn’t torture – it’s an exquisite
experience and a must-try when in the Landof Smiles.

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The two-hour tok sen massage will begin with the Songkran Shower ritual,a signature Spa Village treatment inspired by the annual Songkran festival.

But where would one find this uniquely
traditional technique? Koh Samui is the natural
choice. This famous island destination was once aleafy shelter for traders on Thailand’s crystal-blueseas. Its stunning beauty and bountiful resources
enabled not only a community of warm-spirited
Thais to build up over the centuries, but it’s also
home to the most luxurious of resorts.

It is believed that tok sen originated in theancient northern kingdom of Lanna around Chiang
Mai. ‘Tok’ means to strike, while ‘sen’ relates tothe meridian energy lines in the body. Hence, a
tok sen massage involves a wooden mallet and62

All that pummelling and energy-release
relaxes the body and generates a sense ofwell-being since the energy is redirected backto its normal pathways. Not only that, but therhythmic pounding creates a soothing, hypnotic
atmosphere, helping to promote harmony andhealing while the massage is being performed.
If you’re lucky, you’ll benefit from a tok sen
massage with one of the most highly prized tools
in the traditional Thai massage armoury: a malletmade from the wood struck off a tamarind tree
by lightning and blessed in a monastery. Truly
a magical experience, and one of the treasured
moments that The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui isdelighted to provide.
For more information please visit
ritzcarlton.com/kohsamui

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui is a prime example.
Set in the privacy of a tucked-away sun-bathedbay, the resort boasts a Spa Village, the iconic
concept born on the company’s flagship Pangkor
Laut property. Each Spa Village fashions its own
identity, with that at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samuifocusing on ancient Thai therapies, one of whichis tok sen massage.

wedge being used to rhythmically stimulate theselines, the result of which is a deep-tissue healing
vibration that unblocks the meridians.

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life featuresailing away
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Estates at Pangkor Laut Resort offer
compelling privileges of island living.
words MARK LEAN

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EACH ESTATE EMBODIESTHE BEAUTY AND SPIRITOF THE TROPICS.

Two luxury yachts are available for charter should you wish to explore the Straits of Malacca and the surrounding islands.

P

Personalise your stay down to which pre-prandial
cocktails you’d prefer through to the dishes forlunch and dinner. Take your pick of lunch anddinner menus that maximise the use of just-caught
seafood. The chef’s recommendations include avariety of home-style dishes including deep-friedsea bass flavoured with soya sauce; delicious
sautéed prawns; sweet and sour chicken; black
pepper beef ribs; and stir-fried mixed vegetables
with oyster sauce. Western options include an
ensemble of Caesar’s Salad; grilled melt-in-themouth sea bass; and the popular peanut butter
and chocolate brownie.
As you greet the morning sun in your private
estate, breakfast transforms into a culinary eventwith a vast spread of staples from east and west,
including light and fluffy roti canai with a selectionof curries, eggs cooked to your liking, piping
hot pastries, as well as a choice of local sweetdelicacies.

Each Estate embodies the beauty and spirit of
the tropics, inspired by the stylish lifestyles of the
British estate managers of yore who ran many of
Malaya’s rubber plantations. Think comfortablerattan furniture, glistening wooden platform beds
and sofas, silk upholstery, and elevated wooden
ceilings that seemingly project to the sky. The
sense of comfort in each Estate is heightenedwith the services of a private butler and chef.

This stunning collection of Estates is one of
Pangkor Laut Resort’s hidden gems. A stay here
would invariably demand a repeat visit.
For more information, please visit
www.pangkorlautresort.com

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Situated on the northern part of the island, these eight private
sanctuaries feature luxurious comforts, house between two andfour bedrooms, and have separate living and dining pavilions aswell as a private pool with dramatic views; all set across acres ofpristine rainforest.

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angkor Laut Resort, the flagshipproperty of YTL Hotels, distils
its unique blend of personable
hospitality and staggering natural
beauty to guests from around theworld. Many have returned time
and time again to experience the slower paceof Malaysian island living and the promise of arelaxed sense of luxury. For a different perspective
to island life, The Estates at Pangkor Laut Resort
have been calibrated to match privacy with luxe
residential trappings. The Estates Exclusive
package includes transfers from Marina Island
Pangkor to the resort by private yacht. A private
car then transports guests to one of eight Estates,
each with its own private pool, set in picturesquelocations, some with jaw-dropping views of theglimmering jade-hued bay.

