T h e

Y T L

L u x u r y

M a g a z i n eBray Hooray
The Best of Berkshireand Its Surrounds

East Coast Allure

Turtle-Watching in
Terengganu

Summer Lovin’
Stylish Diversions
in Saint-Tropez

London Olympics 2012 • Onsen Experience • Climbing Kinabalu

Contents
22Life Events

12 A round-up of parties andevents in the world of YTL.

Life Bites

19 Hot happenings at
YTL Hotels.

Life on the Cover

22 Bray House, a private
residence under the YTL
Hotels portfolio, provides
the ultimate base fromwhich to explore thetranquil beauty of gastrovillage, Bray on Thames.

Life Feature

30 The biggest show onearth comes to London
in the shape of the 2012
Summer Olympic Games.
36 Celebrated fashion
designer Julien
Macdonald talks about life,
work and what the futureholds from the languid
luxury of The Estates at
Pangkor Laut.
42 Discover the sights,
sounds and world-class
shopping of the French
Riviera’s Saint-Tropez.
48 To celebrate its presencein Borneo with the openingof the Gaya Island Resort,YTL Hotels organised a42
climb up Mount Kinabalu– South-East Asia’s
highest peak and an iconof Sabah – for friends,
partners and its resort
team recently.
54 Self-proclaimed ‘Jungle
Boy’ S Madi takes guests
on nature trails all throughMalaysia’s Cameron
Highlands.
56 Spa Life
Onsen is as mucha pleasure as it is a
restorative activity
in Japan.

7660

Embark on journeys ofrenewal and self-discovery
this season at the Spa
Village Resort Tembok Bali.

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Turtle-watching season
starts right about now along
Malaysia’s East Coast.
Visit Tanjong Jara Resort in
Dungun for the rare chanceof seeing turtles comeashore to lay their eggs.

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Photographic artist Jenny
Krasner is one of Shanghai’s
Swatch Art Peace Hotel’svisiting artists.

Life of Luxury

Author and illustrator Rachel
Bright shares some of her
favourite literary and musicaldiversions.

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74 Luxurious timepieces anda Fall/Winter silhouettehelp you exude effortless
elegance this season.

Beautiful Life76 Dress up for adventure,
mystery and romance inthis season’s starringensembles at the JW Marriott
Kuala Lumpur.
84 All things fragrant thisseason.
86 A visit to a day spa issometimes all you needto escape the madding city
crowds.

Life Cuisine

88 Chef Florent Passard injects
French flair into the menu at

the Tanjong Jara Resort’s seafront Nelayan Restaurant.

Life Guide

92 Ben Quah, Hotel Manager of
The Majestic Malacca, shares
his favourite places in his cityof residence.

Portfolio of Life

100 Explore the world of
YTL Hotels.

My Life

120 Celebrity chef Edward Kwon
talks about Korean cuisine,
the joys of cooking and how
he avoided taking holy orders.

Editorial Team
Editorial Director
Izan Yusuff Wilson
Editor-in-Chief
Diana KhooSub Editor
Christy Yoong
      

Art
T h e

Y T L

L u x u r y

M a g a z i n e

Creative Director
Eireen Ooi
Art Director
Sheila Cheah

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

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Contributors

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Marcus WongA Note fromTan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh
It’s high summer in Europe and few pleasures can compare with enjoying a welldeserved break, wherever in the world you may be. Certainly one of the key events
this season is the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, taking place, for the third time,in London. Having previously hosted the Games in 1908 and 1948, it will be a
fitting culmination to months of festivities, as seen in the grand celebrations of
HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. While London is not without its great
attractions, I’ve always loved the English countryside. YTL Hotels’ Bray Housein the gastronomic village of Bray on Thames in Berkshire takes centrestage inthis issue of YTL Life and showcases, not just what to eat, but also what tosee and do in the vicinity.

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

Just a short flight away from London is the picturesque French Riviera,
where yet another of our properties, the Muse Hôtel de Luxe, is located,
this time in the glamorous village of Saint-Tropez. When we launched
the property in 2010, it was an instant hit, quickly acquiring numerous
distinctions, including making Condé Nast Traveller UK’ s Hot List
2011 and The Sunday Times’ “20 Hottest New Hotels in Europe”.
Surrounded by all the luxurious distractions which capture theessence of the glorious and wonderful lifestyle offered by the Coted’Azur, I think there’s no better place to base yourself for yoursummer vacation on the Riviera. Closer to home, we are alsoproud to announce the opening of our first property in Borneo– Gaya Island Resort. The island is covered in a lush tropicalforest, surrounded by coral reefs and features a golden sands
beach fronting the Resort. Less than 35 percent of the Resort’s
40 acre area is being developed, and its construction uses
techniques that preserve the natural environment.
So, whether or not you choose to spend every afternoon atSaint-Tropez’s famous beach clubs, in London to cheer on
your favourite athlete during the Games, or even exploring
the wonders of Borneo from our latest gem on Gaya
Island, this promises to be a summer to remember.
God bless and enjoy the issue.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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10THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETOGO sofa. Design: Michel Ducaroy.
Catalogue: www.ligne-roset.com

11

Exclusively at Starhill Gallery, Pamper Floor, Unit S3, 181 Jalan
Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
THE Bukit
YTL LUXURYMAGAZINE
Tel : +603-2710 3388 Fax : +603-2710 3807 Email : ligneroset@starhillgallery.com

life events //1

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Power Down
for Nature
Recently, up on the verdant Rooftop of Lot 10, a couple of hundred
people gathered to celebrate Earth Hour 2012. It was an evening
which rekindled the magic of nature, with YTL Corporation Berhad
powering down on non-essential lights, not just at Lot 10, but acrossits 36 properties and subsidiaries around the world. This year, theorganisation went the extra length to observe not just an hour but
90 minutes of Earth Hour, cutting down on an estimated 1,398kg ofcarbon emissions in 15 of its properties across Malaysia-Singapore –an amount that translates into almost 8,290 hours or 1,040 working
days of computer usage. Alongside this year’s Earth Hour theme, ‘I
Will If You Will’, YTL Corporation put on an energy-efficient show toentertain and inspire members of public gathered, with a mini petting
zoo, a tribal fire show, a hypnotic percussion performance by Tugu
Drum Circle, and local artists Bo Amir Iqram and Diandra Arjunaidi
taking turns to thrill the crowd.
1. Joseph Yeoh, Vice President of YTL Hotels & Resorts and YTL Land, Yulia
Dolmatova, General Manager of Starhill Gallery, and Ralph Dixon, Director ofEnvironmental Investments, YTL Corporation. 2. An eco-dining experience withspecial menus was held at the adjoining Teeq Brasserie, with guests dining
by candlelight and enjoying views of the city skyline. 3.Evian supported YTLCorporation’s observation of Earth Hour 2012 with sponsorship of mineral water forthe evening. 4. Bo Amir Iqram serenading the gathering with his unique brand of
singing and guitar-picking. 5. The fire show included fire-eating and huge flames,
drawing gasps from onlookers 6. Alexander Krasnikov, Batyr Haytlyyev and Zitoza
Safazova. 7. The beautiful setting of the Rooftop of Lot 10 attracted an excitedgathering of people from all walks to participate in Earth Hour 2012, a tradition for
YTL since it began in 2009, the first year for Malaysia. 8. A member of the Tugu
Drum Circle getting into the groove.

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life events //1

Brit Chic
Kuala Lumpur’s glamorous Starhill Gallery recently welcomed
Debenhams, the iconic British retailer, to its space. Popular forits ‘Designers at Debenhams’ collections, which offers designernames and style at high-street prices, Debenhams’ newstore spans 37,000 sq ft and offers South-East Asia’s largest‘Designers at Debenhams’ collections. Among its stellar line-upof designers is Julien Macdonald, who flew in especially for the
opening. One of the UK’s leading names in fashion, Macdonald
has also been awarded an OBE by HM Queen Elizabeth II for
his services to fashion.

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1. British High Commissioner HE Simon Featherstone, Julien Macdonald,
Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, Francis McAuley & Joseph Yeoh. 2. Alexandra
Rodriguez, Deborah Henry & Sherin Wong. 3. Serena Choong, Clement deLigault & Rozie Mastor. 4. Yuan Yeoh, Craig Morraies & Joseph Yeoh.
5. Models presenting Julien Macdonald’s Star and Diamond collections.
6. Andrew Kumah, Dato’ Yasmin Yusuff & Amarjit Chhina. 7. Andrea Fonseka& Hans Isaac.

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life events //8

The Lady
and The Film

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Dato’ Michelle Yeoh, Malaysia’s very own cinematic superstar andbrand ambassador for luxury timepiece label Richard Mille, visited
Kuala Lumpur recently for a special cocktail event prior to the exclusive
premiere of The Lady, the Luc Besson-directed biopic of Aung San
Suu Kyi. Held at the Richard Mille boutique in Starhill Gallery, The
Lady is the story of how an Oxford housewife and daughter of Aung
San, the martyred Burmese revolutionary, chose to remain underhouse arrest and endure separation from her family in order to bringdemocracy to Myanmar.
1. Dato’ Michelle Yeoh 2. Dato’ Tan Eu Lee & Datin Rosalind Lee. 3. Yen Lim &Johnson Ng. 4. A scene from The Lady. 5. Dato’ Simon Low & Datin Karen Koh.
6. Felix Kim & Dato’ Lennon Tan. 7. Dato’ Simon Wong, Datin Michelle Wong &Ranshe Yeoh. 8. Some of the guests who turned up for the cocktail and preview of
The Lady.

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life bites //1

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Moves Like Jaeger

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Celebrated watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre threw a party recently
to celebrate the unveiling of its newly-refurbished boutique in Kuala
Lumpur's Starhill Gallery. Measuring a whopping 1,500 sq ft, theexpansive space is dedicated to a comprehensive collection of
the brand's legendary timepieces, from iconic wristwatches likethe Reverso and the Master Compressor, to its breathtaking
Atmos clocks. Gracing the occasion was none other than Jérôme
Lambert, the CEO of Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, Tan Sri
Francis Yeoh of YTL Corporation, HE Dr Rolf Lenz, Ambassadorof Switzerland to Malaysia, and Alexis Delaporte, Managing
Director of Jaeger-LeCoultre South-East Asia. To showcase thespirit of its location, a variety of cultural entertainment, including alion dance, peacock dance and kompang performance, helped
lend a local flavour to the glittering event.
1. Tan Sri Francis Yeoh and Jérôme Lambert. 2. Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen.
3. Lim Wei-Ling. 4. Alvin Tan and Emily Yip. 5. Debbie Goh, Elaine Daly,
Jérôme Lambert, Dr. Rolf Lenz, Alexis Delaporte, Deborah Henry andAndrea Fonseka. 6. Sunil Kaul and friends. 7. Reverso Duetto timepieces
on display. 8. Deborah Henry.

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life bites //YTL’s latest news, events, attractions and not-to-be-missed experiences.

Ramadhan Delight

To commemorate the breaking of fast during the Holy Month of Ramadhan, sacredto Muslims around the world, the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur has prepared awide variety of traditional Malay dishes for guests to experience. Over 130 dishes
from all over Malaysia will be served as part of a sumptuous buffet spread at thehotel poolside and the Starhill Conference Centre on the sixth and fourth floors,
respectively. Designed to resemble a traditional Ramadhan bazaar with a kampong
ambience, the Ramadhan buffet is priced at just RM60++ per person at theconference centre and RM70++ at the poolside area. Held daily during the monthof Ramadhan, from 7pm to 10.30pm, call 603-2719 8666 to reserve.

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life bites //

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Begin your journey together as man andwife in paradise, literally. The beautiful
private island of Pangkor Laut, just off thewest coast of Malaysia, offers breathtaking
locations for romantic ceremonies andcelebratory dinners. Exchange vows
under floral chandeliers or have a heartfelt
ceremony right on the beach itself. For
those wishing to have a wedding set
amidst emerald waters, ancient rainforest
and the luxurious architecture of Pangkor
Laut Resort, the dedicated team at theresort will be only too delighted to help
you plan your big day.

With the recent release of Michelin’s
first-ever restaurant guide to Hokkaido,
there’s no better time than now to startplanning a serious gustatory tour. The
area now has four three Michelin-starred
restaurants – Nukumi, Sushi Tanabe,
Moliere and Michel Bras Toya Japan.
With so much good food around, makeit a point to check out the Hilton Niseko
Village’s excellent variety of outdoor
sports and activities during your stay
here, including golf, tree-trekking andhorse-riding.

Happy Days20

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Starry-Eyed

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How App

Luxury goes mobile as The Ritz-Carlton
App now serves up exclusive tips andtours, and integrates with the brand’sother social platforms like Foursquareand World Concierge. The thing to lookout for, though, would be the Presidential
Tips from Herve Humler, President of
the luxury hotel chain himself, whose
experiences and suggestions wouldn’t
go amiss. Turn your stay into something
extraordinary today. The Ritz-Carlton
App is compatible with Apple iPhones
and Android smart phone devices.

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Kampong Life

Unmistakably Malay, the Tanjong
Jara Resort on Malaysia’s east coastcelebrates the best of kampong life witha medley of activities every Saturday
evening. Held at the Anjung Garden,
pop by to take part in a variety ofcomplimentary activities, ranging fromcoconut-plucking demonstrations by a
pig-tailed macaque to batik-painting anda chance to sample local tea-time treats,
including keropok lekor (fish sausages),
cucur sayur (vegetable fritters) and akok,
a soft sweet cake that is a favourite of
local Terengganu people.

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Nyonya Tales

Bring home more than antiques andsouvenirs from your next trip to historysoaked Malacca by signing up for The
Majestic Malacca’s Peranakan cooking
classes. Experience an introduction to
the aromatic ingredients that contribute tospecialties like Pie Tee, Ayam Pongteh, Itik
Tim and Otak-Otak. Each lesson promises
insight into the history behind every dish,while students will be able to sample thefruits of their labour afterwards. Priced at
RM250++ per person, hats and aprons
are provided, and you also get to takehome a set of classic recipes.

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Head For The Hills

As the weather begins to heat up, retreat
to the cooler climates of Cameron
Highlands, one of Malaysia’s legendary
hill stations. While basking in the oldworld luxury of the Cameron Highlands
Resort, take advantage of the cool
weather to indulge in an al fresco mealof traditional Japanese shabu-shabu at
its Gonbei restaurant, which is a sister
outlet to Gonbei-San, the exquisite
traditional Japanese restaurant locatedin Kuala Lumpur’s glamorous Starhill
Gallery.

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

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life on the cover //weptSAway bylife on the cover //Bray

Bray House, a private residence under the YTL
Hotels portfolio, provides the ultimate basefrom which to explore the tranquil beauty of thegastro-village of Bray on Thames, as well as
the many picturesque villages and towns thatstraddle England’s Thames waterway.
Text by Diana Khoo Photography by Yong Keen KeongThe village of Bray needs no introduction amongst the coterie of global gourmets and otherequally pampered palates as it is quite possibly the only village in the world that lays claim
to having two world-class three Michelin-starred restaurants, namely Heston Blumenthal’sseminal The Fat Duck and Michel and Alain Roux’s equally-acclaimed The Waterside Inn.
And, mind you, this tally doesn’t include two other equally-renowned gastro-pubs, theHind’s Head and The Crown, both of which also happen to be owned by the enterprising
Blumenthal. Bray, in a way, is a place of culinary pilgrimage. For those unfamiliar with it,
Bray or, to be precise, Bray on Thames is located in Berkshire, the only county that could
rightly call itself ‘royal’ in England, primarily due to its proximity to Windsor, the British Royal
Family’s principle residence outside of London. It is a small but perfectly-formed village andmakes an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful countryside. The area is home
to many charming villages and places of interest, all a short distance away from Bray,
including Eton, home to the country’s famous schoolboys; Cliveden, the setting for theinfamous Profumo scandal; as well as Henley-upon-Thames, the country’s de facto rowing
capital, which bursts into nautical life every spring when the Universities of Oxford andCambridge compete in the world-famous annual regatta.
Part of YTL Hotels portfolio of world-class properties, Bray House is its first property in
England and is essentially a self-catering cottage, albeit with a luxurious twist – in keeping,naturally, with YTL Hotels' high standards of service and detail. With three luxuriouslyappointed rooms, each exuding its own unique design style, it is also quite possibly the

Bray House is located right along
the picturesque village of Bray's
high street and just a stone's throw
away from the critically-acclaimed
restaurant, The Fat Duck.

