La Mia Vita Dolce

An Evening at Morton's

2016-04-23T16:03:00.001+08:00

Since 1978 in Chicago, Morton's the Steakhouse has grown to become THE institution for anyone looking to satisfy their carnivorous appetite. They've steadily conquered the world with more than SEVENTY outlets; seven of those being in Asia.

Armed with two girlfriends, I sauntered into the Mandarin Oriental ready for an evening of Mortinis and meat. And as with every guest, we were treated with impeccable service and introduced to our server for the night, Kendrick.

7pm marked our first round of drinks; Classic Mortinis and Lycheetinis. I had mine with regular olives but there's also the choice of blue-cheese stuffed olives. Not a fan of that particular mold, I stuck with what I knew.

Kendrick introduced the menu for the evening with great ease. We were to indulge in their Spring Seasonal Menu, which started a few weeks ago and will last a few more.

Each course was served with a carefully paired wine; white for the oysters and salad then moving on to red, once the meats came in.

Not mentioned on the menu, is the rock salt bed the oysters were laid on

Kendrick also indulged us with "The Meat Tray", where we learnt about the different cuts and characteristics. It's a good lesson when you're not quite sure what to pick.

Our lovely personal waiter for the evening, Kendrick.

Given a choice of surf or turf, I typically gravitate towards seafood. But my evening at Morton's has reignited my love for good ol' steak.

We opted medium for the Wagyu and medium-rare for the Mignon, and they arrived gorgeously pink inside and nicely browned on the outside. My teeth sank into succulent, tender and incredible marbling of fat. Cuts which needed no enhancement from condiments.

I'm a sucker for potatoes-anything and it's safe to say the truffle fries got inhaled fairly quickly. The halibut, too, starred well on our table with its savoury olive crusting.

The sweet tepenade balanced nicely with the tender flaky Halibut.

The evening ended on a sweet note of this beautiful blueberry white chocolate bread pudding, which came with one vanilla scoop short between the three of us.

Lots of laughter and many wine glasses later, we picked our happy selves up and called it a night.

My dates for the evening, the lovely Yasmin Abdol of Fox Sports and the incomparable celebrity hair and make-up stylist, Andrea Claire.

Love & Light until my next indulgence,

THANK YOU!

To Seth and his wonderful team at Morton's the Steakhouse for the perfect service, my girlfriends and I thank you.

WHERE?

Morton's the Steakhouse Singapore is located at

Mandarin Oriental Singapore

Fourth Story

5 Raffles Avenue

Marina Square Singapore.

THINKING OF GOING?

Morton's is open every day of the week.

There are two bars; one within the restaurant called 12.21, and one a half level up called the Atrium Bar. Both bars operate from 5pm-11pm, Monday to Saturdays and till 10pm on Sundays.

The dining room is open at the same times except during the week, from 5.30pm.

For reservations: get in touch with them HERE. You can also do it direct from your mobile phone where they've enhanced usage for Apple, Android and Blackberry users.

MORTINI NIGHTS!

Perfect for a ladies' night out before hitting the town (the men are welcome too), this happens EVERY evening from 5-7pm! Indulge in your favourite Classic Mortinis, Cosmopolitans, Appletinis, Chocolate Mortinis and Lycheetinis, over bar bites that might affect that waistline.

Kata ROCKS!!!

2016-04-13T18:34:00.000+08:00

Was truly an honour to have been invited to stay at Kata Rocks recently. It's been a name I've had my eye on for a while (since the concept was announced. The property only opened in December 2015), so to be there in March this year meant all the teething problems had been ironed out and the service and amenities would be running at full speed. And they were.

Typically, I would write about a resort. This time, I decided to put together a quick video based on the saying; "A picture speaks a thousand words". With this, I hope to capture the essence of the inspiration behind the establishment; sleek, modern, luxurious.

Disclaimer: this was my first time "playing" around with the GoPro Hero 4 and so the sound that I hoped had been recording, turned out muffled and impossible to make out. As such, I've added subtitles in the hope that it doesn't take away too much from the message I was trying to get across.

Enjoy!

THANK YOU!

A massive THANK YOU to Khun Scot and his incredible team for hosting my stay. I cannot express my gratitude enough for going above and beyond the call of duty.

This video was shot entirely on the GoPro Hero4 (Silver), which was generously loaned by Rent Something Leh! They're a leasing company that rent GoPros, drones, cameras and more! Have a look at this link: www.rentsomethingleh.com

THINKING OF TAKING A TRIP?

Kata Rocks has 34 Sky Villas comprising of one, two, three and four bedrooms. The only restaurant on the property is where all meals are served, unless you choose to dine in-villa (where they can easily get a barbecue going) or on the rocks under the romantic night sky.

The spa is beyond world class and in my opinion, one of the best that I've tried IN THE WORLD. Find out more HERE. The fully quipped gym is sure to keep in you shape for when you want to chill by main pool, cocktail in hand, and chase the sunset.

For bookings, click HERE.

WHEN?

Glad you asked! Between the 1st and 31st of May 2016, Kata Rocks is offering the ULTIMATE LATE CHECK OUT!

This means that on the morning of your departure, all you have to do is request a later time to check out (you have to do this between 8am and 10am. So at breakfast would be ideal). IF there is availability, your check-out time could be extended for up to three hours. And if you're REALLY lucky, the Rockstars at Kata Rocks could even give you a complimentary night stay!!!

If your stars are truly aligned, you could do this every morning and end up staying for XX more days! Just make sure that your airline ticket allows for complimentary flight changes. And if not, what's a couple of more dollars??

If you can't make it in May, then typically, October to April is SUNSHINE time. Other than that, anytime is good because when it rains down on the island of Phuket, it doesn't really last all that long.

Love and plenty of sunshine,

xAngelique

When the Sun goes Down.

2016-03-24T15:17:00.003+08:00

Phuket may not neccesarily be everyone's choice destination when it comes to traveling in South East Asia. After all, with a tough fight against places like Bali, The Phillippines, Koh Samui and the like, Phuket has been around long enough to establish itself as a slightly more developed island paradise.

As with any sort of evolution, something always gets lost in the mix. In this case, smaller routes have given way to large highways and underpasses, original stalls and street vendors have made way for malls and tall buildings. Structures that wouldn't be out of place in any cosmopolitan city have sprouted (i.e.: the spanking new DFS facility; targeted mainly at the busloads of tourists from China).

However, it seems like the time is right to give the island another chance with the opening of Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa.

A few weeks ago, I was kindly invited to attend its grand opening for a weekend of pure fun in the sun, food and a couple of incredible parties.

Located in the less-touristic district of Laguna, the hotel itself is easy to miss. Having been designed specifically to be a part of the environment, the 174-room hotel is a welcoming oasis with five buildings circumferencing a massive pool that invites you to cool off from the midday heat with it's palm trees and swim up bar.

Playing around with the GoPro at the swim-up bar.

Shelter your precious skin from the sun by lounging under a private cabana, indulge in local or international cuisine at Trilogy or head up to its rooftop pool, aptly named VU, that boasts views of the entire property and offers Instagrammable images for sunset-chasers.

VU offers panoramic views of lush mountains, modern architecture as well as incredible sunsets, all while sipping your cocktail by (or in) the rooftop infinity pool.

Lush greenery, natural stone walls and water features add to this little hidden paradise that seems to have a magic way of connecting old friends and making new ones. Add to that, Indulge, a gentleman's bar (where everyone is welcome), a world-class gym and spa, it's easy to excuse one for not having to leave the property at all.

Sociable to say the least, Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa is also proud to offer Dream Beach Club. A mere four and a half minutes away (yes, it was timed) via the complimentary shuttle (which conveniently leaves every 15 minutes), the beach club is reminiscent of party destinations like Ibiza and Miami, but with a true New York vibe. One of a handful of beach clubs in Phuket with direct access to the beach, it spans over two floors with indoor and outdoor dining, four bars, two pools and pristine white sand that stretches for miles each way.

If you're thinking of doing brunch at Dream Beach Club on Sundays,

book your table(s) and cabanas EARLY because it fills up FAST.

And put your best swimsuit on and strut your stuff.

Weekends showcase DJs alongside saxophonists and percussionists that really get the groove going.

With partnerships with some of the hottest names in the music industry, hot days quickly turn into cool nights with music brought to you by Hed Kandi, Ministry of Sound, Soul Haven and top-billing DJs from across the globe.

And this is where the folks behind Dream showed off just a little with their grand opening, which saw close to 1000 people in attendance and an atmosphere that reminded me just how an amazing party should be thrown. Pyrotechnics, fire-eaters, contortionists and gymnasts just added to the insane vibe of the celebrations. A full spread of the freshest seafood this side of the planet, a non-stop flow of bubbles and a burger stand which was extremely welcoming round about midnight.

Featuring LIVE entertainment by Soul II Soul with Caron Wheeler and DJ Jan Kincaid from The Brand New Heavies, Friday night quickly became Saturday morning where new connections were made, old friends re-established and hurting feet were a sign of good times had.

Love & Light,
xA

THANK YOU!!!
An attitude of gratitude to the good people of Castlewood Group for this generous invitation. Not forgetting Khun Regina and her wonderful team at the hotel.

All photos shown taken with the GoPro Hero4 (silver), which was generously loaned by Rent Something Leh! They're a leasing company that rent GoPros, drones, cameras and more! Have a look at this link http://www.rentsomethingleh.com

I had never tried the GoPro so this was really great for my needs; try it out, see if I like it, then decide if I want to purchase one!

THINKING OF GOING?
Of the 174 rooms, there's a choice of the Deluxe Easy Access (wheel-friendly) Rooms, Pool Suites, Villas, Deluxe Twins and Sky Suites. Make your reservations HERE.

WHEN?
Phuket's high-season is between October and April every year. But from my experience, May through July offer sunshine too, which spurts of rain which barely last more than half an hour.

PARTY TIME?
Keep up to date with who's coming when to Dream Beach Club via their SITE.

For reservations, book your cabanas/tables HERE.

Smile! You're in God's Own Country.

2016-03-07T20:28:00.000+08:00

India; you either love it or hate it.

Having travelled to this South Asian nation several times before, for both work and play, I was prepared for the onslaught of the second most populated country in the world. Being an energiser-bunny myself, I thrive in busy cities and embrace the break-neck speed of everything that happens, all at once. Though I don't dislike India, I can only handle her in small doses.

My journey this time, took me to Kerala, down south, on the Malabar Coast. More specifically, to the water-bound region of Fort Kochi. Now, if you've never travelled to India before, this is a great introduction, or so said a really dear friend of mine. And right she was.

Kochi is affectionately nicknamed "God's Own Country".

Fort Kochi is more subdued than her steroid-infused older sisters of Mumbai and New Delhi. However, you'll still get the manic tuk-tuks, the erratic (ie: oblivious) pedestrians and incessant honking. Which without, wouldn't make India, India. Oh, and her colours!! There's no shortage of bright oranges, deep blues, crimson hues and every shade in between. And these are just the saris I'm describing that her women wear so proudly. It truly is a photographer's haven.

Street vendors peddling their wares.

Travelling at a leisurely pace, her people are a cultural melting pot who are fiercely inclined towards preserving and nurturing their regional art and culture. Not uncommon sights are art cafes, hastily-erected stages for performances and graffiti that wouldn't be out of place in any modern art installation.

"I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet" - Mahatma Gandhi

Flanked by the Western Ghats (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Fort Kochi has long been a favourite destination for explorers, seafarers and traders. Having witnessed successive waves of migration by the Syrian Christians, Jews, Portuguese, Dutch, British and Chinese, who came mainly for trade, it's present-day influence is still clearly visible with its forts, churches, palaces and Chinese fishing nets.

While still being utilised to haul their catch,

the Chines Fishing Nets (or Cheena Valu)

have naturally become tourist-magnets.

I was blessed to have been warmly invited to stay at Le Colonial. This is where full immersion into history occurs. Located adjacent to St Francis Church (the oldest European chruch in India), Le Colonial was built in 1506 and is possibly the OLDEST colonial building in Asia. Having said to have housed the Saint himself as well as Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, the charming home-turned-hotel is steeped in original artifacts (including the land title deed from the Dutch to the British, written in old Dutch) and decor that truly makes one feel that you've stepped back in time. Though now classified as a "hotel", Le Colonial is more like a home that borders on a true, living museum.

The entrance into Le Colonial proudly displays the VOC

(Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, or Dutch East Inida Company) emblem,

and the year 1506.

Through its large wooden doors, you enter a courtyard of a well-manicured orchid-filled garden, it's easy to forget where you are once the hustle and bustle of the street vendors is cut off by the closing of the entrance. A sanctuary from the organised chaos beyond the walls. With a pool.

Inner Peace.

Beyond the exterior, you find yourself in the main living area, showcasing carefully selected treasures of art, picked up by its French owners along their world travels, to reflect the colonial era.

Carefully curated, each piece has its own story to tell and the staff encourage your curiosity by answering every question; Authentic military gear, family photographs, encyclopaedias from years gone by (when was the last time you saw a full set?), paintings, travel books and statues make you want to touch, feel and learn about how they got there.

All eight rooms have been named to represent a great historical figure that has been a part of the building; Vasco de Gama, Jan Van Spall, Aide de Camp, Viceroy, Mahe de la Bourdonnais, Major Petrie, Tipu Sultan and J. Thomas. Individually decorated, each room is equipped with massive marble and mahogany bathrooms, coupled with amenities that you would expect from any classy hotel. There's also the option of booking the whole building, which would sleep 16 (and possibly more, if need be).

Written in old Dutch, the owner's managed to purchase the

original land title deed exchanged between the Dutch and the British.

circa 1795

The expansive Viceroy Suite comes with it's own terrace overlooking the garden

and a huge bathroom that has a shower, as well as a bathtub.

For families, there is the option of adjoing the Aide de Camp room with the suite.

Meals are an interesting affair with the option of just about anything, as long as it's fresh. With no menu, you're asked at lunchtime what your dinner preferences are, and at breakfast, what your lunch cravings may be. Keralan, Indian or continental meals are available and it was here that I had the best Masala Dosa I'd ever sunk my teeth into!