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Malacca’s
Golden Ages
The Majestic Malacca is the embodiment ofcenturies of multiculturalism, providing
glimpses into a glorious era.
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Words MATT LEPPARDThe Majestic Malacca provides a glimpse into the splendid saga of an extraordinary empire.

ong a staging post along trade routes
through the Malay peninsula, theport of Malacca became a thriving
commercial hub in the 15th century.
It was here where silks from China
met fabrics from India and gold from
Sumatra – and it was here where the Portuguese,the Dutch and the British extended their empires.
Only recently, in 1957, was Malacca declared
independent as part of the Federation of Malaya.

Following a period of meticulous restoration, thehotel made a triumphant return as a landmark truly
deserving of its majestic moniker. Guests can now
enjoy an array of facilities that reflect the statusof such a property. At The Library, for example,
traditional lamps sit on original floor tiles, while
fine ceramics are bathed in soft lighting. For pure
pampering, Spa Village Malacca, which sprawls
across two floors, bases its therapies on ChineseMalay Peranakan culture. Guests can also dip their
toes in the hotel’s sun-dappled outdoor pool.
The Majestic Malacca’s guestrooms reflect a blendof heritage and modernity. Custom furnishings
come to life in light framed by huge silk-draped
windows, while fabulous four-poster beds reston timber floors, providing tranquil slumber
following a soak in a clawfoot bath. And fittingly
for a hotel whose history is so intertwined withtrade, bathers can enjoy sweeping views of theriver whose waters traders once plied.
For more information please visit
www.majesticmalacca.com

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FOLLOWING A PERIOD OF METICULOUS RESTORATION, THE
HOTEL MADE A TRIUMPHANT RETURN AS A LANDMARKTRULY DESERVING OF ITS MAJESTIC MONIKER.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis storied history, steeped in the cultures not
only of Malays but also of traders from China,
India and Arabia – many of whom settled
locally – resulted in a culture as diverse as it isquintessentially Malaysian. Colonial rule added
broad brushstrokes to local colour, with Malacca
granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008.
The year marked another milestone: the reopeningof The Majestic Malacca, which originated as a
private mansion in 1929. The property was thennamed The Majestic Hotel, and in the postWar swing of the 1950s and 1960s, it gained areputation as the place to see and be seen.

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a privateparadiseAt Tanjong Jara Resort, one can indulge
in rejuvenating r&r and also participate inan active turtle conservation programme.
Words MATT LEPPARDTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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THIS PLUSH RESORT BLENDS TRADITIONAL LUXURY ANDTECHNOLOGICAL MODERNITY YET BOASTS TRADITIONS AS
OLD AS THE CULTURE THEY WERE BORN FROM.

Guests of Tanjong Jara Resort can discover more about the lives of the majestic sea turtles and sign up for activities andprogrammes at Lang Tengah Turtle Watch’s Visitors’ Hut, next to Nelayan restaurant.

Imagine the arc of a golden beach fringed
by gently swaying palms cradling acerulean bay and knowing that such
picture-postcard perfection could be
your next vacation paradise. Imagine,too, if that paradise was home to majestic
marine turtles and had an active conservation
programme. Too good to be true?

to a market to see ingredients sourced and thenlater cooked with the hotel’s expert chefs, or aleisurely soak in an oversized bath followed by atrip to the nearby Tenggol Island – with some of
the best snorkelling and diving in the country –guests will want for nothing.
In keeping with the ethos of harmony with its
natural surroundings, as well as the conservationminded approach of YTL Hotels, Tanjong Jara
Resort actively helps protect the local fauna. In
an exclusive partnership with Lang Tengah Turtle
Watch, the resort has its own turtle hatcherylocated near its Nelayan restaurant.

Not so. In your mind’s eye, you’ve just conjured up
the spectacular, sea-brushed Tanjong Jara Resort,
located on the east coast of the Malay peninsula.
This plush resort blends traditional luxury andtechnological modernity yet boasts traditions as
old as the culture they were born from.

Guests can enjoy an array of activities, with boththe selection available and the resort’s irresistible
charms making repeat visits a necessity born outof tantalising desire. Whether it’s a guided trip

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Here, as well as simply observing these behemothsof the deep spring into life from sheltered nests
during nightly watches, adoption programmes
are also available. These not only mean that
pledges help protect the nests from poachers andpredators, they also mean that, in keeping withthe hotel’s many personal touches, guests areforever linked to their perfectly personal pieceof paradise.