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life on the cover //“If you enter
Bray House,
look to the left
and you will still
see the original
stable gate, now
looking beautiful
as an authentic
design statement
while serving
as a wistfulmemory of thecottage’s past.”
most wonderful place to base yourself for a weekend in the country, either for a few daysof sinful gastronomic hedonism, trying out all the world-class dining this small but mighty
culinary village has to offer, or just for a much-needed break from the madding crowdsof the city and the never-ending ‘ping’ of the BlackBerry – a haven to which you canretreat, rejuvenating mind, body and soul by simply enjoying the fresh air and great British
countryside.
Bray House itself is a little bijou gem – a cottage filled with character and history and,within which, a unique Art Deco heart beats. It’s not a hotel per se; instead, you’ll instantly
feel as if you are, already, at home. Although located along the village’s high street, there
are no madding crowds. A saunter outside takes you, within seconds, to beautiful village
lanes and green patches through which you may wander. The Thames is just a shortwalk away and the village itself has many interesting byways to explore. There are no naff
shops selling tat, bar a pretty little gift shop that sells decorative items and there you haveit. No newsagents, no dingy ‘shop around the corner’ – it’s all about eating and living wellhere. Dating back to medieval times, the parish church is a remarkable structure that was
built 900 years ago, while the numerous cottages that dot the area each have a story totell. Bray House itself dates back to the 1800s and used to be part of a larger residence
named Green Shutters. The house today stands where the former barn and stables used
to be. If you enter Bray House, look to the left and you will still see the original stablegate, now looking beautiful as an authentic design statement while serving as a wistfulmemory of the cottage’s past. Design-conscious guests will particularly appreciate Bray
House’s whimsical mélange of traditional English cottage architecture and dramatic Art
Deco-inspired interiors, conceptualised and brought to life by Denise Ellis and Kevin24

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis page: The entrance to the expansive kitchen
and garden-courtyard. Opposite: The bright andvibrant hues of the Amber Room.

life on the cover //THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life on the cover //Clockwise, from above: Exquisite riverfront views at The
Waterside Inn; Dining at Michel and Alain Roux's superlative
Waterside Inn is a must-do while in Bray; The warm and cosy
lounge, with the fireplace on the right and the statement baron the left.

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life on the cover //Snook, who manage the property for YTL Hotels. The living room is spacious and warm,
while the cosy 1920s styled lounge, with its fireplace and statement bar, of an original
sailor’s mess rescued from a ship, became, in an instant, my preferred space within thehome. Antique crystal decanters contain whisky, sherry and port for your enjoyment, whilea stunning chaise lounge, designed by talented young designer Mark Brazier-Jones,
competes with the antique bar for attention. Meanwhile, those who’ve come to Bray seeking
the full gourmet treatment would invariably find themselves attracted to the light-filled, stateof-the-art kitchen, which overlooks the charming walled-in garden and pond. Look in andyou will find several hopeful-looking koi peering up at you in the off-chance that you might justfeed them.
The first level houses the cottage’s three stunning bedrooms, each one strongly declaring
its unique design style. The master bedroom is, naturally, the largest and is an elegant
mish-mash of tradition and modernity, while the shower area, featuring a stunning zebra
print mosaic by Italian masters Bisazza, is a work of art in itself. The White Suite, as its
name implies, is an exercise in purity, with its dreamy white-swathed four-poster bed
and decorative touches, all the while never veering from its ivory palette, while the Amber
Room is nothing short of dramatic, splashed in varying hues of eye-popping red. Service
at Bray House may be as unobtrusive (or not) as you wish, and all one really needs to dois ask if anything at all is needed. This may include ringing in for a massage, arranging
daily excursions and meal reservations, or even getting someone to come in to prepare
breakfast if you don’t feel up to it yourself. The kitchen is fully-equipped and stocked witheverything you’d need to whip up a full English fry-up as well as drinks and snacks. Should
you wish to use the space to entertain, have canapés on the terrace, complete with abottle of champagne chilling, or a picnic basket at the ready for a day out in the country, allthat may be easily arranged with just a telephone call.
If you’re looking for a few days of peace and quiet, do know the shelves here are wellstocked with books and magazines, and it really is the perfect place to finish up that

Left: The Hind's Head is a great place for inventive
gastro-pub grub with a molecular accent;
Above: Sweet dreams in Bray House's White Suite.

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life on the cover //novel you’ve been largely neglecting or perhaps to revisit a favourite playlist. Bray
House offers top-notch wireless speaker docks, including the space-age looking
Zeppelin Air by Bowers & Wilkins, while the bar and lounge area is kitted out witha Bang & Olufsen sound system as well as an antique gramophone. If live music
is more to your taste, then simply fling open the windows on a Sunday morning to enjoy
the delightful pealing of bells courtesy of St Michael’s church just a stone’s throw away.
History buffs would be chuffed to learn of the church’s ancient past, dating back to 1293
when it was commissioned by Queen Margaret, the wife of Edward I. The parish of Bray
itself predates the present church, while the Domesday Book of 1086 noted the existenceof a Saxon church within the area, although the exact site of this original place of worshipis uncertain. The church is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows, a lovely pipeorgan and woodwork, while a stone carving of an animal, near the entrance, is believed tohave come from the original Saxon church.
Aside from Bray Village’s numerous places in which to expand one’s waistline in ultimatestyle, the surrounding areas are a must to explore, particularly since London is hosting the
Olympics Games in summer and nearby Dorney Lake has been chosen as the venue ofthe rowing events. And, whether or not you’re planning to visit to Bray for the Games, thebest thing to do would be to make sure your PA has lined up all the restaurant reservations
for you well in advance (particularly for The Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn), while you
rent a car and leisurely coast along the countryside lanes – a great pleasure in itself. If
you’re inclined to spend an evening or two in, make it a point to first stop by the popular
Windsor Farm Shop, just a short distance away, where you may fill Bray House’s high-tech
Maytag refrigerator with all sorts of fabulous edibles, including the very same Sandringhampressed apple juice served at all Buckingham Palace’s garden parties and receptions,marvellous fresh fruit, meat and vegetables as well as the local gourmet cheeses, including
Oxford Blue and the particularly-pungent Stinking Bishop.
For the many among us who live harried lifestyles according to over-filled diaries, it really
does one good to just live a few genteel days experiencing life in the country. You might
not know it just yet, but a few days at Bray House might be all you need to put everythingright once again in your world.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“Bray House
is its first
property in
England and isessentially a selfcatering cottage,
albeit with aluxurious twist.”

Call in a chef or enjoy the pleasure of whipping up a
home-cooked feast while at Bray House.

life on the cover //PLACES OF INTEREST NEARAND AROUND BRAY
• Straddling the River Thames, thehistorically and architecturally-interesting
town of Reading is nearby and isrenowned, or should we say notorious,
as being the place where Oscar Wilde
was jailed for a few years, as are Newbury
and Lambourn, homes to a world-classracecourse and famous racehorse training
town, respectively.
• Few schools occupy a place in thehistory of English education as Eton.
Founded in 1440 as a collegiate church,
the world-renowned Eton College is still oneof the most famous and prestigious publicschools in the United Kingdom, while its
history is inextricably linked to the country’s
political, social and religious changes,
ranging from the Wars of the Roses to the
Reformation era. Its alumni roll rattles off a
string of celebrated names and has lost few
of its numerous anachronistic traditions. If
you visit today, you’ll find the College Halland kitchen the only surviving parts of theoriginal school structure. Still, it’s definitely
worth a visit, if only to see the schoolboys
going about their day in the iconic uniformthat is now instantly-recognisable theworld over.
• If you come in spring, in late April or early
May, the surrounding woods might becovered in bluebells, turning the woodlands
into a lovely carpet of lavender blue.
Try going to nearby Cookham Dean or
Burnham Beeches, where the forest, filledwith oaks dating back centuries, silver
birch trees and ancient rock monuments
left behind by druids, are wonderful for an
exploratory ramble.
• The beautiful royal town of Windsor
is famous for its 13-acre castle which,incidentally, is Britain’s largest. There
are many charming things to see and dohere, including several wonderful pubs,
restaurants and tea houses to revive
travel-weary spirits. Shoppers would alsodelight in the many charming shops, all
set within beautiful buildings and lining
cobblestoned alleys and pathways. For
those who like to ramble, the castle
grounds and surroundings are wonderful
to explore. And don’t miss the regal
spectacle of the daily changing of thecastle guards during the warm summer
months.
• For those with a penchant for finemillinery, don’t miss the great spectacle ofhats and horseflesh that is the Royal Ascot
meeting, held every summer over four
fabulous days and starring world-classthoroughbreds, Philip Treacy headwear
and various members of the Royal Family,
who turn up daily from nearby Windsor
Castle in marvellous carriages along adriveway laid out by Queen Anne.
• Originally conceived as a hunting lodge
for George Villiers, the second Duke of
Buckingham, Cliveden is an architectural
stunner set on a little hillock overlooking
the River Thames. Famous or, somesay, notorious, for being a place wherepleasure, power and politics are pursued inequal measure, visitors marvel at its ornate
interiors and 376 acres of stunning formal
gardens and parklands. Those who enjoy
tales with more than a whiff of scandal
would be intrigued to know that Cliveden
was the setting for the Profumo affair in
the 1960s. Make sure to come forafternoon tea and expressly request
a table by the window, where you can
sip Earl Grey or Lapsang Souchong while
nibbling on a cucumber sandwich as youreyes feast on the visual delight that is
Cliveden’s gardens.
• The picturesque town of Henley-onThames is renowned for its annual RoyalRegatta and rowing heritage but, if you
happen to be visiting this July, try not tomiss the Henley Festival, a celebration ofmusic, art and cuisine, which is into its 30thyear already. This year’s highlights include
performances by Sting, Katherine Jenkins,
Alfie Boe and Tim Minchin, as well as
spectacular fireworks displays nightly.

GETTING THERE
Bray House is located in the village ofBray on Thames in Maidenhead, Berkshire.
If you’re arriving in England via Heathrow
Airport, do know it is surprisingly close,taking just about 30 minutes by car.
To book Bray House, please contact
Denise Ellis at +44 (0) 7710 039058 or
e-mail info@braycottages.com

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29

Welcome, World!
With less than a month to go before the biggest show onearth comes to town, Elle Chan offers a guide to making
the best of London during the Olympic Games 2012.
Photography by London 2012 Olympics

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life feature //From Kobe Bryant to David Beckham and James Bond, the stars
are out in full force for the London Olympics 2012. They will join the
10,500 athletes competing for the 302 medals, 70,000 volunteers,
21,000 journalists and 5.5 million day visitors throughout the 17day Games.
London last hosted an Olympics in 1948, in the aftermath of WorldWar II. Known as the Austerity Games, 59 nations competed for
136 events and athletes stayed in army barracks. Athletes areluckier today, with a brand new Athletes Village in the culturally
fascinating East End of London.
Lest you think that you’d be paying grossly inflated prices, rest
assured that London Mayor Boris Johnson had launched theLondon Visitor Charter, a first for any Olympic host city, thatguarantees fair pricing for visitors, including for attractions and inrestaurants.
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge
praised London’s preparations in a media interview: "There is no
doubt about that. London is very well organized… the team is verystrong. We are very optimistic."
Should you be the lucky few who are present in London for the
Games, here’s what you can look out for.

Clockwise, from left: The Olympic
Stadium; A member of the crowd
waves the Union Jack in Land's End
at the start of the Olympic Torch
Relay in Cornwall; Wenlock, themascot of the London Olympics
2012; The volleyball event will be heldat the Horse Guards Parade.

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life feature //Stargazing
The world’s greatest sport spectacle kicks off on 27 July, withSlumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle choreographing a grandopening along an 'Isles of Wonder' theme at the 80,000-seat
Olympic Stadium.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Prince Philip,
the Duke of Edinburgh, will open the Games as well as the following
Paralympic Games on 29 August. Prince William, the Duke ofCambridge, his wife, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, andPrince Harry are official ambassadors of the UK’s Olympic andParalympic teams.
A galaxy of stars will carry the Olympic torch around Britain leading
up to 27 July, including Aussie crooner Kylie Minogue, Hollywood
star Will Smith, football legend Pele and Hong Kong star Jackie
Chan. Former Beatle Paul McCartney will present the final touchat the star-studded opening ceremony.
Many famous faces will lead the athletes’ contingents, including
flashy Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, who is expected to repeat
his golden haul in Beijing in the 100m, 200m and sprint relay.

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life feature //From left: British rider MarkCavendish leads the pack down theMall during the London-Surrey Cycle
Classic. The Mall will be the venue ofthe marathon during the Olympics;
The Olympic flame; View inside theOlympic Stadium.

than a match in and out of the water for compatriot Phelps. As forthe ladies, another Italian fencer, Elisa Di Francisca, has brought a
sexiness to her sport, while Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova
can always be expected to stir up more than patriotic feelings.

For moments of glory

Organisers are cleverly making use of London’s sterling sporting
facilities and public spaces, some of which are historicallysignificant, and blend it with spanking new attractions to savea lot of money and draw visitors. Archery is held at the Lord’s
Cricket Ground, while the marathon is on the Mall, equestrianin Greenwich Park, shooting at the Royal Artillery Barracks andcycling at Hampton Court Palace. Tennis will naturally feature
at Wimbledon.
Beach volleyball will be battled at the Horse Guards Parade in
Whitehall, beside Buckingham Palace, where the Queen’s birthday
is celebrated annually with the Trooping of the Colour. The triathlon
takes place in Hyde Park, the largest of London’s meticulously
maintained Royal Parks, while badminton and rhythmic gymnastics
will be staged in the Wembley Arena, one of the world’s most
famous concert venues.
New venues are the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park,
identifiable by its stunning wave-like roof spanning 160m long and
80m wide, which is longer than Heathrow’s Terminal 5. Anothernew facility is the 80,000-capacity Olympic Stadium for athletics.

Another draw is 26-year-old American swimmer, Michael Phelps,
who won eight gold medals in Beijing. With 16 Olympic medals in

his career, Phelps just needs three more medals to become themost decorated Olympian in history.
The oldest competitor is 71-year-old Japanese equestrian rider,
Hiroshi Hoketsu, who was 23 when he participated in his
first Olympics in 1964. South African double-amputee, Oscar
Pistorius, 'aka the Blade Runner', as he runs on carbon fibre
blades, will make history as the first amputee to compete in
the Olympics after qualifying for the 400m with a time of 45.30
seconds. Kevin Durant is a key player for the star-studded
American basketball team, while five-time Chinese All Englandand reigning Olympic gold medallist, Lin Dan, is expected to
face a fierce challenge from Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei on thebadminton courts, although at press time, an injury sustained
during the All England Badminton finals puts the latter's Olympics
appearance in doubt.
Some sexy stallions are expected to steal the show with their looks
as much as for their sporting prowess. Italian fencer Aldo Montano
doubles up as an underwear model, while Ryan Lochte is more

The Olympic Village was designed after London’s tradition of homesaround communal squares and courtyards. There are waterways
crossed by bridges, with tree-lined promenades, biking trails andan odd-looking Orbit Tower built of red steel. Post Games, thevillage will become 2,800 new homes for East Londoners.

Beyond sports

Tired of crowds and competitions? Then explore this greatcity that manages to hold together its past, present and future
remarkably. Check out exhibitions and cultural events thissummer on visitlondon.com, which include the BBC Proms (13July to 8 September); The World Shakespeare Festival (23April to 9 September) and the London 2012 Festival (21 June
to 9 September), a colourful celebration of the world’s artistes indance, arts, music, theatre, film and digital innovation.
London also has numerous gems that warrant a visit. Join anhour-long free art tour at the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square,
led by gallery art experts, or catch a complimentary concert at St
Martin-in-the-Fields that hosts free lunchtime concerts on most
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays by emerging talents. For uniqueback-in-time experiences, drop by Dennis Severs’ House in

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life feature //“In 1948, 59
nations competed
for 136 events andathletes stayed inarmy barracks.”
Spitalfields, an 18th century townhouse that appears as if thefamily of Huguenot silk weavers has just left a moment ago.
Alternatively, take part in a candlelight tour of Sir John Soane’s
unusual museum in Holborn, which was the 18th century homeof the eccentric architect.
There is no other more quintessential English experience than
traditional afternoon tea offered at top-end hotels like the Savoy
and Dorchester, with silver-tiered trays of dainty open-faced
sandwiches and scones served alongside hot teas. And don’t
miss the opportunity to view Tower Bridge, especially when it
is raised, or ride London’s original Routemaster buses’ heritage
route 9 from Kensington to Trafalgar and route 15 from Tower Hill
to Trafalgar Square.
To escape the crowds, drop by Postman’s Park in the City of
London, a quiet spot that commemorates simple acts of bravery
with ceramic tiles detailing selfless acts. It’s surprisingly captivating
and moving.

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life feature //Eat, drink and be merry
London is becoming increasingly renowned for its bustling foodscene. Hot spots such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Clockwise, from above: The Aquatics Centre; Frances Johnson carries the
Olympic flame on the leg through Liskeard in Cornwall; The triathlon will takeplace in Hyde Park, the largest of London's Royal Parks; Metropolitan Police
and Royal Navy personnel carry the Olympic flame in a lantern inside a Royal
Navy helicopter as the flame makes its way to Land's End for the start of theTorch Relay; David Beckham with the torch during the ceremony to mark thearrival of the Olympic flame; Torchbearers passing the Olympic flame on the
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Northern Ireland.

will require advance bookings months ahead. Still, there areloads of great grub in chic eateries across the city, not justin traditional restaurants but also in gastropubs, especiallyaround the Farringdon tube area. Some chic dining spots
include Granges & Co, Story Deli, Pollen Street Social, Union
Jack and The Delaunay. Chain restaurants like Carluccio’sor Wagamama’s also offer good food at resonable prices.
For something different, check online or ask around to see where
you can enjoy a home-cooked meal under London’s increasingly
popular supper club scene. Or just grab a ready-to-go meal fromthe marvellous food halls of Selfridges, Marks & Spencer and
Fortnum & Mason.