When it comes to real estate, it's all about location, location, location. Le Colonial has been blessed. Once you do decide to leave your little hideaway, everything you need is within walking distance from the property; the Chinese Fishing Nets along the sea shore, vintage cars, historical buildings (St Francis' church is right next door and the Santa Cruz Basilica is a short stroll away), plenty of restaurants and bars, jewellery shops, street vendors and cafes.

Kashi Art Cafe on Burgher Street

The definitive Indian car, the Ambassador,

or as they fondly call it, "King of Indian Roads".

A grand ol' tree on the streets of Fort Kochi.

If you're feeling adventurous, brave a tuk-tuk into Jew Town where you'll be able to visit sites like the Dutch Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue, before exploring the town with its rows of antique and spice shops.

Tip: A tuk-tuk from Le Colonial to Jew Town/Dutch Palace costs 50INR (approximately USD0.74) for an insane ride that takes about ten minutes. You've the option of asking the driver to wait for you (depending on how long you'll be walking about) and then drive you back. It should cost you no more than 100-150INR, including the wait. If not, there are tons of tuk-tuk drivers awaiting your business. Beware though: they will ask if they can make a short stopover at an "antique" store. You won't have to buy anything, but you will have to go inside. If you're in the mood to entertain their request, they get a free litre of fuel from the establishment :)

If you're into your spices (or incense), Fort Kochi is the place to stock up.

Antiques are EVERYWHERE in Jew Town so take your time and pick your goods carefully.

There are some treasures out there, and then there is the junk.

Don't be coerced into buying something you don't really want.

And BARGAIN!

Rule of thumb: always cut the price by half.

If they don't agree, the store next door just might ;)

India can be weird and wonderful all at once. Tread carefully and immerse yourself in all its glory. It definitely is an assault on the senses but once you learn to adapt to all she has to offer, you'll be just fine.

Love & light,

THANK YOU!

Gratitude to the owners of Le Colonial for accommodating me at their gorgeous property, which truly feels like home. And a big THANK YOU to Smita and her wonderful staff, who took care of me like family. :)

COMING SOON!

Le Colonial (Cherai) is currently building a second hotel on the beaches of Cherai. This stunning ocean-front establishment will feature gorgeous villas, with private verandahs for that sunset cocktail and dolphin-watching. Just a short stroll away, you'll be able to explore the backwaters that Kerala is so famous for. Le Colonial plans to use this new location for something that is completely different from it's current Fort Kochi concept. Look out for more news here.

THINKING OF GOING?

For reservations: www.lecolonial.in

WHEN?

October to April is typically the best time to visit. From May, the monsoon season starts. However, this is also a popular time for tourists who want to experience the torrential rains.

Depart .... to arrive.

2015-10-10T15:43:00.000+08:00

Driving off the main road into a little street named Plai Leam Soi 7, it takes us a good 5 minutes to get past rows of telephone poles, that have become much a part of the overgrown foliage that flanks the street. And just then, through unkempt weeds and decade-old trees, on the left, glimpses of the ocean. Finally, a sighting of what must contribute to Koh Samui being called paradise.

Being my maiden trip, I had no idea what to expect, and so those expectations are almost non-existent. Except for an indulgent spa session. Yes, that would be my one expectation that can actually be fulfilled. While in Thailand, a massage a day is never over the top.

The unattractive road comes to an end as we turn into the entrance of Six Senses Samui. And just like that (cue snapping fingers), the bumpy road goes paved, the weeds are replaced by perfectly manicured forrestation, and it is here where things start to look up.

I find myself standing on the edge of the Earth. More accurately, on the Northern tip of Thailand's second-largest island, and one that is significantly less-developed than its big sister, Phuket.

We are greeted by our GEM (Guest Experience Maker) Song, as she takes us through the painless check-in process while we cool down with cold Jasmine-scented towels. Song then whisks us off in the resort buggy to settle us into our home for the next week.

Well, "whisks" is an exaggeration, it's more of a leisurely drive about 20 meters up the hill.

Luxurious seclusion is never along a main pathway, and so we begin our 250-step journey down to our villa. Made up of repurposed planks of wood with branches as railings, the meandering path takes us through a well-looked-after jungle, and the kind you will always find at a Six Senses property. Known for their respect and kindness towards Mother Nature, the group has always built their properties around the environment, being careful not to upset the balance that has so clearly worked for centuries.

At the end of our path is a door, made purely of long, vertical bamboo tubes, with only a shorter horizontal piece as its lock, and held together by what must have been the husk of or some sort of vine. It is here, that we are introduced to Villa Number 9.

Past this first door, is a walkway to another, and THIS is our main door, a solid piece of wood with the modern feature of a proper lock. And it's through this door too, that we enter our Ocean Front Pool Villa Suite.

One can't help but gasp at the sight of what's beyond the floor-to-ceiling double-panelled glass windows; an unparralled view of the Gulf of Thailand. And in all her full glory, Koh Phangan; the party island and home to the infamous Full Moon raves.

Song gives us a tour of the significantly-sized suite; the lounge, a massive bedroom, an indoor bathroom and a panoramic balcony that spans the breadth of the villa on one level.

The bathroom and dressing area are a couple of steps down to the right and showcases a walk-in wardrobe, a sunken bath with views out to the ocean, his-and-hers vanity areas and an outdoor shower that features your regular handheld shower plus a rainshower.

Up until the middle of this year, this whole area was fully open-air. Closing for a couple of months, the resort refurbished all of the bathrooms to have them enclosed and air-conditioned, offering relief and added-comfort to the guests as Koh Samui is known for its mosquitoes, and the tropical heat. Rest assure; there are plenty of coils, anti-bite sprays and bug lotions. And the property gets fumigated twice a day to keep the mozzies at bay.

During the make-over, all the villa pools got retiled to gorgeous tuquoise stone tiles; visually making the ocean and private pool seamless. Inside, a more contemporary feel was created with new furnishing, lighter tones and new layouts that maximise the already large area.

Speaking of "large area"; this well-lit space spans an incredible 3,720 square feet, with the private infinity pool taking up 195 of that square footage.

Which brings me to outdoors. Just off the lounge, the double-panelled glass doors open up to that balcony I spoke off. I take a moment here to marvel at the view of the Gulf, unobstructed and "interrupted" only by Koh Phangan dead centre. Close enough to admire, yet far enough not to disrupt the quiet.

The sea is dark and the clouds are low, but the sun is fighting its way through the holes in the clouds to offer the ocean some depth to the naked eye.

Once I've caught my breath, I look over the rails to see the pool and a lounge and seating area that seem to literally, be calling my name. Making my way down the wooden stairs, I find another set of steps that lead me to a covered deck, tucked away at the very tip of the villa, closest to the ocean, where a huge daybed awaits.

Time to kick off my slippers, order a cocktail and just breathe.

Honestly, I never needed to leave the villa to fully enjoy the resort, but a hermit I am not, and sitting still isn't my greatest virtue.

And so 250 steps later, I'm exploring the main infinity pool. The vastness of this melds seamlessly with the horizon and this is where the most amazing sunsets can be witnessed; as the sun falls behind the unihabited island of Koh Som. The ocean turns turquoise and the sky becomes a kaleidoscope of pastel colours; salmon-pink, lilac, tiffany-blue and pale orange all at once.

Orange and red are always good signs at dusk. You know the saying:"Red sky at night, shepard's/sailor's delight. Red sky in the morning, shepard's/sailor's warning."

As the sky darkens and the moon rises, it's time to head to Drinks on the Hill. Happy hour is from 7 to 8pm so it's the perfect time to knock back a cocktail, or four, before heading to dinner at one of the two restaurants.

If a poolside sunset isn't your thing, getting to Dining on the Rocks a half hour before the myriad of colours explode in the sky, is a good idea.

Photo from Six Senses Samui

Built on ten platforms of varying sizes, constructed of weathered teak and bamboo, each deck is interconnected by numerous walkways. And each level has an intimate feel with the tables few and far between. Two of these decks have been reserved for private dining, for that ultimate, intimate feel where it's just you two, against the universe.

This award-wining dining experience is perched at the tip of the peninsula and offers incomparable 270 degree views. With a focus on the freshest local ingredients, and a menu of "Modern Interpretive Cuisine", this innovative architectural masterpiece has been home to many a proposal and celebration.

For something a little more low-key and local, Dining on the Hill is an incredible alternative. Known also as the main restaurant that's open throughout the day, this is where you'll get your Thai-food craving satisfied.

Photo courtesy of Six Senses Samui

The view of Koh Som from Dining on the Hill at breakfast.

Executive Chef Eric Bremmer's experience with the Six Senses group spans almost a decade, having served tenures at the rugged and spectacular Zighy Bay in Oman and the tranquil hidden treasure of Ninh Van Bay Vietnam. He brings his international experience to the plate with his preference of Meditteranean and Asian cuisine, without being closed off to new experiences and tastes.

All that relaxation and food seems to have tired me out. So it's back to the villa for some much desereved sleep.

I love the little touches that make Six Senses unique.

Each night, I get a differen note on tips for a good night's rest.

Waking to the sounds of waves crashing against the rocks, birds of all sorts saying it's time to start the day, my weary eyes open to the incredible view I first saw upon walking in. How could one NOT jump out of bed, excited to start the day as soon as possible???

Image courtesy of Six Senses Samui

Insert: 250+ steps.

Breakfast is a slow affair with both a la carte and buffet options, and a focus on healthier choices. One can go all out with dishes like Thai soup noodles, Tom Yum Kedgeree, bacon, eggs, carbs, sugar, etc. OR .... opt for just the fruit station, where tropical fruit of all sorts are proudly on display. Pair it with a shot of wheatgrass and a whole coconut for all the great things it does for you, and it should keep you nicely filled till your tummy starts up.

Indulge?

Or go healthy?

I'd scheduled my spa session for a little after breakfast. Without much rush to get anywhere, I take a leisurely stroll past the pool, down some wooden steps, through lush greenery and over a little stone path. Passing some gardeners tending the plants, they stop midway to greet me with the "wai", which I return, and carry on my little journey where I also notice a few butterflies and insects pollinating some flowers. I get to my destination through scent, before physically arriving at the spa reception.

Stairway to Heaven.

It's been proven that scents trigger memories and to me; the smell of lemongrass, ylang ylang, jasmine, rosemary and all those other incredible fragrances used during massage therapies, ALWAYS remind me of Thailand.

Each session starts off with finding out your month of birth. The year is split into quarters and so my birth month of January, falls into the Earth Element category, along with November and December.

With this, I'm served my corresponding drink, the Safflower, as it's reputed to stimulate purging. Composed of unsaturated fatty acids, it prevents rising blood cholestorol levels and used externally, is an anti-inflammatory and treats skin diseases.

I don't suffer from any of those ailments listed above but if the award-winning Six Senses Spa recommends it, who am i to argue?

With the choice of indoor therapy rooms (there are six of these) or outdoor salas, you can be guaranteed a spectalcular view across a rock-fringed bay to the Gulf of Thailand.

Both these images are courtesy of the resort

I opt for a 60-minute aromatherapy massage am led to Room 9, where the vision of the azure sky and royal blue ocean once more takes my breath away. Without a cloud above me, or a worry on my mind, I allow my therapist to take full control. If only for an hour.

The rest of my stay is pretty much a repeat of all of the above. Wake, eat, massage, pool, sunset, eat, sleep. And what else would there be to do for one who gets restless? Well, the list of activities does not fall short.

In brief, I departed Singapore still running at 100-miles-per-hour. After a day at the Six Senses Samui, I managed to slow that pace down significantly. By day three, I was without my watch. The rest of the week pretty much made me become a very happy sloth. I had arrived.

xxA

- Thanks goes to Khun Alice, Khun Gary, Khun Song and the rest of the team at Six Senses Samui.

Give a Gift of Love.

2014-04-30T16:00:00.001+08:00

According to Wikipedia; Mother's Day began in the early 20th century, when Anna Jarvis (who goes down in history as the founder of Mother's Day) held a memorial for her mother in 1908, and then went on to campaign that it become an officially recognised holiday in the US. Well ... we all know how that went.

Today, Mother's Day is celebrated all over the world, with dates varying, but ironically, mostly on a Sunday. In Singapore, it's ALWAYS the second Sunday of May, with Fathers Day celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June.

I've never been one to celebrate ANY day, apart from Christmas and in a small way, Chinese New Year. And Mother's Day has really been no different. I like to think that I've always shown Mum a proper amount of appreciation in the little things, done spontaneously; a hand-made card every now and then, a quirky gift just-because, washing up after a meal cooked by her. You know; little things that COUNT.

With the month of May just a day away, many are wondering what they should get for their Mum's to show their love and appreciation. Well, instead of getting a material gift, how about giving mum some quality time spent with you? While the BOTH of you are pampered.

I did exactly that. At the beginning of March, mind you, nowhere close to Mother's Day. Unless you lived in the UK. Mum and I spent a GLORIOUS 3 hours (the Spa Club never rushes you in to a therapy, or out after. So you would spend a good half-hour on either end of your session) one Friday afternoon. And what an afternoon it was.

You really can't miss the spa's entrance along Beach Road. And inside, over 10,000 square-feet of paradise.

The Spa Club at Beach Road invites you to take advantage of an amazing package throughout the month of May. And it's not just for daughters/sons to take their Mums.

Maybe your best friend needs some "time-out" from her daily routine of picking up after her kids? Maybe a sister could do with a little afternoon retreat? Or how about that niece whom you still owe a gift to, for an exam well-passed? Or even that colleague that, you feel, deserves some pampering.

Mum (or anyone you decide on) and you will get to experience two hours of PURE BLISS in the VIP Suite of the Spa Club. You'll both begin your journey with a bath that's customised with their in-house signature oil blends. Once those muscles have relaxed, you'll be taken on a further 60-minute treatment that promises to erase all stress and put you in a state of complete bliss and tranquility.

Of the 60-minute treatment, you'll get to choose from the SpaC Glow Facial, the SpaC Destress Muscle or the SpaC Anti-Cellulite treatment. Mum went for the Glow Facial, while I decided on the Destress Muscle massage (four thumbs-up to both treatments!!).

Mum and I after our sessions. Completely relaxed. Completely happy.

This whole afternoon of absolute spoiling will only set you back $388. That's for BOTH of you. For ALL that I mentioned. Seems like a pretty awesome deal.

But can you REALLY put a price on putting a smile on that special someone's face?