With a design that draws from the lines and curvesof a 17th-century palace combined with the
Malaysian concept of sucimurni – emphasisinga balance between mind, body and spirit – thehotel offers the perfect recipe for total physical,
mental and emotional rejuvenation.

For more information please visit
www.tanjongjararesort.com

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life featureback tonatureWords ELAINE LAU

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Gaya Island Resort’s Resident
Naturalist Justin Juhun on the conservation
efforts he spearheads.

life featureAt the 2018 Global CSR Summitand Awards, YTL Hotels won
the Platinum Award for CSR
Leadership for its senior resident
naturalist Justin Juhun’s wildlife
care and conservation work at
Gaya Island Resort. Juhun heads the Gaya Island
Resort Wildlife Centre, introducing guests toprogrammes and initiatives that protect andpreserve the area’s natural world.

life feature“IF MY EFFORTS CAN AFFECTCHANGE FOR THE BETTER,
NO MATTER HOW SMALL,
THAT IS REWARD ENOUGH
FOR ME.”

How was your love of nature cultivated andhow did you get into conservation work?
I grew up in the interior parts of Tawau, Sabah.
My father exposed me to the jungle from a young
age. He knew all the animals and would tell me
about them.

gene pool of the proboscis monkey population,
which we believe belongs to one gene poolcurrently. We’ve introduced another male monkey
to build a harem, thereby enhancing the qualityof genetics to ensure a sustainable proboscis
monkey population. With a more diverse genepool, the proboscis monkeys will have a higher
chance at surviving infectious diseases.

I studied hotel management. At that time, I did
not know anything about conservation. But I’ve
always dreamt of going back to nature. In 1996,
I was employed at a resort in Sabah and the GM
wanted to set up an orangutan conservation
project. I told him I wanted to be part of it. I left
after a few years and went to the United Kingdom
to learn about conservation practices there. I
came back and became a wetland manager,
looking after 1,200 acres of mangrove forest in
Tuaran, Sabah.

We’re working to restore and enlarge themangrove forest and increase the area’s
biodiversity. We have been collecting various
species from other parts and placing them backinto the mangrove forest. In addition, we carry out
animal rescue and rehabilitation.

Tell us about the conservation work you aredoing on the island.
One of our research projects is to increase theFor more information please visit
www.gayaislandresort.com

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As Resident Naturalist,
Justin Juhun is
responsible for the
resort’s 7 Wondersof Gaya projectthat allows guests
to engage with
the island’s naturalenvironment and local
wildlife.

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What makes Gaya Island unique?
It is a treasure island rich in flora and fauna. No
other island in Sabah has proboscis monkeys. It is
one of the seven wonders of Gaya Island, which
also include the mangrove forest, red giant flying
squirrels, bearded pigs, fireflies, elephant footyam and the Boobook owl.

What are your thoughts on the recent award?
I don’t do conservation work for the awards;
I’m not looking for glamour. I use it to inspire myteam. What keeps me going is the positive impact
I see from the work that my team and I have done
and continue to do. I love being in nature; it iswhere I feel most at home. If my efforts can affectchange for the better, no matter how small, that isreward enough for me.

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the great
explorers
At Cameron Highlands Resort, the Britishcolonial refined style of living and enduring
traditions have been recreated for today’s
global travellers to enjoy.
Words MARK LEAN

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The cool climate on the picturesque plateau and its hilly greenery are tailor-made for rounds of golf; rambles along jungle trails,
tea plantations, farms or gardens; afternoon tea with scones; and spa treatments that celebrate the restorative powers of tea.

In the Reading Room at Cameron
Highlands Resort, guests may comeacross a book entitled Tales of theHighlands. The author, William Cameron,
was a British surveyor who took to thehill ridges that form the spine of the
Malayan peninsula to escape stifling heat. And
one might guess, the equally stifling colonialroutines. This was back in 1885. Later, in 1925,
Sir George Maxwell developed the area as a hill
station with cooler temperatures that reminded
the British of their homeland.

timber-beamed ceilings and plantation shuttersevoke a grand colonial style of living. Furnishingscomprise teak four-poster beds matched withbeautiful Thai silks by Jim Thompson.
At the Jim Thompson Tea Room, nibble on
exquisitely baked scones, homemade strawberry
jam and fresh cream, all of which are served during
afternoon tea. The ritual, made popular during
the British era, is carefully recreated. The vibrantamber-hued tea is brewed from local blends,
while the succulent strawberries are grown inneighbouring farms.