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Island Inspiration
World-renowned fashion designer Julien Macdonald takes some time offfrom his hectic lifestyle to relax in The Estates at Pangkor Laut and finds
himself inspired by the magical private island.
Text by Joseph Kelly Photography by Law Soo Phye

From an early age, there was always something a little bit special
about Julien Macdonald. Born in the little town of Merthyr Tydfil in
Wales, he always believed that he was destined for great things. He
dabbled in singing and acting before following his heart to find hislife calling. Displaying a natural talent and armed with the knitwear
skills he had acquired at an early age, Macdonald seemed destined
to be an iconic fashion designer. Rubbing shoulders with wellknown names in the fashion world like Alexander McQueen andIsabella Blow and even his education at Cyfarthfa Castle seemed
to influence his career path. “Going to school in a castle is pretty

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life feature //Left: World-renowned fashion designer Julien
Macdonald soaking up the sun in Pangkor Laut Resort,
Malaysia; Bottom: Macdonald has expressed interestin using batik in his collection.

amazing. It is surround by vast grounds, has got grand rooms andit’s all quite magical... a little bit like Harry Potter, really. Perhaps goingto school in a castle influenced me, the grandeur of it.”
His old school was recently visited by HM Queen Elizabeth II on
her Diamond Jubilee tour, adding to the numerous occasions
when he has had the honour of meeting her and allowing him toreveal a glimpse of his personality when he shared a joke with her
about their experiences with castles. “Julien, did you go to school
here?” she asked him, to which he cheeckily responded: “Actually,
I did. I went to school in a castle; but you got to live in a castle.”
His talents and the success that he has enjoyed throughout
his career were recognized by the Royal Family and the British
Government when they awarded him an OBE for outstandingachievement in fashion. Such an honour has allowed him to do
one of the things he enjoys most: travelling. As an ambassador
for fashion, he has travelled all over the world to explore different
places that inspire his work, including Malaysia.
On his recent visit to Malaysia, to help re-launch Debenhams
at Starhill Gallery by organising a fashion show for his Star andDiamond collections, he also made an inspirational journey to
Pangkor Laut Resort, where Macdonald spoke to YTL Life about

how he broke into the world of fashion, what the future holds andwhere he would like to spend his next holiday.
When did you realise that fashion was the career path for you?
Well, I never really wanted to be a fashion designer. When I went
to school, deep down, I always wanted to be famous. I wanted
people to know me and to recognise my name. I wasn’t really sureof what I wanted to do. I used to watch TV and wanted to be theperson on the screen. My iconic shows were MTV and Top of thePops, and, when I was young, I thought I wanted to be a singer
but, as I got older, I realised that I couldn't sing. I was trying to figure
out, 'What can I do now?' So, I guess I fell into fashion by mistake.
How did you manage to break into the fashion industry atsuch a young age?
I was very lucky, really. It all started when I met the legendary
fashion muse and stylist, Isabella Blow, who introduced me to avery young designer, Alexander McQueen. He used to have atiny workshop below Philip Treacy, the world’s most famous hat
designer, and that’s where McQueen started his career. Basically,at the age of 20, I worked for McQueen and I did the knitwear for
his first three collections. He was the most outrageous designer
in the world at that time, and everybody wanted to know who heand those around him were. Isabella Blow would tell everybody

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life feature //about her discoveries and she introduced me to the fashion media
and the world. So, I started at the top, really, by making things for
Alexander McQueen.
What has been the defining moment in your career?
Working for Alexander McQueen was one of them but it definitely
wasn't how I started. When I went to art college, I had to study
different types of art and one of the art forms was life drawing,where you painted a nude figure that is draped in fabric. Whileother people in my course would paint the figure, I would always
draw and paint the fabric. So, other people would have a picture
while mine would just be one of a fabric pattern.

Clockwise, from right: The time Macdonald
has spent at Pangkor Laut Resort has
inspired his creativity; A Julien Macdonald
design at last year's London Fashion Week;
Accessories from the Star Collection.

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You mentioned that you had aspirations, ambition and adetermination to be somebody. Are these some of the qualities
you need to be a successful fashion designer today?
I think so. I think the world now has become much more competitive
than when I started off. I think people learn things now much younger
because of technology, are much more competitive from a younger
age, and a lot of people now want incredible jobs, of which working
in fashion is one. Millions of people aspire to be fashion designers

You have had such a successful career and achieved somuch. What do you see for yourself five years from now andwhat are your future goals?
Even though I've succeeded and have done a lot, there is so much
more to do. The thing is, there is so much growth in pursuing abrand. I would like to have my own TV fashion show, which I am
currently in talks with. I would also like to launch my own signaturefragrance; I've never opened up a Julien Macdonald store and I
was planning to do it two years ago but, because all the markets
collapsed, I put everything on hold and I think that was a very good
move. I would like to eventually open my own store but not a big
one. I think a small signature boutique would be fine, which I could
then roll out around the world with luxury items. It's about quality
and niche with my own brand.
You’re a very creative individual and, every season, you face
the task of having to come up with new designs. Where do
you draw your creative inspiration from?
Well, it can be very difficult for designers to get inspiration but I think
what you must do is travel. Travel is the one of the great sources ofinspiration for me. The time I've spent here at Pangkor Laut Resort
has inspired me as a designer. It gives you time to stop and clearlyreflect. When I previously came to Malaysia with Britain’s Next Top
Model with Elle Macpherson and Dato’ Jimmy Choo, I actually got
stranded here because of the ash cloud from Iceland's Mount
Eyjafjallajökull! So, for three weeks, I couldn't do anything and Dato’
Jimmy Choo said, 'OK, I'll show you Malaysia', because he's theambassador for Tourism Malaysia, and, basically, we set off on aroad trip. We went to Penang, Tanjong Jara Resort and Langkawi,
so I got to see a lot of Malaysia.
because they see these people with celebrities on the TV and inmagazines and they want to be that kind of person. It means thatyou need to be much more focused and you need to start early.
You have a role as a judge on Britain's Next Top Model. Was
being on television something that has always appealed to
you and was it an experience that you enjoyed?
To be honest, I didn't want to do it – at the beginning, I said: 'I don't
want to open myself up to people in that way because I want to be
seen as a fashion designer and not as a TV star'. When I realisedthat it was going to be with Elle Macpherson and she called me tosay that she really wanted to do the show with me, I said, ‘I’ll do it
if you can promise me that the programme will be incredible andsuccessful', and she said 'I can't promise that but we can makeit successful'. Fashion opens up different doors and so I decided,
reluctantly at the beginning, to do the show. For the first series, I wasvery tough, very hard on the girls but, as it progressed, I decided
I wasn’t going to be the Simon Cowell of the show and changed
my direction. People got to see the funnier side of me and now
know that I'm warmer, more joyous and a lot more myself on it. I've
enjoyed doing it.

What are the differences between your Star and Diamondcollections in Debenhams?
My Star collection has been with me for seven years and, basically,
the Star woman, as I’ve gotten older, has gotten older with me.
A Star woman is sophisticated, loves fashion and is not really afollower of any crazy fashion trends. The Diamond collection ismore for the daughter of the Star woman. I dress a lot of young
people, from Jessie J to Selena Gomez, and, when you dress
young popstars like that, a younger generation gets attracted toyour clothes. It means a lot of younger girls would like to wear
Julien Macdonald. That is why we decided to launch the Diamondcollection, which is for a much more younger and petite figure. It’sa lot shorter, younger and more colourful, and the price point ismuch more affordable for a younger girl.
What’s the latest fashion trend we should all be aware of?
Fashion is like technology, it changes all the time. Over the last two
years, there has been an increase in computer-generated digital
design prints and I think they are back in fashion. They come andgo, and I have a lot of them in my own collection in Debenhams.

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life feature //Also, what has been around and is always coming back is colour
blocking. It’s the way colours are put together. I’ve done it on
my own and Debenhams’ collections. It’s something the fashionindustry loves at the moment. It just looks modern, makes you feelyounger and it’s very flattering.
What do you think of the colourful patterns and fabrics of
Malaysian batik ? Is it something that you might consider
incorporating into a Julien Macdonald collection?
I think Malaysia has inspired me and I would like to use it aspart of my collection. I would like to design a range of kaftans or
swimwear, inspired by Malaysia, its traditional crafts and batik.
What do you love most about working in fashion?
I think it's the variety of what fashion has to offer. It's a lot morethan just clothes. You get to meet incredible people. You have anaccess to worlds that normally wouldn't be possible for anybody
else. When you make clothes for people, you get to see what
they're like, get invited into their houses and, when you makefriends in fashion, they can last a lifetime. I've met the Yeoh familyof YTL Corporation twice now; the first time was two years ago and40

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they opened up their hearts and their incredible properties to me
and it was an amazing experience, and I never thought that, twoyears later, I would be back to say hello to them again. Also, themore established and successful that you are, the more you get tooffer your advice and help to the younger generation and that canbe very rewarding.
What type of holiday best suits your personality?
I am one of those people who can’t sit still. I need to do things.
I love the sun, but only for a limited amount of time. I’m always
looking for inspiration; even if I’m tired, I don’t mind getting up
early if I’m going to wake up to a fantastic view, which is what I
have here. It’s nice to listen to the sea, to sit and be quiet, andreflect on your life, on the future. I’ve been doing some designs
while I’ve been here. I never switch off. I think that’s the worst
thing about being a fashion designer. My mind is always working.
Your career has enabled you to travel all across the world;
where has been your favourite destination to visit?
The one place that I keep returning to is Greece. I really like theisland of Mykonos; I like the hot weather as well and I like theGreeks, because they’re glamorous and fun; they love fashion andlike to dress up. I also like Miami – the incredible hotels, restaurants
and nightlife. I like places where people get dressed up to go out,
which is why I like Hollywood as well. I like Malaysia too. Kuala
Lumpur, for instance, is one of the fastest growing cities I’ve been
to. This is my second visit and it’s changed from my first. There
are new shops and new things, and the reason there are so many
shops is because Malaysians like fashion and they love to shop.
So, I have a lot of favourite places, not just one.
For the past week, you’ve been staying at The Estates at
Pangkor Laut. Have you enjoyed your stay so far?
I think you must be mad not to enjoy Pangkor Laut. Before I came,
I called up Elle Macpherson and asked her what it was like, andshe said it was incredible. That it is one of her favourite places andthat I would absolutely love it. I’m so happy to be able to cometo a magical tropical island, which is private, beautiful and full of
character, and where there are actually lots of things to do. Ever
since I’ve been here, I haven’t stopped. People say you can comeand relax, but there are so many things to explore on the island. It’sa place you can keep returning to as there’s so much to explore. I
like it here.
What have you enjoyed most about your stay?
The tropical forest is just amazing. I have actually been running
through the forest to see the different types of plants, the varietyof orchids and wildlife actually living on the island itself, is justamazing. Then, there’s Emerald Bay and all the different kinds
of food available. And I can’t forget the Spa Village, which I’ve
been to every day. I’ve tried all the different types of treatments,from the Malay massage to the different facial treatments andthe baths. I didn’t know you could spend so much time in the
spa! I think time stands still here; you can turn off the clock
and just relax. That’s the beauty of Pangkor Laut Resort. It is a
magical place.
Would you ever like to come back?
I would definitely like to come back. There are so many places
to see in Malaysia and I know that YTL Hotels are opening up a
new property soon. On my next trip here, I would like to visit Gaya
Island Resort. I’ve been talking to people about it and that’s thenext place I would like to visit.

Clockwise, from top: Selena
Gomez in a Julien Macdonald
dress; Macdonald and Elle
Macpherson worked together
on the TV series Britain's
Next Top Model;
Macdonald fitting a model
before a fashion show.

Would you ever consider hosting your next fashion show here
at Pangkor Laut Resort?
I would definitely like to hold a fashion show at Pangkor Laut or
one of the other YTL resorts. I actually would like to do a range
exclusively for the boutiques and the hotels using traditional
techniques and manufacture it in Malaysia, giving people achance to buy a Julien Macdonald outfit at the resorts at anaffordable price.

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life feature //42

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis page: Although undeniably glossy,
Saint-Tropez still oozes authenticity andtonnes of Tropezian character.
Opposite page: The yellow tower of the
Church of Saint-Tropez is the icon of
the town.

life feature //And God Created…
Saint-Tropez
We all know Saint-Tropez as impossibly chic and glamorous, studded
with world-class beach clubs, luxury villas and exuding an air of insouciant
elegance all at once. One of the great pleasures of your trip here, though,would inevitably be indulging, from a spot of shopping in its wonderfully-lively
market to the maze of bijou little stores that offer a dazzling array of authentic
Tropezienne treasures, as well as taking in the sights, sounds and scenes thatare authentically Saint-T to a tee.
Text by Diana Khoo Photography by Yong Keen KeongTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life feature //High season for Saint-Tropez is now in full-swing andit remains one of the eternally-fashionable placesin the world – to see and be seen, to soak up thesun or, simply, to bask in this glamorous old fishing
town’s reflected glamour. Ever since a young Brigitte
Bardot burst on the film scene in Roger Vadim’s
legendary cinematic masterpiece And God Created
Woman in 1956, it would seem the international jetset spirit descended upon Saint-Tropez and neverleft. Today, it remains as chic as ever and is one of thebest places in the world to people-watch. Whether or
not you’ve bagged a hot table at one of the ‘in’ beachclubs like Nikki Beach or Le Club 55, or if you to preferto recline on one of those scarlet director’s chairs thatare a Sénéquier trademark (the famous portside café
located along the Quai Jean Jaurès and, it must be said,
the preferred spot of Jacques Chirac), here’s a list of top
things to see, do and eat in this golden, sun-kissed town.

To Market, To Market

Mention Saint-Tropez and the inevitable images of gleamingmega-yachts, glamorous beach clubs and elegant villas
spring to mind. However, don’t overlook the rustic charmsof its twice-weekly market, which makes the entire squareof Place des Lices just spring into riotous life. Market day
happens every Tuesday and Saturday. And, from about
7am till 3pm, the entire square is a riotous cacophony ofstalls selling everything you could ever imagine wanting, from
confitures artisanales to knobbly-looking saucissons, linen,
flowers and antiques. If you have a bit of a wander, you would
most likely arrive upon a little van that sells the best pizzas thisside of the Cote d’Azur. Look out for La Pizza du Marche,
where each slice costs just 2 (although you may choose tobuy a few whole ones back to your villa for brunch) and thewood-fired taste is simply incredible. The flavour to try? The
Jambon Emmental – the simplest but most divine couplingever of ham and cheese. Further along, there is also a popular
stall which sells paella. If you wish to try it, do go early as it often
sells out in just a few hours. And, even if it’s not market day,make it a point to visit in the late part of the afternoon, as that’s
when the locals come up to play pétanque on the square under
the shade of the plane trees.

A Room With A View

Once you’re laden down with all sorts of treasure from themarketplace, like handcrafted soaps, ivory linen and an antiqueor two, you’d need to drop them off at your hotel. Thankfully,
the Muse Hôtel de Luxe offers complimentary transfers fromthe hotel to the Places des Lices. You’d just about have enough“The rustic charms of
its twice-weekly market
makes the entire square ofPlace des Lices just spring
into riotous life.”
time to settle into the luxury vehicle before arriving back to a warm
welcome at the hotel, perched on a little bluff just below the quainthilltop village of Ramatuelle. Perk yourself up with a strawberry
mojito from the bar before deciding how to spend the rest of yourday, be it with an Asian-inspired massage at the hotel, a goodbook at the iconic aquamarine-hued pool or with the glossy set
at one of Saint-Tropez’s chic beach clubs or cool cafes along the
Quai Jean Jaurès.

Sea Stories

Saint-Tropez’s tiny fish market, the Porte de la Poissonerie, isdefinitely worth a walkabout. It is advisable to go early as the fish
often sells out fast. Open daily, pop by for a stroll after your morning

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life feature //Opposite page: Cafes andbistros abound in SaintTropez's alleys and lanes.This
page, clockwise, from above:
Market day at the Place desLices; summer in SaintTropez is all about being by
or on the water;
vividly-hued calla lilies forsale at the marketplace;
L'Auberge des Maures offers
wonderful Provençal cuisine.

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Muse Hôtel de Luxe
For a truly luxurious Saint-Tropez experience, stay at the Muse
Hôtel de Luxe in Ramatuelle. For reservations, tel: +334 94 4 30
440 or visit www.muse-hotels.com

Clockwise, from top: The beautiful windmilllike structure which houses the Muse Hôtel
de Luxe's reception; sweet cantaloupe
melons are a must for summery lunches.

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life feature //café crème and have a look at the catch of the day,from lobster and langoustines, to clams, crabs andshiny-eyed fish. There is a lovely mosaic high up on
the main wall as you enter and the fish market marks
the entrance to the Old Town.

