TREASURED PLACES,TREASURED MOMENTS

aspen of the east
The best of food,retail and entertainment
are all in Niseko-yo

thrills & spills
Cameron Highlands Resort
hosts a weekend ofstyle and romancepassionpersonified

The Chapman’s Challenge
returns to Pangkor Laut Resort

robertocoin.com

A R T D ECO

G15, GROUND FLOOR, THE STARHILL
181 JALAN BUKIT BINTANG, 55100 KL, MALAYSIA
TEL: +603 2141 9669 / +603 2142 1669
@MY.ROBERTOCOIN -@MY.ROBERTOCOIN -+6019 6000 448

CONTENTS
life on the cover16

Niseko-yo is the new heart of
Niseko Village, offering the best in
dining, shopping and entertainment.

22

Once you’ve skied the powder snow
in Niseko, you’ll never want to
ski anywhere else again.

life style
28

The best looks of the season are
showcased in the refined setting of
Cameron Highlands Resort.

16

Life feature
40

Savour the fusion of Western influencesin Hainanese cuisine at
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

44

The Spa Village at The Majestic Malaccacelebrates Peranakan heritage, both in its
decor and its wellness offerings.

46

The Chapman’s Challenge returns to
Pangkor Laut Resort along with twogenerations to burnish a family legacy.
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

50

A weekend drive to Tanjong Jara Resort
by Ferrari owners resulted in a
spectacular experience of gastronomy
courtesy of a visiting chef.

54

Have a glass (or three) ofaward-winning gin at the new RC Bar in
The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur.

40
6CONTENTS
66

The rooms, services and amenities
at AC Hotels all over Malaysia go
above and beyond the call of duty.

70

Plan the wedding of your dreams
at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui.

72

The Spa Village Tembok Bali offers
cooking classes that will boost yourwellness, featuring lessons andrecipes you can easily prepare
at home too.

74

If you’re a fan of West End musicals,
then The Academy London
should be your headquarters
to enjoy them non-stop.

76

Who was Beau Nash and how did heinfluence so much of Bath’s history?
A stay at The Gainsborough Bath &Spa will shed some light on thisicon of the Regency era.

58

life feature
56

Your laundry is in good hands at
JW Garment Care in The Starhill.

58

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Learn more about the abundance ofbirds surrounding Gaya Island Resort
thanks to a detailed new book.

62

Eastern flavours are presented thougha Western perspective via afternoon
tea at Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur.

64

The Happening Weekend Dinner at
SHOOK! will satisfy your appetite
and nourish your soul.

70
8CONTENTS
life feature
80

Twelve things to do, see and enjoy
at Monkey Island Estate.

86

The YTL Tartan is worn withpride by staff members of
The Glasshouse Edinburgh.

88

If you can never get enough caviar,
then book a seat at theCaviar House Threadneedles.

92

86

The Westin Perth is an urban oasis
amid the hustle and bustle ofWestern Australia’s capital.

96

Summer is special in Melbourne
and it gets even better atMarriott Melbourne.

98

Heading to Sydney to catch Wicked,
one of the hottest musicals in theworld now? Complete your adventurewith a stay at Marriott Sydney.

102

Our top tip: Marriott Brisbane
is the best place to enjoy
everything Australians love about
The Sunshine State.

92
PORTFOLIO OF LIFE
104

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

The world of YTL Hotels.

HOME OF THE
TASTEMAKERS
122

Artist Frank Woo shares how hecreated the sculptures and artworks at
Niseko-yo and Niseko Village.

98
10

EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief KENNETH TAN (k.tan@imv.com.sg)
Managing Editor EUGENE PHUA (e.phua@imv.com.sg)
Chief Sub-Editor JACQUELINE DANAMARTArt Director GOH WEI LEE
Picture Editor KENNY NGUYENCONTRIBUTORSALICIA CHOO, ALICIA CORBETT, CHARMAIN ANG, CHERYL MILLER-YELL, JUNE MONG-LOFTIN, KIARA INMAN,
LAE-HOON TAN, MUNA NOOR, NG SIEW HAN, NG YUEN JUERN, TAN BENG HUIPRODUCTION
Production Director ANNA TSIRELNIKOVAPrepress INDOCHINE MEDIA VENTURES
Printer KUAN PRESS (621940-X)
No. 1 Jalan Perindustrian PP7, Taman Perindustrian Putra Permai
43300, Sri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

ADVERTISING SALES
Sales Director VENIS LOO (v.loo@imv.com.sg)
Sales Manager XANA LAI (x.lai@imv.com.sg)

FINANCE & ACCOUNTS
Finance Executive NADIA ZUHARI (n.zuhari@imv.com.sg)

PRESIDENTMICHAEL VON SCHLIPPETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEPUBLISHED BY

PRODUCED BY

YTL HOTELS & PROPERTIES SDN BHD
8th Floor, Yeoh Tiong Lay Plaza
55 Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

INDOCHINE MEDIA VENTURES SDN BHD
B-7-13A, Gateway Kiaramas
1 Jalan Desa Kiara
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

12a note from tan sri ( sir ) francis yeoh

A

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s we start the year anew, let us at YTL Hotels present your year-roundguide to the choicest places where your leisure time turns to treasured
moments. We start with Niseko-yo, the new heart of Niseko Village.
Here, you can enjoy powder snow slopes and a whole lot more, fromsipping delicious après-ski cocktails at Chuya to dancing the nightaway at Mandala Club Niseko.
Back in Malaysia and in the cool climate of Cameron Highlands, we invite you torevisit the quaint charm of a five-star resort birthed from a colonial-era hill station
getaway for British gentry. Across the pages, see how modern-day glamour andperiod outfits look perfectly in sync in a location where the sense of time is exactly
what you make of it.
Among the many highlights last year was the return of The Chapman’s Challenge
at Pangkor Laut Resort, a living tribute to the extreme bravery of Frederick Spencer
Chapman. He had spent three and a half years in wartime Malaya behind enemy
lines, training insurgents and carrying out guerilla activities. The keen naturalist
also took detailed notes on local birdlife, pressed plants and dried countless seeds
before making his escape via Emerald Bay. It is most heartening that we were able towelcome the late Freddie’s youngest son Christopher, as well as Chris’s son Stephen
and daughter Hazel, to the recent iteration of The Chapman’s Challenge.
On the topic of birdwatching, there is no doubt that Freddie Chapman and,indeed, any budding birder would be pleased to get their hands on our latest inhouse publication, Wildlife Wonders at Gaya Island Resort. A year in the making, thisbook is an essential guide for guests of our Bornean island sanctuary, helping you
identify the rich diversity of feathered friends on the island with notes on conservation.
All these, and many more, from city hotels to the bucolic countryside propertiesof Monkey Island Estate and The Gainsborough Bath Spa, await your visit. It is our
fervent desire and calm conviction that you should find your own slice of magic at allthese properties—treasured places that are special in their history, setting, charm,
cuisine and, indeed, the people who make up YTL Hotels.

a chance atsaving the wild
malayan tiger
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

luxury and wildlife conservation convergedat the launch of eye on the tiger,
the world’s largest tiger photography exhibitionat the starhill in kuala lumpur.
Words by MUNA NOOR

14

PHOTOGRAPHY: SANJITPAAL SINGH / JITSPICS.COM ©.

eventsevents

B

rought to life by the UK-based conservation
initiative Save Wild Tigers and supported by YTLGroup, the world’s largest tiger photography
exhibition made its Malaysia debut in October
2023 in the opulent Atrium of The Starhill in
Kuala Lumpur, following a triumphant showcase
at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall.
Celebrating the majesty of the tiger while sounding an
alarm for its precarious existence, more than 60 striking images
captured by more than 30 award-winning photojournalists
and photographers were featured. Among them were works
by luminaries such as Steve Winter, Paul Hilton and Toshiji
Fukuda, whose iconic images have appeared in the pages of
National Geographic and Newsweek.
In her opening speech, Ruth Yeoh, the Executive Directorof YTL Group, expressed her hope to raise awareness ofthe plight of wild tigers through the event. With the global
population of wild tigers dwindling to approximately 5,000,
and fewer than 100 Malayan tigers remaining in the wild, Eye
On The Tiger underscored the urgent need to protect thesethreatened creatures. The exhibition was part of a long andfruitful collaboration stretching back to 2014 between YTLGroup and Saving Wild Tigers.
Sadly, Malaysia will lose more than its national symbol ofstrength and courage should the Malayan tiger perish. As
apex predators, the tiger plays a critical role in maintaining
the delicate balance of our ecosystem with catastrophic
consequences for biodiversity and humanity alike.
Yeoh, who is also the driving force behind YTL Group’s
ESG initiatives, emphasised the wider positive impact oftiger conservation efforts. “In India and other tiger ranges,
the protection and restoration of tiger populations resulted
not only in the preservation of ecosystems but also in theregeneration and recovery of the forests and the carbon
stock when tigers live,” she shared.
The Malayan tiger was poignantly represented by
Malaysian photographers Sanjitpaal Singh and SC Shekhar.
Shekhar’s evocative image, taken 35 years ago in the nowvanished forest of Jerantut in Pahang, proved to be theexhibition’s piece de resistance.

The Starhill hosted the world’s largest wild tiger photographic exhibitionin October 2023, drawing global and local attention to the plight ofthe endangered Malayan tigers, with as few as 100 remaining in the
Malaysian wilderness.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“The tiger comes up time and time again as the world’s
number one species in terms of popularity”, Simon Clinton,
founder of Save Wild Tigers, related in his speech at theexhibition’s unveiling. “If you can’t save the world’s number
one most popular species, what hope is there for the restof animal-kind?”
Held throughout The Starhill in October 2023, striking tiger
images were also displayed at Eslite Spectrum Bookstore
and in the windows of the Roberto Cavalli boutique. For art
aficionados and wildlife enthusiasts, the Eye On The Tiger
exhibition offered a unique opportunity to make a tangible
difference. All exhibited images were up for sale, withproceeds set to benefit Save Wild Tigers and its Malaysianconservation partners, The Habitat Foundation and RIMAU,
which are working on wildlife protection in Pahang’s Al-Sultan
Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve and Royal Belum State Park in
Perak, respectively.
His Royal Highness, The Regent of Pahang Tengku
Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, attended a private viewing of thephotographic exhibition. The Eye On The Tiger photography
exhibition was also supported by a series of talks helmed by anumber of conservationists working in the field.

life on the coverwelcome toniseko-yo
amidst hokkaido’s pristine environment,
niseko-yo elevates the region’s offerings
with enriched lifestyle experiences including
innovative culinary spots, retail offerings,
luxe lodgings, and a vibrant nightlife.
Words by ALICIA CORBETTTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life on the cover
sculptures to guide visitors through the pathways: Hokkaido
Brown Bear, Hokkaido Red Fox and Hokkaido Long-tailed
Tit. He extended his creative vision to Higashiyama Niseko
Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, with striking artworks suchas a 2.4-metre piece of a skier gazing at the splendour ofMount Yotei.
Over at The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Hokkaido native
Emi Shiratori masterfully adorned the spaces with intricate
depictions of the region’s wildlife and its natural surroundings.
Finally, The Nightly Kaleidoscope quite literally lights up
Niseko with cutting-edge projections of lights and colours,
which beckon visitors along illuminated routes as tales unfold.

ubbed the Aspen of the East, Niseko has
become renowned the world over for its
champagne powder snow, 18-metre annual
snowfall and picturesque landscape. Niseko
Village, the most exclusive and prestigiousof the four connected resorts at the Niseko
United ski area, will be given a luxurious transformation with
the introduction of Niseko-yo in December 2023.
Niseko-yo will breathe new life into Niseko Village withthe addition of a diverse restaurant scene, liquid libations
crafted by some of Asia’s best bartenders, curated storesfor the ultimate winter wardrobe, and activities for winterenthusiasts of every level to explore. “It is a reimaginingof Niseko Village for travellers seeking unique, luxury
lifestyle experiences,” says Pei Tsen Yeoh, Director in theArchitecture & Design team of YTL Construction, who led theteam overseeing the development of Niseko-yo. “Translated
directly, Niseko-yo means Niseko World, and it comprises
an array of international F&B, retail, entertainment andnightlife pursuits.”
The Village will also present Mandala Club, Asia Pacific’s
most dynamic private membership club community, fromnow until 31 March 2024, which will undoubtedly see it
becoming the culture and activities hub.

SOUL-WARMING GASTRONOMIC SPOTS
Exploring Hokkaido through your taste buds is a journey initself and, naturally, a significant part of Niseko-yo’s offerings
comprises its cuisine. Hokkaido’s seafood is held in highregard because of its cool climate and nutrient-rich waters,
which result in succulent catches. These are transported toyour plate with creations such as sashimi moriawase at Gogyo
by Ippudo, an izakaya by night. In the daytime, it transforms
into Ippudo, a cosy spot to enjoy one of the most famous
tonkotsu ramen in the country. Yang Shu Ten also offers thevery best of the waters around Hokkaido with authentic sushi,
sashimi, tempura and teppanyaki dishes, where diners canrevel in the scenic views of Mount Yotei.
If you’ve had your fill of seafood, step into Hokkaien
Yakiniku where premium cuts of meat sizzle on the grill torelease smoky aromas. Over at Moka, the worlds of Italianand Japanese cuisine collide, and its duality extends to its

ARTISTIC TRIBUTES TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Woven into the fabric of Niseko-yo are its artistic elements,
with illustrious artists commissioned to create pieces
inspired by the beauty of its landscape and folklore. Hong
Kong artist Frank Woo created three immense and vibrant

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life on the coverThis page, clockwise from above: Hokkaido Brown Bear by Frank Woo;
Tomioka White at The Green Leaf Niseko Village; Sichuan hot pot.

evolution from a casual dining spot in the daytime to an
indulgent and refined setting in the evening.
Crosta Pizza, the winner of the World Pizza of the Year 2023
award from 50 Top Pizza, infuses international flavours into
Niseko with its latest extension and the region’s first Romanstyle pizza, Baby Crosta. Just upstairs, Pizza Bianca unveils
another novel dining concept with the first pizza omakase
experience in Niseko, helmed by the country’s number one
pizzaiolo, Chef Yuichi Ito.
Tantalising dim sum creations such as xiao long bao anddelicate steamed shrimp dumplings by a Shanghai native
chef-owner await at Long Tang, or Dragon Hall. Next, Chuan’s
spicy hotpots, which capture the centuries-old traditions ofSichuan cuisine, make for the perfect communal culinary
convergence to warm visitors up.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINERAISING THE BAR OF COCKTAILS
Participating in a traditional tea ceremony is something ofa rite of passage in Japan, and there is no better place topartake in this than at Chuya Teahouse by Higashiyama, a
Ritz-Carlton Reserve. By day, it is a serene hideaway to discover
new tea flavours and blends or to sample meticulously crafted
pastries such as Choux au Craquelin with Hojicha custard.
The spot comes alive at night as it transitions into Chuya
Bar, where you can unwind after a day on the slopes or
trekking in nature with top-of-the-line cocktails. Penrose
from Kuala Lumpur, which is listed on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in
2023 list, will be anchoring the bar during the winter 2023/24
season along with six other top cocktail bars in Asia for anopulent Taste of Asia experience.

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life on the cover

Savour traditionaldelights such as
Japanese tea at
Chuya Teahouse.
Below: the lobbyof Higashiyama
Niseko Village,
a Ritz-Carlton
Reserve.

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life on the coverThis page, clockwise from above: The Holiday Project; a guest room
at Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; a bedroom at
Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse; The Green Leaf Niseko Village.

PINNACLE OF WINTER LUXURY SHOPPING
Bundling up from the frosty weather doesn’t mean you needto compromise on style. Two glamourous retail offerings
elevate Niseko into a haven for visitors to show off chic winterensembles on the slopes.
At The Holiday Project, Asia’s first and only one-stop
destination for refined holiday wardrobe, pieces have been
curated to ensure smooth transitions from the mountains
to cosy and elegant indoor settings. Alternatively, Village
Sports boasts endless options of skis, snowboards and winterapparel including a world-class custom boot fitting service.