A dynamic tea cultivating industry soon
developed. The winning combination of fertile
land and near-temperate weather were the factors
leading to companies such as Boh Plantations
becoming the country’s largest black tea producer.
While the book is peppered with myths andlegends passed down the centuries, it also
documents the pioneering spirit and thirst foradventure of Cameron and the men who followed
after him.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEAt Spa Village Cameron Highlands, both tea
and strawberries feature on the spa menu. The
Strawberry Tea Bath is a highly recommended
bathing experience that alleviates nervous
tension, removes stress, and leaves the skin glossy
and glowing.
For those wishing to explore the verdant
countryside, the resort’s experienced guides willhappily divulge the secrets of these mysterious
highlands, the same secrets that enthralled
William Cameron more than a century ago.

Visitors who holiday in “this little piece ofEngland in Asia” may now do so in the lap of luxury
and experience a similar sense of adventure. At
Cameron Highlands Resort, a 56-room property
with welcoming charm, elegant French doors,

For more information, please visit
www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

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BRINGING
T H E F A M I LY
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niseko village, beloved for its powderfine blanket of snow and the varietyof outdoor sports and exploration on
offer, provides the perfect playgroundfor an active family holiday.
Words MERRITT GURLEY

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THE STRUCTURED CLASSES ARE A GREAT WAY TO IMPROVEWINTER-SPORT SKILLS, BUT AN IMPROMPTU SNOWBALL FIGHT
CAN BE JUST AS ENJOYABLE.

T

wo kids with rosy cheeks sled downa gentle slope on Mount Niseko
Annupuri while their grandparents
look on from Village Patisserie,sipping warm tea and nibbling on
croissants. Niseko Village has a
bevy of amazing activities to keep everyone in thefamily entertained.

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After a long day on the slopes, relax in comfort.
Book one of the Kasara Niseko Village Townhouses
and you’ll have plenty of room for the wholefamily under one (very stylish) roof. The luxury
two-storey, three-room homes, are superlative
examples of understated Japanese elegance.
Gather your loved ones to enjoy a delicious mealat the long banquet table in the dining room,
prepared by a personal chef. There’s nothing likethe magic of a well-spent winter day to give yourfamily a warm sense of togetherness.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Visitors of all ages canexperience a host of
exhilarating activities
at Niseko Village
such as snowmobileadventures,
snowshoeing, snow
rafting, reindeer
sledding and more.

Parents who want to start their day carving
fresh tracks in untouched snow don’t have toworry about finding a babysitter; they can drop
their children at Niseko Kids Snow School. At
this cheerful play centre the younger kids (oneto six-year-olds) can sing and paint under thesupervision of childcare experts, while the older
kids (three- to six-year-olds) can take to the slopes
with Niseko Mini Kids Ski/Snowboarding Lessons.
Patient instructors help the little ones develop
their love of the sport in either a one-on-one
or small-group setting. There is a conveyor belt
called a ‘magic carpet’ that transports kids up aminiature bunny run, making it easy for them totry the same smooth patch of the mountain over
and over again until they are confident enough tomove on to a chairlift.

Families with children aged six and up can takeprivate ski lessons together and tackle the piste
as a team. The structured classes are a great way
to improve winter-sport skills, but an impromptu
snowball fight can be just as enjoyable. To seeanother side of the Niseko landscape, bundle thekids up in hats and mittens and hop aboard a sled
for a reindeer ride across the snow banks, try asnowshoe adventure through the woods or speed
across the landscape on a snow raft. The snow is
so fine and soft that falling into it is a delight.

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

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TALES OFTHE CITY
Take a fashion-forward stroll throughKuala Lumpur’s historic Jalan Kamunting
neighbourhood, setting the scene for vibrant
and authentic street life that seemingly hasn’t
altered for over half a century.
PHOTOGRAPHY: LOCK CHEE WEILOCATION: HOTEL STRIPES, JALAN KAMUNTING, KUALA LUMPUR
STYLING: MAX MAK

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEBlack jumpsuit withbelt and oversizedjacket, all by H&M.