Get in touch with the Spa Club here! They're offering this till the end May. Enjoy.

xxxA

L.A.S.E.R. is not a word.

2013-10-24T14:18:00.002+08:00

Well, now it is. But it didn't start off as one. "Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation". Quite a mouthful. So thank goodness for LASER. A word we've become quite familiar with, thanks to the likes of sci-fi movies and in recent decades, beauty treatments.

LASER therapy is used for all sorts of cosmetic enhancements; from the reduction of acne scars, removal of unwanted body hair to the amazing development of a new-fangled machine that now, almost guarantees, the farewell to cellulite!!

Introducing: VASER Shape. A relaxing, non-surgical (read: non-invasive) treatment that helps to smooth your contours and help to (temporarily) reduce the appearance of cellulite. Admit it, we ALL need a little help. No matter how fit and fab you are, there's always that ONE problem area you'd like to sort out. I'm no different. A regular gym-bunny and clean-eater, I too suffer from cellulite like all women do. And when I heard that my favorite aesthetic beauty clinic was importing this new machine, I was over the moon. All they had to say was "cellulite reduction" and I was sold.

As with every visit, the good people at Dermacare Aesthetic and Laser Clinic, walked me through the process step-by-step. The therapist followed the contours of my body, concentrating on areas that needed that extra, little help. The special hand piece that distributes the ultrasound energy felt like a warming massage; much like a hot stone therapy, actually. Not at all uncomfortable, I was pleasantly surprised that something that did so much for me in terms of enhancing my contours, felt so therapeutic.

Each VASER Shape treatment is followed by a Zonal Lymphatic Massage. Zonal massage stimulates
the lymphatic system to drain away excess toxins , excess fluids and fats from the body. It does this
by moving unwanted waste particles through the lymph nodes to the blood stream, where these substances can be filtered out of the body. Used in concert with ultrasound diathermy, zonal massage can help your body drain and metabolize unwanted fluids from targeted problem areas.

Now as with ANY treatment, it's highly recommended that you put in little effort too. And that means eating well and being physically active. Whether it's through sessions at the gym, yoga classes or outdoor activity, nothing will get you to your perfect self without some discipline and perseverance.

And while you're at Dermacare, be sure to ask for my all-time-favorite, the Hydrafacial.

Enjoy! And keep looking beautiful.

xxxA

My Journey to Heaven

2013-07-03T15:59:00.000+08:00

Switch off. Pack Up. Escape. The perks of living in Asia. Where everything is less than a 2-hour flight away. It's always a blessing to have so many destinations to pick from.

It seems, however, that the Thai immigration stamp always makes a special appearance in my passport .... particularly Phuket. There's something about this tiny island that always leaves me craving more. And instead of constantly staying with the safe-choice of the personally tried-and-tested resorts, I love discovering new ones to see how one destination can bring me so much variety.

This trip, Phuket's famous Millionaire's Mile was calling my name.

From high up on the hills of Kamala, overlooking the Andaman Sea, the Paresa resort offers breathtaking views of everything you'd expect with living along the stetch that houses superstars, governors and people with just too much money. It's certainly easy to get used to a life where all that's required is laying by a pool, cocktail in hand and a stack of good reads.

Straying away from the ostentatious, traditional-Thai architecture, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design language was adopted; organic and minimalist, without losing any Asian-warmth. Understanding the value of privacy paired with unrivalled standards of luxury, Paresa offers you a sanctuary to recharge, renew and find yourself.

The open-plan interiors of the villas are spacious and further highlighted with their off-white walls and seamless flow from inside to out, where a private pool awaits.

The luxurious bathrooms are dressed in Italian-terrazzo tiles and accented with traditional Phuket-batik works. With his-and-hers sinks and wardrobes, an indoor and outdoor shower and a gorgeous bathtub that showcases a spectacular view, you'd be forgiven for not wanting to stray too far away.

And when you can drag yourself away from your villa, step out of your temporary home and discover the property that's made up of a labyrinth of stairs, meandering walkways and paths shaded in Thai bamboo. The resort was constructed with several very special Banyan Trees in mind. They're hard to miss. One in particular stands 4-stories-tall, it's branches extend through the building. You get the feeling that the trees offer some sort of protection to the property. And you wouldn't be wrong. The Thais believe that Banyan Trees spiritually haunt the property and landlord, providing security and ensuring peace and prosperity.

Be it myth or fact, the trees certainly offer an interesting talking-point for guests and please anyone who's respectful of the environment. I've always had a penchant for big ol' trees. Curious about their story. And the kind of stories they could tell.

All throughout this "Heaven of all Heavens" (the translation of Paresa's Sanskrit name), sustainability is hard to ignore. The Pandanas leaves are used to their full capability; adding flavour wrapped around chicken, providing colour to desserts, acting as an ingredient for the body wraps at their in-house spa and offering fragrance to their cold towels.

The spa is exactly what you'd expect; incredible views, strong hands, intoxicating smells and gentle sounds.

There's something about a spa session that really gets your appetite going. Head to the main building and be welcomed by Talung Thai and Diavolo, where you're guaranteed to find something that'll please your palate.

The former is an al-fresco dining area that complimented with piercing views of the Andaman Sea. And as its name suggests, authentic Thai cuisine is on the menu and in my opinion, amongst the best on the island.

Just steps away, indoors, is Diavolo, Paresa's Italian dining space. It's fire-red walls and black tiles are a cheeky, and devilish, salute to its name. And it's here where you'll sample New Zealand-born, Executive Chef Ryan Arboleda's gastronomic delights.

That's not the end of your dining choices. The Infinity Experience at Paresa will have your feet gently kissing the water of the main pool. Within the shallow waters of the fibre-optic lit pool, your evening will be filled with light from within the pool, mimicking the Milky Way and above, the Universe shines down upon you. Couldn't get much more romatic.

Paresa lives up to its "Heaven of all Heavens" reputation; exquisite cuisine, ultimate privacy amongst understated luxury, heavenly Angels to tend to your every whim and those views .... need I say more?

Till my next adventure,
xA

Note: A special thanks goes out to Scot and Donna Toon, Chef Ryan and Khun Noon and all of Paresa's Angels.

Liquid Emotion

2013-02-04T16:55:00.000+08:00

Scent, to me, has always had an emotive power. Triggering memories, both good and bad, of people, places and things. Opening door to places I once was, individuals I know or moments that are impossible to erase.

Given the chance to get my scent profiled at the luxurious Penhaligon's boutique was like unleashing a little girl in a pink store. Not too far off, the boutique is of a deep maroon tone, with gold trimmings, and bottles that line the plush, cushioned walls, all dolled up with pretty velvet ribbons that wrap around their necks.

The Penhaligon's boutique at ION.

Sitting down with my "profiler", or as I like to call him, the "scent-master", Michael's passion for all things Penhaligon's is astounding. His knowledge went beyond the textbook training and I was pleasantly surprised and enchanted by the stories that went behind each fragrance.

Founded by William Henry Penhaligon, a barber born in Penzance, in the late 1860s, the brand has become synonymous with the Royal Family, earning the company the royal "Seal of Approval". It's first fragrance, Hammam Bouquet, was created in 1872, when William inhaled the steam and sulphurous aromas that rose from the Turkish Baths next to his shop in London.

There's very little information about Penhaligon,

apart from the fact that he started out as a barber.

Although, after some in-depth research, I found that there were a few other fragrances before then; Eau de Verveine, Eau sans Pareil, Esprit de Lavende, Espirt de Roi and Extrait of Limes, all created in 1870, and relaunched at later dates in the 20th century. Since then, Penhaligon's has grown to manufacture, all still in England, a range of 34 intoxicating scents.

After sampling about 8 fragrances (while sipping water in between as it helps to reset your brain to accommodatee new aromas), we finally locked down two scents; Quercus Cologne and LP No. 9. The first, I liked. It was not overly sweet, but feminine enough. Named after the Latin word for the British Oak, Quercus is a modern and invigorating cologne, with light bursts of Basil and citrus, enjoyed by both men and women. To my nose, it was regular. Not something that I imagined would leave an impression on my skin, or anyone that smelt it.

Created in 1996, the nose behind this is Christian Provenzano.

The second choice was quite the opposite. Also an androgynous scent, LP No. 9 for Ladies is musky, spicy and floral all at once. This scent is INCREDIBLE. At first sniff, you'll get hints of lavender, bergamot, amalfi lemon, tarragon and geranium. After a while, the middle notes of carnation, jasmine and rose come through. And as it starts to wear down, musk, patchouli, Virginia cedar, amber, cinnamon and vanilla remain. What a combination! And of course, it had to be the only scent that was coloured a deep pink.

Born in 1998, Christian Provenzano created a fragrance

that is gorgeously soft and romantic, strange and beguiling.

The story that Michael had behind this fragrance had elements of a stroll through a market place, herb vendors and florists. I won't even attempt to tell it like he does. You'll just have to discover the full tale from him. And I won't be surprised if the stories vary a little with each visit. But what an adventure he'll take you on!

LP No. 9 is bold, sensual, feminine (yet masculine), confident and completely independent. Sounds a lot like me. It's a fragrance that will linger long after I'm gone.

And so I found MY scent. The scent which I hope will become synonymous with me. The scent which I hope will trigger memories of me, when you get a whiff.

Whatever scent you end up with at Penhaligon's, you can rest assure it'll make you feel like, for want of a better term, a million dollars.

The experience alone will create memories that will be etched in your mind for a while. And in a world where good, let alone amazing, service is hard to come by, the incredibly well-trained staff at Penhaligon's will have you walking out with a smile on your face, and a lovely pale green paper bag on your arm.

Love, light, and a little Love Potion No. 9 ....

My Box of Light

2013-01-26T12:53:00.000+08:00

I never really had a hobby growing up. Everyone around me did.

There were stamp-collectors, back in the day when snail-mail was the only way to communicate.

There were coin-collectors, sticker-collectors, scrap-book makers and all other sorts of collections that needed plenty of time-investment and care to make sure they were kept on pristine condition, in the hope that one day, they'd be worth something, be it in the monetary form or just memories created and relived.

I figured I had to get myself one of those. Hobbies, that is.

It's all very vague as to how and when it started. My choice of collection? Matchboxes. They seemed easy enough. They were everywhere. And they cost me nothing to get. I'd pick them up from restaurants, bars, clubs and anywhere that had them. I got friends that travelled to pick them up for me too. It was the easiest way to see the world without going anywhere. I have boxes from countries and cities I've never even been to, and probably never will.

And when I started jet-setting myself, I'd grab a box or two, anytime I could remember, or anytime I'd see one. It's a little harder now with the no-smoking laws that are sweeping the globe. Not many establishments see the point in putting their brand on something that they can't really display anymore.

Before I knew it, I had a substantial collection of nearly 500 boxes. All sitting in a sturdy plastic box. And for years, they just sat there. And for years, they also sat in the back of my mind .... trying to figure out what to do with them.

And one day, recently, it dawned on me. After they had been sitting in that box for close to 15 years, I realised I had to display them. Proudly. The wall along my stairs was looking kind of naked. And so I decided I should dress her up ... along with my vast matchbox collection.

Just like the boxes had been hidden away for many years, so had the memories. And opening that box brought back some great ones. It was like smelling a familiar scent or recognising a tune from years gone by ..... I had flashbacks of people and places, friendships and faces, music and laughter. It was a lovely trip down memory lane.

And so, I went and purchased two shadow boxes. The depth of a shadow box would allow me to display the boxes of various size, length and thickness. And with my creative and artistic mother, worked on arranging the collection. Some of the matchboxes were so old that the sulphur on the tips had disintegrated. But I wasn't trying to display the matches, just their covers, and so it didn't really matter. With some double-sided tape, coloured paper and two pairs of eyes, we proudly completed the project.

And here is the finished product:

I made sure that none of the boxes were repeated in each frame. Having so many of them, this was fairly easy. What was a little harder was getting the angels right and making sure everything was visually pleasing.

If you have a collection of something lying around and long-forgotten, it may be the right time to think about what to do with it. After all, it's a passion that once burned bright. It might bring a smile to your face and jog some pleasant memories.

Love & Light and all things bright ...
xxxA

Cool as Ice.

2013-01-03T12:43:00.001+08:00

We all have bits of our body that we aren't pleased with. Women, especially, have lots to complain about; bra bulges, love handles, jiggly arm-fat that seems to have a life of its own, that little paunch on the lower tummy that never seems to go away ... no matter how many crunches and leg lifts we do. Exercising and a healthy diet aside, a little help always goes a long way.

Cue CoolSculpting. It's the latest in aesthetic technology that's seems to fast be gaining a cult-following. It's non-invasive, quick and there's literally no downtime. When I say "literally", I mean that all you need to deal with after, is some pain. You can still go about doing what you do. You'll just need to tolerate some tingling, numbness, cramps and some other strange sensations that I find hard to explain in words.

I was a tad sceptical when I first stepped into Dermacare's clinic at the end of October. With promises of a flat tummy within one session (the best results appear after about 2 months), I figured it was a little too good to be true. I eat right. I hit the gym about three times a week (when time permits). I deserve to look like I take care of myself. I told myself, "Why not?". If this could speed up the process, I was all for it.

Procedures that use laser, sonic waves and even surgery to remove fat can actually destroy other tissue in the process by burning, shattering or extracting non-fat cells. This requires downtime for your body to heal. Totally uncool. And NOT what I was looking for.

Fortunately, CoolSculpting doesn’t burn, shatter or extract any cells. Developed by Harvard scientists, this unique, FDA-cleared, patented procedure uses a targeted cooling process that kills the fat cells underneath the skin, literally freezing them to the point of elimination. Only fat cells are frozen. Your healthy skin cells remain, well, healthy. No knives. No suction hoses. No needles. No scars. Once crystallized, the fat cells die and are naturally eliminated from your body. In a few months, boom: say hello to a new you.

Unlike a lot of other procedures, CoolSculpting takes very little time and is pretty simple to fit into your daily life. After your CoolSculpting treatment you can typically get right back to your busy day. Each treatment lasts one hour – the same time you might spend at the gym. So you can easily fit your appointment into a lunch break.

After one visit, you’ll typically see a noticeable reduction of fat. It takes a few months to fully realize the effects, mainly because it takes that long for your body to naturally dispose of the fat cells. And yes, you can lose even more with additional appointments if you and your doctor deem it necessary.