For more information, visit
www.niseko-village.com/niseko-yo

21

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINESERENE STAYS AMID THE SNOW
After experiencing all the unique offerings of Niseko-yo,
you’ll want to book a stay at an opulent accommodation such
as Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, thefirst in Japan. You’ll enjoy unimpeded views of Mount Yotei
here. Otherwise, Hilton Niseko Village, a three-time winner ofthe Best Ski Resort Hotel in Japan by the World Ski Awards isan equally worthy choice.
The Green Leaf Niseko Village, at the base of Mount
Niseko Annupuri, and Hinode Hills, with stunning views ofMount Yotei, offer unrivalled ski-in, ski-out experiences. For
a tranquil retreat, Kasara Niseko Village Townhouses puts
a contemporary spin on classic Japanese heritage abodes,
each with its own heated ski storage and garage.
With a multitude of offerings, Niseko-yo gives a newreason to be excited for the season.

life on the cover

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life on the coverexperience what powder enthusiasts
rave about and discover why niseko
is on every serious skier’s list.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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perfection isa snowball away

Tlife on the coverpowder snow. The ski and snowboard season in Niseko starts
in December and peters off in mid-March. The good news
is that Niseko can enjoy six-and-a-half metres of snowfall in
December and still be assured of six metres of powder snow
in January every year.
Powder pioneers started coming to Niseko in the late1980s, attracted by the talk on the snow-vine of light dry
snow pistes and moguls for skiers, and endless snow-covered
fields and forest for snowboarders to claim as their own.
Self-confessed snow bums who visited eventually moved to
Niseko permanently. But it wasn’t until the late 1990s that
Niseko was put on the winter sports map.

he northern hemisphere’s most reliable powder
snow falls on the slopes of Niseko without
fail every year. It was this news on the skiing
community grapevine that brought skiersfrom Australia to this sleepy small town backin the 1980s that eventually launched Niseko’s
global reputation. Every winter, the coastline of the Sea ofJapan receives a continental mass of cold air from Siberia,
which turns into heavy snow in Niseko. The icy Siberian air masscrosses Hokkaido island to bring snow to the ski resorts in thesouth. This geographic and meteorological quirk is good news
to skiers and snowboarders, who are drawn to these resorts
created from the slopes of Mount Annupuri.
Since the late 1980s, skiers and snowboarders have been
gravitating to Niseko, but not for the awesome couloirs, thesteepest mountain slopes or the narrowest tree runs. They
have come for Niseko’s one ephemeral ingredient, powder
snow, and lots of it. Ask any dedicated ski enthusiast or
professional—it’s probably the deepest snow you’ll findon Earth.
For the winter sport dilettante, the evocative term ‘powder
snow’ refers to a type of snow that offers soft, cloud-likepowder pillows and tree runs, and is considered to be ideal
for skiing and snowboarding. It is fresh snow that is dry andairy, and is as comfortable as a feather duvet to fall into. The
Japanese call it Japow, or amazing Japanese powder snow.
It’s safe to say every powder snow enthusiast will want to
ski on the Niseko ski slopes at least once. There are four main
ski areas in Niseko (five if you include Niseko Moiwa) where
you can enjoy both groomed and comfortable ski slopes,
and off-piste back country skiing in high-quality, fresh

SNOW CATERPILLARS
After a day of winter sports on the mountains and the sun
has set, it’s possible to see from your hotel window myriad
shafts of lights moving like giant torches up and down thepitch-black slopes. These are the custodians of the piste,
hard at work grooming the slopes on large machinery. Afterthe resort shuts down for the day and the night-skiing lights
are switched off, Niseko’s fleet of snow caterpillars stealthily
leave their homes at the resort bases for the slopes. As thedrivers find their way with the caterpillar’s front lights, theycollectively look like a haze of fireflies dancing on the dark
mountain slopes. These snow cat groomers work throughout
the night shaping and stroking the slopes into pristine
lined furrows called corduroy for a skier’s first turn the nextmorning. Sometimes working through blizzards, each driver
covers about 30 to 40 kilometres each night.
A good portion of their night’s work is spent managing
and moving mountains of snow from around the lifts and base

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing pages:
Niseko enjoys astaggering 18 metres ofsnowfall annually.

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life on the cover

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life on the coverThis and facing pages: Niseko Village offers award-winning hotels with spa and onsen facilities, a dining and retail village hub,luxury residences,an international snow school and alpine activities.

breakfast, when the runs have been freshly groomed and a
new layer of powder has dusted the slopes.
Hanazono is synonymous with ski party fun, mellow pistes
and winter games for young children. The man-made natural
powder park named after a Beatles song is where you canski Strawberry Fields forever with your mates. Strawberry
Fields Park is also awesome for boarders who like tofreestyle: they can jib, rail and jump to their heart’s content.
And the Hanazono Bowl base area is tailor-made for thoseexperiencing snow for the first time with tubing, tobogganing
and magic carpet lifts on offer.
Niseko Grand Hirafu is the first resort to open here andhas the most variety of slopes in all of Niseko United. It isdistinguished by its valleys and ridges filled deep withpowder. It is also the main access route to the mountain’s
peak. But beware, as it still uses the old-school single chair
lift known as the meat hook. For night skiing, nothing beats
Hirafu for the largest area opened for after-dark ski andboard sports.
We need to raise a glass of apres-ski to that visiting
Austrian-Hungarian military officer who taught Japanesesoldiers how to ski back in 1912. The sport caught on with
the Hokkaido locals, the first ski lift was installed in 1961, andhere we are today.

stations to keep the resort operational. As there is not muchsmooth terrain at Niseko, it’s a challenge for snow groomers
to create a surface that is safe for skiers of varying skill levels.
However, thanks to these masterful snow cat drivers, Niseko
is the powder capital of the world’s groomed runs.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINENISEKO UNITED FOREVER
Niseko United lies at the foot of Mount Annupuri and is aloose collective geographic term for the four separately
owned hotel resorts: Annupuri, Niseko Village, Hanazono andNiseko Grand Hirafu. They each contribute to the diversityand variety of this canvas, offering winter sport lovers aterrain that is distinctive to each of their personalities andcharacter. There are few mountains that offer such a wide
range of skiing landscapes.
Annupuri offers the most traditionally Japanese resort
experience, which explains why it remains a favourite among
locals who can nip in and out of the gates to ski open
groomed slopes. It’s also distinctive for its bowls, which givea skier open fields and powder-filled tree runs that morph
into natural half pipes. Just make sure you have backcountry
safety gear and know-how before you tackle these. (A bowl
is a wide mountain basin whose slopes look as if they werecarved from the side of a miso soup bowl.)
Niseko Village will welcome the novice skier and boarderwith open arms, but it is also known for its steep off-piste
powder runs and fast groomers. There is a reason why
it’s being considered for future Olympic alpine events in
Sapporo. The best time to take to the slopes here is before

For more information, visit
www.niseko-village.com/niseko-yo

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life on the cover

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life style

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Jacket, trousers,
hat, socks andshoes, stylist’s own

28life style

HIGHLANDMYSTERIES

at cameron highlands resort, the scene is set
for a quintessentially british weekend,a journey inside and out peppered withintrigue, romance and style.
Producer, photographer and creative direction: JEMMIE CHEW
Fashion stylist: BIRDY LEELighting: HERRY CHIA EE
Lighting assistant: JOY TAN
Make-up: DIANA TANG
Hair: VV CHAN
Prop stylist: FAYE
Photographer’s assistant and videographer: FION KOH
Photographer’s assistant: HAILEY TAN
Models: BAY DOUCET, LUIZA/ATTITUDE MODELSAND KEVIN/WU MODELSTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life style

On Bay: LOBBSTER
dress from Glamedge;
HALCYON DAYS
bangle; scarf and shoes,
stylist’s own
On Luiza: LOEWE dress,
heels and puffer jacket

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life style
BALMAIN blazer
and T-shirt; glasses
and trousers,
stylist’s own

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life style

BALMAIN jacket
and shorts;
vintage necklace,
gloves and shoes,
stylist’s own

On Bay: FENDI
dress; hat,
gloves, necklace
and bracelet,
stylist’s own
On Luiza:
BALMAIN jacket;
vintage necklace
and gloves,stylist’s own
HALCYON DAYS
tea setTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life style

On Kevin: TOM FORD
robe, shirt and trousers;
necklace and ring,
stylist’s own
On Luiza: BALMAIN
jacket, vintage necklace
and gloves, stylist’s own

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life style

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINELOUIS VUITTON
mermaid hem flounce
gown, Go-14 bagand heels; HALCYONDAYS bangle

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life style

RALPH LAUREN coat,shirt and trousers;
earring, socks andshoes, stylist’s own

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life style

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINERALPH LAUREN sweaterand jacket; MONTBLANC
Patron of the Arts Peter
The Great 4810 Limited
Edition Fountain Pen
28634; suspenders andring, stylist’s own

36life style

LOEWE dress; vintage
earring, necklace,bracelet and gloves,stylist’s own

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life lifeon thestyle
cover

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life lifeon thestyle
cover

On Luiza:
ANDREA LEO COUTURE
dress from Glamedge;
HALCYON DAYS bangle;
vintage earring, gloves andshoes, stylist’s own

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEOn Kevin: LOUIS VUITTON
jacket, shirt, trousers andshoes; socks, stylist’s own

life feature

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Traditional
Hainanese Boiled
Beef Soup.

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life featuresavouring classic
dishes fromthe colonial era
the colonial cafe in the majestic hotel kuala lumpur
serves a gastronomic experienceof colonial culinary heritage.
Words by LAE-HOON TAN Photos by LAW SOO PHYE

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEC

Colonial Cafe offers an apt setting to savour authentic
classical cuisine from the colonial era. A fusion of British andHainanese culinary cultures, colonial cuisine is a legacy of
British rule in Malaya. It is distinctive for its fusion of East andWest, where traditional British dishes are cooked according
to Asian styles and infused with local flavours.
During the British rule, many Hainanese immigrants from
China ended up as cooks in the homes of British expatriates,
who often requested traditional meals from their homeland.
The Hainanese cooks attempted to recreate these meals thatrossing the threshold into the Colonial Cafe of
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur transports
you into the bygone world of British Malaya.
A relaxed, genteel air suffuses the space that
includes covered courtyards, dotted withpotted palms and other tropical plants. Inside,
timber floorboards, dark wood panelling and dark-stained
wooden chairs with leather seats and rattan backs contrast
strikingly with crisply starched white tablecloths and plumpcushions in neutral shades and floral print upholstery.

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Also known as the Marie Rose sauce, the cocktail sauce
is a blend of mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and tomato
ketchup, plus a squeeze of lemon juice.
TRADITIONAL HAINANESE BOILED BEEF
The Traditional Hainanese Boiled Beef is aromatic, rich andflavourful, the result of long hours of brewing with a variety of
Asian herbs and spices.
The dish includes a mixture of beef cuts such as sirloin,
brisket and back ribs, which are cooked just right for taste andbite. Chunks of white radish provide a pleasing complement
to the tender pieces of meat.
The dish is served with somen (thin pale white noodles
that are mild in flavour), finely chopped spring onions, anda specially concocted, piquant chilli sauce that enhances thetaste of the beef.
HAINANESE CHICKEN CHOP
The Hainanese Chicken Chop is an authentic culinary creationof the colonial era. A fusion of Western and Chinese flavours
and cooking techniques, the Hainanese chicken chop is adeboned piece of chicken leg that is coated with cracker
crumbs and then deep-fried. It is served with hand-cut fries,
garden peas and a generous amount of thick brown sauce,spooned liberally over the chicken chop. A sprig of parsley
adds the finishing touch to the dish.
The rich brown sauce is an onion gravy seasoned withthe unique umami flavour of Worcestershire sauce, a staple
condiment of British expatriates in Malaya.
OLD-STYLE HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE BALL
This dish consists of tender yet firm, succulent pieces ofpoached chicken with skin intact, garnished with crumbs offried garlic and delicate tendrils of spring onion. The chickenis accompanied by rice that is hand-pressed into balls. This is
how the Hainanese serve their chicken rice. The fragrant rice
is seasoned in chicken fat and cooked in chicken stock, with
its compressed grains creating a unique texture.
Complementing the dish is a bowl of clear chicken brothand a trio of dipping sauces: ginger-garlic puree, tangy chilli
sauce, and thick dark soy sauce.

Classic Prawn Cocktail.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

were totally foreign to them using local ingredients. They
also picked up Western cooking techniques and blended
them with their Hainanese style.
Thanks to their ingenuity, skills and creativity, combinedwith their knowledge of local ingredients and a willingness
to experiment, a unique culinary interpretation of British
classics was born.
Here are some highlights from Colonial Cafe’s menu.

NASI KUNYIT
Nasi Kunyit (Turmeric Rice), sometimes referred to as Nasi
Kuning (Yellow Rice), is a traditional dish of Malay and
Peranakan (Malay-Chinese heritage) origins. It is often served
during special occasions or celebrations.
The glutinous rice gets its yellow hue from being soaked
overnight in a mixture of ground turmeric and water, withpieces of dried tamarind skin (Asam Gelugur) added forgood measure. The yellow rice is then steamed in coconut
milk, with pandan leaves and pepper corns.
At Colonial Cafe, Nasi Kunyit is served with a thick,santan (coconut milk)-rich chicken curry that is aromaticand flavourful.

CLASSIC PRAWN COCKTAIL
A popular hors d’oeuvre, the Classic Prawn Cocktail is servedin a classic martini glass with a wedge of lemon on the side.
The mound of fresh, shelled prawns, firm to the bite, sitson a bed of shredded lettuce and chopped cucumber thatprovides a delicate clean flavour and crunch. The prawns aresmothered with a tangy pink cocktail sauce and topped off
with sprinkles of finely chopped hard-boiled egg and dashesof paprika.

For more information, visit www.majestickl.com

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Hainanese Chicken Chop.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Old-Style Hainanese
Chicken Rice Ball.

Nasi Kunyit.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

heritage healingfrom head to toe
the only spa in the world dedicated to the peranakan
healing tradition, spa village majestic malacca offers
specially curated peranakan wellness treatments
using ingredients that are unique to the locality.
Words by L AE-HOON TAN

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red cloth banner hangs over the doorway
of Spa Village at The Majestic Malacca,
bestowing good luck and blessings to those
who pass beneath it. Its deep red is a stark
contrast to the white double doors that
open into the light-infused reception area.
Its interior decor reflects the Peranakan (mixed Malay andChinese) heritage – from the traditional Peranakan porcelaintiles on the floor to the Peranakan artefacts and curios thatare neatly arranged in the display cabinets. Aromatic scentsof essential oils lightly perfume the air of tranquillity thatpermeates the room.
The therapies here are based on Peranakan healing
beliefs regarding a person’s cool or warm energies, and are
inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. Using indigenous
ingredients and long-established methods, the remedies
aim to cleanse, replenish and reinvigorate, both physicallyand mentally.

Above: the Pandan-Coconut Hair Mask is part of the Suam-Suam Panas
Experience (Warming), a Peranakan Signature Experience.
Facing page: every guest enjoys a pre-treatment experience that includes asoothing hair care ritual.