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Wool trench coatand red high-waisted
pleated skirt,
all by H&M.

Tassel blue top andskirt, and earrings, all
by H&M.

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Model: Hang Nguyen
Make-up: Sharman Yee @ Plika
Hair stylist: Dylan Boon

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Green trouser suit with white stripes,
white chiffon blouse and ankle
boots, all by H&M.

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Bring the beauty of The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur’s signature orchids home withyou. The Majestic Orchids Collection is now
available at The Orchid Conservatory.
Words WARRICK NORTH

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a thousand
perpetual
blossoms

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COINED FROM THE TERM ‘PHALEANA’, THE FLOWERS ARE
SAID TO TAKE THE SHAPE OF A LARGE MOTH.

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s Orchid Conservatory has beenat the forefront of the hotel’s most singular events.

Ithe conservatory poses the ideal environment tohouse the orchids, which are native to Malaysia
as well as other neighbouring countries. Coinedfrom the term ‘phaleana’, the flowers are said totake the shape of a large moth. The phalaenopsis
is typically grown in Malaysia, Indonesia, thePhilippines, and Taiwan. It consists of over 60
impressive varieties, each with its own hue andpersonality, ranging from classic ivory to creamy
yellow and dramatic fuchsia.

These flowers are as appreciated as the storied
hotel’s uniquely presented afternoon tea andthe gleaming grand piano that takes pride ofplace at the Colonial Café and The Tea Lounge.
The gorgeous blooms line the glass atriumencased Orchid Conservatory in a stunning photoopportunity-worthy hanging garden fashion. Thiswonder of botany is the first of its kind in Malaysia.

As these flowers have made such a favourable
impression over the years, they are now available
for sale exclusively at The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur’s Orchid Conservatory. The Majestic
Orchids, the Gifts Collection is available inbeautifully packaged sets.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEt was Confucius who sagely opined,“An orchid in a deep forest sends out
its fragrance even if there is no one toappreciate it.” The light-dappled Orchid
Conservatory at The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur might not be located in a forest,
but it is regarded as one of the city’s most popularand inventive meeting spaces. It’s also thetreasured abode to the hotel’s signature bloom,
the phalaenopsis orchid species.

For more information please visit
www.majestickl.com

With temperatures ranging from 22°C to 24°C,

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINECAPITAL OF
CULTURE AND
COMMERCEThe Hague Marriott Hotel with its prime
location presents easy access to the city’s
many top attractions.
Words WARRICK NORTH

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THE 306-ROOM THE HAGUE MARRIOTT HOTEL IS
WELL SITUATED BETWEEN THE CITY CENTRE AND THE
NORTH SEA COAST.

Local attractions near the hotel include (clockwise from above) Gemeentemuseum, Madurodam (a miniature park of The
Netherlands), Peace Palace and Scheveningen Pier.

Choose a premium room to enjoy skyline views and Executive Lounge access, perfect for extended stays.

Aboasts an impressive collection of modern andcontemporary art, fashion and decorative arts. It
is also the international home of Piet Mondrian,with no fewer than 300 works by the famous Dutch
artist in its collection.

The 306-room The Hague Marriott Hotelis well situated between the city centre andthe North Sea coast. The hotel overlooks theGemeentemuseum’s gardens and stunning art
deco architecture, which was the creation ofacclaimed Dutch architect H P Berlage.

Business travellers will find unparalleled accessto The World Forum, the city’s premier convention
centre and event space, hosting hundreds ofconferences, exhibitions and concerts every year.

With sleek and contemporary interiors and aservice style that exudes warmth, The Hague
Marriott Hotel answers to the needs of bothbusiness travellers and tourists. The latter
will gravitate towards the Gemeentemuseumwith its 160,000 works of art. The museum

Also minutes away are the shops, restaurants,
attractions and museums of Scheveningen Beachand Harbour as well as The Hague’s Peace Palacewith its impressive facade.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEs the Netherlands’ third largest
city, The Hague possesses history
and culture in equal measure. It
is also the seat of the country’s
government and home to theroyal family. The city is also
the base of numerous government ministries
and embassies, along with the headquarters ofseveral international organisations such as theInternational Court of Justice.