Stock Photo: 40 days after CoolSculpting.

So after a few months, your clothes will fit better and you will look better. What’s more, there are no pills or supplements. And as long as you maintain your normal diet and exercise, your long-term results should remain stable. Hello, you again. How cool is that?

Here's what happens on your visit:

The area that's going to be worked on is protected with a special sheet that prevents frostbite (remember that your fat cells are going to be FROZEN, and as such, you don't want your skin to do the same). The special CoolSculpting machine is then placed over the area (this looks like a vacuum cleaner's head ... and there are different sizes, depending on how large the area that's going to be worked on is), all settings are adjusted and then you start to hear, and feel, the suction. Your skin gets pulled into the "head" of the machine. You feel a little uncomfortable at first but after a couple of minutes, you start to numb and get used to the sensation. For the next hour, you're left in that position. You can read a book, play a game on your smart phone or take a nap.

It may be a "stock" picture, but that's exactly what you'll be doing during that hour. Chilling. No pun intended.

It's after the hour that things start to get a little interesting. Once the machine comes off, your skin is literally frozen, and moulded, in the shape of the suction head! It's a scary sight but a nurse is on hand to help "whittle" that bump down. This is the most pain you'll experience throughout your whole CoolSculpting journey .... that sensation of numbness, pain, cold and discomfort is hard to explain.

So .... it's been a little over two months since the cryogenic procedure. Results? My tummy is a WHOLE lot flatter. I've of course aided this along with a good diet and physical training. Don't expect too much if you're not planning to work out after. The beauty of this is that there are no knives, no anesthesia, no overnight stays. One hour and you're done.

I hear girls as young as 24 are heading in and getting lunch fixes. At $1,500 a pop, I'm not sure how they manage. And I'm not sure why they would need to.

Besides some discomfort and pain after, it really is as simple as that. View these videos for more on CoolSculpting in the news.

xxxA

The Residence Maldives

2012-10-22T00:00:00.000+08:00

Having visted many exotic locations, I wondered what experience the Maldives would have in store. After all, I've seen clear skies, open seas, clean beaches and whathaveyou, at most of the places I've been. But there had to be something more to this island nation in the Indian Ocean ... made up of 1,192 islands ... spread over 26 atolls.

It had to behold more, to become one of the most desired destinations to visit and one of the most revisted getaways. I was to soon discover just what it was that made people want to go back for more.

With every dream "far off destination", it takes some logistical planning and travel experience to get to. However, with The Residence Maldives, all you'll need is to find an airline that gets you to Male, the capital of The Republic of Maldives. Once you step out, the resort takes care of the rest. You don't touch your luggage again until you get to your villa.The staff atThe Residence Maldives would have, by then, already booked you a transfer flight to the brand new Kooddoo Airport (opened on the 10th of September 2012). The 50-minute flight takes you quite-lowly over most of the atolls ... which means your view will be spectacular.

The distinct atolls of the Maldives

It was during this journey that I began to realise just what made this place so special. The atolls, and their islands within them, were very clearly mapped out. The reefs that set each atoll apart looked as if they have been roughly "drawn" by a child attempting to put a circle around several oddly-shaped spots. The water was so impossibly blue and clear that I could make out the balconies in the ocean that created several depths. It went from turquoise to pastel to teal and then navy. Nature at it's finest. Even from way up. So beautiful from the top. I wondered what secrets the ocean held. It had been hinted that I might see wild dolphins. My heart was racing at this point.

When we arrived at the brand new Kooddoo airport, we were whisked off within minutes in The Residence Maldives mini-van to the pier. Kooddoo is located on the same atoll as the resort, and with it's opening, cuts travel time down by about an hour.

Small and incomplete at the time, but efficient.

A welcome relief for those travelling from outside of Asia, where flight times play a huge role when making plans. Another ten minutes by speed-boat and the property was within sight.

A welcome site after any length of journey.

Having been officially launched in early-September, the establishment showed little signs of being a newbie in an area where tourism has been flourishing since the early '70's. The property runs 950m from one end to the other, and 120m at it's widest. And here is where the pristine waters play a huge role. With such a gift from nature, it would be a crime not to showcase it's beauty. Being located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the WORLD, the hotel is in a part of the Maldives that is largely unchartered and supremely pristine.

Most of the 94 villas have been built over the water, with several lined along the powder-white beach. Thatched roofs, natural materials and lush fabrics compliment the beauty of the island while creature comforts don't make you feel too much like you've been marooned on a deserted sand-bank.

Welcome to Villa 112!

Each massive villa comes with it's own living room.

With the bedroom opening up to a private deck & pool, it's hard to leave your villa.

The glass panes open up to an uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean.

Your private pool is perfect for watching the sun rise or set, with a cocktail in hand.

It would be an utter shame if the inside of your villa was all you saw throughout your stay at The Residence Maldives. Holidays are made for lounging by the pool with a good book, or trashy magazine, in hand. The property's main pool has a view, and atmosphere, that's hard to forget. With a fully-stocked bar and friendly staff on-hand, it's easy to get carried away with a tall, cool something-something in the middle of the day. Choose to lounge in the salas, on the sun-loungers, or IN the water at the pool bar. Watch that Sun though, and slap on the sunblock.

Nothing but the sky, sea and sand. Bliss.

Your stunning view from the in-pool bar.

The focal-point of the property, and one that I feel is unique at best, is The Falhumaa. So named after a mythical flower. That in-turn was named after a mermaid. Who won the heart of a passing spice-trader. Who's ship had sunk in the world's deepest atoll, the Falhumaafushi. Or so the legend goes.

The (stunningly-located) Falhumma

Whether you believe in legends or not, The Falhumaa is a special place that feels like magic as you dine under the stars. Built at the end of the jetty, on the furthest Eastern-tip of the atoll, you literally sit just meters away from the edge, and the only accompanying sounds are that of the waves from the Indian Ocean crashing against the colourful coral reefs. The best nights would be when the moon is favourably aligned and from which the only light is provided to cast it's rays on the ocean, and you.

Inside The Falhumma.

(Photo courtesy of The Residence Maldives)

It's a pity that The Falhumaa is only open for dinner as the view during the day would make for some spectacular holiday shots.

The Falhumma at sunset.

(Photo courtesy of The Residence Maldives)

The cuisine at The Falhumma, and the rest of the resort, is authentically Maldivian. Made up of three essential items; fish (mainly tuna), coconut and starchy items like rice; The Residence Maldives serves up quite a few delectable meals that will leave a spice-lover like me, craving for more. You can, of course, expect the seafood to be of the freshest kind; seeing as how The Maldives is one big fishing village. I experienced the private dining in the sanctuary of my villa and was able to sample some of the best dishes the establisment had to offer.

The staff "sneak in" during the day to set everything up.

It's a pity my tiny appetite couldn't devour everything that was prepared; curries of all sorts imaginable, seafood cooked up in a mayriad of ways and lots of rice and breads. On top of that, every kind of spicy condiment possible! It really was a journey for the palate.

Chillis is all shapes and forms.

Make sure your appetitite is worked up!!

Another note-worthy part of The Residence Maldives would have to be the Clarins Spa. Run by the ever-so-affable, and perfectly-tanned, Luciano, the spa sits at the tip of a jetty, at one end of the mainland. While your spa villa awaits your arrival, Luciano whiles your time away with a lovely foot bath and hand massage (not part of your package), and at the same time, "catches-up" with you like an old friend.

The most beautiful spa I've ever seen.

The spa, and it's villas, is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. It helps that it sits above soothing crystal-clear waters of the lagoon, with views of the rainbow coral reef. The weather is ALWAYS perfect. The skies ALWAYS blue. And the people ALWAYS happy.

The Clarins Spa Villas

If you're an adventure-enthusiast and can't just sit by your private pool with a good book, The Residence Maldives has a slew of activities for you to keep busy. Besides the usual Banana Boat rides and jet-skiing, it also has its very own PADI 5-star Dive Centre, where divers of all levels can enjoy the beauty of the underwater world.

My amazing and very patient instructor.

Having never been one to have a tank strapped on to me, I decided that this trip would be perfect to try scuba-diving for the first time. The difference with this PADI school is that your first lesson is had in the safety of the lagoon, and not the chlorine-filled main pool. It gives you the chance to experience some marine life, even if it's just 2 meters below. I felt like I had to tick something off my bucket-list after going through a two-hour session with Mike, my Austrian-born instructor who has more than nine THOUSAND dives under his belt. I was green with envy. I decided that my next island-trip would be dedicated to getting certified for open-water diving.

However, if you're not one who likes depend on an external breathing apparatus, snorkeling might be your thing. I was taken out on a dhoni, a traditional Maldivian fishing boat, and we travelled for about 30 minutes before stopping over a reef. Life-vest, snorkel and flippers on ... and in I went.

The famous turqouis waters of the Maldives.

Now I know what makes the Maldives so special. What makes people keep coming back for more. It was a whole new world to me, this underwater universe. I was witnessing a life I'd never knew before. Turtles, reef sharks, fish of all shapes, sizes and colour, corals that looked like coffee-tables (I later found out that they're called tabletop corals), more fish, more turtles, more sharks! I didn't want to leave. But after an hour, I had to. The sun was shining down hard and I was beginning to get some lovely, oddly-shaped tan-lines on my back. Reluctantly, I went back to the Dhoni and mentally began preparing myself for my next water adventure .... this time, in the hope of sighting something that would make my heart smile.

The morning of the dolphin cruise got my tummy in all kinds of knots. I'd seen wild dolphins before in New Zealand but each experience is obviously different ... and I missed them terribly. I heard that there was a 99.9% chance of some successful spotting so I remained very positive.

The traditional dhoni is one of the oldest known sea vessels in the Maldives.
Many of these traditional sailing vessels were, of necessity, built using coconut palm timber.

The sailing dhoni was used in earlier days by Maldivian fishermen.

During the industrial revolution many fisherman changed to a mechanized dhoni.

We headed out on a dhoni and travelled for about 30 minutes to the channel between a locally inhabited island and Kooddoo. I found out that dolphins have a routine of coming inland in the mornings and heading back out to the open seas just before sundown.

"We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life,

a better world, beyond the horizon." - Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The past experiences of the boatmen revealed that dolphins would typically be in the area. However, we would have no indication of their exact location or any guarantee that we would see them.

With 12 eyes, some aided with binoculars and some naked, squinting and searching for signs of the beautiful mammals, it was beginning to look very bleak for any dolphin spotting this evening. Every time I thought I saw something, it turned out to just be waves crashing into each other or the tips of rocks peaking out from beneath the ocean's surface.

To the untrained eye, dorsal fins were everywhere.

We began to turn around and head back to the resort. My heart was shattered. I leaned my disappointed body against a post and hung my head low ... and began to pray. I refused I believe that I was part of the 0.01%.

It was at this exact moment, by some blessing from the universe, that one of the boatmen shrieked something unfamiliar. But the excitement in his voice was immediately understood. The dolphins found us!! They heard me! First, I saw one ... then another two ... then they disappeared and the first one just kept darting beneath the bow. From left to right and back again. It was so playful!

Our first dolphin!!!

All the boatmen began to shout and clap their hands. I had read somewhere that the more noise you make, the more the dolphins will stay, and so we all joined in. And it worked!! Soon enough, the fins of about 15 of these gorgeous "fairies of the sea" were in sight! And boy, were they in the mood to play! I couldn't believe the speed that they had. In a distance, one of them decided to do a mid-air pirouette! Tears started welling in my eyes ... I was just SO happy that my maiden trip to the Maldives was finally complete.

After about half an hour, the dolphins got bored of our entertainment and began to disperse. And that was that.

My trip to the Indian Ocean ended on a high. The most amazing cuisine and the warmest people. Snorkelling in the clearest of waters and feeling the finest sand between my toes. Living on the water and watching the sunset from my private-pool deck. Most of all .... getting to see my friends of the ocean and learning and realising just how precious the world under the sea is.

Till my next journey, I wish you love, light and all things precious. And I leave you with a picture of another incredible sunset.

A lesson in pronounciation:

Maldives: Pronounced "mawl-deevz" and not "mal-dive-s" like many commonly think, including myself.
And it's capital, Male; say "Mah-Lay".

Word of the Day: Hydration

2012-10-09T15:25:00.002+08:00

My life beauty-regime has always consisted of; wash, tone, exfoliate, moisturise. After all, that's all I was told I really needed to do to keep my skin looking somewhat "youthful" ... or at the very least, clean. Some sunblock now and then. A couple of facials thrown in every few years (courtesy of very generous clients). One particular charlatan who scared me as soon as I walked through his doors.

I never really was one to book appointments at an aesthtic clinic or spa every month to keep me looking radiant. Honestly, I didn't like the idea of someone else's hands on my face, and looking at my every pore through a magnifying glass.

That is until I found out about Dermacare Aesthtic & Laser Clinic. Being based in one of the newest malls on Orchard Road does help to "up" it's social-standing. Located on the 5th floor of ION, where direct-access via the car park leads you straight through its doors, is a plus for those who wouldn't be caught dead without a made-up face in public. Me, being one of them.

The entrance is conveniently accessible from the carpark.

Although it's officially called a "clinic", it's interior is far from feeling like any sort of medical centre. It's waiting area is rather swanky and yet not ostentatious. Sleek and intimately-sized, your fears of being prodded and poked at, are immediately allevaited with the hospitable staff.

The separated booths mean you'll have no-one looking over your shoulder while you wait.

I was here to try the DermaC Hydrafacial. I'd heard rave reviews about it and it's even won itself a couple of awards. The winner for me? That it is a non-invasive, non-irritating exfoliation alternative to other treatments. AND ..... there is NO down-time. Well, that's what I heard. I was here to try it for myself.

My consultation session with Dr. Dennis Kwan was quick and painless. His bed-side manners are impeccable and respectful of the fact that medical terms to me sound like one's speaking Russian. After a short 15-minute chat, I was led by a therapist to my room to start the treatment.

The DermaC Hydrafacial Station.