THE PERANAKAN HAIR CARE RITUAL
Every guest to the Spa Village at The Majestic Malacca
is treated to a soothing pre-treatment hair care ritualexperience, inspired by the elaborate 12-day Peranakan
wedding ceremony.
Aimed at dispelling negative energies, the Peranakan haircare ritual begins with a hair wash. Warm, lightly scented
Florida Water is streamed over the head. A Malacca Fruit(also known as Indian gooseberry) shampoo is then lathered
into the wet hair. The Malacca Fruit is rich with anti-viral
and anti-microbial properties, and is used extensively in
traditional medicinal treatments. After the shampoo is rinsed
out, a relaxing scalp massage with olive oil is administered.
A Malacca Fruit conditioner is then applied before it is rinsed
away with a mixture of calamansi juice and flower water,
infused with pieces of kaffir lime. To finish, a wooden comb isgently run through the cleansed hair.
WARMING YOUR BODY, HEART AND SOULThe Suam-Suam Panas Experience (Warming) takes place
in one of the six private treatment rooms located on theupper level of the double-storey spa. The large room, withan en suite shower room, exudes refined luxury, with its finely
detailed porcelain wall tiles, ornate silverware and intricate
traditional wood carving. Two massage tables take centre
stage, while a free-standing bath tub is positioned at the far
end of the room.
On a marble countertop cabinet are four apothecarybottles, each containing different essential oils concoctedfrom local ingredients. Guests are invited to select one foruse during their body massage. Also on the countertop isa claypot, partially filled with uncooked rice and unshellednutmeg, as well as a table-top burner. Next to it are threebowls of fragrant unguents: thick white coconut milk, green
pandan juice and golden yellow honey.
The treatment begins with a cleansing of the body witha warm towel. This is followed by the Malacca Palm Sugarand Honey Body Scrub, where a delicious, sticky mixture of
Malacca Palm Sugar grains and local honey is rubbed onto

For more information, visit www.majesticmalacca.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

the skin. Malacca Palm Sugar is made from the concentrated
sap of coconut flowers and is very rich in mineral salts andessential fatty acids. The combination of the Malacca Palm
Sugar and the enzyme-rich honey creates an exceptionally
good scrub. At the same time, it replenishes the vitamins andminerals needed for healthy skin.
After a shower to wash off the scrub, it is time for the
Nutmeg-Rice Rolling Massage. It begins with a traditional
Malay massage, using the guests’ chosen essential oil.
Long kneading strokes focus on the muscles, while pressure
is applied to various points on the body. Then, using a
traditional steam pouch, heated nutmeg and uncooked rice
are pressed along the body to ease aches and reduce windfrom the muscles.
As guests luxuriate in the bliss of a rejuvenated body,the Bird’s Nest Facial with Fermented Tapioca Mask isadministered. Considered the Caviar of the East, bird’s nestis the dried saliva of a species of swifts found only in the
coastal caves of Southeast Asia. This treatment replenishes
facial nutrients and improves micro-circulation, leaving theskin supple and glowing. The Facial includes a massage ofthe face with chilled jade rollers.
The Pandan-Coconut Hair Mask and a relaxing scalp
massage bring the wellness experience to a close.
Traditionally believed to relieve mild headaches, juice fromthe fragrant pandan leaves is combined with coconut milk tomoisturise the hair and massaged into the scalp.
Upon completion of the treatment, guests are invited
to the Relaxation Lounge, with one wall of floor-to-ceilingwindows that look out to the swimming pool. Here, they
may sink back into the cushions on one of the traditional
Peranakan daybeds and enjoy some rejuvenating longan
tea in quiet contemplation. It is a perfect ending to a uniqueexperience of heritage healing and wellness.

life featurechallenge
accepted
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

the chapman’s challenge returns topangkor laut resort along with two generations
to burnish a family legacy.
Words by KENNETH TAN Photos by JASONHOOI.BIRD/YTL HOTELS
Caption46

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Above: all smiles at the starting line.
Facing page: the 2023 winner Mathieu Al Kharfan arrives at the finish line, cheered on by his family members.

T

Out of the water and towards the home stretch.

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he Chapman’s Challenge 2023, its fifth instalment
since 2015, returned following a three-year
pandemic-enforced hiatus. It also welcomeda familiar winner—42-year-old Mathieu Al
Kharfan—whose time of 52 minutes and 48
seconds saw him claim top spot and the coveted
luxury sports watch from official timekeeper Norqain, which
was awarded to the overall winner of the event together with
its official retailer Sincere Fine Watches. Al Kharfan, who
had previously triumphed at The Chapman’s Challenge 2018
edition, did not expect to win again but had been training
for a separate triathlon and was hoping to stay competitive
throughout the race.
“We used to live in Kuala Lumpur and I’ve become sofamiliar with Pangkor Laut Resort: the island, the property
and the nature,” Al Kharfan said following his victory. “Andmy wife loves the resort for its environment, the quality ofservice and, after several visits, we started to feel connectedto the people here, like family.”
Together with his young family, Al Kharfan observed thedelight on the faces of his children when they spotted hornbills
and monkeys on their day of arrival for The Chapman’s
Challenge. “As a parent, on this private island, you don’t haveto worry. It’s the perfect environment for families.”

life featureThis page: The Chapman’s Challenge includes a 2.4-kilometre trek through a two-million-year-old rainforest
and a one-kilometre swim in the sea off Emerald Bay.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINECONTINUING THE LEGACY
Another family who was present on the island during thechallenge came with a rather famous last name. Christopher
Spencer Chapman, the youngest son of Colonel Frederick
Spencer Chapman, is inextricably linked to the challenge thatbears his family name. On his first visit to Pangkor Laut Resort,he met with the resort manager and discussed the possibilityof establishing the challenge—a tribute to his father’s heroic
flight from the clutches of the enemy.
As the story goes‚immortalised in The Jungle Is Neutral
by Frederick Spencer DSO Chapman—the Japanese invasion
forced Freddie into guerrilla warfare, during which he spent
four years haranguing the occupiers by blowing up bridges,
cutting lines of communication and laying mines while
simultaneously escaping leeches, unfriendly tribesmen,
tigers and the rainforest’s dense undergrowth. “He only
escaped through making radio communication and coming
through this island, emerging on Emerald Bay on 13 May.
Eventually, he and two fellow soldiers saw the periscope ofthe HSM Statesman submarine, which would evacuate themto Sri Lanka,” Christopher recounts. “And it was in Colombo
where he would meet my mother, who was then attached to
the women’s air force headquarters.”
For Christopher, the resumption of The Chapman’s
Challenge is a living memorial to his late father. “We’redelighted because, when it was cancelled in 2020 due tothe pandemic, we wondered if the idea would die. But it hascome back.” Among the ranks of 2023’s participants was48

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Above, left: (from left) Christopher, Stephen and Hazel Chapman at the memorial dedicated to Colonel Frederick Spencer Chapman,
whose lifetime exploits as an adventurer and naturalist spawned novels and a triathlon on Pangkor Laut Resort that bears his name.
Above, right: the special edition Norqain timepiece bears a special imprint of The Chapman’s Challenge and Pangkor Laut Resort logo on the caseback.

editions but had to sit this particular edition out due to recovery
from a motorcycle accident, was also basking in the golden
hues of Emerald Bay. “The first year, I remember we raced on
the exact date that my grandfather was rescued. Swimmingalongside my brother in the exact same bay made me realise
how special this challenge is,” she recounts. “Interestingly,
even though I never met my grandfather Freddie, there arelots of parallels I find we share—he was a photographer andliked to sketch, and I work creatively doing illustrations anddesigning film sets,” she says. “And I used to ride motorbikes
and go on silly adventures, and I’ve got strong willpower, likehow he showed resilience during his lifetime.”
For the present-day Chapman family, who returned to theexact spot where 78 years ago their grandfather was making
his bid for freedom, the sense of delight stemmed from seeing
Emerald Bay in its unspoilt condition, surrounded by the very
jungle that Freddie had once sheltered in. “And it’s great
to see how the challenge has become an international racewith participants from around the world,” Christopher says.
“Pangkor Laut Resort is a great mix of luxury, jungle and sea,but my favourite spot is undeniably Emerald Bay, especiallygiven its connection to my family and imagining what it musthave been like for my father to have been standing here on
the day of his rescue.”

FAMILY MATTERS
In the present day, family has come to the forefront for
Stephen, particularly with the arrival of his daughter, so
he concedes that he “has a new mission now”, dedicating
himself to family and his new job at Undo, a sustainability
outfit that helps corporations achieve their net zero target via
carbon removal.
Stephen’s sister Hazel, who had competed in previous

For more information, visit www.pangkorlautresort.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Christopher’s son Stephen Chapman, participating for thefifth time in the triathlon, which comprises a 3.8-kilometreroad trail followed by a 2.4-kilometre hill trek through therainforest and finally a one-kilometre swim across Emerald
Bay, with a dash to the finish line.
Stephen’s best time of 53 minutes and 15 seconds isimmortalised on the The Chapman’s Challenge leader
board. The 2023 edition saw him clinch a podium finish
with third spot. “The most challenging bit is the hill ascentbecause it is quite steep. But my favourite part, because I
like to swim, is coming out of the jungle and into the water,”he says. He credits his training during his time serving in the
British Parachute Regiment as keeping him fit even up till thepresent day. To have followed in the footsteps of his paternal
grandfather and serve came naturally to Stephen. “I liked that
I’m working towards being part of something bigger, andtaking on the challenge of belonging in an elite regiment,”
he says.

life feature

la nuova
dolce vita
a weekend drive to tanjong jara resort by ferrari
owners resulted in a spectacular experience ofgastronomy courtesy of a visiting guest chef.
Words by KENNETH TAN Photos by KEN LIM / MOMENZ CREATIONTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life featuren a recent Thursday at Tanjong Jara Resort—the idyllic beachside getaway built in the styleof 17th-century Malay palaces—purring V8s
heralded the arrival of an 18-Ferrari convoy.
Tanjong Jara Resort, situated along a crescentstrip of golden sand, is a favoured destination
for holiday-making thanks to its blue horizons, picture-perfectscenery and calming waves lapping at the shore. For thisparticular group, the drive along Karak Highway and East
Coast Expressway added to the getaway’s appeal, with its
beautiful, meandering highways and breathtaking sights ofage-old rainforests and mountain ranges along the way.
All this contributed to the encapsulation of the sweetlife, or as the Italians would have it, la dolce vita. Only that
this particular trip offered the promise of something evenmore—a discovery of how the original beauty and allure of
Tanjong Jara Resort could be jazzed up with the excitementof the unexpected.
Enter Motokazu Yonezawa, better known as Chef Moka,born in Kumamoto, Japan. His first apprenticeship in the
kitchen was at the Pasta Club restaurant in his hometown.
At the age of 27, he decided to move to Italy and worked inseveral restaurants, including Ristorante Perseus in Florenceand La Cappanna in Ischia. Along the way he also pursued
a sommelier qualification and met his wife Noriko during awine sommelier course in Italy.
When he returned to Japan, he worked as a chef andsommelier with famous Italian restaurant groups such as
Aroma Freca and Al Checchiano, before fate had him moving
to first Johor Bahru and latterly Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Above: Nelayan is Tanjong Jara Resort’s signature restaurant.
Below: a member of the Ferrari Owners Club Malaysia arrives at the resort.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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Above: roast Cherry Valley duck breast with orange sauce.
Below: fish carpaccio.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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Clockwise from above: Chef Motokazu Yonezawa and his wife Noriko greet guests; Chef Moka (as he’s affectionately known)
prepares the meals; grilled scallops with uni vin blanc sauce; torta di cioccolata with strawberry sauce.

As dinnertime rolled around, Chef Moka and his teambusied themselves in the kitchen, ably supported by theculinary team of Tanjong Jara Resort as they sliced and diced.
A first course of fish carpaccio was tinged with citrus fruits to
add to the tropical zesty character of the dish. Next came therigatoni caprese redolent with tomatoes and basil, and pairedwith a Sicilian white, a Tasca D’Almerita Regaleali Bianco,
offering freshness with hints of kiwi and mineral aromas.
The choice of mains—a beef stew or roast Cherry Valley
duck breast with orange sauce—were both equally popular.
In came the Cygnus from the same Sicilian winery, thistime a fragrant red with a nose of dark berries, tobaccoand chocolate balanced with a fruity taste with soft acidity.
Polishing it off was the dessert of a torta di cioccolata withstrawberry sauce, a delicious end to a most unexpected East
Coast getaway, where the authentic Italian cuisine of Chef
Moka added an undoubted newness to the sweet life thatmany have come to recognise Tanjong Jara Resort for.

For more information, visit www.tanjongjararesort.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“The characteristics of my cuisine are rooted in harmony
between ingredients, seasoning and cooking methods, all ofwhich combine to bring out the best flavours and aftertaste,”he says.
At Tanjong Jara Resort, backgrounded by swaying palm
fronds and cooled by a constant sea breeze, the group of
Ferrari owners discovered the heightened sensations of
the new sweet life with the introduction of Chef Moka’sgastronomy into their holiday programme. Lunch at theresort’s signature Nelayan restaurant showcased the cerulean
vista of the South China Sea.
On the table, meanwhile, the courses began with an
antipasto of grilled scallops with creamy uni vin blancsauce. Next was the risotto porcini, in which delicate, earthy
mushrooms mingled with the moreish rice. The risotto waspaired with a San Felice Chianti Classico Il Grigio Riserva,
offering its typical notes of sweet violet and wild red berries
in a full-bodied mouthful. A crème brulee dessert cappeda satisfying midday meal as the afternoon stretchedlanguorously ahead, for spa sessions, refreshing dips in thepool and participating in turtle conservation with the resort’s
team of naturalists.

life feature

sip and savour
the newly opened rc bar at the ritz-carlton,
kuala lumpur welcomes the award-winning no.3
london dry gin along with an exclusive
selection of six cocktail creations.
Words by ALICIA CHOO Photos by LAW SOO PHYE

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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A

This ultra-premium gin carries a juniper-forward characterwith a harmonious blend of botanicals, making it thecornerstone of the bar’s exclusive cocktail creations craftedby the bar’s seasoned mixologist. The cocktail line-up
begins with No.3 Martini, a globally recognised classic of
gin and vermouth with a garnish of lemon. Meanwhile, No.3
Negroni offers a dry gin twist with an infused juniper-forward
profile, enhanced with a touch of zesty orange. For a crisp
and refreshing choice, No.3 Tonic shines with a delicate
accentuation of the gin’s distinct characters, complemented
by a garnish of pink grapefruit and rosemary. Enter No.3 St.
James’s Spritz, a dry and revitalising fusion of elderflower
and sparkling wine with a balance of botanical elements.
Topped again with pink grapefruit and rosemary, it’s a visualand sensory delight. Beat the heat with No.3 Tom Collins, agrown-up twist on classic lemonade featuring fresh lemon,soda water and dry gin, crowned with a slice of lemon.
Completing this exclusive selection is No.3 London Calling,a blend of gin, sherry, lemon juice and sugar syrup. Its charmlies in the redolent punch of aromatic bitters and citrus notes.
Whether you’re in search of a tranquil evening or a lively
venue to celebrate life’s best moments, RC Bar extends aninvitation to savour the art of refined living.

For more information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/
kualalumpur

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEt The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur’s first floor,
guests will discover a haven of the finest
spirits in its newly opened RC Bar. The sleek
and polished interior beckons with an air ofopulence, blending modern aesthetics withsustained glamour. Plush leather brown seats,
mirrored ceilings reflecting the warm ambient glow, patterns
reminiscent of the roaring twenties, and a charming view ofthe bar form an inviting enclave. The space is enhanced by
the soulful cadence of modern-day classics with a threepiece jazz ensemble, a fitting backdrop for conversations andcelebrations alike.
The crowning jewel is the award-winning No.3 London Dry
Gin, conceived by London’s oldest wine and spirit merchant
Berry Bros. & Rudd. Since its launch in 2008, this awardwinning gin has aimed to redefine the pinnacle of London
dry gin, setting new standards for quality. Over two years, it
has collaborated with master distillers, mixologists and theworld’s sole PhD holder in gin, Dr David Clutton, to create
this showpiece. Adhering to exacting standards, it distills its
spirits and botanicals in a century-old, brick-encased copper
pot in Holland, the birthplace of gin. The result is a balanced
blend of genuine London dry gin. This commitment to quality
has earned No.3 the prestigious title of World’s Best Gin
four times at the International Spirits Challenge and secured
the vote as the best gin for The Classic G&T at the People’s
Choice Awards in 2021.

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the art oflaundry service
jw garment care offers a bespoke service tailored
to meet the exacting standards of high-end garments.
Words by JUERN NG

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEJW Garment Care is a luxury dry
cleaning and laundry service by
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur thatis dedicated to cleaning andmaintaining your garments with
only the highest quality care bya team of professional valets.