The Hague Marriott Hotel is a mere 300 metresfrom The World Forum, so guests may organise
their pre-conference meetings or welcome
cocktails at the hotel – a convenient solutionthat eliminates the stress and hassle of eventrelated travel.
For more information, visit marriott.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

12 things to do
in malaysia at
vistana hotels

From culture and sandy beaches todelicious food, your stay at a Vistana Hotelin Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Kuantan will be
nothing short of amazing.
Words ELAINE LAU

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VISIT KEK LOK SI,
MALAYSIA’S LARGESTBUDDHIST TEMPLECOMPLEX BUILTIN 1890.
PENANG
8AM Before exploring Penang’s famous
heritage sites go for a round of golf at
the Penang Golf Club, a championship
18-hole course situated on the slopesof Bukit Jambul.
1PM After golf, tuck into a tasty mealof curries and other delectable dishes
at Kayu Nasi Kandar next to the hotel.
2PM Visit Kek Lok Si, Malaysia’s largest
Buddhist temple complex built in 1890,
comprising monasteries, prayer halls,
temples and beautifully landscaped
gardens. The main attraction is theimpressive pagoda of Rama VI.
7PM Head to a local hawker centre in
the neighbourhood called Super Tanker
Food Center for dinner. Then, explore
Queensbay Mall, which is accessible
with the complimentary hotel shuttle.

KUALA LUMPUR
8.30AM Start your day with a jog or walkaround Titiwangsa Park, which has jogging trails
surrounding a large, shimmering lake. Wind downwith some park-side sun salutations.
9AM Freshen up in your Club Deluxe room at
Vistana Kuala Lumpur Titiwangsa and enjoy aleisurely breakfast at the Café, which serves abuffet spread of tasty Asian and Western fare.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

11AM Get to know contemporary Malaysian art
at the city’s newest public art institution, Ilham
Gallery, located in Ilham Tower in downtown KL.
Also within easy reach by LRT is Chinatown and
the Kuala Lumpur Craft Centre Market.
3PM The hotel’s convenient access to the KL
Monorail and LRT makes getting around the city abreeze. You’re minutes away from Bukit Bintang,
the city’s business and entertainment quarter.
Or, indulge in a spot of retail therapy at Starhill
Gallery. Cap your day with cocktails and dinner at
The Tokyo Restaurant at Lot 10 Shopping Centre.

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KUANTAN
7AM Start the day on an energetic note with a
jog around Taman Gelora, a picturesque seaside
park with a jogging track, a beautiful pond withwater lilies, and food stalls selling snacks for postworkout pick-me-ups.
10AM Pack a beach bag and head to Teluk
Cempedak, where you can laze on the beach or
go for a dip in the South China Sea.
3PM Chill out at Barista, a spot overlooking theswimming pool at Vistana Kuantan to relax over a
glass of wine or a freshly brewed coffee.
8PM Head to Tanjung Api, a five-minute drive
away. Feast on an excellent selection of justcaught seafood all at reasonable prices.
For more information, please visit
www.vistanahotels.com

START THE DAY ON AN ENERGETIC NOTE WITH A JOG AROUNDTAMAN GELORA, A PICTURESQUE SEASIDE PARK.

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From top:
Tanjung Api; Barista.
Facing page:sunrise in Kuantan.

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

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

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

www.pangkorlautresort.com

www.tanjongjararesort.com

www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

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

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

ritzcarlton.com/kohsamui

ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

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

jwmarriottkualalumpur.com

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

www.stripeskl.com

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

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

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

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

www.thesurinphuket.com

www.spavillageresort.com/tembokbali

www.majesticmalacca.com

www.majestickl.com

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

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

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

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

www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk

www.hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

www.theacademyhotel.co.uk

www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk

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

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www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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

The heart of the village is Niseko Vilage’s main pulse where paved intimate walkways are flanked
by contemporary shopping and dining options. Just moments from Niseko Village’s award-winning
hotels, residences and lifts, its slopeside location allows for seamless ski-in, ski-out access between
mountain adventures and indoor diversions. Both modern and traditional interweave, evoking a
genteel lifestyle at the village with its authentic Japanese machiya architectural setting. Après-ski
is excitingly redefined at Niseko Village.

www.niseko-village.com

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

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

www.feastvillage.com

www.ytlhotels.com

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

HANGZHOU I BATHI

STARHILL I KOH SAMUI

www.spavillage.com

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

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

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

www.vistanahotels.com
marriott.com

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