Le Retail Therapy

A quick once-over of Saint-Tropez will tell you this is no
ordinary seaside town. Luxury is aplenty in this fishingvillage and you’ll definitely be able to indulge in retailtherapy par excellence here. Shopping would seem tobe the secondary pastime, ranking just below peoplewatching and sun-worshipping. The famous Place dela Garonne as well as the Rue Gambetta, formerly thepreferred residential area for all of Saint-Tropez’s wealthy
ship owners and merchants, are good places to start.
All the international labels are well-represented, from
Italian brands like Fendi, Bottega Venetta and Tod’s, tothe local luxe labels, naturellement. The Dior, Chanel andLouis Vuitton stores, in particular, have to be seen to bebelieved. The Vuitton store has a marvellous garden, while
Dior and Chanel are housed in turn-of-the-century villas,with Dior even having its own garden café and Chanel,a sparkling swimming pool. What is immensely charming
about Saint-Trop is that it’s not all one-sided. You’re justas likely to find a small tabac store alongside a big brand.
The locals are fiercely proud of their heritage and culture,and this only adds greatly to the character of the town. Oh,
and just a note of interest for those with a penchant for old
French films, the Gendarmerie de Saint-Tropez is justaround the corner. If you’ve ever watched the 1964 movie
Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez, starring the great movie starLouis des Funès, largely acknowledged as one of the giantsof French comedy, you’d definitely recognise the structure
standing staidly nearby.

Plush Plages

There are few more glamorous places to get your bathing suit
wet than at one of Saint-Tropez’s famous beach clubs. With
the world-renowned Bay of Pampelonne and its 5km of whitesand beach stretching right ahead of you, it’s not hard to see
why. For title of ‘le ultimate beach club’, however, the critics are
divided. It’s a billionaire’s toss-up between Le Club 55, whichearned itself cult status after having catered for the cast andcrew (la Bardot included) of And God Created Woman, and theglamorous international franchise that is Nikki Beach, where therich, beautiful and famous (think the likes of Bono, the Donald and
HSH Prince Albert of Monaco) nibble on lobster tail spring rolls
and sautéed sea scallops with caviar washed down with vintage
champagne. The best way to arrive at Club 55 is, of course, is byprivate mega-yacht, where you skip all the summer traffic (which canbe horrendous) to make a splashy entrance via the jetty,of which theobserving Tropezians would definitely approve, bien sûr !

YTL LIFE ’S GUIDE TO SHOPPING in
SAINT-TROPEZ
Rondini Every leggy lovely in Saint-Tropez seems to be sporting
Rondini’s famous sandals Tropeziennes. Established in 1927, it
remains as relevant in modern-day seaside ensembles. A mustbuy! 16 Rue Georges Clemenceau, tel: 04 94 97 19 55.
Swan’s Cute things galore at this multi-brand fashion andaccessories store, including Anya Hindmarch carry-wearand stunning cocktail rings with colourful stones. 8 Rue deClemenceau, tel: 04 94 56 43 12.
Pink Gin If you want to stand out among the beautiful crowdswanning about Nikki Beach and Le Club 55, come here foraccessories and clothing that’ll add a fluorescent punch to yourlook. 5 Rue des Commercants, tel: 033 122 33 44 55.
Gas Bijoux You might have come across this chi-chi store,
which has outlets in Paris, New York and Milan. Pop by to stock
up on arm candy as well as stunning adornment for other bodyparts. Place de la Garonne, tel: 04 94 97 26 52.
Truffaux Few things shade you more stylishly than a Panama
hat and, certainly, there are plenty to choose from in SaintT’s shops. Truffaux is relatively new to the scene but it does
beautifully-befitted headgear – every hat is personally steamed to
fit the wearer’s head – with specialist work and height modification
also done by appointment. Rue Gambetta, tel: 04 94 56 51 38.
K Jacques Although the jet-set and the chic-set have beenwearing K Jacques’ Spartiates Tropeziennes since 1933, it got asuper celebrity boost when Madonna wore a pair during Super
Bowl 2012. Get a pair. You’ll definitely L.U.V. it. 16 Rue Henri
Seillon, tel: 04 94 97 38 67.
Nicolas Hanniet For comfortable Tropezienne-styleespadrilles (a nice change from the ubiquitous gladiator sandals
synonymous with the town), pop by this little store that offers
traditional as well as cheeky designs, including patterns featuring
the faces of Salvador Dali and Karl Lagerfeld. 15, Rue desCommercants, tel: 04 94 45 9043.
Isabella M is the store you want if vintage Chanel or retro
Bakelite jewellery is what you’re after. This charming store
also offers authentic Art Deco and Art Nouveau furniture anddecorative items. Passage du Port, tel: 06 30 03 91 76. clean-up
takes place from 1 - 3 October.

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life feature //Climb Every
Mountain
To celebrate its debut in Borneo with the
opening of Gaya Island Resort, YTL Hotels
organised a climb for friends, partners and its
resort team up Mount Kinabalu – South-East
Asia’s highest peak and an icon of Sabah.
Elaine Daly, Miss Malaysia/Universe 2003
and a renowned face in Malaysia’s acting andmodelling industries, shares her experience.
Photography by Cede Prudente

Never did I imagine that 2012 would bea year of many firsts. I had secretly
desired the year to be filled with adventureand experiences but hadn’t done muchplanning to make it so. And yet, somehow,
things fell beautifully into place. I’m only half
way through the year and it has been pretty
glorious right from the start. In January, I
experienced what has been the best meal
to date in my life at Dinner by Heston –molecular genius Heston Blumenthal’smuch talked about London outpost. I also
finally mustered up enough courage tohave my tonsils removed that month, theday after my birthday. I’d been delaying
it no thanks to a lack of courage and the
procrastinator within, but the procedurechanged my life and it paved the way for2012 to be my year of, not just magicalthinking, but doing too!

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For a start, I need not travel with a big
bag of meds any more. I am, overall,a happier, healthier camper (literally!).
Recently, I travelled with World Vision (forwhich I am an ambassador) to Tua Chua,
Vietnam – a village south of Hanoi – to visita child whom I sponsor. I stayed in a local
inn, right next to a market where they stillsell dogs for meat and went on by foot tovillages where you come face to face withextreme poverty, have no running waterand young girls are married off at 15.
I also visited Melbourne and enjoyed averitable food fest, even coming homewith my first pair of Uggs – an Australianbrand of unique-looking shoes. It’s the
mid-year mark now and I still am not surewhat the rest of the year has in store but
my recent experience, on home ground,

Dawn breaks as the climbers take on
the final stretches up Mount Kinabalu.

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49

blessed me with an awe-filled momentthat will live forever in my soul.
I recently climbed Mount Kinabalu,
South-East Asia’s highest peak andan icon of Sabah, to help celebrate
the opening of Gaya Island Resort, YTL
Hotels’ first property in Borneo. My own
love affair with this luxurious Malaysian
hotel chain actually began 10 long years
ago, when I discovered a magical island
called Pangkor Laut. If I ever need to betransported to tranquillity, only this island
can do it for me. I have, since then, madethe point of visiting it at least twice a year
and when stress levels are especiallyhigh. I had struck up a friendship with
the island resort’s then General Manager,
Jeff Mong, and he became my go-to
person for any questions I had regarding
the group’s extensive hotel portfolio. I
also love The Majestic Malacca, which
is a must-visit for me every Chinese
New Year, and I have learnt to appreciate
the different nuances each resort
embodies and how it immediately
captures the essence and unique qualities
of its locations.
It was in January this year that I got a callfrom Jeff, telling me about the openingof another YTL hotel – this time on an

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Clockwise, from top: The YTL
Hotels team and friends at
Timpohon Gate, where every
Kinabalu climb begins; Carmen
Soo and the writer ready for thechallenge to scale South-East
Asia's highest peak.

life feature //Mist shrouds the summit ofMount Kinabalu, which is also
an icon of Sabah.

island called Gaya, just off the coast of
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital. He hadplanned this expedition to mark the brand's
first presence in Sabah and invited me tocome along. Being gung ho by nature, I
immediately agreed. I also roped in mydear friend Carmen Soo, a well-known facein Malaysia and the Philippines, who, likeme, is always game for new adventures!
What I soon learnt was that it takes serious
preparation to climb any mountain.
I had already embarked on a strict
fitness regime and a semi-raw food dietearlier in the year but threw in special
daily training in the month leading up
to the climb. My power plate instructor,
Subash from Bodytone, whipped me into
shape and drew up a mad regime forme, not including my gym, Pilates andwakeboarding sessions. On 26 May, at

0530hrs on a Saturday, Carmen and I,
both decked out in our Adidas best, began
our Kinabalu journey. We were met by Jeff,
members of the YTL office and Reef Check
Malaysia. We travelled from Kota Kinabalu
to Kinabalu Park, a two-hour journey
which fuelled our little group’s sense of
nervousness and anticipation.
Every Kinabalu climb begins, symbolically,at the Timpohon Gate. We arrived at about
0830hrs. Anselm, our guide from Let’s
Go Borneo, explained the route and what
to expect along the way. We finally started
at 0930hrs and I immediately became
thankful for my over-zealous preparation.
Climbing Kinabalu requires endurance
and I remember having to take several
deep breaths just to remain focused. We
stopped every kilometre or so for gulps
of water and rest. Kinabalu Park is also

extremely well-managed, with lavatories
at every rest hut along the way. I’dread that altitude sickness could bea potential problem but, due to ourslow and steady pace, as well as mydeep-breathing exercises, I felt perfectly
fine. The climb also helped inculcate
a great sense of respect for the porters(women porters, especially) who work the
Kinabalu route, often carrying no less than
40kg of baggage, including heavy gas
tanks, in flimsy slippers, sometimes twice
a day!
We finally arrive at Laban Rata, our abodefor the night, where we hungrily tucked into
dinner and attempted a few hours’ sleep
before the final ascent. We were woken
up at 0230hrs and piled on extra layersof clothing as temperatures at Kinabalu’s
summit can often dip to 5°C. This moment,

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51

life feature //up until 1040hrs, turned out to be one of
my life’s great defining moments, as wellas one of the most physically-challenging
things I have ever done so far. Climbing thefinal 2km to Low’s Peak took me four hours
and 10 minutes! Thinking about how Sir
Hugh Low did it in 1851 helped spur me
on. The climb wasn’t easy and my walking
stick became my new best friend for the
next two days. My guide, Ginsos Magiau,
was also an angel and I will always be
grateful for his kindness and motivation that
helped me make it to the top.
Gaya Island Resort is the latest addition to YTL Hotel’s portfolio of luxury properties.
Located on Gaya Island, off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, the resort offers 120 hillvillas and a two-bedroom suite, and will boast its very own Feast Village as well as a Spa
Village, offering treatments that embody the essence of Borneo’s unique wellness culture
and healing traditions. To reserve, contact the YTL Travel Centre at +60 3 2783 1000.

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Never had the phrase ‘so near yet so far’rung truer for me as well. The air began tothin as we ascended higher and I could
slowly see the peak taking shape from a
distance. The sun had, by now, begun
to rise and the beauty surrounding it waslife feature //Above: For the writer,2012 has been a yearof doing. Left: The
YTL Hotels climbers
celebrate reaching the
top of Mount Kinabalu.

indescribable. I must admit to tearing up in
the last 150m as I was both exhausted andoverwhelmed by the beauty around me,
and grateful for Ginsos’ encouragement
and moral support, knowing that he, who
was but a stranger to me the day before,
held on to me, helping me conquer my fear
and achieving a great feat.
That moment finally arrived at 0643hours
and what an amazing feeling it was. The
sight from Kinabalu’s summit was nothing
short of glorious and, to be standing tallon South-East Asia’s highest peak, after
more than 12 hours of mental and physicalexhaustion, was sweet.
The next challenge came in the form of
the descent. And, as Ginsos and I trudged
down the slippery slopes, it dawned

upon me that going down was trickier
than climbing up. Again, Ginsos cameto the rescue, slowly cajoling me andmy trembling knees down. It’s funny how
climbing mountains reflects life’s journey
in so many ways. There is the fear of notknowing what lies ahead and how theright support and encouragement goesa long, long way. After reaching Laban
Rata and resting for an hour, we made our
final descent down to the base. By now,it started pouring and the slopes became
more slippery than ever. Thankfully, Scott
Mayback, Gaya Island Resort’s resident
marine biologist, stepped in to help and,
together, we made it down safely, just after
the sun had begun to set.

of our exceedingly-sore legs finally
set in. I even joked that climbing Kinabalu
was harder than competing in a beauty
pageant, which, by the way, is no meanfeat either. In Carmen’s own words,
she felt “like a winner”. The sense of
camaraderie, being on top of the worldand knowing that ‘if it’s to be, it’s up tome’ best sum up my entire experience.
As Sir Edmund Hillar y and Tenzing
Norgay, the first people to summit Mount
Everest, put it: “It’s not the mountainwe conquer, but ourselves”. Now thatmy legs have just about recovered, I
wouldn’t mind climbing Kinabalu for asecond time, perhaps to commemorate
Gaya Island Resort’s first anniversary. Like
I said, it’s been a year of many firsts.
Maybe next year should be one of
returning for seconds.

Once the adrenaline rush had died down,
extreme fatigue and the consciousness

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53

The
Jungle Boy
The Cameron Highlands Resort’s
resident naturalist, S Madi, isnever happier than when out inthe outdoors, exploring theunique flora and fauna of theverdant highlands he calls home.
Text by Diana Khoo

Top: S Madi, Cameron Highlands Resort's
resident naturalist. Bottom: A beautiful winged
resident of the highlands.

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When the temperatures rise in tropical
Malaysia, one of the preferred places toretreat to has always been the Cameron
Highlands, a former colonial hill stationthat was first discovered in 1885 by
British surveyor William Cameron.
Often compared to places like Simla or
Darjeeling, it is cool and misty, with thesurrounding jungle boasting a uniquemicro-system that is all its own. For thosekeen on learning more about plant lifeand such, it would be wise to befriend
S Madi, the resident naturalist at Cameron
Highlands Resort and a veritable bank of
information. An avid naturalist for over 20
years, Madi, as he is simply known, haseven discovered two species of flora – aflower known as the Amorphophallus anda jungle orchid unique to the highlands,
known as Mono Maria Babata. “In fact, I
used to be known as the Orchid Hunter but,now, I am also known as the Thompson

Hunter as my Jim Thompson Mystery Trail
tours are becoming increasingly popular,”says Madi, in reference to the daily jungle
walks he conducts, taking guests on a trailthat retraces the last steps of the famous
Thai Silk King before he mysteriously
disappeared from the nearby Moonlight
Cottage in the highlands on Easter
Sunday, 1967.
“It’s easy to see how one can beswallowed up by the jungle,” he continues.
“The ground is deep in mulch and, if one
isn’t careful, one can simply sink or fall intoa deep hole. The jungle is also thick anddense, filled with plants like giant lianas,bamboo and strangler figs.” During mywalk with Madi, I was lucky that his keensight helped pick out so many interesting
things to see, which I would never havebeen able to spot, let alone identify, by
myself. With ease, he pointed out patches

life feature //of wild aubergine and a bean-like plantwith hanging catkins, which he said wasan amazing cure for joint pains if ground
up to a powder and drunk. A short whilelater, he spotted a shiny black millipede
endemic to Cameron Highlands as well asa fallen tree trunk bearing the claw marksof a civet cat! On a slope, his sharp eyes
spotted tiny bamboo orchids as well as
yellow balsam blossoms that resemble
golden shower orchids.
Madi also combines his botanic
knowledge with a touch of the practical,
handing out citronella leaves to the group
and asking all of us to stuff them into ourshoes and socks. “It’s to keep leeches
away,” he grins. Madi also points at a liana,
calling it ‘Tarzan’s friend’, and shows us
the Devil’s Foot plant, which is sometimes
referred to as Dr Plant, as it helps absorb
certain fungus and rot, thereby keeping
other plants safe. We were also showna hollowed-out space near the roots of a“It’s easy to see
how one can beswallowed up by
Calling himself the original Jungle Boy,the jungle.”
Madi, when not taking guests on nature
tree, where Madi said tarantula-like, birdeating spiders liked to hide. “They likeliving in burrows, although some also livearboreally in trees,” explains Madi. “Theyare usually shy but can strike if provoked.”rambles, likes to spend his time tagging
and planting orchids. To date, he has
planted over 100 species of orchids at theresort’s conservatory.

S Madi leads guided walks around the
Cameronian jungle on two types of trails:
the hugely-popular Jim Thompson Mystery
Trail and the Two Mountain Trails, which
offers stunning views of the peaks of
Gunung Jasar and Gunung Perdah. To
book a place, contact the Front Desk at the
Cameron Highlands Resort.

This page, from left: Once the trekking is done,
retreat to luxuriate in the comfort and warmth of the
Cameron Highlands Resort; A verdant specimen.

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spa life //

A
Good
Soak

Onsen might be one of Japan’s
most simple pleasures but it is justas much a restorative activity, with
reported therapeutic and beauty
benefits.Catherine Shaw takes a
dip in some pretty hot waters.
A soak in a traditional Japanese hot spring, called onsen, is
one of the most magical ways to experience the real Japan. Ina country known for its stunning architecture, exquisite cuisineand rarefied rituals, it is this most simple and serene of pleasuresthat best encompasses the nation’s culture.
Happily, thanks to its volcanic geology, Japan has over 2,500
hot springs. These waters must pass strict regulations before
they can be called onsen. Hot water alone is not enough: theJapanese Hot Spring Law requires water to flow to the surface atover 75°F and contain certain minerals such as iron or sulphur.
Hokkaido, Japan’s most northerly island, is particularly blessedwith hot springs, ranging from simple stone baths to vast
luxurious pools. Niseko, one of Japan’s most popular yearround resorts and located in south-west Hokkaido, has over
13 types of onsen, varying dramatically in their mineral qualities.
Two onsen, located relatively near each other, can often havecompletely different profiles – and reported benefits beyond theobvious deep relaxation and sense of well being brought bysoaking in hot waters. Herein lies the secret to Japan's special
love affair with hot springs: even though onsen are known to be
therapeutic, they are also viewed as a recreational activity.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe onsen at Hilton Niseko Village offers a stunning view of Mount Yotei.