56Tlife feature

For more information, visit www.thestarhill.com.my

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are an investment in timelessness, as well as a sanctuary thatsafeguards the life of each garment, continuing to preserve
the memories and craft new stories each time a piece ofgarment is worn.
Today, luxury garment care has evolved into a lifestyle
statement, and has become artistry that continues to sustain
the life within each masterpiece. As these specialised services
become more than just a utility, JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
has introduced JW Garment Care, a luxury dry cleaning
and laundry service situated in the heart of Bukit Bintang in
The Starhill, where the essence of lavish living truly matters.
Backed by a team with profound insights of the uniquerequirements of high-end fashion, JW Garment Care ensures
its services are able to meet the exacting expectations ofrefined clientele.
Experiencing JW Garment Care myself, my first impression
upon stepping into its interior was that of refined elegance.
Its serene and upscale environment is enhanced by plush
furnishings and velvet seating. The ambience is comfortingand sophisticated, with its elegant and muted colour paletteadding a modern touch to the overall vibe.
An appointment is easily booked by phone. A personalised
consultation is provided to discern the specific needs andpreferences of each client. Meanwhile, careful inspectionsof each delicate piece are undertaken to ensure meticulous
attention to detail and compliance to the optimal measuresof garment care. The process was relatively simple and it wasa swift in-and-out experience.
Garments were ready to be retrieved in as little as anhour. Its valet services include pick-up and delivery options,thoughtfully designed for utmost convenience to ensure
a seamless experience. Upon return, my garments were
neatly pressed and well-protected. The intricate beads on
my dress, which required thorough care, were exceptionallywell-maintained and preserved. Any stains were expertly
addressed and it’s safe to say that no complications arose.
However, in the rare event that an issue arises during theprocess, clients can expect prompt updates on the status of
their garments.
It is worth noting that the overall service quality was
exceptional. Garment conditions were professionally handled
and the turnaround time was impeccable. The quality of careprovided not only justified the cost of services but was, infact, quite reasonable. It is also notable that the team at JW
Garment Care were friendly, helpful and, most importantly,
displayed complete transparency in outlining the terms andconditions—a crucial aspect that significantly contributed to
my overall satisfactory experience.
In addition to external clients, JW Garment Care’s luxury
garment services are also integrated with its affiliatedhotel, JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, offering an extra layer ofconvenience for guests. This supplementary service may not
be grand in scale, but its commitment to unparalleled quality
elevates the experience. At the end of the day, it is the little
details that make a difference.

he concept of garment care has existed since theinception of clothing, but only in recent times
has the emphasis on luxury garment care as a
specialised service become more prominent.
The days of haute couture and luxury fashion
houses only emerged in the late 19th and early
20th centuries, adorned in their own regal tapestry of opulence.
With these splendour-laden epochs, the demand for garment
care services only grew, but it wasn’t just any care—it was thesort of ‘tender loving care’ that exceeds the ordinary in orderto cater to the unique needs of such lavish fabrics.
Fast forward to the later 20th century, and technologicaladvancements continue to propel the services of luxury
garment care. For instance, there are eco-friendly drycleaning innovations and cutting-edge equipment designed
to preserve the quality of delicate fabrics and intricate
designs, prolonging the longevity of each valuable piece. For
the discerning custodians of fashion, these luxury services

life feature

taking flight togaya island
gaya island offers a true bounty ofnature’s wonders, including the chance
to see some of borneo’s enchanting bird life.
Words by CHERYL MILLER-YELL and TAN BENG HUI
Photos by CHERYL MILLER-YELL, CHARMAIN ANG and NG SIEW HIAN

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Female Brownthroated sunbird
on a ginger plant.

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atch the sun rise over the picture
perfect vista of Mount Kinabalu,
Malaysia’s highest peak. Gaze atmagical cloudscapes. Slowly kayak
along a mangrove forest. Potentiallystumble upon one of the world’s
most highly trafficked animal, the Sunda/Malayan pangolin(Manis javanica). Be awakened to the dawn chorus of avian
residents and visitors. Hear the calls of the endangeredproboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), arboreal primates whomake Gaya Island’s forest canopies their home. Who needs
screen entertainment when you can watch the red giant flying
squirrels (Petaurista petaurista) show their amazing aerial
display of gliding from tree to tree every night like clockwork?
Gaya Island Resort offers the opportunity to partake insome deep and sustaining R&R in a beautifully crafted resortthat adopts the look and feel of traditional design, alongwith contemporary comforts and hospitality expected ofa luxury stay. Its villas are sensitively in situ fronting a lush
rainforest, with beaches and jungle trails only a short walkaway. Conservation and tourism are not mutually exclusive orcompromised here.

As a small, merry band of birders (three photographersand one writer), we happily took on this assignment to create
something that shares, educates and connects others to thenatural assets of the island, and which we hope guests willvalue and cherish.
The result—Wildlife Wonders at Gaya Island Resort: A
Guide to its Feathered Friends and Indigenous Fauna—is abook that highlights almost 40 birds, along with a selectionof some of the island’s wild occupants and special plant life.
Each feature comes with images and accompanying text on
their main traits, behaviours, habitat and conservation status.
Now, any bird enthusiast knows of the immense enjoymentof trying to spot and watch birds, as well as the frustration,
sometimes, when the bird you want to find does not makeit easy for you, much less arrive ‘on cue’ ready for its closeup shot. Nevertheless, armed with essential local knowledge
and our combined expertise, and with cameras and memory
cards ready, we set out to find and photograph as many bird
species as possible during our five-day stay.
Whether it’s to chance upon birds or to plan to see a
special bird, it frequently means being ‘up with the birds’.
There are no holiday sleep-ins. It’s about waking up before
the sun rises or walking the paths and trails way pastsundown. Whether they’re migratory on a short holiday stayof their own or a resident that breeds here, the more you
observe and listen, the more you notice unique individual
and social characteristics in the birds. Watch a little longer
and you will notice their distinctive beauty and wonder, as
well as the many traits and behaviours they share with us:
locating safe havens, enjoying food, finding a life partner,
playing or caring for their young. Connecting with and

A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF GAYA ISLAND RESORTYTL Hotels has released a publication to introduce andhighlight some of the diverse avian species guests may see
during their stay at Gaya Island Resort. From the smallest to
the largest, common to the endangered, garden or park,seabirds and tree birds, the stealthy to the garrulous, thebrightly coloured plumage to the cleverest camouflage—all
were to have a place in this book.

Male Asianemerald dove.

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life feature
Left: Brown boobook.
Facing page,
clockwise from top
left: Male Brownthroated sunbird
on a leaf, Philippine
megapode, Blueeared Kingfisher, thenew book entitledWildlife Wonders at
Gaya Island Resort.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

following the rhythms of nature can lead you to unexpectedwonders. Such magical bird sights and sounds are part ofexperiencing island life.
To make the most of any bird outing, it is important todo some homework, whether you are a veteran or a novice.
This includes consulting and compiling bird lists, looking atavailable images and listening to recorded bird calls, more so
if you only have a short time to locate many birds. These days,
with so many online resources, this task is easier, but for Gaya
Island, there was not a lot of information. Instead, we relied on
in-house conservation materials and the expertise of Justin
Juhun, YTL Hotel’s Group Conservation Director, as well as
the experts on mammal, primate, avian, etymological, floraand botanical matters working at the resort’s wildlife centre.
With their guidance, we found and enjoyed an afternoon
observing a pair of Philippine megapodes (Megapodius
cumingii), also known as Tabon scrubfowl, which in Malaysia,
has only been recorded in Sabah. To the uninitiated, this looks
like a brown chicken-like bird with a grey head, a reddish
patch around its eyes and, as its name suggests, big feet. Thisis an extremely shy ground bird that will scurry away once it
spots you. The two we saw were industriously building a nest,
oblivious to our presence some 60 metres away. Unlike mostbirds, this ‘nest’ is a mound of sand created by kicking soil
and decaying vegetation backwards into the centre with theirstrong claws.
We later learnt that, once ready, a solitary egg is placed
within and left to hatch on its own about 70 days later, using

the heat generated from the mound. Many newborn chicks
need the care of parents to survive, but the baby megapodeis superprecocial: it hatches fully feathered and ready tostart life alone. If you are lucky you may get to see these
hardworking megapode parents, and many other equallyfascinating feathered species.
STOPOVER FOR SOME ISLAND LIFE
Maintaining and conserving biodiversity is especially criticalfor islands like Gaya that are naturally rich in flora and fauna,and which offer wonderful stopovers for us, and also for manyof the migratory birds that visit. In this regard, an importantand commendable point of difference is the sustained
investment by YTL Hotels and Gaya Island Resort in a rangeof conservation initiatives, including the employment of staff
to protect, advocate and share local knowledge, including
educating guests on what they can see and hear during
their visit. The production of Borneo’s Natural Wonders at
Gaya Island Resort reflects this commitment to conserve andpromote coexistence with nature that all guests can enjoy.
Whether you are a casual observer or want a deeper
immersion into nature and the beauty of birds, we hope you
will enjoy the images and information displayed in this book.
Perhaps, if someone asks you, “What bird is that?”, you will beable to give them the answer. Or maybe it will be the spark oflove needed to help save birds and habitats for generations
to come. Come to Gaya Island Resort, relax and stay a while.
Just don’t forget to look up and watch the birds fly by.

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W I LD LI F E WONDERSAT GAYA I SLAND RES ORTA GUIDE TO ITS FEATHERED FRIENDSAND INDIGENOUS FAUNA

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Cheryl Miller-Yell and tan beng hui, together with Ng Siew
Hian and Charmain Ang, were part of the team that put
together YTL’s latest publication, Wildlife Wonders at
Gaya Island Resort: A Guide to its Feathered Friends andIndigenous Fauna. They express their immense gratitude to
Justin, Bata and Scott, and staff at Gaya Island Resort, who
made this an enriching and memory-making experience.

For more information, visit www.gayaislandresort.com

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life featureeast meets west
mr ma’s afternoon tea redefines theconcept of a conventional afternoon tea
through a fusion of diverse cultures.
Words by JUERN NG

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life featuren his satirical novel, Mr Ma and Son, Lao She
describes the experience of a father and son from
China who are trying to adjust to living in London.
As Mr Ma and his son, Ma Wei, sought to adapt tothe customs of the English, one, at least, was familiar
to Mr Ma—tea. Although the English and Chinese
ways of consuming tea were different, they shared somesimilarities, such as the practice of offering tea as a means tocultivate connections.
“Mr Ma, a canister in each hand, addressed the rest of thecompany. ‘Some tea we’ve brought with us from Peking. One
canister for the Reverend Ely, and one for Mrs Wedderburn,as small tokens of our respect’.”
It is from here that Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur drew its
inspiration to introduce Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea, featuring
plenty of East meets West elements. Set in the historic streetof Jalan Kamunting and close to the city’s business hub,Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur is also surrounded by eclectic
restaurants, quaint cafes, art galleries, legendary landmarks
and a vibrant nightlife. Back in the 19th century, this area had
been destroyed by flood and fire. As a result, buildings thatwere once constructed of wood and thatch were replacedwith bricks and tiles under the British colonial administration
to resemble London architecture and its history. So, just as
Mr Ma and Son ventured to London, patrons will also be able
to go on a journey reminiscent of 1920s London with Mr Ma’s
Afternoon Tea.
At Brasserie 25, the red brick arcades and wood flooring
evoke a warm and rustic ambience. Natural earthy tones
create a sense of cosyness while its mid-century copper
Sputnik chandeliers enhance the atmosphere with a touchof futuristic allure. Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea is presented
in a setting infused with traditional English charm, as anassortment of classic English delights is elegantly served

This and facing
pages: Hotel Stripes
Kuala Lumpur invites
guests to embark on
a delightful voyage offlavours, inspired by
the celebrated novel
Mr Ma and Son by
Lao She, publishedin 1929.

For more information, please visit www.stripeskl.com

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on a three-tier cake stand. Start with the delicately craftedsandwiches—with cucumber, egg and smoked salmon
fillings—before moving on to decadent cakes and macarons,
followed by freshly baked scones accompanied by jam andclotted cream.
Chinese influences are captured through an additional
set of offerings that feature traditional pastries such as egg
tarts and siew pau (baked barbecued buns). The pastries are
flaky and buttery, while the egg custard filling of the tart isdelightfully silky. Those who aren’t fond of sweets will be
surprised to find that the pastries offer a perfect balance
between sweet and savoury, which will not overwhelm
the palate.
Naturally, no afternoon tea is complete without a generous
serving of the beverage. Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea features
a selection of jasmine and Darjeeling options. The former
exudes fragrances of delicate floral notes, while the latter
is a juxtaposition of rich, robust flavours. Each sip beckons
you to embrace the essence of both cultures, offering you an
opportunity to savour the best of both worlds.

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weekend spectacle
elevate your weekend dining with a buffetdinner at the happening weekend dinner at shook!
every friday and saturday evening.
Words by ALICIA CHO Photos by LAW SOO PHYE

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life feature
are dipped in a delightful, sweet chilli sauce, and the enticing
aroma of Pad Thai that is prepared before your eyes. Moving
on, the Japanese counter transforms into a showcase of the
freshest Hokkaido produce, offering a satisfying array ofsushi, sliced sashimi, teppanyaki and tempura. The expedition
continues at the grill station, where guests are granted thefreedom to select their choice of proteins or a medley ofvegetables, all expertly grilled to personal specifications,enhancing the interactive nature of the dining experience.
But the culinary adventure doesn’t conclude there. The
buffet extends its offerings to include a dedicated pasta
station, where a variety of pasta awaits, each ready to be pairedwith sauces and toppings. Diners will also discover crisp,
oven-baked pizzas accompanied by refreshing salad options.
The buffet also encompasses a tempting assemblage of hot
local dishes, each prepared with a nod to regional culinary
traditions, introducing diners to the abundance and diversityof local cuisine. At last, the dessert bar emerges as the grandfinale, paying tribute to the flavours of New York. Diners can
expect to find desserts that cater to every palate, from theclassic richness of cheesecakes to the luscious decadenceof chocolate cakes. The station also includes local sweet
specialities, ice creams and seasonal fruits.
To complement this feast, the beverage options mirror thediversity of the buffet. Included in the package are various
juices, teas and coffees. For those seeking a more spirited
experience, the extensive bar menu offers a curated selectionof cocktails, wines and beers, inviting diners to elevate theirbuffet experience with perfectly paired libations.

he sleek halls of Shook! at The Starhill Dining,
the lively pulse of the city, set an appetising
backdrop for a weekend filled with culinary
indulgence. As the clock inches toward 6pm
every Friday and Saturday, the anticipation builds
like a crescendo, signalling the commencementof The Happening Weekend Dinner. The expansive open spacebecomes a visual feast, with each buffet station thoughtfullyarranged to ensure an experience without overcrowding.
The culinary journey unfolds with the top three highlights
stealing the spotlight. First in line is the Southern Thai cuisine
station, an ode to the beguiling and chilli-spiked flavours
inspired by Pak Tai at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui. Here,the Thai station balances tradition and creativity, employing
high-quality ingredients to breathe life into authentic recipes
from Thailand’s southern provinces such as fresh rolls that

For more information, visit www.thestarhilldining.com/
outlets/shook

This and facing page:embark on a weekend
culinary journey at The
Happening Weekend
Dinner at Shook! at
The Starhill Dining.

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life featurerefinedelegance
the newly refurbished prime
deluxe and premium rooms at
ac hotels by marriot create aclutter-free haven for guests
while catering to their every need.
Words by ALICIA CORBETTTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Prime Deluxe King with City View
at AC Hotel Kuantan.

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A

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s Spanish hotelier Antonio Catalán, whofounded AC Hotels and lends his initials tothe brand, said: “Hotels should serve as anescape, an oasis from the mundane.” This
Marriott brand, with its Spanish roots anda European soul, offers a chic, fuss-freeexperience for the modern traveller. With 150 hotels globally,guests can expect the thoughtful and warm hospitalitythat has become synonymous with the Marriott brand ateach destination.
Perfect for business travellers and vacationers alike,
AC Hotels by Marriott’s three properties in Malaysia is close
to the buzz of activity but removed enough if you wantto escape. AC Hotels Penang is set in the Bukit Jambul
neighbourhood, a mere 10 minutes’ drive from the airport
and a short drive to Georgetown where one can explore theisland’s heritage and culture. Meanwhile, AC Hotel Kuantan
offers the perfect blend of being in the heart of the cityand being near spots such as Teluk Cempedak Beach andthe Royal Pahang Golf Club. Next, AC Hotels Kuala Lumpur,
which stands between the Titiwangsa LRT and KL Monorail
stations, is only a 15-minute monorail ride to the vibrant Bukit
Bintang shopping area.
Their light-flooded, window-walled lobbies are furnishedwith grey velveteen couches, swivel leather armchairs,plush carpeting and statement floor lamps that add to theirelegant and modern design. Here, you’ll be greeted by themultilingual convivial staff by name and with a welcoming
smile as they facilitate a seamless check-in process.
A mobile check-in option allows Marriott Bonvoy
members with Elite status to check in prior to their arrival,
while an express check-out service is perfect for those whoare short on time. Other Elite benefits include late checkouts, a hotel welcome gift and an enhanced room upgrade.
In today’s hyper-connected society, Wi-Fi is an essential
amenity and all AC Hotels provide free Wi-Fi throughout
their respective properties.
In a complex world, AC Hotels ensures that the layout of its
guest rooms help you have peace of mind. The Prime Deluxe
and Premium room categories, both with king and twin bed
options, boast newly renovated spaces by interior design
firm Duoz, whose projects include JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
and The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui. Clean lines and soft greybrown hues enhance the minimalist beauty of the space, withcarefully positioned lighting creating a cosy ambience.
Showcasing an open layout, the purposefully designed
rooms were optimised to fulfil your every need without
the clutter for an effortless hotel experience. Sleek desks
and precisely placed outlets ensure that you’ll never bemore than an arm’s length away from an outlet while you’re
typing away at your desk or lounging in bed. Open closets

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Prime Deluxe King at AC Hotel Kuala Lumpur (above) and AC Suite at AC Hotel Penang (below).