The DermaC Hydrafacial uses four easy steps that promises to lead your skin on a moisture-rich journey that should last about 5 weeks. I was told that the tool used was similiar to a tiny-vacuum nozzle, extracting impurities at certain stages (the beginning, I assume) and infusing all the goodness of moisture, nutrients, minerals and anti-oxidants along the way. It was an odd feeling, to have a miniture vacuum "attacking" my face. After a while though, I got used to it and eventually fell asleep. Just before the last step, a rich, luxurious mask was painted (yes, a brush was used) onto my skin and left for 20 minutes. At no point, did anything else touch my face. No prodding with metal tools. No extracting with foreign objects. Painless, relaxing and when I looked at my face after, I swear it was glowing and radiant. No redness. No swelling.

I guess the true test is whether it would last.

My skin's texture seemd to improve with time, after just one session. A week later, fine lines were visibly reduced, my freckles seemed less noticeable and my skin felt a tad tighter, without being dry. Two weeks after the treatment, my skin was still hydrated and taut. My make-up even went on better!

Verdict:
According to STYLE Magazine, it was voted one of the "Beauty Best Buys of 2012". Always one to make my own decision, I have to agree.

Till I next get hydrated,
xA

The Epikurean Indulgence

2012-08-21T22:36:00.000+08:00

Traveling to Vietnam for the very first time filled me with excitement and trepidation all at once. Having been to the commercially-raped islands of Thailand and Indonesia, I knew so little about where I was headed and what I should expect. And so ... I packed my bags and left all my assumptions at home.

Getting to Ninh Van Bay is a little bit of a trek. Two flights. One drive. And a boat ride.

It becomes especially taxing if you don't coordinate your flights the best way possible and end up hanging about a little too long at Ho Chi Minh City's domestic terminal (look for tips below, as to how to while your time away, should this happen). The journey takes about 45mins to Cam Ranh Airport in Nha Trang. There, you'll be met by the hotel representative who will whisk you off on an hour's drive (a scenic one nonetheless) to the An Lam Villas Ninh Van Bay welcome lounge.

Bay at first sight.

An Lam Villas Ninh Van Bay's Met Service

It's a lovely breather after all that traveling. Here, you'll get to take in the gorgeous scenery of the bay while sipping on a welcome-drink of your choice. Cold towels are accompanied with a villa "menu" and this is where the fun begins. You get to choose the genre of music you'd like playing on the in-villa sound system, what sort of wines and bubbly your wine-fridge should be stocked with, the kind of spa treatments you're looking forward to, food restrictions, activities and plenty more. Basically, the welcome lounge is there for your check-in. Once you jump on that boat, you're no longer bothered with any sort of that boring administrative stuff.

The ride is a short one. But the view en route is nothing short of spectacular. And each minute, all you're looking out for, and imagining, is what awaits you at the end of it. The first sighting of little white umbrellas and a pristine beach takes your breath away. Protected by incredible lush foliage and enchanted mist-shrouded forests in the background, An Lam Villas Ninh Van Bay is magical.

Each villa gets a butler. Each piece of luggage gets a bag-tag. Each entrance gets a wood-engraved nameplate.

Very chic. Highly personalized. Extremely special.

There are three choices of villas. Every one of them unique. Each with a private pool. And all of them offering stunning views. The most special feature is that ALL the pools boast FRESH water. A welcome change to chlorinated pools that damage the hair and dry the skin.

The beach villas are pretty and the exact type of accommodation you'd need if being close to the glistening waters is your cup of tea.

The spacious and gorgeous two-room villa sits right on the beach.

The lagoon villas are built on it's circumference and boast incredible dawns and dusks where the mist just hovers above the water, in the magical way Mother Nature intended for.

The entrance of the Lagoon Villa takes your breath away.

The Hill-Rock villas are built over three levels, with most offering full views or filtered views of the ocean, and others that are built lower, so you can enjoy forest views and be one with the Earth.

Stunning scenary from the Hill-Rock Villas.

The stillness of the lagoon mirrors the beauty of
the resort and it's natural surroundings.

As it's been built within the bay, the waters are most always calm, and the beach kept spotless with staff clearing up any drift-wood or litter that might have washed up with the tide. It's perfect to swim in or take a canoe out and find yourself lost in the beauty of the massive rocks that seem to have emerged from the forests over time.

Feeling small in the vastness of space.

Breathtaking at best.

Breakfast is a lovely, tranquil affair, without the hassle of a buffet line-up, but with the familiar comforts of home. The traditional Vietnamese coffee is absolutely necessary and according to the local staff, is best served with ice and milk.

The perfect serve.

Boasting incomparable views of Vietnam's Ninh Van Bay.

Your dining choices may be limited to just one restaurant but your cuisine and dining locations, are endless. From a private in-villa barbecue or laid-out romantic dinner, to one on the beach just for the two of you. If you can imagine it, it can happen. Dinner at the end of the pier is also a sweet idea, especially at sunset where the views are uninterrupted and incomparable. With the mountains and hills offering a spectacular foreground for the Sun to find it's hiding place, no amount of picture-taking can compare to the memories that will be etched in your mind.

Out in the open, your dinner is truly private affair.

And speaking of sunsets, there are two very special spots that you might want to stake your claim to early enough. One requires a little bit of work and getting quite wet. The other, a little bit of agility.

A little cocoon (much like Dedon's NestRest) that's aligned perfectly
to watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.

The "floating" platform for two. Makes for amazing sunset-watching.

Walks through the property are pretty special. There's lots to explore and much to discover. Find yourself lost amongst the natural beauty that has been preserved oh-so-carefully.

The resort has been built around the natural

formation of massive rocks.

The well is used to extract fresh water

that flows from the mountains.

In case you need to know which direction home is.

"Hike" to the top of the lookout-tower and give thanks to the God of Nature for granting the land with stunning surroundings. Watch the sunlight play on the water and make everything sparkle and glisten. It's easy to just let go and forget what needs to be forgotten.

If you need to "get away" from "being away", opt to set sail on the resort's gorgeous Catamaran. Kylie departs at 4pm for a two-hour tour of the bay. Along with champagne, wine and good ol' Vietnamese beer, your journey introduces you to amazing, uninhabited beaches and the sheer size of the land that An Lam Villas Ninh Van Bay occupies.

Kylie. The beloved Catamaran of An Lam Villas Ninh Van Bay.

A picture speaks a thousand words.

In short, An Lam Villas Ninh Van Bay is stunning. The people of Vietnam, warm. The weather, perfect. The food, diverse. Till my next adventure ...

Love & Light,
xxxA

Tips for a smooth and swift journey:

There are about 5 daily flights via Vietnam Airlines from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) to Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang). Planning this right is imperative so you don't have a long layover at the domestic terminal, which is a 5-minute walk from the International terminal at Tan Soon Nhat International Airport.
Singapore Airlines offers just a 40-minute difference and Air Asia, about an hour and a half.
If you find yourself "stuck" for more than 2hours, stay within the International Terminal at Tan Soon Nhat. Head upstairs to the Confetti Cafe, where you can grab a bite and latch on to some free wifi (Password: Confetti.) so you can update your social-media status and Instagram that yummy bowl of Pho.

NB: Special thanks to Epikurean for my amazing first trip to Vietnam. Special thanks to Founder and Managing Partner, TJ Grundl-Hong and his wife, Chika Sato for their warm hospitality.

http://www.epikurean.ws/

Imagine the Moment.

2012-06-25T22:07:00.000+08:00

"An Exceptional Boutique Resort in Every Way". These are the words that greet you when you enter The Sarojin's website. As a writer, I understand that words are easily strung together to entice you into actually believing a place or service is as good as what you read. Not often so. In this instance, however, what you read is definitely what you should expect.

THIS is where mind, body and spirit unite. Where you and nature get acquainted. Where the words "worry" or "stress" hold no meaning. And where your imagination can be turned into reality. Quite easily.

What sets The Sarojin apart from the rest is the IMAGINEER ... their answer to putting together just about anything and everything you can create in your head .... within any amount of money you have/want/need to spend. But let's get into all those details a little later ... for now, let's take a look at what you can expect ....

Upon entering The Sarojin, you're welcomed by 10 acres of lush landscaping, meandering waterways, the sound of the ocean in the distance and the music of the birds and nature. And throughout your stay, not a single car or airplane to break the silence that is truly golden.

Cleverly thought-out stone pathways lead you to everywhere you need to be. And most always, shaded by gorgeous trees of all sorts of tropical species. Most of the plants here serve a purpose; from being used as ingredients in the incredible cuisine (like the pandan leaves that make up the iced-tea that is your welcome drink) to medicinal purposes (different parts of the Sea Almond Tree have been used throughout the world for various ailments). Sustainability.

Legend has it that Lady Sarojin was the daughter of a prominent noblemen who was brought up running the household and entertaining visitors. She gained the reputation of being the "hostess with the mostess" in the province. Her spirit, till today, still guides the amazing staff on the property. And her protection saw them through THE tsunami. Khao Lak was one of the most devastated areas in Thailand that dreadful Boxing Day. The Sarojin was due to open in January of 2005. Having completed construction and being ready to go for business, the resort was empty that Sunday, except for a few workers who were doing last minute fixes on the ROOF. The force of nature destroyed EVERYTHING (the workers were safe) except the structure and the 200 year-old Ficus Tree. Furniture, landscaping, anything made out of wood and glass was not spared. Needless to say, there was work to be done. The employees were told to take a 3-month break, look after their loved-ones who were affected, and were given the option of returning to work upon the opening. About 50 of these staff returned, eager and ready to make sure that Lady Sarojin's legend continued. In appreciation of their dedication, the owners named each residence after the individual members of the extraodinary staff.

My suite. Named after Yosakorn Nopparit, one of the many loyal staff of The Sarojin.

Apart from the staff, who truly become friends on the day of your arrival, and its tranquility, The Sarojin has much to offer.

Breakfast at The Ficus is magical. Under the shade of its namesake, your view consists of amazing landscaping, the magnificant lotus pond, and birds and butterflies of all sorts going about their day.

Breakfast under the grand ol' Ficus Tree.

Look out onto the Lotus Pond while having breakfast.

Your meals are selected from a menu and the choices offer a wide variety of local and western cuisine. The resort has gone one-up by offering ALL-day breakfast. And that means no longer having to set your alarm to 10am, just to make breakfast before 11. This one goes on till 6pm! At dusk, The Ficus evolves into a Mediterranean restaurant, offering cusine subtly infused with delicate flavours and twists.

If food from the Med is not your cup of tea in Thailand, The Edge might be. Offering amazing beach and sea views, The Edge is perfect for a sundowner (or three). Choose to dine under the open-air timber pavillion or by the beach! A little table will be set-up by your lounge chair and slices of watermelon and ice-cold water served constantly to keep you hydrated under the hot, Thai sun.

The Edge. Picture Courtesy of The Sarojin's website.

The rooms are tastefully done and make you feel like you're walking into a friends' home. From Garden Residences to Pool Villas and Suites, all have outdoor areas where you can soak up the rays and work on your colour. The Garden Residences each have Thai Salas on the patio. Perfect for that aftternoon Mimosa.

Garden Residence. Picture Courtesy of The Sarojin's website.

The Pool Residences are pretty fantastic and perfect for honeymooners or couples that want privacy. It's got a more than decent sized pool that you can step straight out of the bedroom into ... day or night.

Pool Residence. Picture Courtesy of The Sarojin's website.

If space is what you want, then go for The Sarojin Suites. With a stone-tub on the balcony and nothing above you but the star-lit skies, evenings with a loved one and a glass of champagne will be like none other.

Sarojin Suite. Picture Courtesy of The Sarojin's website.

All rooms come with a tub and shower area in a "garden" setting so you'll never feel like you're in a hotel ... the open-concept is a much-welcomed amenity, if all you need is just to get away from a concrete jungle.

For the gym-bunnies, a fully equipped space is available. OR you can opt to hire (more like, borrow) a bike from the resort and cycle 8km to the nearest waterfall.

You never forget how to ride a bicycle.

Sai Rung (Rainbow) Waterfall is one of three in the area (there are FIVE National Parks ready to discover too) and the ride is so worth it. The reward at the end of your journey is fresh ice-cold water that's almost therapeutic to be surrounded by. Choose to cycle back ... OR call the hotel (map and number are on a little tag attached to the handlebar ("in case of emergencies") and get them to pick you up. Easy. The Sai Rung Waterfall is also the location of what could be the most romantic or unique meal you've ever had with someone special. Just speak to the "Imagineer" at the resort and he'll help you plan just about anything you can ... well, imagine.

If you'd like to interact with animals, Elephant trekking and bathing with them is available. Your journey starts with sitting like a maharajah on one of 6 available elephants at a camp near-by. Your seat is made comfortable with cushions and towels provided for by the hotel. Trekking takes you through rubber plantations and foliage a layman may not be able to name. You'll also pass a rubber "factory" where sheets of rubber are made the "old" way, with no fancy machinery or technique. One kilo of rubber here is sold for 100 Thai Baht (that's just over USD3). And mind you, attaining one kilo is no easy feat.

Manual Rubber Mills, managed by workers from Myanmar.

My 50 year-old ride and his mahout.

From waterfalls to beaches, animal interaction to total privacy, The Sarojin is all that and MORE.

So let's talk about the "more" bit. The IMAGINEER. Here are some examples as to what he WILL do for you.

1) If you'd like to propose to your partner, and only have, let's say, USD30 to spend, the "imagineer" might suggest a little set-up on the beach with a bottle of sparkling wine, some rose petals and a souffle waiting for you to "stumble upon" as you take your evening stroll.

2) If money is no object and want something more, the Imagineer might suggest leasing the Lady Sarojin (the resorts own luxury boat) for the day, getting "ship-wrecked" and "abandoned" on one of the near-by Similan Islands ... complete with champagne, music, your choice of cuisine and nothing else. Just the company of your amazing partner.

Dinner for two at sunset. Imagine the possibilities.

There really is no limit to what you can do. The Imagineer is there to help you bring to reality your craziest (within reason, of course) dreams. A Thai cooking class by the waterfall? A FULL day at the spa just for the TWO of you? Meals on a deserted island? Something involving a helicopter? It's ALL possible. Just ask.

The Sarojin. Beyond my expectations. And that's no easy feat.

Much love and light,
xA

The stay at The Sarojin was made possible by GHC Asia. A BIG "thank you" to the incredible staff, inc. GM/Imagineer, Dawid, Head of Front Office Alex, Head of F&B Kade, Nam, Nikorn and everyone who's name I didn't get. I thank you all. And I'll see you soon.