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spa life //The reported benefits of onsen
Simple Onsen – contain small amounts of radical carbon, salt
and other minerals and are good for relaxation and offer general
health benefits and relaxation.
Salt Spring Onsen – have a greater concentration of minerals
and salt than the simple onsen.
Carbonated Onsen – are similar to salt onsen, although withcarbonated water believed to aid those with heart disease, blood
circulation disorders and neurological disorders.
Sodium Chloride Onsen – are reported to offer relief for painful
joints, arthritis or rheumatism.
Iron Springs Onsen – are said to offer relief for painful joints,
menopausal discomforts and chronic skin diseases.
Sulphur Onsen – are reported to prevent hardening of thearteries.
Radium Onsen – are believed to lower high blood pressure andprevent hardening of the arteries, as well as being therapeutic fordigestive disorders or rheumatism.

Hilton Niseko Village is renowned for its traditional indoor andoutdoor onsen, both of which offer exceptional views of MountYõtei. The outdoor bath, called a rotenburo, overflows into alarge ‘eternity’ pond. Hilton’s sodium-rich waters are said to be
excellent for joint pain and weary muscles, the perfect respite
after a day’s golfing or, in winter, skiing on Niseko’s legendary
snowy slopes.
The nearby Green Leaf onsen has one of the most beautiful
natural rock pools in Niseko, with waters that originate from anatural mineral spring (around 1,000m deep) located on Mount
Niseko Annupuri. Minerals found in the onsen waters include
sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chlorine, sulphuroxide and hydrogen carbonate, all said to be excellent for
helping alleviate nerve, muscle and joint pain, and aid recovery
from chills and colds. The onsen waters are also reported tohave emulsifying properties, making skin smooth. Onsen
from this source are often referred to as "Bijin no Yu", or onsenof beauty.
The sodium and calcium-rich water of Kanro no Mori is also said
to be excellent for joint pain and there is a private onsen room
for those who prefer privacy. Locals also highly recommend Yuki
Chichibu, located at the foot of Mount Chisenupuri, for waters
renowned for silky skin. Another suggestion, located just acrossfrom Niseko train station, is Kira no Yu.
Understanding onsen expectations and customs is the key tofeeling at ease with the hot spring bathing experience, says The
Japanese Spa author, Elizabeth Heilman Brooke. “The frequency
with which you take to the baths is up to you. It is not uncommon

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Clockwise, from right:
Niseko, in south-west
Hokkaido, has 13 types ofonsen, all with different kindsof therapeutic properties;
Onsen is as much about
recreation as it is about
healing; Use the wooden
oke to wash yourself before
entering the onsen.

or to your knees or waist to adjust to the temperature. “Since
the mineral content of certain waters is particularly good for theskin, it is not considered necessary to bathe or rinse after a final
onsen soak,” says Brooke.
Bathing times are set by each onsen but are usually open untillate to allow access after dinner or before retiring to bed. Most
onsen are closed during the mid-morning when the tubs areusually cleaned. For maximum privacy, head to the bath at dinnertime – most Japanese allow some time after a meal.

When to go
Thanks to its northerly location, Niseko avoids the soaring
summer temperatures, stifling humidity and prolonged rainyseason that affects the rest of Japan. Instead, summer
reveals blissful sunny skies, low humidity and cool evenings.
Day-time temperatures rarely rise above 27°C.

to visit the baths before dinner, after dinner, late in the evening,
after drinks in the bar, and before or after breakfast.”
Following bathing etiquette is important: men and women’sbaths are usually separated with entrances decorated withdifferent coloured noren (split curtains). If in doubt, look for 女 for
women and 男 for men. In the changing room, place the yukata(an informal cotton kimono) or your clothes in one of the baskets
or locker. Take the small towel provided into the showering area
(swimsuits or towels are not permitted in Japanese onsen) but
note it should never be dipped in the water. The next step isvery important: wash in the shower provided – sit on the small
wooden stool and use the small wooden oke (bucket) to prewash your body – making sure any soapy residue is completely
rinsed away. Slowly enter the steaming, mineral-rich waters – itcan take a few minutes to adjust to the heat. Onsen can be very
hot – if there are several baths, they will usually be of different
temperatures, so take your time to acclimatise. Stay in for as
long as is comfortable. In very hot baths, it is best to take several
short dips rather than soak. You may also soak just the feet,

Getting There
The nearest airport to Niseko is the New Chitose Airport,with direct flights between most major domestic andinternational airports. The flight from Tokyo (Haneda) isaround 90 minutes. Niseko is about three hours by car andtrain from New Chitose Airport.

HOKKAIDO
Hokkaido is blessed with stunning natural beauty, four
distinct seasons, exceptionally clean air, pristine waters,
beaches, mountains, forests, lakes and rivers. Niseko, about
100km west of Sapporo, lies in a gently sloping basin with
Mount Yõtei in a national park to the east and Mount NisekoAnnupuri to the north. Mount Yõtei, the most prominent
mountain, is a dormant 1,898m volcano, often referred toas Hokkaido’s Mount Fuji, thanks to its distinctive triangularshape. The Sea of Japan lies to the north-west.

Useful Links
Hilton Niseko Village: www.niseko-village.com/en
Green Leaf Hotel: thegreenleafhotel.com/en/
www.nisekotourism.com/en

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life feature //Night Delights
Forget about snuggling down for the night once the sun sets at
Tanjong Jara Resort. This season offers the ultimate nocturnal nature
activities that the East Coast of Malaysia has to offer, from a riverine
cruise and watching fireflies perform a luminous ballet, to the unforgettable
experience of seeing turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
Text by Diana Khoo Photography by Yong Keen Keong62

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life feature //Clockwise, fromleft: Fireflies doing
their magicaldance at Yek Yah
River; Dwindlingnumbers of sea
turtles worldwide
have sparked efforts
to help save thecreature; Hawksbills
are one of the turtle
species that still
use Terrenganu as
nesting sites.

I’m no stranger to the charms of Tanjong
Jara Resort, a resort which exudes all thegrace and uniqueness of the Malay raceand culture. Located in Dungun, in thestate of Terengganu, and facing the wide,
watery expanse of the South China Sea,
it has always lived up to its ‘Unmistakably
Malay’ tagline and holistic philosophy ofSucimurni, evident every morning as guests
are beckoned to participate in a series of
unique stretching exercises that incorporate
thoroughly Malaysian elements, as well asa rousing Mandi Bunga procession, whichfeatures men and women bearing brasstrays of flowers and buyongs (traditional
water jars), leading from the hotel lobby
to the Spa Village. These items will thenbe used in the spa’s rituals, which indulge
guests with a pre-treatment flower bath,inspired by the royal court ceremonies ofthe Malay palaces.

My recent visit, however, coincidedwith the start of the turtle-watchingseason, when these gentle creatures
emerge from the sea to make their way
to selected beaches in Terengganu
in order to lay their eggs. One of themost famous turtle beaches in the stateis, undoubtedly, Rantau Abang, just a
short distance away from Tanjong Jara
Resort. Once the preferred nesting siteof the famous giant leatherback turtles,
this species has, regrettably, dwindledclose to extinction and is almost neverseen, although there are several otherspecies who still make their way to
Terengganu around the months of June to
September each year, where they lumber
up, slowly but surely, to deposit theireggs within the beaches’ golden sandbefore quietly disappearing back into
the sea.

“Turtles generally like to lay their eggs
whenever there is a full moon,” says
Aziz Awang, a bellhop with the Tanjong
Jara Resort and its de facto ‘Turtle Man’.
A keen nature-lover, Aziz is the go-to
person for guests wishing to experience
local Terengganu wildlife at its best. Bornin Marang, a fishing village located about
45 minutes from Dungun, Aziz is blessedwith a keen interest and knowledge of thelocal wildlife and, aside from his work at
the resort, takes the time and effort to help
out in a naturalist’s capacity. So, wheneverturtle season looms on the calendar, heis assuredly kept very busy, taking guests
out nightly on exciting activities, particularly
firefly- and sea turtle-watching.
“It is a shame about Rantau Abang,” says
Aziz, “as the giant leatherbacks no longer
come. But we are still fortunate that certain
species of sea turtles, particularly thehawksbill and green turtles, still come to
Terengganu to lay their eggs.” The evening
I was at the resort, I was fortunate to havesecured a spot for a joint-tour that included
both fireflies and sea turtles. “It’s quite agood schedule as firefly-watching is best ataround 8.30pm, while the turtles come toshore quite late, oftentimes after midnight,”
shares Aziz. An excited group of guests,
myself included, congregate at the resort’s
lobby at around 8pm and we are driven toKg Ibok, about an hour’s drive away. When
we arrive at the banks of the Yek Yah River,
we troop quietly into a waiting riverboat
and the experience begins. Using batterypower, so as to keep noise levels to aminimum as well as to glide as quietly as
possible without disturbing the environment
and the exposed roots of the berembang
trees (the preferred food of the fireflies), we
sail into the pitch-black darkness where, all
too soon, we witness the amazing site ofhundreds upon thousands of little twinklinglights. “It’s Christmas every day here,”quips Aziz.
It is these berembang trees (Sonneratia
caseolaris or crabapple mangroves) uponwhich fireflies are completely dependent
as is their main habitat and source of food.
Firefly colonies can only be found where

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there are berembang trees and Malaysia
remains one of the few places left in theworld where these unique firefly colonies
still exist. Looking all around me, with thedark silhouette of the trees illuminated by
the light emitted by these very special
beetles, I felt slightly sad knowing that thisawe-inspiring experience with nature wasbeing assailed by threats from all quarters,
namely pollution and land development.
“We Malays call them kunang-kunang or
kelip-kelip and the fireflies flash their light toattract mates,” shares Aziz. “The best timeto see them is just after sunset to around10pm.” The boat ride lasts for aroundan hour, although you’d scarcely notice
the time, being completely captivated by
the twinkling lights. At one point, I wasn’tquite sure whether I was looking at theamazing night sky, brilliant with stars, or thefireflies, actually.
All too soon, we disembarked in order tobegin the second part of our nocturnal
adventure. Another bumpy journey along
unmarked dirt roads began, before finallyarriving at a quiet beach, also totally pitchblack as any light would scare away
nesting turtles. Several figures emergeout of the darkness to greet Aziz. These
people, he explained, were sentry-menof sorts, standing watch the whole night
through. Should a turtle come ashore,these dedicated men would later scoop out
their eggs and keep them safe under an
egg protection programme, implemented
and overseen by the Fisheries Departmentof Malaysia, and, upon hatching, be safely
released back into the sea. According
to the Turtle Conservation Society of
Malaysia, this seems to be a viablelong-term effort to help increase turtle
populations. According to Chan Eng Heng,a retired university professor and active
conservationist with the Turtle Conservation
Society of Malaysia, and who had himself
initiated an egg protection programme in1993 with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu,
it is a laborious process that has paid off.
“When I retired in 2009, after 16 yearsof dedicated egg protection measures,

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we’d found that annual nesting numbers
had increased from 200-400 to about
400-750.”
Turtle-watching is also an activity that is
totally unsuitable for the impatient or noisy,
as it entails hours of waiting quietly in thedarkness while the watchmen patiently
look out onto the dark expanse of theSouth China Sea. After about an hour
and a half, Aziz informed us that a turtle
had indeed come ashore a few kilometres
down from where we were. As we madeour way to the spot, the turtle had, alas,
for reasons unknown, decided not to lay
her eggs that night and, instead, returnedto the sea. Although greatly disappointed,
it was an unforgettable experience being
able to see the fresh tracks left by theturtle’s fins as it slowly pulled itself up
the sands. It seemed as if a little car had
risen up from the water, as we observed
the deep grooves of its tracks. I can only

Top: Tanjong Jara
Resort is also the perfectlocation to discover thenatural wonders of fireflies
and turtles.
Right: The survivalof the firefly is under
threat by pollution anddevelopment.

life feature //“I can only imagine now how magicalit must seem, seeing a great, gentle
creature emerge out of the black
waters of the South China Sea inorder to deposit its eggs in a place it
deemed safe and secure.”

TURTLE-WATCHING TIPS
Important things you must know before embarking on any turtle-watching activities.
•Understand and educate yourself on the needs of the turtle. They are very sensitive
to light and disturbance and flash photography is strictly forbidden!
•There should be no crowds around the turtle while she is laying her eggs. Always
keep a safe distance from her so that she can carry on the ritual of the egg-laying
process undisturbed.
•Always stand to the back of the turtle so as to be less visible to her and do not
impede her passage back to the ocean.
•Understand that every individual has a role in turtle conservation if he or shechooses to. Never buy or eat turtle eggs and, whenever possible, support turtle
conservation programmes by volunteering or participating in turtle fund-raising
activities.
•Never buy turtle products or anything made from or using turtle shells.
•Practise the 3 Rs and do not carelessly throw trash around, especially on beaches.
Turtles may eat them and die.
•To learn more about what you can do to save these magnificent creatures, visit
http://www.turtleconservationsociety.org.my, where members of the public can learn
more about turtles as well as actively participate in their conservation.
Source: The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia

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life feature //SAVE THE TURTLES
Chan Eng Heng, a retired university professor and active conservationist
with the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia, speaks to YTL Life
about what more can be done for turtle conservation in the country.
“The state of Terengganu has been experiencing both positive andnegative results in terms of turtle conservation, depending on which
species one is referring to. Apart from the Fisheries Department, there
are also other agencies doing turtle conservation in the state. One
huge disappointment in turtle conservation efforts in Terengganu is in
the failure to ban the sale and consumption of turtle eggs in the state.
Although NGOs and other conservation groups have lobbied the State
Government to do so, their efforts have not paid off. As a result, turtle
eggs are quite widely sold in markets and what’s really bad is thatpeople are smuggling the eggs from other states, like Sabah, where
sale of turtle eggs have been banned, into Terengganu. Another area
where conservation efforts need to be stepped up is in reducing the
mortality rate of turtles caught in fishing nets or from eating plastic andother trash, so evident from the stranding of turtle carcasses alongsome of Terengganu’s beaches.”“Visitors participating in turtle-watching programmes must also
understand and be educated on the needs of the turtle. If turtlewatching activities are well-managed and do not disrupt the egg-laying
process, then this serves as a good way of creating a bond between
humans and turtles. Proper briefings also need to be given before any
turtle-watching activity, so that the public can learn more about themand what can be done to save them. There have been cases where
unscrupulous tour operators or unethical resorts commercialise theactivity to the extent of selling turtle hatchlings to tourists! There is still
so much that can and should be done. I guess, as with all things, thefirst step always lies in education.”66

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life feature //imagine now how magical it must seem,seeing a great, gentle creature emergeout of the black waters of the South China
Sea in order to deposit its eggs in a place
it deemed safe and secure.
Sadly, the odds seem stacked against thesea turtle. For the hundreds of eggs laidby each female turtle, very few will makeit to the hatching stage, as predators, inthe shape of monitor lizards, sea birds andeven dogs, may come across the nest andeat the eggs. Thankfully, the egg protection
measures implemented by the Fisheries
Department ensure a very high hatchingrate for the turtle’s eggs. However, the nextstage is the most crucial yet perilous and it
is a common fact that very few hatchlings
survive the short trek from nest to sea,
given the number of sea birds, particularly
gulls, who lie in wait for this easy feast.
Thankfully, the Fisheries Department
releases hatchlings only late at night so as
to improve their chances of survival.

Clockwise, from top: Turtle
hatchlings about to bereleased to the sea at night,
giving them a better chanceat survival; The endangered
leatherback turtle is rarely seen
anymore on Rantau Abang;
Aziz Awang, Tanjong Jara
Resort's 'Turtle Man', with aclutch of newly-laid eggs
that will be incubated in asafe place.

Although we didn’t manage to see aturtle come ashore, we were told a
few hatchlings had just emerged fromtheir nest and were fortunate enough to
see them being released by one of thewatchmen. As we peered into the bucketat the seemingly-helpless little creatures,it seems almost unbelievable that, should
they survive to adulthood, they would
return to these very same sands, decade
after decade, in order to continue theirunique circle of life. I then pinched myself
to remember that turtles have been aroundsince the time of the great dinosaurs,
quietly observing the tumultuous evolutionof the earth and all its creatures. I can only
say that it would be mankind’s greatest
shame if we, in a terrible reversal of roles,
become the cause and, worse yet, live towitness the permanent extinction of thesewonderful creatures within our lifetime.
Now, that would indeed be a tragedy.
For more information on turtle-watchingactivities, kindly contact the Front Desk at the
Tanjong Jara Resort.

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life feature //Living The
Artistic Dream

Contemporary art and design finds a new home in Shanghai’s
Swatch Art Peace Hotel. Catherine Shaw speaks to photographic
artist Jenny Krasner, one of the hotel’s visiting artists.

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life feature //The Peace Suite of the Swatch Art
Peace Hotel incorporates contemporary
elements that suggest an ultra-modern
future for the city of Shanghai.