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Dine in comfort
at AC Loungeand AC Kitchen(below).

For more information, visit ac-hotels.com

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or exploring the city at the Lounge, which transports guests
to Barcelona for a night. Order the signature cocktail, called
ACGT (A Custom Gin Tonic), which is a nod to AC Hotels’
Spanish roots with Tanqueray gin, tonic water and club soda
garnished with orange peel and lime wheel. Pair it with tapas
such as lamb prosciutto, which is sliced at the carving station
before your very eyes.
The hotels also blend business and leisure with its meeting
facilities and the latest equipment. They are an ideal setting
for meetings, conferences and seminars, while their banquet
halls are perfect for weddings.
You can also wind down with a dip in the outdoor swimming
pool, which offers a welcome respite from the heat, or headto the fitness centre to maintain your workout regime.
With purposeful design at the heart of the AC Hotels by
Marriott philosophy, you can rest assured that you’ll be moreproductive, creative and fulfilled with every memorable stayat all AC Hotels in Malaysia.

give easy access to your items and plenty of space to place
your luggage, while adjustable bedside lamps help you to
get some reading done before you drift off to sleep. As foramenities, all the basics, including a television, a fridge, asafety deposit box and toiletries, are covered.
Floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light, while
blackout curtains keep rooms dark for restful sleep. These areaccompanied by the luxury of plush Marriott mattresses andwhite bed linens. The hotels also prioritise the beauty sleepof guests with a lavender turndown station, where you can
prepare a sachet in the lobby to help you relax and soothe
before heading up to your room.
Start your mornings in AC Kitchen with its Europeaninspired buffet breakfast, which features specialities suchas frittata, buttery scrambled eggs or local roti canai madeon the spot. Service is delivered by enthusiastic staff who
will bring your caffeine fix of an espresso or cappuccino to
your table.
By day, AC Lounge provides a space to work and also offers
quick bites such as honey-glazed chicken and cheese panini.
As evening rolls around, unwind from a day of busy meetings

life feature

wanderlust
weddings
situated on a private bay with breathtaking views
and impeccable facilities, the ritz-carlton, koh samui
is the ultimate luxury hotel to host opulent
yet intimate weddings.
Words by ALICIA CORBETTTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

T

is set in 58 acres of a former coconut plantation on Choeng
Mon Beach. The all-suite resort boasts contemporary interiors
with local architectural aesthetics that complement the sunkissed bay. A place likened to heaven on Earth, its idyllic
location paired with the unrivalled customer service that
The Ritz-Carlton is known for results in the perfect backdrop
for a tropical destination wedding without forgoing the pomp
and circumstance typically accompanying the marriage rites.

hailand is home to stunningly beautiful
archipelagos with warm temperatures all year
round, and Samui is one of its most picturesqueislands with pristine sandy beaches, turquoise
blue waters, and coconut groves. Finding
solitude at this popular destination may bechallenging, but not so at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, which
is sequestered within a private bay at the northern tip and70

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BREATHTAKING BACKDROPS
Couples will be spoilt for choice as The Ritz-Carlton,
Koh Samui boasts eight exquisite indoor and outdoor
settings to serve as a backdrop for ceremonies, dinnerreceptions or both. Let the ceremony unfold at Sala Thai, anelevated pavilion reception venue boasting sparkling ocean
views imbued with a sense of local culture and a chapel-style
design inspired by Thai traditional roofs. Next, The View is astunning venue that will quite literally elevate your nuptials
while offering a panoramic view of the resort.
Another breathtaking selection is The Tides Upper Deckperched on top of Tides Bar, which overlooks the magnificent
azure waters connecting with the never-ending blue sky,with the option of a natural sand floor or grass carpet. At
Sea Salt Deck, Sea Salt Shack and the Sundeck located next
to the beach, the Gulf of Thailand takes centre stage for awaterfront wedding venue, serving as an intriguing and everchanging backdrop to exchange vows.
Couples can also opt for the Banquet Hall, which isdesigned with traditional themes for dinner receptions, orgo for Baan Talat, a uniquely Thai location with a market-styleatmosphere filled with travelling carts.

To say ‘I do’ in a truly remarkable style, The Ritz-Carlton,
Koh Samui has an impressive roster of live entertainment tochoose from, including a Thai cultural dance performance,a traditional Thai long drum parade, and a ranard player. To
light up the night in a spectacular way, a fireworks display is
the perfect way to cap off the festivities.
Trained and qualified Marriott Certified Wedding Planners
are on hand to turn your fairy-tale wedding into reality byhelping to determine an overall vision and to execute all thechic and sophisticated details from the space to cuisine.

ISLAND ROMANCE
There are two packages to choose from for the big day, with acurated list of services and products to make the enchanting
event truly yours. The Dream Wedding package is for intimategroups of up to 50 and includes preparations before andduring the special day and dinner. Another exquisite option
is the La Vue Wedding package.
The packages come with a 120-minute Samui’s Coconut
Heritage massage for the couple at The Spa Village
Koh Samui, which utilises natural local ingredients and ageold healing practices of the region.

For reservations, please call +66 77 915 777 oremail rc.usmrz.sales@ritzcarlton.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETANTALISING FARE
The exceptional culinary offerings mirror the gastronomic
delights on the island with the touch of the exceptionallyskilled chefs at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui.
For those who elect for a dinner reception at The View,
the five-course meal is a feast for the senses and includes
Rock Lobster Carpacio, Pata Negra and Dry Aged 28 Days
Wagyu Ribeye. For the Beach Barbecue menu, a beachside
dining extravaganza awaits with a bountiful spread including
a paella station, an oyster bar, and a grill station.
Eat as the locals do at Baan Talat, where an impressive
selection of local ingredients is served with delicacies fromall over the country including a traditional sweets cart. At
The Mookata, everything from meat slices to fresh seafoodis either barbecued on a grill to bring out smoky aromas orprepared in a rich flavourful soup.
At The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui, no matter what yourrequirement for a perfect wedding is, you, your spouse-tobe and your friends and family will be able to create timelessmemories at this extraordinary haven.

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COOKING IN
PARADISEAt spa village resort tembok, bali, your journey
to wellness may also incorporate a culinary arc
withthe resort’s cooking classes.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

F

Words by KENNETH TAN Photos by ANNA-RINA RAHIM AND MANGO LOKEor those familiar with YTL Hotels’ Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali, the journey to the resort isundoubtedly part of its appeal. The approach via
resort shuttle—return airport trips are offeredcomplimentary with direct bookings—traverses
coastal highways and sinewy mountain roads,
through vibrant and artsy Ubud and its verdant paddy terraces.
About an hour into the journey, the ancient landscape of Bali
becomes apparent, from the majestic sight of Mount Batur,to the calderas and volcanic lakes formed at the base of thesemighty formations.
Arriving at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali feels likea homecoming of sorts, with the gracious welcome of ashoulder massage, foot wash and delicious accompanimentof a welcome drink made of coconut water, honey mint andlime—all of which instantly rejuvenate the senses. So much of
the atmosphere here lends itself to healing, from the mineral-rich black volcanic sands that are said to dispel low spirits—along-practised remedy by the villagers of Tembok—to thetranquillity of the pastoral northern coast, away from the
hubbub of Bali’s southern fringe.
At this property, which has received various spa-related
accolades since its inception, its F&B offerings complete thecircle of well-being with a range of healthful dining options.
Many of its dishes are farm-to-table by default, courtesy ofeasy access to produce and the day’s catch from the villageof Tembok. Menus are usually written up following themorning market run to the nearby Pasar Tukad Eling, where
live poultry and freshly line-caught mahi-mahi and yellowtail
tuna are found.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Wantilan, theopen-air restaurant that enjoys constant sea breezes anda vista of swaying palm fronds backgrounded by the deep
blue Bali Sea. It is here where you may partake in one of the72

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Clockwise from above: beef rendang, summer rolls (raw red cabbage, carrots, celery and bean sprouts rolled in rice paper, paired with a tangy chilli dip),kuih lapis (colourful layered soft rice flour pudding, with grated coconut) and bottles of jamu.

classes, among them a healthful bean sprout and vegetablesalad. “Fresh ingredients are key, of course, and we work
closely with the local farmers and fishermen on a contracted
basis to obtain the choicest selections.”
Beyond the cooking, there is, of course, the eating andthis is where the practised culinary nous of the kitchen teamcomes into play. At Wantilan, diners enjoy three-course
lunches and dinners, ranging from seafood and meat tovegetarian dishes, with flashes of the chef’s genius such asa cumin-infused yoghurt in the aubergine lasagne, or the
dextrously cooked fish, redolent with flavours of the banana
leaf in which it is baked, and served with the chef’s sambal
matah and two glasses of fruit-forward Chardonnay witharomas of green melon, nectarines and caramel and a vanillacustard palate.
For more information, visit www.spavillageresort.com

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myriad activities proposed by the resort. Its private cooking
classes are conducted by its executive chef Mohamad Rizal,
who brings his understanding of cosmopolitan cuisine from
more than a decade of service at Fairmont Dubai, into thefood served here.
Classes—limited to two persons a day—run the gamutof selecting, handling and storing fresh seasonal produce,
preparations and modifications of recipes to cater toingredient sensitivities, and a hands-on walk-through ofthree courses: appetiser, mains and dessert, as well as
making a smoothie. For 1.5 million rupiah per couple, theyreceive cooking attire, a hands-on discourse on cooking andnutrition from Chef Rizal, and a personalised recipe book ofwhat they have made.
“It’s important to strive for a balance of the salty, spicy,
sweet and savoury tastes,” Chef Rizal explains of his
philosophy to the dishes that he proposes at the cooking

life feature

life is acabaret atthe academy
a luxury bloomsbury hotelnear the showbiz glitz and must-see
musicals of the london west end.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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finest actors such as Laurence Olivier, Patrick Stewart, Carey
Mulligan, Idris Elba, Judi Dench and Anthony Hopkins
have trodden the boards in London. And from Hollywood,
Gwyneth Paltrow, Orlando Bloom, Christian Slater, Jessica
Lange and Madonna have all appeared on a West End stage.
PLAYING IN THE WEST END
Apart from headlining shows such as The Lion King, Moulin
Rouge, ABBA Voyage and The Jersey Boys, here is an insider’slist of what to see:
• Nicole Scherzinger plays Norma Desmond in Sunset
Boulevard. On now until January 2024 at Savoy Theatre.
• Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas in Lyonesse, which
opens in December 2023 at Harold Pinter Theatre.
• Matt Smith, who played the 11th Doctor Who, will starin Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People at Duke of York Theatre,
which opens in February 2024.
• Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club is one of the hottest tickets
in town, playing at Playhouse Theatre, which is on now until
29 June 2024.
• Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away is an extraordinary stage
production at London Coliseum, which runs from April toJuly 2024.
The Academy Bloomsbury hotel is located in the centreof Bloomsbury and is only a 13-minute walk away from Soho
via the high-end English village-like Store Street. The Guest
Services Team at The Academy will be happy to assist you
with advice about booking a West End show.
For more information, visit www.theacademyhotel.co.uk

75

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEt used to be a place where people dried their laundry,
haggled at a market, grazed their horses and partookin salacious vices, but London’s West End is now
the largest theatre district in the world. Although
topographical markers don’t exist for it on a map,
the West End evokes show business, scandal, lights
and the red carpet. It’s been the beating heart of thespian
activity for centuries, and you know you’re there if you’re within
the boundaries marked by Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus,
Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Soho and Savile Row.
Theatregoers at West End are attracted by the world-classentertainment, dining and shopping that it offers, but lurking
beneath the face paint is centuries of history that provide thebackdrop to London’s theatreland. From the 17th century
onwards, the building of palaces and townhouses graduallydisplaced the poor communities in Covent Garden andnearby Seven Dials. This attracted residents such as painter
Joshua Reynolds; Frederick, Prince of Wales; and Karl Marx.
But change was already on the cards when the Great Fire of
London happened in 1666. Around this time, Theatre Royalon Drury Lane was built and remains the longest-standing
theatre in the West End. Piccadilly Circus is now home toCriterion Theatre and London Pavilion Theatre. (The name of
the circus came from a tailor who made his fortune making
piccadills, a frilled collar popular in the 17th century.)
By the 20th century, the West End went into full swing
with the longest-running show in theatre history, The
Mousetrap, which opened in 1952 and is still in production. It
is staggering to know that more than 10 million people haveseen this Agatha Christie classic whodunit. Some of Britain’s

life featurebeau nash of bath,the original dandy
the master of ceremonies turned 18th-century bath
into the capital of fashion, refinement and elegance.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

H

Refinement and etiquette were dictated by 12 rules
laid down by Nash. Rule II advised ladies coming to a ball
to appoint a time for their footmen’s arrival to take themhome to prevent inconveniencing themselves or others.
Rule VI forbade a gentleman from giving his ticket for theball to anyone but a gentlewoman, “unless he had none of
his acquaintance”. Rule IX wagged a finger at ladies who
dressed and behaved like handmaids as they should “not be
surprised if they are treated as a handmaid”. Nash shocks with
Rule X, where he requests that elderly ladies and children becontent with sitting at the back of the ball as they are eithere was a flamboyant dresser, threw parties thatthe cream of society attended, and dictated
the fashion trends and etiquette of the day.
No, we’re not referring to Karl Lagerfeld or
Freddie Mercury. We’re talking about Richard‘Beau’ Nash, who was the influential Master ofCeremonies at The Pump Room and the Assembly Rooms in
Bath for 20 years in the 1700s. As a tastemaker, Nash laid down
a set of rules so particular for society to follow that he turned
the small sleepy town into a spa playground of the smart set
that lasted for decades after his death.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing
pages: illustrations ofRichard Nash and his
famous white hat.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

the thrill of physical touch. In Austen’s novels, dancing waspart of the ritual of courtship.
For example, in Mansfield Park, Catherine Morland is
distraught when she is not able to dance at her first ball inBath because there is no one to introduce her and Mrs Allen
properly. In another scene from this novel, Austen shines alight on Fanny’s loneliness and isolation. Not being a skilled
dancer when Fanny is thrown a ball for her birthday, she falls
foul of one of Nash’s rules: a lady has to be sporting when
she does not get asked to dance as often as the other ladies.
Meanwhile, in Sense and Sensibility, Elizabeth Dashwood
and Mr Darcy’s rocky relationship begins at the Meryton
Assembly Ball. And in Emma, Austen contrives that her
heroine never loses sight of Mr Knightley even as she danceswith Frank Churchill.
Nash was born in 1674, almost 90 years before Austen in
1767, but the social etiquette set by him in the 1700s remainedin place for more than 100 years after his death and shaped
the behaviour of the aristocratic mineral-water drinking
society of Bath. He was born in Wales but went to Oxford to
study law, at which he was an abominable failure. Poor at his
studies and not endowed with much of an allowance, Nashnevertheless realised that his dandified personal style—evenat that young age—made him desirable company. Just after
his 31st birthday, he decided to try his luck at the health spa
town of Bath, where he was appointed assistant Master ofCeremonies (MC) under the tutelage of Captain Webster.
However, not long after that, Webster died tragically in apast “perfection” or had never attained it As the arbiter ofgood taste, Nash set the schedule of entertainment for thetwo seasons each year: the first from March to June andthe second from September to December. Under his ‘rule’,the Bath programme of dancing dictated that the Pump
Room hosted balls twice a week, which started at 6pm andcomprised minuets, tea-drinking, country dances and a strictfinish at 11pm.
The style of parties Nash threw twice weekly during the‘seasons’ were like the ones used by Jane Austen in her novels
to depict tension, longing or frustration. These public dancesin the Regency era offered the rare opportunity for young
men and women to be on their own without a chaperone and78

life featuresword-fighting duel, and Nash found himself the new MC.
One of his first pronouncements was the barring of swordcarrying at balls to avoid a repeat of Webster’s fate.
Oliver Goldsmith, the 17th-century novelist and author of
the biography The Life of Beau Nash, observed that Nash
was not a physically attractive man. He was never born to bea beau garçon, but the source of his authority came from hisforce of personality. Nash knew how to make an entrance
and he made sure his appearances in the public eye wereextravagant and unforgettable. He made his signature thewearing of a white hat.
He was able to support his lavish lifestyle and expensive
taste because he was a prodigious and successful gambler.
However, when the anti-gambling law was tightened in 1745,
his fortunes and influence gradually diminished. He diedquite impoverished at the age of 82 in 1762, having had tosell most of his possessions to survive.
Nash has been known to say that the three ancient
residents of Bath, politeness, decency and good manners,
have of late left the city, but that whoever can restore themshall be rewarded with honour and respect. Posterity has
certainly awarded Nash that honour and he is remembered
to this day.
When you visit Bath to stay at The Gainsborough BathSpa hotel for a few nights of pampering at its private hotsprings spa, do spare a thought for Nash, the gentleman
and Master of Ceremonies par excellence. And think of him
making his arrival at the Assembly Room in a post chariot

This page: completed in 1771, the Assembly Rooms at The GainsboroughBath Spa quickly became the heart of the fashionable Georgian society inthe city.
Facing page: the Georgian-era Pump Room, Bath’s social heart for over two
centuries, has hosted Jane Austen and Charles Dickens and continues tohost the customary English afternoon tea in the pesent day.