Devouring Nirvana

2012-06-04T13:14:00.005+08:00

There are only two ways you can react to the word "Nirvana";

if you are a 70s child (or born before then), you would remember the American rock-band, who's lead-singer Kurt Cobain so tragically passed on at the age of 27.... a number that has become a topic of public fascination and debate.
it is at the same time (but in no way related), an ancient Sanskrit term used within the Indian religions that describes a profound peace of mind, achieved with liberation.

Since last Friday, for me, "Nirvana" has come to mean something else; a place that one can escape to in the middle of the day for a quick bite, chilled-out tunes and all sorts of yummy alcoholic concoctions. Alright, you might be a little disappointed that my "Nirvana" didn't turn out to be quite as comparable to the first two definitions .... but this third one, by no means, falls short.

The 3-month old is situated in the heart of Chinatown and is the area's only day-to-night-bistro-to-bar establishment.

In an area that's filled with ALL things local, and mostly Chinese (the name "Chinatown" is sort of a no-brainer), Nirvana Bistro.Bar is heaven-sent for those that want something other than noodles or rice. Serving up a a decent listing of sandwiches for under $10, their choices range from a good ol' Ham & Cheese or BLT to a Grilled Roast Chicken with Wasabi or a Tuna Melt (the last two are highly recommended by me ... highly).

What you see is what you get. Roast Chicken with Cheese and Wasabi (just the perfect amount if you don't want it going through your nose and ears.) sandwiched between gorgeous lightly grilled wholemeal bread.

I'm not a huge fan of tuna but this Tuna Melt had me sinking my teeth in a second, third and fourth time.

It's a great little nook to hold meetings at too. Free-wifi really helps.

Their set-meals are priced nicely at $15.50 and include a soup, salad and drink (for the health-conscious) OR a soup/salad, sandwich and drink (for those that want a heartier meal). The Cream of Mushroom soup I tried was delectable. Not as creamy as your regular sort, this had little chunks of wild mushroom in a somewhat-thin soup that went down quite well.

Now if you have a sweet tooth, Nirvana has NO shortage of freshly-baked home-made cakes. My recommendation is the Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake that's coated with TWO layers of melted-dark chocolate. Fluffy, light and not-as-sinful-tasting-as-it-looks, the slice is large enough for two.

Topped with yummy marshmellows. Lovely.

Now that we've covered the "Bistro and food" bit ... let's move on to the "Bar and drinks". Yum. A FULL bar is available at this brilliantly located little nook on Neil Road. On top of that, In-House cocktails ranging from Mojito's (at $16) to Daiquiri's (also $16) to their Around-the-World ($18), their take on the Long Island Tea. This concoction has Gin, Vodka, Rum, Tequila. Triple Sec and Pineapple Juice, and is one of their best-sellers. Too strong for my liking but hey ... to each his own.

So there you have it. A new little establishment to sink your teeth into. Located at 43 Neil Road, I'll be headed back to Nirvana soon enough. With Buddha-Bar-type music that isn't played too loud, to the free-wifi and amazing food, I can see myself spending an afternoon here.

xxA

NB: Thanks to the great team at Nirvana Bistro.Bar for inviting me to Meet the Menu.

Contact them at +65 6224 2865 and "like" them on FB here

Don't EAT the Black Chicken

2012-05-25T19:10:00.002+08:00

Goodness knows our skin goes through enough hell. Pollution, make-up, diet, air-conditioning (especially with the weather we've had these days), certain skin-care regimes, etc. etc.. I'm guilty too, of using products that may not be the best for my skin ... long term. So when I received Black Chicken in my mail recently .... it was, literally, a gift from the heavens.

Promising to be anti-aging, deep-penetrating, skin-boosting, super-hydrating AND a plumping serum, my first thought was, "REALLY?". If this "Love your Face Serum" does all THAT ... then it really may just be all I'll ever need. EVER.

The "Love your Face Serum" has a unique formula of ELEVEN therapeutic oils that feed vital nutrients to deliver it's promises. It's residue-free and creates smoother, softer feeling plump skin. As with any product, use over time really is the best way to see if it does what it says it does. This actually WORKS. My skin does look, and feel, more hydrated. The elasticity has definitely improved. And the little lines that I thought I had seem to have been reduced! That's all we really need. Yes?

Here's what's in that tiny bottle you see:

Vitamin E Oil (Anti-Aging)
Apricot Kernel Oil (For lines and revitalises)
Jojoba Oil (Balanced moisture for ALL skin types)
Evening Primrose Oil (Rejuvenates)
Argan Oil (Repairs and defends)
Rosehip Oil (Regenerator)
Neroli Essential Oil (Improves elasticity)
Palma Rosa Essential Oil (Moisturises)
Rose Maroc Absolute Oil (Rejuvenates)
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (Balancing)
Sandalwood Oil (Hydrates and relieves inflammation/itching)

Here's the "Love your Body Oil". It pretty much does the same thing as the face serum except, of course, you use it on your body. Duh. I love the little motto they have; "Puts back into your skin what life takes out". Perfect. Now this little magical potion has TWELVE remedial oils that provide deep, long lasting moisture that nourishes dehydrated skin and calms the mind (the latter of which I totally agree with ... tell you why later).

Avocado Oil (Contains A, B1, B2, D, E vitamins and Beta-carotene. Hydrates)
Rosehip Oil (Regenerates tissues)
Hazelnut Oil (Helps to tone and tighten. YAY!)
Coconut Oil (Softens and protects)
Sandalwood Essential Oil (Calming. Hydrates/soothes inflammation and itching)
Geranium Bourbo Essential Oil (Balances moisture)
Patchouli Essential Oil (Tissue regenerator and relieves depression/stress)
Lavender Essential Oil (Anti-inflammatory. Great for sunburns)
Carrot Essential Oil (Improves tone and elasticity)
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (Balancing effect that helps both dry and oily skin)
Nutmeg Essential Oil (Invigorates and stimulates the mind)
Vitamin E Oil (Anti-oxidant)

So there you have it. 100% natural skin products that work on ALL skin types and smell absolutely divine. Whether I use the face serum or the body oil, I'm immediately transported to a spa in Thailand (one of my favourite places in the world). The fragrances and the feel of the oil on the skin calm my mind instantaneously. Now if you are adverse to using oil, just because it's oil, rest assure that the Black Chicken Remedies are light and easily absorbed into your skin. They also give a lovely, healthy sheen that automatically makes you look healthier ... not greasy.

A good tip is to use the oils right after your shower, when your skin is still damp, not dripping wet. Firstly, you use less oil. And secondly, damp skin means your moisture gets locked in by the oils.

Off to calm my mind ... and skin ...

xxxA

Thanks to WYLD Agencies for sending these lovely products to my doorstep. You can find out more at their Facebook page.

As for the unusual name, find out more at their main Australian website HERE.

A Rewarding Life

2012-05-21T21:55:00.001+08:00

And why shouldn't it be? Rewarding, that is. In this day and age, all we do is work to live. As sad as the rat-race, and this dog-eat-dog world is, we do what we HAVE to, to survive, and stay ahead of the pack. So sometimes, what we need and want, is to just get away, and forget the lives we lead.

Aleenta is Sanskrit for "A Rewarding Life". Yes, it's not a term I came up with myself. It's not even very creative on my part to have used it as the title of this blog. But I have to admit, it IS pretty perfect for the gorgeous resort that occupies an amazing private beach in Phang Nga. The one I recently had the privilege of being invited to stay at. And in turn, I share with YOU my rewarding experience.

Situated just 20 minutes away from the Phuket International Airport, Aleenta is between the island of Phuket and the mainland of the Malay Peninsula of Southern Thailand. Being so close to the airport makes it so much fun to get to, because you don't need to wait THAT long to start your holiday (which for me, happens as soon as I pack my bags).

Our BMW 5-series resort car was waiting for us as soon as we stepped out of the airport, and into the warmth of the Phuket skies. Something about the sun when you're on holiday ..... it's sooo much more welcoming than the sun in your home country. Equipped with bottled water, cold towels and a fruit basket, the ride was smooth and swift and before we knew it, we were crossing the Sarasin Bridge, and just 5 minutes later, we pulled in to the gorgeous Aleenta.

If you're one of those that loves to head out of the resort to pick up a couple of imitation-anything-and-everything, or stock up on some supplies, you'll be sorely disappointed. Aleenta is nowhere near any other amenities and the resort is pretty much all you'll see for the length of your stay. THAT and gorgeous sunsets, starlit-skies, white sandy beaches, clear-blue ocean and nothing to obstruct the horizon. For me ..... that's pretty much all I need. And PERECT.

Check-in was as painless as can be, and our room was as AMAZING as can be.

A two-storey, two-bedroom private-pool residence with an unobstructed view of the Andaman Sea. Bliss. Decked out with EVERYTHING you need; GREAT wi-fi (for posting pictures, checking email and what-have-you), iPod (filled with some pretty amazing music ... I was pleasantly surprised at their choice of tunes), jacuzzi/bath-big-enough-for-two (always handy and welcomed), sun-decks (yes, decks being plural. Our room had FOUR separate decks to choose from) and of course ... the pool. Which also had jacuzzi jets.

So that said and done, Aleenta has a variety of rooms; from lofts to beach side villas. The choice is yours. And of course, a variety of restaurants. The choice depends on your cravings.

I have an unwritten law when I travel; ONLY indulge in local cuisine. Why anyone would have Japanese in Italy and Chinese in India is beyond me (when traveling, obviously). So when in Thailand, Thai it is. I love to compare Pad Thai's at each place I visit in Thailand. So far ... it's been pretty much constant. FABULOUS. The Pad Thai at Aleenta was as good as it gets. The freshest ingredients. Just the right amount of spice. MASSIVE prawns. And just the right balance of ingredients.

Oh how I love thee, Pad Thai.

One dish that DID blow me away was the Beef Massaman. Oh my goodness ... it was UNBELIEVABLE. I thought I've had the best Beef Massaman at Lim's in Phuket. But this one just took the cow. The beef, literally, melted in my mouth and the potatoes had a good bite to it. The gravy wasn't too thick, nor too watery, and the mix of crunchy peanuts and spices made it PERFECT. This one has my 3-thumbs-up. :)

Breakfast is pretty interesting too. Inclusive in your room rate, it offers a variety of yummies; from your standard 'flakes & milk to potato gratin topped with fried quails eggs and Bearnaise sauce. It starts off with a tower of nibbles, which works like an appetiser, until you're ready to order your mains.

For the health conscious, a cup of beaten egg white and asparagus.

Potato gratin, topped with fried quails eggs

and a spoon of gorgeous Bernaise sauce

IF you need to relax ... even more, Aleenta has a world-class spa. Spa IV is as good as it gets when it comes to Thailand. Spas here are a dime-a-dozen, of course. The couple room is perched right ON the beach with only glass walls separating you and the ocean breeze. We opted for the standard 90-minute aromatherapy massage, which was BRILLIANT but made us want for more.

A private beach at your disposal.

Now it's not ALL about the sun, sea, sand, clear skies, amazing food and good ol' Thai hospitality. Aleenta also has a conscience when it comes to social-causes. And their Pure Blue Foundation says it all. When you check into a luxury resort like Aleenta, it doesn't always have to be about self-indulgence. A good deed is always a great reason. Their mission statement is about being environmentally-friendly as well as socially responsible.

Your Do-Not-Disturb frog also holds an important message.

They've started the Marine Turtle Foundation, in support of the local-turtle re-population, rehabilitation and overall education. Here, the turtles can safely lay their eggs, which are then minded for by the staff, before they're ready to join their peers. Turtles are released back into the ocean, when they're good and ready.

Lucky to be located just 20 minutes south of the beautiful and pristine Khao Lumpee- Haad Thaymuang National Park, Aleenta guests can visit the Turtle Sanctuary (above) and donate to the cause. The sanctuary houses the Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Olive Ridley and the Green Turtle. By JUST staying at Aleenta, you're unknowingly contributing. 40 Thai Baht/night of your stay goes towards the cause by the resort. It may not seem like a large sum, but as you know ..... every drop makes an ocean.

Sadly, this is what happens when we progress, and they don't get to.

The actual size of 6ft that leatherback turtles get to

grow to in their natural habitat. :)

I got to hold the cutest two-month old turtle, under the

watchful eye of the sanctuary's caretaker.

Holidays don't have to ALL be about you. While you get your much deserved R&R, at Aleenta, you know your stay is doing some good for parts of Mother Nature that have no ability to protect themselves.

Till I write again from another little paradise that I WILL discover ....

xxxLove & Light

Aleenta Resort and Spa Phuket is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand.

Reservations: 800 1205507 (toll free Singapore) or +65 6232 5060

www.slh.com/aleenta

Many thanks to the warm staff at Aleenta and Delivering Asia Communications.

Falling in love all over again ....

2012-03-27T21:08:00.000+08:00

I thought I'd wait a while to write again on something really worth sharing. And I seem to have found it.

Kiki Culte is an extensive range of hand-woven macrame accessories that seems to finish off just about every outfit perfectly. Even if you're wearing next-to-nothing.

The intricacies in every piece speaks of love, passion and commitment. Brought to you by a talented lady who's willing to share every part of her, through her artwork. And art it certainly is. No two are the same. Kiki Culte uses stones like onyx's, cat and tiger eyes, cultured pearls, crystals, clay and ceremic beads, diamonds and just about everything else. As long as it inspires it's creator (through travel, trends and what-have-you), you'll find it on a Kiki Culte accessory.

Here's a sneak peek:

For a wider range of Kiki Culte accessories, go to their website here OR if you're in the city (in Singapore), pop into What Women Want at the Mandarin Gallery, Mandarin Hotel.

As I did, you may just fall in love all over again.

Love and Light,
xxxA

OWN a piece of HEAVEN

2011-12-28T22:25:00.005+08:00

The story is simple. Boy meets girl. The two fall in love. They get married.

What makes THIS story a little more special than your run-of-the-mill romances is that this boy (Eton and Oxford educated British-born Indian) and this girl (top ex-Swedish model) go on to do something extraordinary together. Meet Eva and Sonu Shivdasani. Said boy and girl who fell in love. And let me introduce you to the Six Senses Group.