Sometimes art imitates life: when New Yorkborn photographic artist Jenny Krasner firsttravelled to Shanghai in 2008 and stoodon the iconic Bund, gazing transfixed at a
dusty, dilapidated building that had caught
her eye, she never would have believedthat she would one day return to stay –for a unique six-month artist’s residency
programme – in the very same, but now
beautifully-renovated, building. “It’s just likeliving in Harry Winston’s (the renowned
luxury jewellers) on New York’s 5th Avenue,”
she says. “It really is a dream. I still can’t
believe it is real!”
Happily for Krasner and a host of othertalented artists, this is one dream that hascome true: the Swatch Art Peace Hotel
opened its art décor doors on 1 November
last year and immediately caused a stir incultural circles by welcoming artists to a
one-of-a-kind inspirational art programme– before a single hotel guest had checkedin. Eighteen rooms on the second andthird floors have been transformed intomodern, well-equipped workshop-studioapartments for visiting artists to use as a‘home-from-home’ for three to six months.
There are also state-of-the-art meeting andexhibition spaces. The rest of the stunning
art deco building has been renovated toprovide for some of Shanghai’s mostelegant watch and jewellery boutiques andseven stunning individually-designed suites
for guests.
The three-year renovation was led by the
Swatch Group, with project leadershipby Hayek Engineering, who painstakingly
restored the original red brick structure to its
1909 heyday, protecting the building’s mostvaluable features like the striking wood- andmarble-panelled lobby. Swatch has long
been associated with the art world and thisnew venture proved a perfect blend of its
design ethos and one of Shanghai’s mostimportant cultural landmarks.
The bold hotel-boutique-art hub concept
was the brainchild of visionary Swatch
Group Chief Executive Officer Nick Hayek,
who noticed the hotel had a special“soul” while he was looking for the perfectlocations for the Group’s luxury boutiques inShanghai. The Swatch Art Peace Hotel has
been open less than a year but has alreadyset a new benchmark in contemporary art
and culture, not to mention the concept ofmodern hospitality.
The launch of the experiment seems welltimed: Shanghai may have once been oneof the leading finance and business centresof China but, today, it is increasingly taking
on the mantle of the country’s artistic hub.
The Chinese art market is growing rapidly,
generating interest in distinctive talented
local and international artists alike.
At the heart of the Swatch Art Peace Hotelis the idea of providing a unique culturalenvironment to help an ever-changing
group of talented artists from around theworld create contemporary art works.
The ‘community’ of up to 18 people isdeliberately drawn from a range of artistic
fields, styles, media and nationalities to help
establish a creative exchange.
“For more than 25 years, Swatch, thebrand that revolutionised the Swiss watch
industry, has been working closely withsome of the world’s most talented artists.
Today, one of the most ambitious goals of
the Swatch Art Peace Hotel is to ensurethat there is an exchange of artistic andcultural ideas among artists from aroundthe world,” explains Hayek.

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life feature //“Swatch itself blends state-of-the-art
watchmaking with art that exists for the sole
purpose of making the world a more beautiful
place. By treating Swatch as ‘a canvason the wrist’, the artists help art escapefrom museums and jump to the streets
and on the wrists of ordinary people. Art,and the emotion, joy of life, innovation andpositive provocation of Swatch, are at thevery heart of the Swatch Art Peace Hotel.”

The Swatch Art Peace
Hotel: a short history
Originally known as the Palace Hoteland later on, as the South Building of
the Peace Hotel, the building is one
the city’s oldest and most venerated
hotels fronting Shanghai’s Bund,a mile-long embanked riverfront
lined with grand stone-fronted neoclassical and Beaux-Arts buildings.
The renamed Swatch Art Peace
Hotel reinforces the link between
Swatch and contemporary art. The
artist’s studios have been open
since November of 2011, while
the hotel rooms – seven modern
art-inspired guest suites influenced
by traditional and modern Chinese
culture - will open mid-2012.

Clockwise, from above: A contrast of
black and white, the Happiness Suite
presents an exploration of Chinesearts and handicrafts; Jenny Krasner's
photography is but one element of her
mixed media art; Numbers mark theentrances to the artists' workshops.

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Artists are encouraged to engage incollaborative work and discussion, and tointeract as a dynamic artistic community so
as to enrich the creativity of the group as
well as each other’s work. Communication,
confrontation, observation and discovery
challenge the artists and enable them, inthis vibrant artistic and cultural environment,
to build upon their existing skills andextend the boundaries of their art. Krasner
believes the collaborative environment is
the key to the programme’s success: “Itis inspirational. I love that we are all doing
something different. During the day, we
do our work and then we get together at
breakfast or for dinner for a chat. No one

life feature //is competing on the work front; everyone
is helpful and there is a lot of camaraderie.”“To be in a hotel like this for an extended
period is like winning the lottery – although
one of my friends says it is even better than
that!” says Krasner. “The Swatch support
team is just incredible: anything we need,
they somehow manage to fix.” The artist
recalls the slight trepidation she experienced
as she first arrived to find an immaculately
tidy room that was to be her studio. “It
was disconcerting at first, because theplace is so new, designed in a high-end
contemporary style, and clean. I thought
it was beautiful but felt I couldn’t work
there unless it was messy. Another artist
recommended I explain what I really need
and, the next thing, seven people were in
the studio and it was done. Walls moved,
shelves went up and things just happened.”
Krasner’s creative style is typical of the sortof interesting innovative work being doneat the hotel. Her passion is to work with an
intriguing blend of photography and mixed
media. “I’ve travelled to countries like India,

Cambodia and Laos to take thousands ofphotographs of the areas,” she explains.
“Then, I make collages out of them,using found and bought materials that I
glue on. I consider myself an artist, nota photographer.”
Other artists who have already completed aresidency at the hotel include award-winning
Japanese acrylic artist Ayako Rokkaku, who
paints using her fingers as a brush, Swissborn photographer Tom De Peyret, Frenchsound artist Alexandre Joly and Americanborn mixed-media abstract artist Kathryn
Gohmert. The artistic field is wide and will
include artists such as dancers, musicians,
film-makers and writers.
Artists are free to work on individual or
joint projects according to their own
schedules. The only condition, says the
Swatch Group, is that the artists leave “atrace of their passage.” Again, the artists
are free to choose whatever form thattakes. All traces will become part of the
Swatch Art Peace Hotel's collection andwill be exhibited for the public to enjoy. A
virtual online museum will also help artists
to display their work to a wider audience.
Krasner decided to come with a clear
mind and see what inspiration she wouldfind in Shanghai to create her particular
trace. “I have amassed a couple ofthousand photos and am loaded withlists of where to buy art supplies andwhere to have photos printed. I’ve alsobought some amazing magazines fromthe Cultural Revolution and little objects,
so, when I get going, I know I will findwhatever ‘it’ is.”“I’ll never forget the first time I saw the hotel
on my first visit,” she says. “It was virtuallyempty, and it and the Fairmont Peace
Hotel were both being renovated. They
were astounding – they were like looking
into the past. It took my breath away andI just wanted to stand there and takephotographs. Of all the places in China,
this was the one place I wanted to comeback to.” Thanks to art and the inspired
support of Swatch, she has.

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life of luxury //Read & Listen

Celebrated author and illustrator Rachel Bright is well-known for her
incredibly-popular children’s books for Puffin and Harper Collins and hercards and gift range, The Bright Side. Taking up residency as a guest artistat the Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali this September, she shares some ofher favourite literary and musical diversions.

1

2

3

My Playlist
1. Hoppipolla – Sigur Ros I absolutely love this epic track, which is also
largely instrumental. I always imagine the sun rising or setting to it in mymind. One of the most uplifting pieces of music I’ve ever heard.
2. A Dream – Julian Velard Beautiful and melancholic, the lyrics make thehairs on the back of your neck stand on end. It’s a song about lost love but
is also strangely optimistic.
3. Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler It’s not fashionable but I dolove a good power ballad! This is one of my favourites and it’s my theory
that everyone secretly loves power ballads, music that makes you want toclose your eyes and punch the air! Most people won’t admit to it but I’m
open about my love for them.

4

4. Pretty much any song by Barry White Without fail, his music justputs sunshine in my heart. If I’m ever feeling blue, a Barry White song canchange my mood in a moment. All his songs just make you want to singand dance…and they certainly will make you smile.

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1

2

3

4

My Readlist
1. The Art of Happiness – The Dalai Lama & Howard C Cutter
2. Papillon – Henri Charriere
3. The Neverending Story – Michael Ende
4. Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak
5. Yes Man – Danny Wallace
6. Leonardo the Terrible Monster – Mo Willems
I’m currently halfway through The Art ofHappiness by the Dalai Lama and amcompletely hooked by the beautiful simplicityof the message and how the secret tohappiness is all in the shifting of perspective.
This book confirms all that I have read in thepast and what I feel in my heart. There isreal poetry in the book and I can’t wait tofinish it. As a children’s author and illustrator,
I am an avid collector of beautiful children’sbooks and these two are among the best.
Leonardo the Terrible Monster is funny andbrilliant, whose ambition in life is to “scare
the tuna salad out of someone”, while
Maurice Sendak’s classic work and amazing
illustrations just transport you to a weird andwonderful world.
I also love a funny book and Danny
Wallace’s is definitely one of those. It’s allabout the power of saying ‘yes’ – which I
have experienced myself all through my life.
The author transforms his life by the simple

action of being positive and taking up any
offer that comes his way – hilarious readingfrom start to finish. Papillon, meanwhile, isthe most epic of all my choices. It’s a true
page-turner and an adventure story of epic
proportions. Personally, it’s a story about theuncrushable power of the human spirit andthe quest for freedom and how the power ofnever giving up simply shines through fromwithin the pages. The Neverending Story is
my favourite book. I first read it when I was
11 or 12 and must have re-read it about five
more times since. It’s pitched as a children’sbook but I think it works on so many levels
that it’s just as entertaining and poignant foran adult to read. It tells the story of Bastian
Balthazar Bux, who becomes so engrossed
in reading that he becomes part of thebook. I love this premise and is the whole
reason why I write and make art. I love theidea that creativity can change your reality
in the most profound ways. It certainly has
for me.

Rachel Bright is the author of
successful children’s books like
What Does Daddy Do? and My
Sister is an Alien. She has her
own stationery range, The BrightSide, which includes cards, gift
wraps and tags, and notebooks.

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beautiful life //The Big Easy
From luxurious timepieces to fierce accessories and a Fall/Winter silhouettethat spells effortless elegance, go on and indulge yourself this season.
Keeping Time In Style

Eminent Swiss timekeeping brand, Jaeger-LeCoultre, recently unveiled its newlyrefurbished boutique at Kuala Lumpur’s Starhill Gallery, which is also South-East Asia’s
largest. Spanning 1,500 sq ft, it is a fitting showcase of the full range of its collections,
including the Reverso, Duomètre, AMVOX and Atmos clocks.

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Moving On

Making the transition from summer to fall is easy for the Louis Vuitton woman. Inspiredby the effortless elegance of Charlotte Perriand, the avant-garde French architect anddesigner, the season’s new collection fuses military details and mannish checks withrounded volumes, opulent fabrics and luxe embellishments. The result? An array ofdesirable, wearable pieces with instant, knockout appeal.

Honouring An Icon

Celebrated Swiss watchmaker GirardP erregaux h on ou rs Nobel P eace
Laureate, Archbishop DesmondTutu, with a specially-engraved 1966
collection watch in recognition ofhis philanthropic accomplishments,
particularly via The Desmond Tutu Peace
Foundation. “The world we have is a
gift to cherish,” said the Laureate. “Weshould not only protect its elements
but also the people who inhabit it. We
should all strive to live in a place where
people not only respect, but love thedifferences in one another. I am very
thankful for Girard-Perregaux’s support inachieving these goals.”

Parisian Accents

Colour and texture were clearly in the brief for Christian Dior’s Fall/Winter accessories
offerings. Expect everything, from towering scarlet platform stilettos to fur-accented
chapeaux, Art Deco-inspired earrings and sexy pumps in Klein Blue.

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beautiful life //White & BlackOn him: White cotton shirt,
black silk and wool blend
vest & pants from Shiatzy
Chen, brown leather shoes
from Louis Vuitton.
On her: Black organza withlace embroidered gown
Shiatzy Chen.

}

beautiful life //close
encounters
A sense of adventure and discovery awaits
when one steps into the JW Marriott Kuala
Lumpur. And with the right eye-catching garb
– you soon realise that you’re the protagonist
starring in a story of love, mystery and, mostdefinitely, style.

Photography Marcus Wong Photography assistants Tim Woon Styling Colin Sim Assistant Ervin Tan
Hair Gary Sim Makeup KF Bong Models Albina Fazylova & Rafael Petenuci
Location JW Marriott, Kuala Lumpur

beautiful life //Ink print
Nude netting dress
with printed jersey
tube and skirt from
Jean Paul Gaultier.

beautiful life //}Life aquatic
Printed crochet
knit dress fromM Missoni.

beautiful life //}A night out
On him: White shirt fromLouis Vuitton, Maroon silk
and wool blazer & pantsfrom McQ by Alexander
McQueen.
On her: Multicolour knitted
dress & stripes wool
jacket from M Missoni.

beautiful life //Room service
Black jersey draped
top, printed silk
skirt & patent
leather belt from
Jean Paul Gaultier;velvet booties fromChristian Dior.

beautiful life //Reservationfor oneGrey wool peplum
jacket, knit pencil
skirt, black leather
belt & velvet booties
from Christian Dior.

beautiful life //}Windowdressing

On him: T-shirt andouter shirt fromLouis Vuitton.
On her: Houndstooth
top from McQ by
Alexander McQueen.

LittleTouches of Luxe

From luxurious bougies to fragrances conceived
in dreams, explore with aplomb the adventurous
world of beauty this month.
Scent of a Woman

Celebrated couturier Elie Saab’s latest eau de toilette is an orange blossominspired delight, with notes of rose honey. Conceived by olfactory maestro
Francis Kurkdjian, the fragrance is elegantly contained in sculpted crystal. A
treasure for the senses.

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beautiful life //Starry, Starry Night

Inspired by enchanted forests, black velvet nights illuminated only by stars, strungout like scattered pearls, the house of Annick Goutal launches its latest scent – Nuit
Etoilée. Created by Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen and clad in a midnight blue
bottle, this is a scent to wear once night falls.

The Sweet Life

French ChicFew brands have inflamed the senses or captured the imagination the way Diptyquehas. Founded in 1961 by three friends, Christiane Gautrot, Desmond Knox-Leet andYves Coueslant, its graphic ovoid logo is now instantly-recognisable by arbiters ofluxurious living and the brand has since expanded from its bestselling fragrancesand candles to include perfumed soaps, a bodycare line and home sprays. From the
Bulgarian rose fragrance of its bestselling L’Ombre dans l’eau EDT to the Mimosa candle,
which instantly transports one to the French Riviera when it literally explodes with thesedelicate yellow blossoms in late spring, explore the world of Diptyque for yourself today.

Unmistakably Italian, Acqua di Parmahas been manufacturing elegant
fragrances and candles for close to 100
years now. Combining authentic Italiancraftsmanship with the highest attention
to detail, the house's classic scents, forexample, continue to be hand-packed
up till today. To instantly evoke themagic of Italy, simply light up one of its
elegant glass candles, which release
the unmistakable fragrance of its iconic
Colonia fragrance. The spirit of dolce vita
lives on.

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spa life //Bella Donna

If you can't find the time for an island getaway, a visit to a day spa is all
you need to escape the madding city crowds.
Text by Diana Khoo Photography by Yong Keen Keong

The art of Balinese massage dates backthousands of years.