For more information, visit thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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and six greys, with outriders, footmen, French horns and“every other appendage of expensive parade”. If you’d
like to dine at The Pump Room Restaurant or visit the BathAssembly Rooms now managed by the National Trust, thevery helpful concierge team at The Gainsborough Bath Spa
hotel reception will be more than happy to assist and advise.

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history at
every turnin the posh countryside of bray-on-thames,
past and present meld seamlessly acrossa range of thrilling activities, michelin-starredgastronomy experiences and utter relaxation.
Words by KENNETH TAN

M
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

onkey Island Estate occupies seven acres ofland that date back some eight centuries
to the Middle Ages. It was first inhabitedby a small order of monks known for theirapothecary skills and was eventuallypurchased in the 18th century by Charles
Spencer, the third Duke of Marlborough, who turned it into
a fishing retreat.
In recent times, the property has been transformed byaward-winning New York-based Champalimaud Design into
41 charming bedrooms and suites, the perfect base fromwhich to discover the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of thedelightful village of Bray.

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1. A MAGICAL STAY IN THE WEDGEWOOD SUITE
At The Wedgewood Suite—deemed by Historic
England to be of exceptional interest and conferreda Grade 1 listing—you can luxuriate among
409 square feet of luxury, coupled with sweeping
views of the beautiful hotel grounds, quaint wildlife
and the meandering Thames.
In this suite, you’ll discover the loving restorationand fantastical adornment by Champalimaud Design,
as well as ivory plasterwork sculpted into mermaids,
seashells and mythical creatures constituting the
Wedgwood Jasperware, which gives the suite its
name. Jasper, the most famous of Josiah Wedgwood’s
inventions, remains a recognisable signature of thepottery brand’s appeal, with the founder granted
royal permission by Queen Charlotte to style himself
as potter to Her Majesty.

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2. THE MONK’S ELIXIR IN THE
FLOATING SPA
The
location’s
history
inspires
Monkey Island Estate’s floating spa, arecall of the apothecary barges of the
1730s commissioned by the WorshipfulSociety of Apothecary in London. Here,therapies are drawn from a partnership
between the hotel and Chelsea Physic
Garden—the United Kingdom’s oldest
experimental botanical garden—whichconnects the spa to the healing historyof the monks.
Among its many healing remedies,
the Monk’s Elixir is a can’t-miss. Thissensational
hour-long
treatment  
begins with ancient herbal tonics andaromatics, followed by a herbal infusionof essential oils that revitalises yourbody and soul thanks to its languorous
massage strokes that incorporate therhythm of the boat.

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3. HONEYCOMBED DAYSWITH BEEKEEPING
Let Monkey Island Estate’s resident
bee-keeper Sergio take you throughthe intricacies of the science and art
of apriculture. Beekeeping is essential
to the Estate’s flourishing flowerbeds
and offers guests a chance to harvest
the honey. Throughout the 90-minutesession, you will be immersed in the
age-old practice of beekeeping, whichbegan some 10,000 years ago andwas practised in the cradles of ancientcivilisations as diverse as the Mayanand Egyptian as well as the Greek
and Chinese.

4. UP AND ABOVE THE FRAY
In the bucolic setting of Bray, you will
enjoy uninterrupted, bird’s-eye viewsof the locality and surroundings witha hot-air balloon tour. From up high,cast your gaze across the Berkshire
countryside, from the dense woodlandof Windsor Forest and the hamlets that
dot the parish.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

5. READY AND AIM
Polish your marksmanship with a shortdrive to the local shooting range—of
which there are several—where you
undergo one-to-one sessions with a
private shooting instructor, making
you a crack shot in no time.

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6. YOUR VERY OWN GIN
Now more fashionable than ever before, gin has experienced
its headiest renaissance with a never-ending parade ofpremium varieties hitting the market. You too can create yourown gin by first understanding the entire process of making
one, courtesy of a master distiller at the Berkshire BotanicalDistillery in Yattendon.
Famed for its exotic blends of rhubarb and raspberry,honey and orange blossom, and dandelion and burdock
gins, the Berkshire Botanical Distillery allows guests todesign their unique gin recipe and to distil their personalised
bottle of gin on one of its mini stills.

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7. WINDSOR CASTLE TO YOURSELF
A memory that will last a lifetime, theprivate tour of the State Apartments at
Windsor Castle starts with an expert
guide who will take you behind theropes for a tour encompassing morethan 1,000 years of royal history. This
private tour takes place when the
castle is closed to the public, giving
you a chance to explore the intricacies
and living heritage of a recognisable
royal icon that began as a wooden
castle for William the Conqueror andthen became the stone fortress that itis renowned for today by Edward III.

life moments
8. IN THE EMBRACE OF NATURE
In 1932, George V commissioned Eric
Savill to create the 35-acre naturalwonder that is The Savill Garden.
Over time, this attraction has offered
boundless and breathtaking vistasof floral kaleidoscopes and everchanging woodlands dictated by thepassing of seasons. Spring brings the
National Collection of magnolias andflowering Japanese cherry trees, whilesummers allow you to take in the scentof the Rose Garden and scenes ofblooming hydrangeas.

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9. AN ASCOT HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDEIn the stately elegance of a horse-drawn carriage, take inthe sights of the surrounding countryside in the manner oflords and ladies. Relax and explore ancient woodlands, 18thcentury lakes, grand avenues and delightful garden scenes,
all the while being regaled by a carriage driver or guide
who will provide insights into the history and lesser-known
facts of the area. This horse-drawn carriage ride includes a‘romantic proposal’ package for those who wish to make it avery special experience with their loved one.

10. FALCONRY ON THE ESTATE LAWNSThis introduction into the world of falconry takes you deep
into understanding this exotic pastime, which has evolved
from its original need for hunting to sport and, now, as ahobby and status symbol. Across the 90-minute experience,
the falconer eases you into the intricacies of first knowing
the habits and proclivities of the bird, before demonstrating
how these trained birds hunt on their majestic flight and thenreturn to the falconer.

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11. BE YOUR OWN CHEF
At Monkey Island Estate, therestaurants offer brasserie-styled meals
as well as casual fare on the terrace
overlooking the river. You too can learn
to recreate the satisfying, delicious
flavours of its kitchens with the newly
launched cooking workshops. These
private workshops include the guest’s
choice of a three-course menu and anhour-long tutorial of how to prepare
each dish.
For bespoke groups, the cooking
workshops may also take place in the
hotel’s private residences such as LongWhite Cloud or Lavender House. These
cottages have their own kitchen anddining areas and offer a home-styled
experience of making (and serving)that perfect meal in the countryside.

12. AFTERNOON TEA IN THE
MONKEY ROOMIn the Monkey Room, which gives
the island its name, you will spot the
beautiful and painstakingly restored
singerie scene by French artist
Andieu de Clermont. More than threecenturies later, the whimsy and wit of
the artist’s works in this room still elicit
wry smiles, thanks to the capricious
monkeys supplanting humans in their
human-like activities of boating, fishingand shooting, all while dressed in theheight of 18th-century fashion. The
art, commissioned by the third Dukeof Marlborough, provides a historicalsense to the afternoon tea, which
includes a glass of champagne to raise
the spirits.
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made-to-measurehospitality
gordon nicolson kiltmakers weaves scottish
and malaysian heritage into a one-of-a-kindtartan for the glasshouse.

L

Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

country, while the yellow symbolises the sovereignty of the
Malay rulers as leaders of the faith in their constituent states.
We had the privilege of speaking with Gordon Nicolson
on a chilly autumnal afternoon, who explained that tartans
are not only for families and clans but also for honouring acommunity you belong to and cherish. This explains why
there are plaids for countries, cities, regions, companies
and universities among the 14,000 tartan plaids registeredwith the Scottish Register of Tartans—a ‘family’ to which the
YTL Tartan now belongs. Nicolson says the Register likes
the fusion of the Scottish heritage of The Glasshouse with
the Malaysian heritage of the YTL Group, as well as its richprovenance of being woven by the House of Edgar, whoseroots boast of Queen Victoria and her equerry John Brown ascustomers to their shop in Pitlochry.

ike the complex weaving of a Scottish tartan,
there were threads of wit, altruism, piety andgenerosity in Lady Glenorchy’s character, which
moved her to devote her life and vast wealth toreligious education and the building of chapels.
The Glasshouse Edinburgh opened in 2003
out of the beautiful 19th-century frontage of one of Lady
Glenorchy’s chapels for the poor of Edinburgh to worship in.
Today, The Glasshouse is a 77-room five-star sanctuary with alush Rooftop Garden located next to Edinburgh Playhouse. To
mark the 20th anniversary of The Glasshouse, the YTL Groupembarked on a partnership with an Edinburgh institution,
Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, to create a tartan design withthe colours of the Malaysian flag. The red, white and blue on
the YTL Tartan acknowledges Malaysia as a Commonwealth

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life featureThis and facing pages: Gordon Nicholson created the YTL Tartan tocelebrate the 20th anniversary of The Glasshouse Hotel, Edinburgh,
in June 2023.

to see the hotel concierges proudly wearing their made-tomeasure tartans when they greet you at the door. Nicolson
has been known to drive by the hotel to check that the bhoys
are wearing their kilts just right, or as he describes it, “at midknee length and their socks pulled up to the right height”.

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

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Understandably proud and knowledgeable about thehistory of the tartan, Nicolson says Highlanders have worn
highland dress for centuries until they were banned fromdoing so by the Act of Proscription 1725. This was because
the British government considered it martial dress and central
to the identity of Jacobites, Highland clans who supported
Bonnie Prince Charlie’s unsuccessful bid to secure the Stuart
crown. From as early as the 16th century, Highland clans
wore the Great Plaid, or the belted plaid, a versatile piece ofclothing that could be a cloak, blanket or bedding. Known
in Gaelic as feileadh mòr, it is not only one of Scotland’s
greatest icons but also one of the world’s leading nationalmarks of identification, according to Nicolson. The oldest
surviving specimen of a true tartan was found in a peat bog in
Glen Affric and has been carbon dated to between the 15thand 16th centuries. Known as Glen Affric Tartan, it is now ondisplay at the Victoria & Albert Dundee’s Tartan exhibition,
which is open until January 2024.
In 2021, the World Heritage Association put kiltmakers on
the watchlist. However, Nicolson was five years ahead of thecurve as he founded the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy in2016. The Academy has now trained more than 130 kiltmakers,
helping to preserve this proud and cherished artisanal skill
for Scottish identity.
The Royal Stewart tartan, chosen by Sir Walter Scott forKing George IV’s visit to Edinburgh, is the best-known plaidin the world today. The YTL Tartan may be a newcomer tothe fold, but visitors to The Glasshouse Edinburgh will getlife feature

diamondsof the sea inthe square mile
how the democratisation of caviar
took it on a journey from the russian tsars
to caviar house at threadneedles.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Caviar House serves
informal meals in the
bar and dome lounge.

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In 1921, Émile Prunier set up processing centres where
local sturgeon was caught, and was able to serve his own
caviar for the first time in his art deco restaurant just off theChamps-Élysées. Soon, Prunier was not just catching wild
sturgeon but also importing the classic Sevruga, Osetra
and Beluga sturgeon to harvest eggs, thus starting a French
tradition to rival the Caspian’s finest exports. Since 1993,
Prunier’s farms have been producing homemade caviar froma shoal of sturgeon reared on the estuary of the picturesqueDordogne river, now a protected ecosystem thanks to theearly efforts of Émile Prunier to champion sustainability.
Although the United Nations Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species put wild sturgeon on its list in
1998, it is now facing extinction and gone is the outdatedsnootiness of farmed caviar. Today, Prunier’s busy little
restaurant is still welcoming politicians and film stars into its
listed building every day.
Prunier isn’t the only world-class seafood producer toteam up with Caviar House, as Balik’s salmon is also available
in the retailer’s restaurants and shops. A favourite among
connoisseurs, Balik was born in the 1970s when Swiss actor
and director Hans Gerd Kübel bought a 300-year-old farmin Erbsol as a hideaway in the Swiss mountains. On a whim,
he began to cultivate salmon on the farm. The inspiration
to smoke the salmon came quite by chance when he met
Israel Kaplan in Berlin, the grandson of the last purveyor of
smoked salmon to the Russian tsar’s court. Kaplan used his
grandfather’s experience and taught the Swiss to smoke what
is now the famous Balik salmon. ‘Balik’ means ‘best piece offish’ in Russian, and three principles have to be adhered tostrictly to produce it: contact only with fresh water from its
source, fine salt, and the delicate smoke of a fire from woodof the region.
Balik’s salmon is also available on the Caviar House
Threadneedles menu. It is recommended to commencewith starter courses such as Balik Discovery, which boasts
delicate slivers of smoked salmon, before moving on to themain courses that include a Seafood Platter brimming withoysters, salmon, shellfish, velvety Caviar House sauce and thebestselling tender Lobster Brioche Roll. Why not make yourevening more memorable and start with either one of thefour Ossetra caviars on offer? Or you could try one of thefour original Baeri caviars upon which Prunier made its name.
This wonderful repast should end not with dessert butwith a nod to the remarkable foresight of the late George
Rebeiz. He was born into a family of merchants in Beirut
around the time Émile Prunier was serving homemade caviar
in his restaurant in Paris. In the 1950s, he was the Lebanese
consul to Copenhagen and he saw a market for importing
fine French food, seafood and Middle Eastern food to
Scandinavia. But by the 1960s, he concentrated solely on
importing Russian and Iranian caviar. Four decades later, he
was known as the king of caviar, and his business merger with
Pierre Bergé created what we know today as Caviar House& Prunier.

ves Saint Laurent, Pierre Bergé, caviar anda hotel that was once a Victorian bank is aheady mix, as the worlds of art, gastronomy
and wealth collide at Threadneedles Hotelin the autumn of 2023. Bergé was not only
the business partner of Saint Laurent but hewas also a shrewd financier investing in select luxury brands.
Impressed by the Prunier heritage in French gastronomy
that dates back to the 19th century, Bergé added it to his
portfolio of companies. Some of the firsts accomplished byPrunier include being the first establishment to prepare and sell
French caviar, offer home delivery in Paris by bicycle, invent theconcept of the oyster bar, and serve champagne by the glass.
This year, Threadneedles Hotel in London is celebratingits 20th anniversary with a gastronomic coup of a partnershipwith Caviar House & Prunier. The stylishly refurbished Bar
and Dome Lounge, with its own historic heritage, will now
be the venue of Caviar House at Threadneedles, a mouthwateringly exciting fine dining destination in Square Mile.
Diners will be feasting under the magnificent dome built by
W & A Moseley architects from Manchester in 1856, when thehistoric building served as a Victorian city bank.
Exquisite marine delicacies such as oysters, shellfish,
salmon and lobster ordered à la carte will arrive at tables thatare magnificently lit by the stained-glass light of the dome
surrounded by six composite Ionic-Corinthian columns. But
the real protagonist of this culinary opera is caviar, and there
could not be a more appropriate setting than Caviar House
Threadneedles. Known as both diamonds of the sea and grey
gold, caviar is no longer synonymous with Russian tsars or the
shahs of Iran. Caviar House & Prunier is the business union
between George Rebeiz, the world’s largest importer of
Iranian caviar since 1950; the Prunier family, the first producerof caviar in France since 1872; and a Swiss actor who founded
Balik, a purveyor of smoked salmon. The story of caviar andsmoked salmon from these three personalities reads like anepic adventure of gastronomy, sustainability and ingenuity.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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

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Caviar House’s high standard ofcaviar selection includes Beluga,
Imperial and Pure Kaluga.