What started out as a personal project with a passion for all the beautiful gifts that Mother Nature has bestowed upon us (and a commitment to preserve them), has turned into a global business with the mantra "intellegent luxury". What started out in the Maldives as a resort for guests with deep-pockets, has turned into an international stage for the benchmark of not just holiday destinations, but for private residences too.

There are, for now, five of the most breathtaking locations where YOU can own a piece of your private paradise. They are:

Soneva Kiri in Thailand

Soneva Fushi, Maldives.

Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives

Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam.

Six Senses Saigon River in Vietnam

Don't pictures speak a thousand words?? These scream "FILL ME WITH LOVE!!". So as you can tell .... ALL are SUPER exotic destinations that are just PERFECT for a family getaway during the holidays. Or with that special someone, if you'd like to just get away from it all.

When you become the proud owner of any one of the Private Residences available at any one of the incredible islands mentioned above, you become part of a very exclusive group of individuals. Each residence is unique and carefully located to provide the maximum amount of privacy and tranquility, while always being close enough to enjoy the ammenities throughout the resorts (by the way, owners enjoy a 20% discount on all services, like at the F&B outlets and spas). At Soneva Kiri, you'll also get complimentary use of the Cessna Grand Caravan to transport you and your guests to and from the Bangkok airport. How swanky is that?

And of course, you'll get to choose whether you'd like Six Senses to rent your property out to travellers while you're not there. OR ... if you really enjoy your private space, and don't want anyone else being in it, don't. It'll either be an investment for your pocket or an investment for you well-being.

The synergy of simple design and luxuriously spacious accomodation at ANY of the Six Senses Private Residences is uncompromised by the highest level of quality and service. Eva is legendary with her attention to detail (and it was one of the first things I noticed at Soneva Kiri ... I'm a stickler for the little things and immediately saw the meticulous amount of attention that was paid to EVERY square inch of the property).

From resort to private residences, the structures are built with materials from sustainable sources. They tread lightly on the Earth by applying techniques that have been adapted to preserve the integrity of the environment and the local communities that surround them. This truly is luxury living .... as nature intended it. I call it "Rustic Luxury". Six Senses refers to it as "Intelligent Luxury". However YOU look at it, you can't deny the beauty of the planet when you find yourself at any one of these awe-inspiring locations. And Six Senses has done well in maintaining Mother Nature at her best and helping to sustain all she has to give us.

For your very own piece of Heaven on Earth, get in touch here .... and I'll let Eva and Sonu know you said "hi". Don't forget to send me an invite when you're all settled in ;)

xxxA

Ever Soneva So Wanna Go Back!!!

2011-12-27T20:16:00.001+08:00

I've been on a LOT of trips for both and work and play, that have taken me across the globe. But who was to know that PARADISE was just 2 short flights away. Yes. TWO.

The Soneva Kiri journey begins as soon as you step off the plane at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. A representative of the resort is there to greet you and whisk you off on a fast-track mission through the terminals.

It's at the Thai Airways Silk Class Lounge where you'll take a breather, till your private plane is ready to depart (there are four flights daily).

The private plane comes in the form of an 8-seater Cessna Grand Caravan, that's been luxuriously fitted to make your experience as comfortable as possible. "Ever Soneva So Over the Top" takes a little over an hour to get you to the Soneva Kiri International Airport (hehehehe) on the tiny island of Mai Si. Now ... on Mai Si, there are only two things; the landing strip, which is only 850m long, and a honey farm (where the resort gets it's honey exclusively from). The journey is smooth and because the plane flies so low, you really get to relish in the beauty of Mother Nature's work.

I see solid ground!!!

Your Miss (or Mr) Friday is waiting for you as you touch down. These wonderfully-trained individuals will be your PERSONAL butler throughout your stay. They're on-hand 24-hours a day but never get IN your way. Our lovely Miss Friday was Marissa (or Goy, her Thai name). Always ready with a smile (that's probably how Thailand got her name as the Land of a Thousand Smiles), Marissa took care of our every need .... from the lovely welcome drink that was given to us upon arrival (she promptly had a bottle sent to our room, upon request ... consisting of mint, lemon and honey) to a Tupperware I needed, to take home some AMAZING palm sugar sauce that complimented the "Mieng Khiam", an appetiser we had at Benz Restaurant. But more on that later.

Getting to Mai Si was obviously not the end of the journey TO Soneva Kiri. A ten-minute speed boat ride completed that. You barely see much of the resort as the boat pulls up to the pier. Besides crystal clear waters, coconut trees and a 200m long wooden pier that leads to an unbelievable bamboo shelter-like structure, the rest is quite cleverly tucked away.

The location itself is perfect. With a bay that's surrounded by lush nature and coral-life underneath, it's secluded, and private with a rustic feel.

Soneva Kiri is located on the 4th largest Thai island. Unlike the usual destinations of Phuket, Krabi and the like, Koh Kood is along the Gulf of Thailand. And unlike the more commercial islands that are favoured by travellers, it's also one of the least developed. Which makes it even more perfect. No ATMS. No 7-11s. No sleazy girlie-bars. No touts. No noisy, misbehaved tourists. Paradise. For now.

EVERY villa at Soneva Kiri has a private pool. There are 28 in all, of varying sizes. Ours was a one bedroom villa (No 2) and was insanely MASSIVE. 5,000 square feet to be (almost) exact. As I said; MASSIVE. Living room. Dining room. Dressing room. Bedroom. Outdoor bathroom (which consists of a jacuzzi bathtub and TWO showers.). A deck. And of course, the pool. Oh and yes .... also a couple of deck chairs at the end of a sand-path that overlooks the bay.

The outdoor dressing area with the bathtub and one of the showers.

The land that Soneva Kiri sits on is large. 150 acres. Plenty of space, and places to explore, and even more to do! Six Senses has a great motto. No News No Shoes. Meaning exactly that. There is a TV in your bedroom. But the TV comes with no channels. It's there if you want to watch DVDs (from it's vast library), but I don't suggest that you do. Why would you? Mother Nature is at her BEST here and Soneva Kiri does all it can to make sure that she sustains all she has to offer. No Shoes. Well ... the concept is simple; go barefoot. When you come from a city life (like most of us do), it truly is a luxury to NOT wear shoes. Put away your flip-flops, don't unpack your lovely sandals from your luggage. In fact, don't even pack them as you're readying for this trip. It'll be completely redundant.

From the moment you step off your commercial flight, the amazing staff at Soneva Kiri aim to achieve only one thing; RELAXATION. Leave all your stresses of your daily grind behind. No shoes. No news. No loud jabbering on the phone in the main areas. No RINGING of phones. Just the rustling of leaves, the sounds of the ocean and the melody of nature.

There's NO shortage of what you can do here. Including a 24-hour CHOCOLATE ROOM (Ever Soneva So Chocoholic). Best part is; it's complimentary. BOOM. A room filled with every imaginable type of chocolate in EVERY form you can possibly dream up. The pictures say it all. And I'll say it again; you can access this room at ANY time .... unsupervised. Puts the saying "Like a kid in a candy store" to shame.

So ... there are the water sports you can get busy with, the chocolate room you can go crazy in, the view you can be in awe of, and the beach you can be a sloth on. What else would you want? Well, here are two things that Soneva

The Observatory

Ever Soneva So Celestial

This photo was found on the web. It's of the observatory at Soneva Fushi. The one I visited was very similar, but I unfortunately forgot to take a picture.

The largest public observatory (though you must be a guest, of course) Thailand has to offer. And the Six Senses' group's second. It's first is at it's other gorgeous property, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives (mental note to self: 2012 is when I'll go explore that!). The observatory is not for ANYONE to just stroll into and poke around. It has a dedicated astronomer on-hand to make sure you don't mess up it's 14-inch telescope (your eyes pupils are only 5mm ... so you can just imagine what 14-inches does), AND to help you understand what exactly it is you're looking at. We were lucky to have Dr Parag Mahajani, the visiting astronomer (he spends his time between Soneva Fushi and Kiri. Tough life.). Now this guy knows his stuff! Never have I met someone so passionate about what he does. He answered every question we had, and more. We got to see the Moon up close, as well as several constellations like the Seven Sisters (Pleiades), Taurus, Orion and Jupiter! But best of all ... we went back during the day and got to see the Sun! The Sun!!!! Now how often can one say that they got to view the Sun through a telescope? It was an absolutely amazing experience. To see the Universe in all it's glory, and find out how tiny we here on Earth are compared to it, really put things into perspective. I still stand by what I say, "There is life out there".

Cinema Paradiso.

Photo taken off Soneva Kiri's site.

Nothing is quite so romantic as sitting under the stars on a CLEAR night, tucked underneath some blankets, with gourmet popcorn and cocktails, watching a classic on a huge, outdoor screen that sits in the middle of a body of water. I can think of more romantic things to do but THIS is intimate. Cinema Paradiso shows two movies on alternate nights and is an incredible experience to go through with your partner. Especially with the stars and the Moon hanging above you and providing just the right amount of light.

Khun Benz Restaurant
One of the better moments of the trip was experiencing Khun Benz's cuisine. To access this gorgeous little restaurant is a journey in itself. You hop on a speedboat at about 6.30pm, and it takes about 10-minutes to get to the destination.

Our captain for the evening.

But not before passing some amazing scenery and the WHOLE beachfront of Soneva Kiri. You'll also (barely ... they're practically hidden in the trees) see diners enjoying the sunset and view from the Tree-Top Dining Adventure (I didn't get to do this but it's a pretty swanky experience). It was my first time going to Khun Benz, so I didn't know what to expect or where the journey would end. But it took me through some beautiful mangroves.

I think I see Khun Benz!!!

How pretty!! And secluded!

Khun Benz seats about 30 people and the cuisine is incredible.

Khun Benz restaurant is fairly new for the 2-year old resort. It's chef, Benz, used to cook up a storm at Soneva Fushi before coming back to her homeland to honour us with her gastronomy skills. The menu is "Whatever is freshest that day".

The menu for the evening.

Now, I've had my fair share of amazing Thai cuisine but the dish that started it all that night was one I had never experienced in my life. It was so special that I had to take some home! And Khun Benz was more than happy to share her secret recipe. What a pleasant, and generous, surprise. Many a time have I requested the ingredients that go into a dish, only to be faced with a "It's our secret recipe" answer.

The dish? Mieng Kham. A delicate yet fantastic combination of flavours. Raw shallots, raw ginger, raw lime, dried shrimp, peanuts, fresh chilli padi and crispy coconut (dry fried).

All this placed in a leaf (it's called Bitter Leaf. Search on the Internet revealed it's actual name is "Vernonia"). This is topped with a home-made palm sugar sauce.

Once you've "built" your snack, you wrap the leaf over and pop the whole thing in your mouth! The explosion of the various ingredients is unbelievable. You taste EVERYTHING. Sweet, sour, bitter, salty and spicy. Incredible. My interest in the dish led Khun Benz to pack some of it's sauce, leaves and coconut just for ME ... and when I served it the day after I returned to some friends that were over for a Christmas party ..... they were blown away. I felt like such a great host. :)

By the end of the WHOLE trip, I became what Soneva Kiri had set out to achieve; completely relaxed. When I fist got there, I was bent on keeping up with emails and social media. By the middle of the trip, I was barefoot and happy. My flip-flops never got to touch the ground. My face was glowing and my tummy was happy. I was a little sun-kissed, while my mind was clear and my heart, at peace. With nature, the Universe and most importantly, myself. I didn't want to leave. Now that I have, I can't wait to go back.

Thank you Soneva Kiri. For helping me to find my equilibrium.

Here are some amazing pictures to end this post .... starting off with .....

Another incredible Thai sunset from "Ever Soneva So Spirited".

Amazing view from "Ever Soneva So Over the Top", the private plane.

Even the insects are special!

On Mai Si. Home to Soneva Kiri's very own landing strip.

Sandy the Hedgehog. For sandy feet. :)

Soneva Kiri's dedication to helping the less fortunate ....

.... and nature.

You don't just get your OWN buggy to "zip" around ....

You also get your OWN mobile phone with your "Friday" on speed-dial! :)

MY private paradise :)

The sunset was just too beautiful to just add one picture.

Ever Soneva So Missing You,

xxxA

The PERFECT gift

2011-12-15T13:40:00.004+08:00

Who doesn't LOVE candles? What's not to LOVE about the illumination of a flame? And what makes a good candle GREAT? Well, that's when it has an intoxicating fragrance to go along with it. What makes a great candle AMAZING? Ahhhhh .... that's when a candle does more than just light a room and add a good scent.

Introducing .... (drum-role please .....)

Amoré by GI OTTO!!!!

These little beauties are the most INCREDIBLE candles I've EVER come across. And I KNOW my candles. I've been buying them for years! From ones that look pretty (and do absolutely nothing) to ones that smell great but achieve little else.

Amoré by GI OTTO is an UNBELIEVABLE find. They light a room. They smell beautiful. They're made of soy-oil (which means they're better for the environment. And the family). And .... And ..... They are SKIN MOISTURIZERS!!!! That's right. You can actually apply the melt-pool of soy-oil DIRECTLY onto your skin WHILE the flame is burning. You must think I'm mad. But hear me out; Soy wax burns at a much cooler temperature compared to parrafin. These particular candles burn at 41ºcelsius .... making them safe for little hands to be around. They never scald!!

You may still be thinking to yourself, "Why Soy candles instead of parrafin?". Sure, parrafin candles come in lots of shapes, sizes, colours and fragrances. BUT ... they can be bad for you, your family and the environment. Here are the trusted reasons:

Soy wax is natural - Soy wax is a favorite of environmentally conscious people because it is made from a renewable source and is not made from petroleum. Burning soy candles does not increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere.
Soy candles last longer - As soy wax burns at a lower temperature, this means they also burn slower. As such, your Amoré by GI OTTO candle lasts a lot longer than regular parrafin ones (40% longer in fact).
Wax spills are easy to clean - It's very difficult to remove paraffin wax from furniture or textiles. Soy wax spills can easily be cleaned up with hot soapy water. And wax stains do not remain on hard surfaces or create rings and stains.
Soy candles produce less soot - Soot should be avoided because it is very unhealthy and can eventually coat furniture and walls. Soy candles produce about 90% less soot than paraffin candles.
Scented soy candles distribute more flavour - The incorporation of soybean oil lowers the melting point of the candle, which translates into cooler burning candles and faster scent dispersion. The lower melting point of soy wax results in a larger size of the liquid wax pool around the candle wick. It is from this liquid wax pool that the essential oils evaporate into the atmosphere.