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It is natural, I suppose, for the Balinese
spa genre to be one of the most widelyembraced healing and wellness culturesin the world, given its focus on touch andnatural ingredients to put mind, body andsoul immediately at ease. And, given its
popularity, it’s not uncommon to find alittle slice of Balinese spa life wherever you
may be. Malaysia’s bustling capital, Kuala
Lumpur, is home to numerous Balinese-styled spas and among them is Donna
Spa, an award-winning day spa locatedon the Pamper Floor of the city’s mostluxurious retail space, Starhill Gallery.
Right along the main lifestyle strip that
is Bukit Bintang, Donna Spa is tucked
away, a little oasis within Starhill itself. To
find it, simply look for an entrance flanked
by the tasselled ceremonial umbrellas

spa life //known to the Balinese as tedung. The
décor scheme of Donna Spa uses
a lot of dark wood, with the Balinesetheme continuing throughout. There are
two couples’ suites (Peppermint andYlang-Ylang) and six single treatment
rooms. Once you’ve settled into a chair,accompanied by a cup of hot ginger tea
sweetened with candy yams, browse
through Donna Spa’s extensive selectionof a la carte or packaged spa journeys.
This may range from a simple 45-minutes
session of Javanese lulur to, perhaps, themore comprehensive Tropical Paradise
experience, which includes a sevenflower traditional spa ritual, wrap or scrub,facial and massage. It must be said,
though, that one of Donna Spa’s fortes
lies in its signature massages.
Based on a 4,000-year-old healing
tradition, it incorporates the use ofacupressure, with the skilful therapist
employing long, sweeping strokes
as well as firm finger work on specificpressure points in order to bring about
healing and a sense of calm and wellbeing to one’s body. My therapist for the
day was especially gifted with a healing
touch, having learnt the art of massage
from her grandmother while growing up
in Central Java. Upon placing her hands
on my back, she immediately sensed alongstanding kink in the right shoulder
area and proceeded to knead my entire,jet-lagged body with a superiority I’d not

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experienced in a while. As I am a great
fan of powerful finger work, she indulged
me with amazingly strong sessions ofdeep thumb therapy, all of which work toincrease and improve blood circulationand to reignite the flow of qi, the Chinese
belief in one’s internal energy or life force
and in which balance must be maintainedin order to enjoy robust good health.
With every muscle kneaded, stroked
and smoothed, she proceeded to gently
scrub me all over with a special avocado
blend, designed to soften skin whileworking to detox and even out skin tone.
Donna Spa might be Balinese in concept
but I very quickly found myself slipping intoa Zen-like state of tranquillity and had toliterally tear myself away from the blissful
heated treatment bed to wash off theluxurious body polish and slip back into thestream of city life. It might have only been a
two-hour treatment but the sense of wellbeing lingered on long after that. Not all of
us might be privileged enough to be able tojet off to Bali for extended weekends of rest
and relaxation every so often. Thankfully,
though, for those among us who live in
Kuala Lumpur, a little Balinese haven of
rejuvenation awaits – a serene heart amidst
the madding city crowds.
Donna Spa is located at S20 & S27,
Pamper Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan
Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. To make areservation, call (6)03 2141 8999.

life cuisine //Rite of Passard
Talented young French chef Florent Passard makes his Malaysian debut
at the award-winning Tanjong Jara Resort on its idyllic East Coast.
Text by Diana Khoo Photography by Yong Keen KeongIt may seem hard to believe but Dungun,
set within the Malay heartland that is
Terengganu, is where a young fresh-faced
chef is serving up rather fine expressionsof French cuisine with a decidedly
contemporary twist. Having arrived in
Malaysia earlier this year, the 30-yearold Florent Passard, a native of Nevers,
France, has been busy redefining themenu at Nelayan, Tanjong Jara Resort’s
beachfront dining room whose name aptly
means ‘fisherman’ in Malay. For thosemore accustomed to local flavours, newtantalising options now await, including
French classics like traditional soupe depoissons and lobster bisque.
Chef Passard has also been busy
experimenting with his discovery of exotic
Asian herbs and ingredients, and isslowly working them into his sophisticatedFresh-faced French chef Florent
Passard takes up residence at Tanjong
Jara Resort's Nelayan Restaurant.

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repertoire, resulting in new menu additions
like flash-cooked tuna roulade crustedwith sesame seeds and served on a thindark sliver of soy sauce jelly, and his local
interpretation of bouillabaisse, preparedusing tiger prawns, sea bass and redsnapper cooked with vegetables andinfused with saffron. Although only 30,
Chef Passard has been working in the
kitchen since he was a teenager and has,for the past 14 years, chalked up invaluable
experience working with renowned names
in French gastronomy, like Bruno Clement,
France’s self-styled ‘King of Truffles’, andat glamorous properties all over France,
including the Villa Belrose and, mostrecently, the Muse Hôtel de Luxe in SaintTropez. “I had worked once, for a very
short while, in Kuala Lumpur as part of a
special food promotion and, after that, I
decided I wanted to come to Malaysia towork for YTL Hotels,” he says.

“My style has always been to focus
on simplicity and freshness. I also like
beautifully-presented dishes!”
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2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Carrot sauce:
1 carrot, peeled and roughly cut
200ml chicken or vegetable stock
50g butter
Salt to taste
Tapenade:
50g black olives
2 tsp capers
2 anchovy filets
3 cloves garlic
3 tbsp olive oil
Lemon juice to taste

Timbale of Crab

Ingredients
50g tomato jelly
100g crab meat mixed with
2 tbsp mayonnaise
50g fresh pineapple, brunoised
1 stalk fresh coriander, finely-chopped
Balsamico
2 soft shell crabs, deep fried in
tempura batter
Method:1. Mix crabmeat with coriander. Arrange
a two-inch ring mould in the centre of aserving plate. Spoon half of the crabmeat
mixture into the mould, gently press it
down. Next, top it with half the tomato jelly,
followed by the pineapple. Remove themould and repeat step on another platewith the rest of the ingredients.
2. Top the timbale with the soft shell crab
and drizzle a little balsamico to serve.

Crusted Red
Snapper Served with
Carrot Sauce and Ovenbaked Tomato
Ingredients
2 150g red snapper fillets
2 stalks lemongrass blended
with 100g pineapple
Salt and pepper to season
Baked tomato:
2 tomatoes, with top cut off
120g butter
80g breadcrumbs

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Method:1. Make up the sauce first by simmering
the carrots in the stock until soft, and blend
with the butter into a smooth puree. For thetapenade, put all ingredients except the oiland lemon juice in a food processor, blitz
for a few seconds and pour in the olive oilin a steady stream and blend into a paste.
Add in lemon juice to taste.
2. Next, rub the butter into the breadcrumbs
and mix in the garlic and parsley. Top thetomato with the mixture. Cover with foil andbake for 20 minutes in an oven at 180°C.
Remove the foil to brown the top at the last
five minutes of baking time.
3. For the fish, season with salt andpepper, spread pineapple mixture on theskin side of the fish and grill in an oventill cooked.
4. Serve fish with baked tomato, carrot
sauce and a dollop of tapenade at the side.

Sesame-crusted Tunawith Shoyu Jelly andGinger Pickles
Ingredients:
300g fresh tuna block
50g sesame seeds
1 tbsp shoyu (Japanese soy sauce)
2g agar-agar
1 tbsp fresh ginger, julienned
Ginger pickle:
30g fresh ginger, sliced
100ml sake2 tbsp sugar
Method:1. Boil the agar-agar till soft and add the
shoyu, stirring gently until it has dissolved.
Let it simmer for another 10 seconds
before removing from the heat. Pour intoa small rectangle mould and let it set.
2. Once set, chill for about 20 minutes
before slicing it thinly.
3. Roll and coat the tuna completely
in sesame and sear gently with a few
drops of oil to prevent it from sticking to
the pan. Once it has a nice pink centre,
remove from heat and slice into desired
thickness.
4. For the ginger pickles, simmer thesliced ginger with the sake and sugarover a low flame for 10 minutes.
5. Deep-fry the julienned ginger till crispy
and use it to garnish the tuna.
6. Serve tuna slices with a few dropsof balsamico, fried julienned ginger andginger pickles.

life cuisine //The cool, darkwood interiors of the
Nelayan Restaurant.

So far, it has been an incredible learning
curve for the young chef, picking up,
not just a broader knowledge of Asian
ingredients, but also a fluent commandof English along the way. “You wouldn’t
believe it but I could barely speak threewords of English when I arrived. Now, it’s
not too bad,” he laughs. Guests dining
at Tanjong Jara Resort’s Nelayan will betreated to special and new dishes createdby Chef Passard over the coming months,
while he works on devising completely
new and exciting menus for both lunch
and dinner. “My style has always been
to focus on simplicity and freshness. I
also like beautifully-presented dishes!”
Which makes perfect sense as, after all,we don’t eat with just our mouths but also
our eyes.

CHEF FLORENT AT A GLANCE
Favourite Ingredients: “I enjoy working with fresh fish andFrench marjoram, which has such an intense perfume. I also
love Malaysian herbs, especially kaffir lime leaf and lemongrass.”
Necessary Tool: “My Porsche chef’s knife! Yes, just like the car…
it’s by Porsche Design studio.”
Comfort Food: “I love sushi and, whenever I have a few days
off, I make it a point to travel to Kuala Lumpur, where I headstraight for the nearest Japanese restaurant and indulge in asmuch sushi as I can eat. I also love the local dish of fried rice –simple but very delicious.”
Best Meal Experience: “I’ve been lucky to have dined at many
two and three Michelin-starred restaurants all across France, but
the one that stands out most in my memory has to be at Pascal
Barbot’s in Paris. It was my first three Michelin-starred meal andI can’t forget this simple but amazingly-flavoured dish of a button
mushroom cake layered with foie gras and lemon paste. The taste
was astounding.”
Favourite Food and Wine Pairings: “My hometown of Nevers incentral France is fairly near Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, so I do likethose wines very much. I especially like pairing Pouilly-Fumé withchicken and maybe oysters as well.”

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life guide //Down
Malacca Way
Ben Quah, Hotel Manager of The Majestic Malacca, an
elegant boutique hotel that exudes turn-of-the-century
old world charm, shares his favourite things to eat, seeand do in history-soaked Malacca.

Clockwise, from above: Tasty snacks to dip into
at The Majestic Malacca; Jonker Street is great
for food and shopping; J Manik's popular beadedslippers ; Malacca's St Paul's Church, on thesummit of St Paul's Hill, is among the city's icons.

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life guide //Manik Street Preacher

Tr a d i t i o n a l P e r a n a k a n - s t y l e l a d i e sbeaded slippers ( kasut manik ) are oneof the most popular things to buy here
in Malacca and I highly recommend theones sold at J Manik. There are manysuch stores but Joyce Ngiow’s is themost popular option as they are crafted
using genuine leather and are really wellmade and comfortable. They also selltraditional kebaya to pair with your new
kasut manik, should you wish.

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life guide //Jonker Street

Malacca’s bustling Jonker Street is still
very much a must-see. It’s not just about
the food and the shopping, although theweekend night markets, held from Friday
to Sunday nights, are excellent. You reallyhave to explore the buildings and see how
incredibly long the shop-houses are. Thiswas because houses used to be taxed on
its width, not length.

Chicken Rice’s Always Nice

One of Malacca’s popular meals is chicken
rice but here, we serve it with a twist. The riceis actually shaped into little balls, about thesize of a ping pong ball, to be enjoyed withjuicy chicken and pungent chili sauce. Oneof the most famous shops which serve thissavoury treat is Hoe Kee, in Jonker Street.
Come early, though, as weekends often see
long queues forming.

Street Food Treats
There’s plenty of good street food to beenjoyed in Malacca. Even around the hotel,
in the Jalan Bunga Raya area, you’re spoilt
for choice. There a popiah stall just outside
Madam King’s, a departmental store. Its
fillings are just oozing and delicious. There’s
also Capitol Seafood, a well-known stallestablished over 40 years ago, that’s famous
for its seafood. Tuck into fresh cockles, riversnails or grilled squid while almost squatting
on the low stools and tables placed around.
And, just outside the hotel entrance, tothe right, don’t miss the delicious laksa at
Kedai Kopi & Makanan Yung Lai Siang –guaranteed to sell out by lunchtime. There
are also fish ball noodles, prawn noodles andsome of the best curry puffs to be found in
Malaysia. There’s the traditional version, filledwith spiced, curried potatoes, but do also
make room for the chicken, red bean and,my favourite of all, yam puffs.

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life guide //Clockwise, from above: The laksa at Kedai Kopi
& Makanan Yung Lai Siang is guaranteed to sellout by lunchtime; Fresh cockles from Capitol
Seafood; Hoe Kee's chicken rice balls; Bustlingnight life in Jonker Street.

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life guide //River Cruise

A sunset cruise down the Malacca River is also a lovely thing to do while here.
When night falls and all the lights come on, it’s really beautiful. Also, at just RM10
for a two-way, 45-minute journey, it’s really a bargain way to see Malacca.

Trishaw Explorer

A ride on a traditional trishaw is also a great way to experience and explore
the city. Most of the trishaws, as you would see, are decked out in all sorts ofdecorations and lights. You must choose the loudest, gaudiest one… absolutely!
You can explore the entire Malacca in about two hours and, if you choose yourdriver wisely, they’ll be able to point out all the sights along the way and explainthem in pretty good detail.

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Ho Peck Choo

Our resident historian Ho Peck Choo,or just ‘Choo’, as she is popularly
known, is a fifth-generation Peranakan
lady, who’s extremely passionate about
what she does and of Malacca’s history
and culture. Her two to two-and-a-halfhour walks in the historical and cultural
heart of Malacca, particularly around
Chinatown and Harmony Street, are
not to be missed. Small groups of up
to eight people are recommended andher walks start at the hotel daily, except
Wednesdays, at 10am and 5pm.

Clockwise, from right: Ho Peck Choo
conducts daily walks into the historicaland cultural heart of Malacca; A
trishaw ride is a great way to explore
the city; Take a sunset cruise down
the Malacca River; Among theoptions available at the Spa Village
at The Majestic Malacca is the palmsugar and honey body scrub.

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life guide //Kampung Morten

Right across the river from The Majestic
Malacca is Kampung Morten, Malacca’s
oldest living Malay village, which was named
after JF Morten, the British district officer who
had gazette the land for the Malay community
here in the 1920s. Parts of the film Entrapment
was filmed here, although you’d be hardpressed to recognise it as they superimposed
the Petronas Twin Towers on the background.
It’s lovely to have a walkabout, especially earlyin the morning. You can also visit Villa Sentosa,
a living museum, to see how life was like for a
traditional Malay family.

Spa-Radise

For a true experience of pampering, Peranakanstyle, a treatment (or two, or three) is highlyrecommended at our in-house Spa Village
at The Majestic Malacca. Its treatments are
one-of-a-kind and uniquely reflect Malacca’s
Straits Chinese heritage. For utter bliss, nothingbeats the three-hour Suam-Suam Panas or
Shiok-Shiok Sejuk treatments. You’d firstneed to answer a few questions to determine
if your body is more yin (cool) or yang (warm),
before the therapist can determine which of
the two treatments are best suited to you. As
far as I know, no other spa in the world offers
Baba and Nyonya spa treatments, and such acomprehensive one at that.

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life guide //Clockwise, from top: One of the colourful home thatline Jonker Street; Treat yourself to traditional snacks
like assam boi and coconut candy the next time you'rein The Majestic Malacca; Enjoy traditional Peranakan
dishes at The Majestic Malacca's The Mansion
restaurant; The Majestic Malacca's popular watermelon
and asam boi drink; Spa Village offers treatments thatreflect Malacca's Straits Chinese heritage; kampung
Morten is Malacca's oldest living Malay Village.

The Mansion

It’d be remiss of me not to mention our Chef CK Poh’s prowess at preparing
traditional Peranakan dishes, which are served daily for lunch at The Mansion
restaurant, on the hotel’s first level. You can also join in a cooking class, which
are held on a by-demand basis. Adam Liaw, the Masterchef Australia Season 2
winner, had also come here to learn cooking not too long ago. Signature dishes tolearn or enjoy include our pong tofu soup, assam pedas fish and ayam cincalok!

Jars Of Fun

At The Majestic Malacca’s lobby lounge, library and bar, you’ll notice several jarsof treats lying about. From assam boi (salted plums) to green peas, traditional
coconut candy and peanut cookies, guests are more than welcome to help
themselves to as much as they can eat. This is to give you a ‘welcome home’feeling, that this is your home away from home, however long (or short) yourstay. We love to see guests dipping their hands in, and then munch and nibble
the hours away, as well as their looks of delight when they see retro snacks likethe little sugared gem biscuits, which immediately take them right back to theirchildhood days!

Ben Quah is the HotelManager of The Majestic
Malacca, a YTL hotel.

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portfolio of
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Explore The Worldof YTL Hotels...

GAYA ISLAND RESORTMALAYSIA

Set within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, off the coast of
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo’s latest luxury retreat sits gracefully
on Gaya Island, the largest of the five islands in the marine
park. Golden beaches and lush tropical rainforest beckon sunworshippers and those wishing to commune with nature, while
the island’s waters teem with marine life, including bamboo sharks
and enormous barrel sponges. Reconnect to a PURE world, theresort’s activities programme that vivifies the senses.
One hundred and twenty luxurious hill villas and one two-bedroom
suite invite you to embrace island living, while the resort’s two
distinctive restaurants, Feast Village and Fisherman’s Cove, as
well as a Spa Village allow for stylish indulging.

+60 3 2783 1000
www.ytlhotels.com

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portfolio of life //THE GREEN LEAF NISEKO VILLAGE
HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

Located in the heart of Niseko Village in Hokkaido, the newly unveiled
The Green Leaf Niseko Village is the premium contemporary resort
in Niseko, appealing to guests who want to enjoy a seamlessexperience of stay, snow and ski. The 200-room, ski-in, ski-out
resort is perfectly-placed for all activities and offers a variety ofdining options, including the Lookout Café and the hotel’s rooftop
bar, Altitude. Alternatively, relax in the forested onsen, a therapeutic
natural volcanic hot spring guaranteed to soak away tension
and time.

+86 (21) 6321 0021
www.thegreenleafhotel.com

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portfolio of
portfolioof lifelife////HILTON NISEKO VILLAGE
JAPAN

Set at the foot of the Niseko Annupuri Mountain, the Hilton Niseko
Village is the perfect base from which to enjoy a huge variety ofoutdoor activities throughout the year. Ski on powdery slopes
during the winter season and enjoy family-friendly facilities such as
the Niseko Ski Village ski school, Niseko Kids ski programme , aluxurious spa, and five restaurants.
There are also two 18-hole championship golf courses nearby(one designed by Arnold Palmer), a tennis complex, an equestriancentre and a unique nature-bases activity area called ‘PURE’,
complete with tree-trekking and beginners golf.