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an urban oasis
in theheart of perthamid the hustle and bustle of western australia’s
capital lies the westin perth, a five-star sanctuaryoffering luxurious comfort and opulent delights.
Words by EUGENE PHUAI
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

queues, incessant noise and frantic processes, but here, mycheck-in is not only seamless but also kind, as staff members
go out of their way to help organise my airport transfer
for a couple of days later. They also offer me usage of the
Executive Club Lounge and recommend that I book a seat
for afternoon tea in the exquisite Haven Lounge. I heartily
accept both invitations.
My stay is in a Deluxe King room, which is fit for royalty.
There is something about a spacious room that rejuvenates
me from head to toe, and this one, which is mine for the
next two nights, is more than I need to feel refreshed andat home. Another key factor I pay close attention to in hotel
rooms: sound isolation. I can’t feel serene or safe if I can heara racket coming from all directions, but here, I instantly feelthat I’ve retreated to a private sanctuary from the moment I
walk in. But what makes this room—and thus, by extension,
The Westin Perth—my personal oasis in a city filled withadrenaline-pumping excitement is the bed. The Westin
Heavenly Bed, to be precise. It isn’t so much a bed as it is a
vessel to the deepest, farthest reaches of slumberland. On
both mornings, I feel like I’ve resurrected into a new bodythanks to that bed.
The Westin brand’s emphasis on wellness extends far
beyond the comforts of its rooms. At The Westin Perth,there is the fully kitted-out Westin Workout Fitness Studio, arooftop infinity pool boasting unobstructed vistas of the city,
and a dedicated wellness level featuring an exclusive outletof Bodhi spa. It offers a variety of massage, body and wellness
therapies inspired by indigenous healing and uses the bestin local botanical spa products. This time around, though, I’ve always liked Perth. I have heard claims that it’sboring and there’s nothing to do there, but I’ve neveronce felt this way during my frequent visits. I like that
Perth offers all the thrills and spills of a major Australiancity yet has beachside getaways and countrysideescapades that are a short drive away. Then there’s the
Instagram-famous quokkas on Rottnest Island a ferry ride awayor the world-famous Margaret River region a road trip south.
And I haven’t even begun to scrape the surface of what you
could do in Western Australia, a state covering an area larger
than 2.5 million square kilometres. But even if I don’t venture
far from downtown Perth and only explore by foot (which I
enjoy doing), I would still be delighted because I would haveplenty to do in the central business district and have a havento return to: The Westin Perth.
It’s easy to find the five-star, 368-room luxury hotel. On
the southern facade of The Westin Perth is a 22-metremural of a woman by artist Australian artist Tyrone Wright.
She glances at guests who are getting dropped off at thelobby or at urbanites scurrying by on street level. The hotel
is located within Hibernian Place—filled with trendy bars
and restaurants—and is nearby courthouses and officecomplexes, as well as the breathtaking Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
Ten minutes east on foot, whether on Hay Street or Murray
Street, is downtown Perth and the heart of the city. Venturing
a bit further beyond that brings you to Elizabeth Quay and its
picture-perfect views of Swan River. So you can see why it’seasy to like The Westin Perth before you’ve even checked-in.
Speaking of which, the check-in process is so tranquil, I’m a
bit startled. My experiences at other hotels involved snaking

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The Westin Perthis a rejuvenating
haven with luxury
accommodation,
five-star amenities, andworld-class food andbeverage outlets.

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life featureThis page: The Westin Perth’s heated infinity-edge pool, Deluxe King room
and Bodhi Day Spa.
Facing page: Garum.

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make my way to the Executive Club Lounge to catch up on
work in opulent surroundings. And thanks to the spectrum ofcomplimentary, delectable refreshments on offer, as well as
my comfortable seat, I clear all my deadlines in record time.
My second day at The Westin Perth takes things up a
couple notches, as I have reservations for high tea at Haven
Lounge for brunch and then at Garum for (a late) dinner ofaward-winning Roman cuisine. Considering how packed
both are all the time, it’s only thanks to the reception teamduring my check-in that I’m able to savour the delights at
both establishments. With the former, the menus for hightea change seasonally and comprise four sweet treats,
four savoury bites, a scone and unlimited coffee and tea.
Other drinks, including champagne, is available and highly
recommended both by friendly wait-staff and yours truly. My
high tea experience is the perfect way to while away the day.
Then, after a bit of window-shopping and people-watching
downtown, as well as a brief lie-down, I develop an appetite
again—and it’s time for me to head to Garum.
There are authentic Italian restaurants, and then there’s
Garum, a Roman osteria situated in the revived historic
Hibernian Hall. The restaurant is a collaboration between The

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Westin Perth and award-winning Australian chef Guy Grossi,
featuring contemporary Italian favourites and Roman dishes
and methods from centuries ago. It’s a lively place, buzzing
with energy from both Perthians, travellers and hotel guests.
Even something as simple as pork ragu paccheri is delicious,
a true manifestation of food for the body and nourishment
for the soul. I wish I could eat here daily.
As much as travel is a privilege to be cherished, it cansometimes be an exhausting affair, whether during or after.
Yet my time at The Westin Perth has been the opposite. I
check-out feeling reinvigorated. While waiting for my taxi,
the concierge staff member wishes me a fond farewell andasks how my stay was. I tell him it was amazing, with no hint of
exaggeration, and promise to be back soon. Every facet of thehotel and every initiative of its staff, including him, has been a
joy and inspiration for me to focus on my wellbeing—not only
while as a guest but also when I return to normal routines.
The Westin Perth is an urban oasis, one that I recommend as
highly as I would for the city it illuminates and elevates.

For more information, please visit www.westinperth.com

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exploringmelbourne
why you should book your next holiday in the capitalof victoria, where its cosmopolitan and culturalofferings promise the ultimate city break this season.
Words by ALICIA CORBETTA

s Shakespeare wrote, “Summer’s lease hath all
too short a date,” but an eternal summer isonly a plane’s ride away. In Australia, summer
fever beckons from December to February andthere’s no better place to visit than Melbourne.
You’ll be in good company, as the Benchmarking
Melbourne 2023 report dubbed it the friendliest city in theworld. Victoria’s capital boasts palm-fringed beaches, pockets
of calm at the Royal Botanical Gardens, more festivals than you
can fit on a calendar, and some of the country’s best-known

landmarks, such as the National Gallery of Victoria. The city
kicks up its heels from first light, so take advantage of its proud
coffee culture and have an al fresco breakfast, serendipitously
stumble across a farmer’s market, and end the day with a tasteof the multicultural melting pot at a laneway restaurant.
Here are our picks for a perfect stay in Melbourne.
SCORE A TICKET TO THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN
All year round, world-class athletes gather in Melbourne
to compete in international sporting events such as the

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Australian GrandPrix takes place from21 to 24 March.

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STAY AT MARRIOT MELBOURNE HOTEL
Enjoy a stay in style Down Under at the five-star Marriot
Melbourne Hotel. Impeccable service, spacious suites and aprime location make it the perfect haven for both relaxation
and work. Exploring Melbourne’s central business district(CBD) is a breeze due to its proximity to public transport,
allowing you can to get around easily by bike, tram or even by
foot. You can also catch blockbuster productions as the hotel
is just down the street from the East End Theatre District.
Visitors can also soak in the arts and culture at the museums
and landmarks nearby, such as the State Library of Victoria, or
do a spot of shopping at the elegant arcades.
Tuck into contemporary cuisine from across Australia at
The Essence, an in-house restaurant where locally sourced
ingredients are used to prepare a Melbourne CBD high tea
or scrumptious pre-theatre dinners. Whether your tipple ofchoice is a fine wine or creative cocktail, sit back for a nightof timeless tunes at M Bar, while the new M Club executive
lounge provides an exclusive place to unwind. Guests canalso take a dip at the indoor heated saltwater pool, enjoy along soak in the warm jacuzzi or indulge in the therapeutic
benefits of a dry heat sauna.
Finally, find sanctuary in the 188 guestrooms, all of whichfeature plush pillows and bedding, a walk-in closet and a
spacious bathroom with premium amenities and bathrobes.
Elevate your stay by upgrading to a suite with a separate
living room and views of the skyline.

Australian Grand Prix and The Melbourne Cup. In fact,
Melbourne is also known as the sporting capital of Australia.
The first of four Grand Slam tennis events kicks off from 15
to 28 January 2024, so head down to The Australian Opento watch the best players in the world gather to play at
Melbourne Park. With every ticket, enjoy Grand Slam tennis
and full access to all the off-court fun.
BE FUELLED WITH EXCITEMENT AT THE AUSTRALIANGRAND PRIX
Mark your calendars for 21 to 24 March because you’ll want towitness Australia’s most illustrious motorsport extravaganza.
Formula 1 will be returning to the 5.278 km Albert Park
Circuit, where the cars hit speeds of more than 300km/h andwill be steered by the greatest race car drivers, with stunningcity skyline views in the background. An exhilarating show is
promised both on and off the track with blockbuster Aussie
musical acts and opportunities to see your favourite drivers
in the flesh. There’s nothing quite like watching 10 teams
and 20 drivers going head-to-head for the honour of taking
home the FIA Formula One World Championship title in thegorgeous setting that is Melbourne.

For more information, visit marriott.com.au/melmc

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEEXPERIENCE THE GREAT VICTORIAN BATHING TRAILThis 900-kilometre trail connects hot springs, mineral springsand sea baths across the southern coastline of Victoria, andnew additions are in store.
A two-hour drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island Hot
Springs, which opens at the end of 2023, will boast
breathtaking ocean views, 45 bathing pools ranging fromreflexology wading pools to the deep-sinking variety, a day
spa, treatment facilities and more inspired by the healing
powers of the ocean. Guests can connect with nature as thedesign by award-winning landscape architect Karl Russo
involved the planting of 100,000 indigenous trees and shrubs
around the property.
A little closer to Melbourne is About Time Bathhouse on
Victoria’s surf coast, due to launch at the tail end of summer.
The idyllic destination offers a blissful experience throughwater, steam, sauna and ice in a space that is authentically
Australian under ancient trees in the Currumbin Valley.

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Wicked has
cast its spellon Sydney.

wickedly
good theatre
visitors to australia often think of melbourne’s artsand culture, but sydney is making a massive investment
in world-class productions to attract more tourists.
Words by KIARA INMANTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

W

just as relevant today as when it was written, and the cast,costumes and staging are first-class.
Both women leads are fabulous, with Courtney Monsma
bringing a playful sparkle to Glinda the Good, while Sheridan
Adam’s Elphaba the Wicked blows us away with Defying
Gravity, the show’s most iconic number. Not only did
many in the audience dress as their favourite witch (green
outweighing pink by a good margin), but the standing ovation
made it clear this show is as wickedly good as its reputation.
I spend the next few days humming along to the catchy song

hen a theatrical production has won
more than 100 awards, including a
Grammy, an Olivier, six Helpmanns
and three Tonys, expectations arehigh. But Wicked – which is playing
at Sydney Lyric Theatre until 4
February 2024 – more than lives up to the hype. Celebratingits 20th anniversary in 2023, this production is one of the mostlavish to be staged in Australia. Its universal themes of female
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life feature

View works fromthe Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander
art communities at
Yiribana Gallery.

Popular and finding references to the musical in our everyday
interactions, a sign of why Wicked remains one of the mostpopular musicals ever performed.

onion, followed by a divine caramelised pineapple andliquorice cheesecake, this is easily the best meal I’ve hadat an art gallery yet. The Australian-focused wine list is also
a highlight.
The next day, I enjoy a backstage tour of Sydney Opera
House. My guide Mark takes me into the nooks, crannies and99

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEINDIGENOUS CULTURE
Just as popular is the range of immersive experiences offeredby Cultural Attractions of Australia, which take visitors behindthe scenes of some of the country’s most iconic galleries,
museums and sporting venues. Many of the tours include
private dinners or performances after the spaces are closed
to the public. I choose two of their tours: one at the Art Galleryof New South Wales and the other at Sydney Opera House.
For a fascinating insight into Aboriginal culture, I am
led through Yiribana Gallery within the new wing of the
Art Gallery of New South Wales. My guide is Erin Vink, an
Aboriginal woman who shares the stories of the artworks’creators, her ancestors and the land. This powerful exhibition
is inspired by the Aboriginal language of Sydney, burbangana(which means ‘take hold of my hand and help me up’) and
explores familial ties, cultural inheritance, history andresilience. Diverse displays from paintings and sculpture to
photography and intricately woven baskets tell the history ofAustralia’s First Nation’s people across country and time.
Also included in the experience is a meal at the Gallery’sMod. Dining by Clayton Wells. In a soaring space withglimpses of the harbour, I feast on dishes pretty enough torival the artworks all around me. From Meredith goat cheeseand green vegetable tart with lemon myrtle to XO spannercrab noodles with crisp fried shallots, coriander and green

life featureThis page, clockwisefrom above: O Bar
and Dining; Chef
Mark Stone ofMidden at Sydney
Opera House; thehero of Midden
is its producefocused menu of
native Australianingredients;
Infinity cocktail at
Maybe Sammy.

concert halls underneath the famous white sails and sharessome of the secrets of the famous faces who perform here.
We even stumble upon one of them, Tim Minchin, composerof Broadway musicals Matilda and Groundhog Day, who
happened to be rehearsing his show for the Opera House’s
50th anniversary. He gives us a first-hand glimpse into themagic that happens daily at this famous temple to theperforming arts. This tour is a wonderful way to get inside
one of the world’s most famous buildings and to discoverits history.

Facing page: Sydney
Harbour Marriott
Hotel is set in theheart of the city.

FINE DINING AND DRINKING
Sydney’s food and wine scene has come along in leaps
and bounds since my last visit. One of the highlights is the

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life featureshowstopping O Bar & Dining, spinning 47 storeys above
the sparkling lights of Sydney, where stunning views meettheir match in flawless food and service. Executive Chef
Michael Moore has created a menu that showcases the finest
produce in fresh and flavourful dishes such as mandarin
and pepperberry glazed duck with fragrant red rice, golden
raisins, spiced almonds and burnt orange; or steamed Murray
cod fillet with zucchini flower, roasted hazelnut cream andlemon and herb.
Just a short stroll from O Bar & Dining is Maybe Sammy,
the sort of place where Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin would
have been and where creative cocktails come with a hint of
the theatrical. With pink-jacketed bartenders who are there
to entertain as much as they are to pour you a drink, the latest
cocktail list is inspired by the idea of a personal ‘mirage’
where things are not as they seem.
My cocktail comes in a small plastic boat with a bubble I
pop to release a smoky vapour before sipping. When Wei,
my bartender, notices me fanning myself with a coaster, hecomes over and dramatically presents a pretty fan for me tocool myself down with. No wonder Maybe Sammy has been
named in the World’s 50 Best Bars.
I also highly recommend Midden by Mark Olive, an
Aboriginal chef who uses native ingredients to bring his
heritage to life. During a fortunate chat with him, Olive
explains that middens were piles of shells discarded by First
Nation’s people in gathering places. With views over Harbour
Bridge, I dine on an inventive indigenous grazing plate that
includes smoked kangaroo and emu, regional cheeses,
native thyme hummus, and lemon myrtle tandoori crocodile.
The braised wallaby shank was another surprise, served withnative-infused tomatoes and sweet potato rosti. I am still
dreaming about the signature bush pavlova with native fruit
coulis and roasted wattle seed cream, so don’t miss that.

CLIMBING TO THE TOP
If you want to defy gravity like Elphaba, the protagonist in
Wicked, then a climb up Sydney Harbour Bridge should beon your list. There are 1,332 steps to the top, but rest assured
you are safely tethered to the steel arches all the way. My
guide keeps me distracted from the traffic blurring past
below by sharing fascinating stories, such as that of Vincent
Kelly, who miraculously survived his fall from the bridge while
it was being constructed in 1930; Francis de Groot, who beat
New South Wales Premier John Lang to the ribbon-cutting
ceremony by barging in on horseback and cutting it with hissword; or about the six million hand-driven rivets that holdthe bridge together.
Nicknamed ‘the coathanger’ by locals, it’s the lofty vistasfrom the top of the bridge that people really come for—andthe views do not disappoint, stretching to the horizon in
every direction. Before descending, my guide snaps photosof me in front of the Aboriginal flag that flaps at the bridge’s
apex. I’m happy to learn that I’ve burnt 504 calories during
the climb, which will go quite a way to working off all thosefabulous meals.
WHERE TO STAY
The best jumping point from which to enjoy all of theseexperiences, as well as Wicked, is Sydney Harbour Marriott
Hotel. Located in Circular Quay, the five-star hotel is a fiveminute stroll away from the Royal Botanic Gardens or aleisurely 15-minute walk from Sydney Opera House. Iconic
hotspots such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Rocks arealso close by. The hotel boasts 595 rooms, including 52 suites,
all with postcard-perfect views of the city’s downtown area or
Sydney Harbour.
For more information, visit www.marriott.com

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life feature

breathtaking
brisbane beckons
from an epic german opera to a middle eastern
restaurant inspired by the hanging gardens ofbabylon, there are endless reasons
to visit australia’s sunshine capital this summer.
Words by ALICIA CORBETTTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

B

oasting an average of 261 days of sunshine
each year, it’s no wonder that Brisbane is thecapital of the Sunshine State of Australia. So,
this December to February, pack your sunnies
and take a flight over to enjoy the unexpected
yet delightful surprises that Brisbane has instore for the summer. If you’ve had enough of being cooped
up indoors like the rest of the world over the past few years,
the River City is the ultimate outdoor destination with its
abundant wildlife, picnics in the arvo and barbies galore (no,not of the doll variety).