Have I converted you yet?? Did I mention you can also use this as a MOISTURIZER?? Use it on your feet, your knees, your elbows, your cuticles ... anywhere that's dry or irritated. It's also GREAT for psoriasis, eczema, bug-bites AND sunburns! And to reitterate ..... they safe to have around the home (never left unattended, of course) because they burn cooler and won't scald the skin (or stain the furniture) if accidentally knocked over.

So. There you have it. IF you're still a non-believer ... then I have nothing left to say. But remember ... Don't knock it till you've tried it.

The five incredibally intoxicating scents currently available (more are being developed as we speak) are:

Goddess: A sweet and intoxicating balance of Sugar and Vanilla.

Mandarin Ginger: A spicy, yet refreshing, mix of Mandarin, Ginger and Cinnamon.

Sweet Magnolia: Reminiscent of a summer garden of Magnolias

Citrus Teak: A rejuventing combination of lemon, lime and mandarin.

Creme Brulee: Caramel and vanilla. Need I say more?

Love, light and all things beautiful,

xxxA

NB: Purchasing a gorgeous Amoré by GI OTTO candle can be done through it's Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/amorebyGIOTTO

It's easy. Just "Like" the page. Click on the "Store" button on the left (under the profile picture). And pay via PayPal. :) alternatively, you can email the GREAT people of Amoré by GI OTTO at: amorebygiotto@gmail.com

Have FUN!!!!

FORGET wings. Here's to a JET-POWERED ENGINE!!!!

2011-10-18T22:50:00.003+08:00

24 hours a day seem way more than enough for some people. And yet ... just not enough for others. Don't you just wish you had just a couple of more seconds/minutes/hours/moments to complete your tasks at hand?

Well .... the search for that extra time now comes in a stylish little can. And they've aptly named it 28BLACK. The number was chosen to represent that 4 extra hours that the drink metaphorically provides you. Hmmm ... interesting. Certainly something I wouldn't say "no" to.

Now the can is unlike anything you've ever seen on the energy drink market. Well, that's because 28Black does NOT set out to compete with anything currently available. 28Black is what I call "a luxury boost". Priced at about 15-20% higher than those non-competitors, 28Black aims for a completely different clientele. The kind that knows how to appreciate the finer things in life. That's not to say that those who don't choose this Acai-filled beverage are "less-than" ... it's purely a marketing angle.

Speaking of Acai-filled .... this drink contains 100% of your daily Vitamin C requirement. And contains no taurine (a big PLUS), no artificial flavours, no artificial colouring, no preservatives.

Nothing synthetic is in this gorgeous little can. And that means the taste isn't synthetic either.

While the black has just 36g of sugar ... the 28WHITE is SUGAR-FREE.

Acai, acai, acai. The world can't seem to get enough of this super-food and it seemed like only a matter-of-time before they put it in a can. The benefits of this tiny, little berry are endless; with it's energy-giving properties, the fact that it gives you better skin, improves your circulation, fights cancer, etc etc. As I said ... ENDLESS. Go Google it.

Now when it comes to energy-boosting drinks, the taste, to me, is of super high importance (as with a lot of other things, I suppose). 28Black isn't nauseatingly-sweet. It tastes like a slightly carbonated grape drink, and has a somewhat pleasing sour-taste right at the tail-end.

You'll notice that the 3-year old company has chosen a bird as it's logo. Now this isn't just any bird. It's the Calidris Canutus. Every year, this little bird travels more than 9000 miles from the Artic to a warmer region of the Southern tip of South America. More importantly, it does this 3000 miles AT A TIME! It therefore lives up to the claim that it accomplishes more than others. And THIS is precisely why it was chosen to grace the black and white cans. The company's philosophy matches what the bird sets out to accomplish and succeed.

Plus points for me:
GREAT TASTE
ALL-NATURAL
SLEEK DESIGN
and ....
IT DOES NOT KEEP ME UP ALL NIGHT!!!

So if you happen to see a 28BLACK (or white) sitting on the shelf of your local store ... pick one up and be your own judge. For now ... I'm gonna enjoy the 28 cans that have just arrived at my doorstep ..... :)

xoxoA ... till I'm energized to write again ;)

28 Février

2011-09-20T13:46:00.003+08:00

I was recently invited to the launch of a very SPECIAL space. Special because there is nothing else like it. Not on this tiny red dot at least.

I speak of the one-and-only 5-minute modular space. The unveiling of the space was aptly entitled; The 5-minute Indescribable Space.

28 Février is owned by celebrity photographer, Dominic Khoo. It was so named because the 28th of February is his birthday. This way ... no one could ever forget. Smart move, Dom.

It seemed like, synchronicity, that when Dom was on one of his many travels, he was in Saint Germain and happened to walk into a bespoke men's shoe-store and found a pair he fell in love with. Despite the obscene price, he just couldn't tear himself away ..... the clincher was noticing a signature on the leather that was inscribed with the date "28 Fevrier". After finding out that that translated to his birthday in French, he was sold. And the shoes had a proud new owner. :)

28 Février, the space, is a gorgeous building, in the middle of an industrial estate, and looks like it was transported right out of Savile Row. With its sleek facade, it is the new place to be for must-have-fairly-deep-pockets service. Right now, the space is home to "Pause", a coffee counter which greets you as you enter, and where also resides the Singapore National Barista Championship's Expobar Diamant.

Picture taken from the web.

It's the mother of all coffee machines and looks like it was created in the 22nd Century. It also costs a hefty $15,000. But it's all worth it as it serves up the best cuppa on the island.

The ever-changing space is also the residence of two local bespoke professionals. In no particular order of preference, I shall speak of Kevin Seah first. Kevin is Singapore's top bespoke tailor and can even help you create your own material. The man is filled with passion for what he does and takes pride in the fact that he belongs to a community filled with such inspiration.

Edwin Neo is the other bespoke master. He can put together the shoes of your dreams. He is Singapore's only bespoke welted shoemaker. I won't be a smart-ass and pretend to know what that means. I had to look it up. To "welt" in shoe making is defined as such:

Shoe making .

a strip, as of leather, set in between the out sole of a shoe and the edges of its insole and upper, throughwhich these parts are joined by stitching or stapling.

a strip, usually of leather, that ornaments a shoe.

Edwin Neo's humble work area within 28 Février, with shoes on display on FlexibleLove seats.

Besides all those terrific tenants, 28 Février also showcases Dominic's amazing photographic work (although he will argue that his work is nothing to speak of compared to the veterans around him). The walls are filled with gorgeous almost snap-shot like photographs of how the world looks through his keen eyes. And they are ALL for sale. So if you'd like a shot of, say Tony Leung (his best-selling piece), or one of any of the top celebrities he has on display .... jump in and take your pick. I haven't inquired what they go for, so your guess is as good as mine.

Entering the space last Wednesday evening, I was greeted by a room that was cleverly divided by Molo PAPER walls. Uh huh .... paper. Molo Design created and produces flexible freestanding partitions that can expand and contract to freely shape more intimate spaces within a large area. The cellular structure of the wall dampens sound ... which makes it perfect for just about any space that needs to be divided and cut down to size. And if you choose to, LED-lights can be strung through the walls to create beautiful ambient lighting to suit the occasion and mood.

The ingenious FlexibleLove chairs can also be viewed, sat on and purchased here.

At first glance, the design seems fairly simple.

I can't say enough about what a stroke of genius these chairs are. Foldable cardboard seats that weigh about 20kg (depending on the size you buy) that can be thrown in the back of a car and transported to just about any random location that needs seats.

Once expanded/contracted, you'll truly appreciate the complexity of its design.

Yes again, these are made of cardboard - more accurately, almost entirely of recycled cardboard and recycled wood waste. Like an accordion, these seats magically open up to create as many, or as few, seats that you need. Great for those embarrassing moments when your friends drop in for an unannounced visit and you don't have enough "cool" seats to let them rest their derrieres on.

For a chair that allows for this much flexibility, it's amazing when you realize that it's made almost entirely of cardboard.

This following video will give you the best idea of how extraordinary they are:

As you can see, the possibilities are ENDLESS.

Let's move on to what went on that evening. As mentioned, when I first stepped in, the full space had been cleverly divided into sectors where every showcase was clearly defined within it's space. The main entrance didn't give you a full-view of what was behind one of the Molo walls. Instead, you had to walk through somewhat of a "created-corridor" (much like those mazed hedges), which then led you to the main "arena". There, the crowd were glamourously hanging about, sipping on their reds or whites (with quite a few 28Black cans on display too), draped across the beautiful FlexibleLove chairs. The seats, at the moment, were cleverly strewn across the room to allow for random seating, some snaked like an "S", some went full-circle and others just in straight-lines.

You could see Dominic happily bouncing around, greeting everyone with kisses and handshakes (sometimes both), and finding the time to stop and chat to each of his invited guests. I got the idea that he knew EVERY single person in that room. Which must have made it an even more special night, from his perspective. He then took to the stage, mic in hand, and proceeded to start his little speech. I must say, if Dominic weren't a photographer, he'd make a darn great public speaker. He eloquently went on to speak more about what 28 Février was, why he created it, and what it meant to him. He was like a proud parent at his child's Valedictorian acceptance. He also introduced us to the "entertainment" for the evening.

Decked out in a Kevin Seah suit and Edwin Neo shoes, Dom was the perfect ambassador for the local master craftsmen.

As someone who's been in the media and entertainment business for quite a while, I must say that I've never seen ANYTHING like it. Nor did I realise how much talent was available here. And it quite frustrated me that "entertainment" such as this, wasn't showcased quite enough.

The performance, which was produced by Dominic, was called "Plug & Play", and consisted of three members from the string section of the SSO .... AND Street Dancers!! Traditionally, they don't go hand in hand. But as you must have noticed by now .... 28 Février is NOT your traditional space. And neither is Dominic Khoo. Unbelievable .... it was almost like a battle of controversies. String instruments have always been associated with the upper-class, while street dancing ... uhm, not so. I have a high amount of respect for both but never imagined how well they could work TOGETHER!

I failed to mention that the space we were within, just before the performance, was transformed into a concert hall. The Molo walls were put aside and the FlexibleLove seats were switched from cool party lounge seats to straight benches. Voila! I can't say enough how I am blown away by quite possibly the coolest folding chairs EVER.

With the backdrop of Dom's work, the man of the night introduced us to the first performance.

THEN ..... the seating arrangement was changed once again. This time to represent an arena! What was going to happen next? Well, those that stayed on (and there was still a great crowd) were witness to a freestyle dance battle! Only have I ever seen this in the movie or on the streets of L.A. Never within an enclosed space and sure as hell, not on our streets. The battle that evening was a showcase, and a lead-up, to South East Asia's biggest dance battle, Just Debout 2012, that is meant to happen in January.

The arena-like setting for the dance battle.

Whatta memorable night!! I'd like to say a special "thank you" to Dominic for the invite .... and I'm sure everyone who was there feels the same amount of gratitude for him sharing the experience with us.

Thanks Dominic!!

xoxoA

Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps

2011-08-25T23:11:00.004+08:00

The late Swiss Psychiatrist, Carl Jung, once said; "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed."

This, to me, best describes what Loewe's latest frangrance sets out to be. Formulated off the four words of: attraction, passion, seduction and conquer, Quizas Quizas Quizas Pasion is intense and intoxitcating. And a little primal. It represents what every woman should be; strong, smart, determined and in control.

The PR event was held at the sexy Scarlet Hotel and was an intimate event of about 30 people.

Decked-out in gold, black and red, with full-bloomed red roses strewned all over the place ... the aroma of the flowers and fragrance worked in perfect harmony.

It's a game of seduction with this latest release. From the bottle, the scent to the advertising campaign. So let's take a look at what the bottle represents:

It perfectly defines PASSION: elegant and discreet, yet intense and mysterious. The infinite Moebius ribbon comes in the form of two strokes of burgundy paint on each side, that reminds us of two people in love searching for one another across a "window".

The infinite Moebius Ribbon.

That "window" can be translated into the distance between two lovers, another person or an obstacle of any sort. Actually, that statement alone about the "window" reminds me of a video I was once shown. Nuit Blanche, directed by Arev Manoukian.

Nuit Blanche explores a fleeting moment between two strangers, revealing their brief connection in a hyper real fantasy.

The TVC for the fragrance ad however is much more seductive, with a woman manipulating the attention of her "prey" and leading him into the dance of passion and love that we call the Tango. Interestingly enough, the Tango was inducted into UNESCO's Intangible Cutural Heritage list in 2009, after the suggestion was made by Argentina and Uruguay, where the dance was created in 1850.

The TVC features two models, not dancers, firing up the streets with their sensual moves, and was filmed over two full days. It stars Russian model, Elena Sudkova and Pole, Mauriusz Smolinski. Both of whom have graced the international runways and magazine covers. You'll notice at the end of the commercial and in the print ads that it is the woman who finally conquers her man, and not the other way around. I haven't been able to get a copy of the TVC, or find one online, but I did manage to view it at the PR Event and I was mesmerised. The song alone is a classic. And with two of God's beautiful creatures dancing the Tango .... Loewe certainly has nailed this one to a T.

Quizas Quizas Quizas Pasion Ad Campaign (taken with my BB)

The proper ad straight from the Press Kit.

Now that I've mentioned what went into marketing this new fragrance ... let's move on to the most important part of what makes a good fragrance GREAT. Loewe's Quizas Quizas Quizas Pasion is a "unique and contrasting fragrance where emotions are captured by a magical selection of the highest quality ingredients". The olfactory notes go like this; TOP: Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Red Berry. MIDDLE: Magnolia, Freesia, Orange Blossom. BASE: Vetiver (a type of grass), Cashmere Wood, Golden Amber. So from the description of the scent, you can expect to start of smelling citrus-y, then moving on to floral, and last but by no means least, woody/earthy.

Do note, however, that this is NOT a scent for those who don't like being the centre of attention. The aroma is INTENSE, SEXY and SEDUCTIVE. So if you're not out there to be noticed, I suggest something a less "loud".

Till you smell me again ....
xA