+86 (21) 6321 0021
www.hiltonniseko.com

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portfolio of life //CAMERON HIGHLANDS RESORTMALAYSIA

Set amidst tea plantations and rolling hills, this tranquil hideaway
promises visitors all the splendour, romance and nostalgia of
Cameron Highlands’ grand colonial heritage.
Cameron Highlands is Malaysia’s largest hill resort and is largely
unchanged since its colonial heyday, this ‘little corner of England in
Asia’ is still dotted with Tudor-style cottages, a place where scones
and afternoon tea will not seem out of place.
The resort, with its tall French doors, timber-beamed ceilings,
plantation shutters and a fireplace, add old-world charm to thesurroundings. It also houses a Spa Village as well as an 18-holegolf course and 56 luxuriously-appointed rooms and suites, which
weave in wondrous colours and textures of Jim Thompson’s
famous silks.

Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

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portfolio of
portfolioof lifelife////PANGKOR LAUT RESORTMALAYSIA

Pangkor Laut is a privately-owned island located three miles off thewest coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca. This piece ofparadise has been two million years in the making, and it is here
you’ll find one of the world’s premier award-winning resorts nestlingin the shade of forest giants as old as the land.
There are no other resorts – just secluded bays curled aroundpristine beaches, evening skies woven with colour and a deep
sense of serenity reserved exclusively for guests. A combinationof luxury, natural beauty and age-old wilderness woven together toproduce an environment where peace and magically-memorable
moments are the currency.
Of the island’s 300 acres, only a fraction has been developed tohouse the resort and its eight estates. Wooden buildings blend
seamlessly with the forest, as if nature had been the architect
dictating how walls curve around foliage, and roofs open up toallow trees to continue on their journey to the sky.

Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
www.pangkorlautresort.com

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portfolio of life //THE ESTATES AT PANGKOR LAUT RESORTMALAYSIA

In a small, secluded cove near Pangkor Laut Resort rests the eight
wonders that comprise The Estates. Each of these individuallycrafted enclaves is reminiscent of the traditional South-East Asianway of living of days gone by, when an ‘estate’ was made up of
a number of special purpose buildings placed amidst gardens ofastounding beauty.
Comprising two, three or four bedrooms, each Estate offers a private
infinity-edge pool, as well as pavilions in various adaptations of Malayarchitectural traditions.
There is also a private vehicle and driver assigned to each Estateshould guests decide to leave the seclusion of their villa to dine at oneof the resort’s restaurants or to go for a treatment at the Spa Village.

Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
www.pangkorlautestates.com

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portfolio of
portfolioof lifelife////THE MAJESTIC MALACCA
MALAYSIA

The historic city of Malacca is steeped in a rich tapestry ofmulticultural influences reflected in its heritage architecture, diverse
lifestyles and eclectic cuisine.
Located on the banks of the river which, in yesteryear, teemed with
Chinese junks and spice-laden vessels from all over the world, The
Majestic Malacca provides a glimpse into the splendid saga of an
extraordinary empire.
The Majestic Malacca is an integral part of Malacca’s colourfulhistory. The original serene mansion, dating back to the 1920s,
remains at the heart of the hotel, whilst a new building has beencreated, mirroring the original architecture, to house 54 spacious
rooms and suites.
From the original porcelain flooring, teakwood fittings, intricate
artwork and antiques, to the finely crafted Nyonya cuisine, every
aspect echoes the history of the region, and offers a beguilingjourney through this enchanting heritage.

Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
www.majesticmalacca.com

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portfolio of life //TANJONG JARA RESORTMALAYSIA

Located on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, Tanjong Jara
Resort is a sanctuary of luxury and well-being steeped in age-old
Malay traditions. Designed to reflect the elegance and grandeurof 17th century Malay palaces, Tanjong Jara is a 99-room resort
embodiment of the gentle Malay art of service and hospitality.
The philosophy of the Resort is as unique as the Resort itself.
Based on the Malay concept of Sucimurni, which emphasises
purity of spirit, health and well-being, Tanjong Jara encourages true
rejuvenation of both body and spirit.
Tanjong Jara is an opportunity to withdraw from the pressures ofthis ever-changing world by offering a chance to immerse oneself
in a sanctuary of serenity and beauty.

Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
www.tanjongjararesort.com

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portfolio of
portfolioof lifelife////JW MARRIOTTKUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Guest rooms at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur offer the ultimate in
comfort and convenience, designed with the discerning businesstraveller in mind. An ample work area, with adjustable desk lighting
and ergonomic chair, provides a comfortable environment for
executives. Desk-mounted electrical outlets, two-line speakertelephones with call-waiting facility, fax modem and voice mailmake for easy communication around the world.
Accommodation comprises 561 guest rooms with 294 Deluxe
Kings, 172 Deluxe Twins, 25 Executive Deluxe Rooms, 19 Studio
Suites, 32 Junior Suites, 2 Executive Studio Suites, 2 Executive
Junior Suites, 8 one-bedroom Suites, 3 two-bedroom Suites, 2 VIP
Suites, a Chairman’s Suite and a luxurious Presidential Suite.
Marriott Marquis Platinum and Gold card members and guests
occupying suites enjoy access to the JW Lounge, with its
complimentary breakfast, light refreshments and evening cocktails.

Tel: +60 3 2715 9000
www.ytlhotels.com

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portfolio of life //THE RITZ-CARLTONKUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Discover the exclusive Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur and experiencea place where ancient rivers converge and a modern city beckons
guests to explore the sights, sounds and flavours of Malaysia.
Located downtown in the Golden Triangle business district, this
distinctive five-star luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur is conveniently
accessible to upscale shopping, dining and entertainment. At The
Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, guests can indulge in soothing spa
treatments, delectable cuisine or simply relax in the exceptionalcomfort of their rooms and take in the best the city has to offer.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is the city’s first award-winning
full-butler hotel, featuring 365 guest rooms and suites. The freshstyle of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is influenced by a varietyof themes reflecting Malaysia’s diverse artistry of ethnic cultures.
The dark-toned woods with angular designs reflect masculinity,
while details like brass inlays add a touch of elegance. Rich earthy
tones in the carpet and wall coverings are used to create a cosy,
warm home-away-from-home ambience, while hidden modern
technologies add a modern yet subtle flair.

Tel: +60 3 2142 8000
www.ytlhotels.com

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VILL A TASSANAPHUKET, THAIL AND

Set amidst a tropical forest on a craggy cliff overlooking thebeautiful emerald green of the Andaman Sea is a gem in the YTL
Hotels’ portfolio of luxury holiday destinations. Located just 15
minutes away from Phuket International Airport on the island’s quiet,
undeveloped north-western coastline, Villa Tassana offers guests
a vacation of modern sophistication married with Thai hospitality.
Spread over a generous 2,800 sq m, the villa features three large
bedrooms with ensuite bath and dressing areas, a 15m swimming
pool, separate living and dining pavilions, a kitchen and a maid’sroom. For those looking to get away from it all, Villa Tassana isstaffed by one dedicated attendant and a chef specialising indelicious home-style Thai dishes.
Guests can also enjoy the first-class spa and sports facilities
located at the nearby Trisara Hotel. There are three excellent golfcourses nearby, including the exclusive Blue Canyon course, and arange of luxury motor yachts you can use to explore Phuket’s many
bays, islands and dive locations.

Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
www.ytlhotels.com

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portfolio of life //THE SURIN

PHUKET, THAIL AND
The Surin Phuket offers guests a choice of 108 thatchedcottages that sit cosily under a canopy of coconut groves, wherelandscaped slopes gently descend to meet a private stretch of
sandy shore.
The appeal of the spacious 89 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom
cottages is further enhanced with private verandahs, secluded sun
decks and handcrafted teak floors.
A veritable gateway to a tropical island paradise, and renowned
for its warm island hospitality and rustic serenity, The Surin Phuket
also provides spa services, dining venues, meeting facilities andrecreational activities.

Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
www.ytlhotels.com

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life//////SPA VILLAGE RESORTTEMBOK, BALI, INDONESIA

Dawn rises and an indigo curtain of stars is drawn back fromthe sky, exposing a dramatic landscape of soaring peaks thatsweep down across grassy lowlands to the black volcanic sandthat kisses the blue of the Bali sea. You are in Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali and the day has just begun.
Inspired by the award-winning Spa Village Pangkor Laut, Spa
Village Resort Tembok, Bali embraces the same healing ethos ofcelebrating local culture, honouring the ancient remedies of theregion and infusing each visit with the essence of the surrounding
scenery.
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is a place of peacefulness andcalm, combining the therapeutic value of its beautiful location withan ancient and rich cultural heritage. Reflecting the spirituality ofages, the environment here is soft and serene; its people go about
their days in a caring manner that brings calm to the harried andpeace to the stressed; here, at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, it
is possible to recapture one’s sense of self.

Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
www.spavillage.com

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portfolio of life //EASTERN &ORIENTAL EXPRESSThe Eastern & Oriental Express is more than a train service:
the quarter-of-a-mile in length train is a haven of comfort,style and luxury, and the perfect vantage point fromwhich to tour the region. The Restaurant Cars, Saloon Car and Bar
Car are located at the centre of the train, while the Observation
Car, with its open deck area, is located at the rear.
The interior walls of the compartments are panelled with cherrywood and elm burr, and decorative marquetry friezes and intricate
design inlays. The delicate embroidery work was done in Malaysia,
and the bespoke carpets hand-tufted in Thailand.
Chefs onboard the E&O Express are internationally-renowned fortheir tantalising variety of Eastern and European dishes, using thefinest seasonal ingredients. While guests dine at night, the steward
transforms the compartment from a living room to a luxurious
bedroom.

www.easternandorientalexpress.com

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////////MUSE HÔTEL DE LUXEFRANCE

Bardot would no doubt approve of Saint-Tropez newcomer, Muse
Hôtel De Luxe, just minutes from the Place de Lices by car, situatedon the stunning Ramatuelle route de plages and set amongst an
ecological landscape of terraced gardens.
Fifteen ultra chic suites (10 featuring private plunge pools) arededicated to famous muses such as ‘Edith’, after Edith Piaf,‘Catherine’, after Catherine Deneuve, and ‘Lauren’, after Lauren
Bacall. Each suite sports a unique interior but all blend seamlessly
with cool stone floors and marmorino wall finishes. Thoughtful
touches include a 42” Loewe plasma screen with over 100
channels, a PlayStation, iPad and iPhone.
Designed with pure lines, a cool elegant reception area and outdoor
water cascades, the hotel is a reflection of architectural simplicity,
immediately stamping its original and stylish signature on the SaintTropezienne landscape.

Tel: +334 94 430 440
www.muse-hotels.com

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portfolio of life //BRAY HOUSE
ENGLAND

An elegant private home dating back to the late 17th century, Bray
House has been restored and transformed into an elegant, highdesign boutique home stay. Featuring an eclectic mix of interiors
spanning the Art Deco period of the early 1900s, Bray House is aunique experience of the gentrified English lifestyle, complete withbespoke service and intimate atmosphere.
Designer furniture, vintage accessories and vivid splashes ofcolour create an atmosphere that marries the modern and theclassic. Each of the bedrooms has its own theme: a lullaby ofwhite in one, and a symphony of Tuscany red in another. Bray
House also features a private courtyard and a natural spring foundin the garden.
The idyllic village of Bray, near Windsor, is quintessentially English,
with its period houses, traditional pubs with beamed ceilings andfireplaces, and a beautifully-restored church dating back to 1293.

Tel: +60 3 2715 9000
www.ytlhotels.com

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portfolio of life //1. Spa Village Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

This unique retreat offers the world’s most sophisticated therapies
integrated with traditional healing practices of the region. Paying
tribute to Malaysia’s fascinating cultural diversity and rich healing
heritage, this most stylish of spas seamlessly blends ancient andmodern practices, using natural local ingredients to deliver blissful
relaxation and rejuvenation.

2.Spa Village Pangkor Laut
Malaysia

The Spa Village at Pangkor Laut Resort is a unique, ultra-exclusive
retreat that extols the healing tradition of Malaysia’s diverse
history of people and cultures and wealth abundance of exotic
natural resources. The abundance of Malay, Chinese, Indian andThai practices make this the ideal tranquil setting for complete
rejuvenation of body and soul.

1

3. Spa Village Malacca
Malaysia

The Spa Village Malacca is the world’s only spa to base its
therapies on the healing heritage of the Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan
culture – a unique combination of Chinese and Malay influences.
The spa is spread across the first two floors of the new wing andprovides a serene environment in which one can rest, recuperate
and rejuvenate in the care of some of the world’s best therapists.

4. Spa Village Cameron Highlands
Malaysia

Cameron Highlands Resort features the third wellness centreof the award-winning Spa Village brand with a wide range of
sophisticated treatments and healing therapies inspired by the
restorative properties of tea. Each guest luxuriates in a signature
tea bath before every treatment. Cameron Highlands Spa Village
offers tranquil indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, tea bath rooms
and a fully-equipped gymnasium.

5. Spa Village Tanjong Jara
Malaysia

At Spa Village Tanjong Jara, time-tested health and beauty traditions
are revived in the most comforting surrounds. Guests can benefit
from a comprehensive programme of therapies, created using
unique ingredients from indigenous herbs and plants, along withthe skills of resident Malay healers.
Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
www.spavillage.com

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FEAST VILLAGEKUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Feast to your heart’s content in our Feast Village, a dramatic andstylish dining haven with a village charm. Here, you will find 11
uniquely-designed restaurants serving a mix of world-class cuisineand providing a display of culinary skill embodied in a chic andcontemporary atmosphere.
Restaurants and bars at Feast Village include Fisherman’s Cove,
Luk Yu Tea House, Pak Loh Chiu Chow, Tarbush, Spice of India,
Starhill Tea Salon, Shook!, Jake`s Charbroil Steak, KoRyo Won,
Enak, and Village Bar.

The design of Feast Village is inspired by nature. Walls areasymmetrical and serve not to separate, but rather to provide
peaceful enclaves where people may relax.
Rice paper from Japan combines with slate and ikat fromIndonesia, granite from China, silk from Thailand and timber from
Myanmar to create the essence of Asia from a design perspective,
making Feast Village truly one-of-a-kind.

Tel: +60 3 2782 3855
www.starhillgallery.com

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portfolio of life //SHOOK! SHANGHAI AT THE
SWATCH ART PEACE HOTEL
CHINA

Perched on a space of symmetry and proportion, Shook!
Shanghai features the skills of four epicurean chefs with four
distinct cuisines. A show kitchen – dubbed the ‘Ferrari’ of kitchens– is where its signature dishes are created around the senses.
The menu flirts with seasonal trends with whispers of Chinese,
Japanese, South-East Asian and modern Western cuisines, yet
flexible enough to transport you anywhere your heart and palate
desire. Another highlight at Shook! Shanghai is the showcase of
the world’s finest wines and champagnes, including rare vintages
from 1945 through to 2000. Shook! Shanghai also houses The
Time Bar and The Swatch Art Peace Hotel Terrace on the roof top,
overlooking a stunning backdrop of the Pudong skyline.

+86 (21) 6321 0021
www.shookrestaurantshanghai.com

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my life //Kwon forthe Road
Chef Edward Kwon, star of several
television cooking programmes,
including Edward’s Live Kitchen,
Challenge Star Chefs and Yes Chef,
talks to YTL Life about the joys of
cooking, being a de facto ambassador
for Korean cuisine and how he very
nearly avoided taking holy orders.
The most interesting people I meet in the course of mywork are the young boys who come to my kitchen asking for
apprenticeships. The irony is that, after they work in the kitchen
for less than half a day, they’d often disappear. Being a chef is a
tough job and anyone who wants to do this work should know ittakes a tremendous amount of strength, discipline and tenacity to
become a chef.
Travelling around Asia for my new Edventures in Asia series was
also a great experience as I learnt so much about different foodcultures, lifestyle, languages, ingredients, spices, flavours andapproaches to preparing a country’s national delicacies.

Many great chefs have inspired my career but, if I had to nameone, it would be Xavier Salomon. He is the Executive Chef of oneof the leading hotel companies and is only second person in thatcompany to earn the title of French Master Chef. It was my great
pleasure to have worked with him and, since then, he has been a rolemodel for my career. And, most importantly, he simply loves cooking!
The funny thing about me is I unwind by cooking! I have themost interesting job in the world and cooking is my passion.
After a hard day’s work in the kitchen, I still enjoy spending time
understanding how all the different ingredients and flavours cometogether. I guess this is why people keep saying that when you are
passionate about something, you will never be tired of it.

I’m Korean and I really love Korean street food such as
dukboki, which are spicy rice cakes, as well as fish cakes. When
I’m not working, I enjoy making pasta and Korean comfort foodto eat.

I’ve already cooked for celebrities like Pierce Brosnan, Sharon
Stone and several others but I’d really love to cook for Jackie
Chan. Maybe when he’s in Korea next, I’d get my chance.

If you’re in Seoul looking for authentic flavours, I’d advise you to
be curious… wander around and walk into any stall or restaurantthat looks interesting. Eating on the street is probably your best
bet to experience authentic Korean food culture and flavour.

My childhood ambition was originally to be a priest! But, due tomy mother’s opposition and being the only son, meaning that thefamily line would come to an end if I took holy orders, I gave up
the idea of enrolling in a Christian seminary.

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