A city of excitement with culture and cruises, Meeanjin, thetraditional name for Brisbane given by the Turrbal people,
has hosted major events such as the 2014 G20 summit andwill host the 2032 Summer Olympics and 2032 Summer
Paralympics. Galleries and museums are also part of the city’sDNA, such as the Museum of Brisbane and the Queensland
Museum. It also boasts easy access to the country’s bucketlist attractions such as the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef.
Here, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to
the most iconic Brisbane experiences as well as some
hidden gems.

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QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Set off on an epic adventure with men and maidens, gods
and giants, dragons and dwarves via Richard Wagner’s The
Ring Cycle. These four German-language music dramas (withsubtitles) tell a complex story based on Norse mythology andGermanic legends. Its plot revolves around a magic ring that
grants the power to rule the world, with drama and intrigue
imbued throughout Der Ring des Nibelungen, as it is known
in German. The 15-hour tale, running from 1 to 21 December
2023, is considered to be the peak of operatic excellence. It
has been reimagined by visionary Chinese director Chen ShiZheng and will be performed over the course of four nights.
Together with French conductor Philippe Auguin, who has
conducted The Ring Cycle more than a dozen times, Chen
leads a cast of international stars and some of Australia’s
most accomplished performers. An immersive virtual world
was created using towering and moving digital panels
accompanied by astonishing costumes and props.
EAT AT BABYLON BRISBANE
Inspired by the once-thriving ancient metropolis of Babylon,
the sleek and opulent Babylon Brisbane restaurant was
fashioned by award-winning architecture firm Hogg & Lamband encompasses three levels of bars, terraces and dining
spaces by the riverside. Inspired by Levantine cuisine withseafood influences of the Eastern Mediterranean combinedwith the bold flavours of the Middle East, the menu isdesigned for sharing. Sample items such as wood-fired
pumpkin kebab, and Turkish coffee-cured and wood-roasted
duck, most of which are cooked over wood and charcoal ona custom-built three-metre-long mangal (a Turkish grill) andtwo rotisseries. On a balmy afternoon, knock back refreshing
signature cocktails such as Semiramis’ Throne, which is madeof Tanqueray Sevilla, mastic liqueur, apricot, lemon, falernum
and orange blossom.
EXPERIENCE THE TASTE OF QUEENSLAND ART
Have a taste of local art, both literally and figuratively, with
the Taste of QAGOMA: Tour & Lunch Experience, which runs

STAY AT BRISBANE MARRIOT HOTEL
With a stay at any Marriot hotel, you can be sure that luxury
is in each detail and the Brisbane property is no different.
Advantageously positioned in the central business district
next to the picturesque Brisbane River (which you can kayak
in or take a ferry on), the hotel is also near Howard Smith
Wharves, the city’s newest restaurant and entertainment
precinct. With a A$20 million makeover, the five-starproperty boasts modern decor and features a colour scheme
reflecting the earth tones of Brisbane’s environment andhistory amid a serene location. All 267 rooms offer elegant
marble bathrooms, signature Marriott bedding with Egyptian
cotton sheets, and flat-screen TVs. For a stay at the height ofluxury, opt for the one-bedroom Presidential Suite with river
views on a high floor and a whirlpool.
Start your mornings with a workout at the fitness centre
and end the day with a relaxing dip in the outdoor pool andwhirlpool. Guests can also wine and dine like a local at themouthwatering farm-to-table dining options, with all meals
impeccably paired with a selection of wines. At Motion
Dining, tuck into inventive culinary creations from steak toseafood while feasting your eyes on the Brisbane River. Inside
the restaurant is the chic M bar, which boasts an interactive
wine wall with an eclectic mix of domestic and international
wines, light bites and handcrafted drinks.

For more information, visit brisbanemarriott.com

The chic M Bar at Brisbane Marriott Hotel serves light bites, coffees andhandcrafted drinks.

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Babylon Brisbane’s menu is inspired by the rich textures and flavours ofLevantine cuisine.

until 29 March 2024. The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) andGallery of Modern Art (GOMA) sit 150 metres apart by theBrisbane River and are home to ever-changing exhibitions,immersive cultural experiences and a rich collection of art
from diverse cultures across Australia and around the world.
The tour showcases stories of the QAG and GOMA fromtheir origins in 1895 to today’s two architecturally acclaimed
buildings, and includes fascinating revelations and insights
into key artworks before concluding with a relaxing lunch at
GOMA Bistro overlooking the Brisbane River.

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set within tunku abdul rahman marine park,
gaya island resort is a jewel located off thecapital of sabah, kota kinabalu. golden sandy
beaches and crystal clear waters teeming withmarine life are compelling attractions, while
its spa village offers opportunities to sample
authentic borneo-inspired therapies.

this luxurious resort is set on a private
tropical island on the straits of malacca.
villas either fringe the hillside or are
gracefully balanced on stilts over water. anaward-winning spa village offers world-class
treatments derived from chinese, indian andmalay healing traditions.

gayaislandresort.com

pangkorlautresort.com

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evoking the splendour, the romance and thenostalgia of one of malaysia’s oldest hill
stations and its grand colonial heritage,
cameron highlands resort with its luxurious
rooms and award-winning spa village is the bestplace to take in the area’s rolling hills, tea
plantations, rose gardens and strawberry farms.

tanjongjararesort.com

cameronhighlandsresort.com

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tanjong jara resort on the east coast of
peninsular malaysia embodies the essence ofmalay culture and traditions. facing the southchina sea and surrounded by the lush green
beauty of the local countryside, this resort
reveals a quieter but equally attractive side
to malaysia.

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nestled within the embrace of a private sun-kissed
bay, the ritz-carlton, koh samui is surroundedby oceanfront beauty and quintessential
experiences that artfully reflect the samui wayof life. this makes the beautiful property an
ideal setting to embark on wellness programmes,
cultural immersions or culinary journeys.

located in kuala lumpur’s golden triangle
business district, this stylish luxury hotel isconveniently positioned for upscale shopping,dining and entertainment. it is home to an awardwinning spa, and gourmands will be delighted by
the indulgent afternoon tea experience as wellas li yen’s stellar chinese cuisine.

ritzcarlton.com/kohsamui

ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

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hotel stripes is malaysia’s second autographcollection hotel. it combines a modern vibeand historical references to its location in
one of kuala lumpur’s oldest neighbourhoods.
with contemporary guest rooms and suites,
the hotel is a convenient base to explore themalaysian capital’s many attractions.

jwmarriottkualalumpur.com

stripeskl.com

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located along bukit bintang road at the heart ofkuala lumpur, jw marriott is ideal for businessand leisure travellers. with world-class
shopping and dining nearby, this conveniently
located hotel with its extensive range offacilities is one of the city’s finest.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

the starhill is the new home of the tastemakers in kuala lumpur that offers the best of experiential
retail in a boutique environment; exuding elegance and a refined home-like ambience infused withwarm hospitality and stylish aesthetics for all its touch points. a fine curation of one-of-a-kindflagship stores of global premium brands in high fashion, timepieces, jewellery, wellness andlifestyle indulgences pair up with the best of international and asian cuisines in cafes, bistrosand restaurants, awaiting all who have a discerning palate for style and taste.

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thestarhilldining.com

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the starhill dining celebrates culinary sophistication, bringing to diners fresh, seasonal andglobally inspired dining experiences with a diverse spread of gastronomic creations servedby the tastemakers, each with a unique food programming. the starhill dining’s collection of
captivating dining and entertainment concepts includes shook!, kuala lumpur’s choice restaurantthat continues to fuel the imagination; luk yu tea house that embraces a poetic chinese heritage;
the alchemy featuring gin botanicals for every season; the popular jogoya restaurant; and finearabic cuisine at tarbush lounge.

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situated on pansea beach, one of phuket’s
most private stretches of sand, the surinoffers a perfect slice of thai beach life. thecottages and suites are built into a carefully
conserved
landscape.
fromsumptuous
cuisine to watersports, the surin combines
idyllic tropical charm with the warmth of
thai hospitality.

villa tassana is set on phuket’s idyllic nai
thon beach, set amid a tropical forest andoverlooking the emerald andaman sea. it offers
2,800 square metres of living space, with threeopulent bedrooms, a 15-metre pool, living anddining pavilions. spa, sports and golfing arewithin easy reach including the blue canyon
course.

thesurinphuket.com

travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my

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fully restored to its former glory, thiselegant 1930s property marries history withworld-class hospitality. dining options include
hainanese favourites at colonial cafe as well as
an interactive dining experience at contango,
while the rooms are a blend of contemporarystyle and old-world finesse.

majesticmalacca.com

majestickl.com

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regarded as the cradle of malaysian history,
malacca in its heyday was a port city thatwelcomed spice traders, sultans and warriors.
soak up the magic and the history at the majesticmalacca, the city’s finest hotel, built in the
1920s and furbished with interiors indicativeof the city’s rich culture.

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the gainsborough bath spa offers the only
natural thermal spa within a hotel in the
uk. the hotel is a moment’s stroll from bathabbey, the high street stores on milsom street
and the roman baths, which makes it a choicelocation from which to explore the city and its
nearby attractions.

this former victorian bank has been transformed
into a discreet, boutique-style hotel, crowned byan elegant stained glass dome, an unexpected findin the city’s heart. hotel threadneedles exudes
grandeur in a thoroughly modern way, while service
is polished; it’s also unpretentious amid the bustle
of square mile.

thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

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monkey island estate is located on a picturesqueisland in the river thames in the historic villageof bray, berkshire. set across seven acres, theproperty features 41 exquisite rooms designed by
the award-winning new york-based champalimaud
design as well as six private residences.

theacademyhotel.co.uk

monkeyislandestate.co.uk

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situated in bloomsbury, the academy comprises
a collection of five georgian townhouses
combined into one charming luxury hotel. thisrejuvenated 50-guest room/suite boutique
hotel juxtaposes timeless glamour and acontemporary take on townhouse living.

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this luxury boutique hotel is considered oneof the best places to stay in edinburgh, withcosy contemporary interiors, warm scottish
service and consistently spectacular views of
the city centre and calton hill from the hotel’s
two-acre rooftop garden.

centrally located near the hague city centre andthe north sea coast, the hague marriott featurescontemporary style with a warm ambience. the306 comfortable and spacious rooms and suites
are thoughtfully appointed with stylish design
accents and complimentary wi-fi. many of thecity’s attractions are located nearby.

theglasshousehotel.co.uk

thehaguemarriott.com

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portfolio of lifea glamorous and private hideaway in the southof france, muse saint-tropez is all about thehigh life. located in ramatuelle and surroundedby forests of umbrella pines, this boutiqueproperty features just 15 suites, each of whichis named after famous ‘muses’.

spavillageresort.com

muse-hotels.com

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black volcanic sand, the majestic mount agung,the deep blue of the indian ocean and themystical balinese way of life come together
in style at spa village resort tembok, bali.
located in the north of the island, the resort
is a haven of wellness, where guests can enjoy
all the benefits and pleasures of spa life amid
tranquil surroundings.

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the melbourne marriott is centrally located,close to the city’s theatre precinct, shopping
districts and chinatown. featuring world-classservice, all 186 well-appointed rooms and suites
are modern and elegant. facilities include
a heated indoor pool, gymnasium, signature
restaurant and vibrant lounge.

the 563-room sydney harbour marriott is set
in the heart of circular quay, overlooking
the harbour bridge and opera house. guests
will find themselves near dining, fashion andentertainment hotspots. the sydney harbour
bridge, opera house, the rocks and hyde parkare all moments away.

marriott.com.au/melmc

marriott.com/sydmc

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portfolio of lifethe 368-room westin perth is located in therevitalised east end of perth known as thehistoric heart of the city, close to shopping
malls, elizabeth quay and the vibrant swan
river precinct. the hotel is the cornerstone ofhibernian place, featuring a lively and eclectic
mix of bars, cafés and restaurants.

brisbanemarriott.com

westinperth.com

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the brisbane marriott, with 267 rooms and suites,
is ideally placed between brisbane’s cbd and thefortitude valley hub. with a stunning backdropof the brisbane river, story bridge, kangaroo
point cliffs and city skyline, the hotel is close
to shopping, riverside dining, the commercial
district and cultural attractions.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

the heart of niseko village is its main pulse, where paved intimate walkways are flanked bycontemporary shopping and dining options. just moments from niseko village’s award-winning
hotels, residences and lifts, its slopeside location allows for seamless ski-in, ski-out accessbetween mountain adventures and indoor diversions. both modern and traditional interweave,
evoking a genteel lifestyle at the village with its authentic japanese machiya architectural setting.
après-ski is excitingly redefined at niseko village.

niseko-village.com

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ritzcarlton.com/higashiyamanisekovillage

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higashiyama niseko village, a ritz-carlton reserve, sets a communion with nature with every elementof the experience. hokkaido’s seasons transform the unique landscape, setting the scene for
unforgettable adventures into the soul of niseko. the first ritz-carlton reserve to grace japan,
higashiyama niseko village resides at the base of mount niseko annupuri, with panoramic viewsof mount yotei and the surrounding mountain ranges. embrace a new level of bespoke luxury inhokkaido with the exquisite refinement of a ritz-carlton reserve to return to each day.

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AC Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

AC Hotel Kuantan.

AC Hotel Penang.

located in kuala lumpur, penang and kuantan, malaysia’s ac hotels feature a modern harmonious
design where guest rooms and flexible, open spaces are optimised for a comfortable andeffortless stay. with a contemporary approach to business and leisure, facilities include the ac
lounge, which is ideal for creative meetings and where drinks and tapas selections inspired by
local flavours are served throughout the day.

ac-hotels.com

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PANGKOR LAUT I TANJONG JARA I GAYA ISLAND I CAMERON HIGHLANDS I MALACCA I
KUALA LUMPUR I TEMBOK, BALI I KOH SAMUI I BATH

spavillage.com

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the spa villages celebrate the healing culture of the region in which each is built. each spa
village has its own character and authenticity, honouring local healers and traditions that havebeen passed down the generations.

home of the tastemakers

q&a:frank woo
we spoke to the mixed media artist who createdfantastical animal sculptures and artwork that reveal
hokkaido’s natural beauty for niseko village.
Words by ALICIA CORBETT

You studied at Bunka Fashion College in Japan inyour youth. How did your experience help you with
the Niseko-yo project?
I found making the sculptures easy because of mytime there. I know how to create a pattern. I know how
to create a model. I know how to join the fabrics andmaterials. Only the materials are different. A sculpture,
in a sense, is similar to the soft fabric production line,
which is where I came from. Instead of using LeaDo andTrace software, I use glue and the welding techniqueto join the pieces. People don’t understand that if
you don’t have this type of manufacturing production
knowledge, you don’t know how to make a sculpture
properly. The massive animal sculptures for Niseko-yo
are far from being the biggest sculptures I’ve created,as I’ve also made a 35-metre-long hanging sculpture in
Wuhan, China.
When did your working relationship with YTL begin?
I moved to Malaysia in 1995 and my friend introduced me
to YTL in 1996. When The Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur
opened, I created most of the artwork for the hotel. That
is when I started working with YTL and since then, I’ve
created artwork for many of their other properties too.
For Niseko-yo, I felt excited about the project because
YTL always gives me free rein to work as an artist. They
also gave me a grand location to work with for mycreations, so I’m very happy.
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What were the challenges you faced for this project?
Our main challenge was time as everything revolved
around snowfall. We couldn’t install the Hokkaido Brown
Bear sculpture at the top of the mountain if it snowedbecause there was no proper road, and the truck wasn’t
able to go up.
Who is an artist whose artwork you admire?
I still see myself as a student who needs to study more
and to continuously upgrade myself. I don’t want to follow
anyone but, instead, create my own path.

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