Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2018 i epicure

One of the many destinations on my travel bucket list is a month-long holiday to the Amalfi Coast. There, I will travel to the picturesque towns of Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Sorrento and Capri. Apart from the numerous sightseeing and walking tours, each day would be marked by a common goal - to eat a copious amount of the freshest seafood. I would sit on the outdoor terraces of all the coast-facing eateries, shacks and restaurants I have earmarked (that will be another bucket list, of course). The fishermen will haul in the most pristine catch from the sea hours earlier before the sublime gems land on my plate. Zuppa di pesce, swordfish cappaccio, lemon and prawn risotto, fried seafood cone, lobster spaghetti and more will be washed down with a…

Located near the popular shopping malls of Johor Bahru City Square and KOMTAR JBCC, Amari Johor Bahru is renowned for its warm hospitality and stunningly understated interiors. The lavish hideaway seamlessly exudes an aura of quiet elegance complete with sweeping views of the Straits of Johor. Matching the sophisticated 242 rooms and suites is Breeze Spa, a wellness spot which offers mood-based scrubs, revitalising massages, plus manicure and pedicure services Amari Johor Bahru is also home to an all-day dining restaurant, a pool bar, and a cosy café to satisfy all F&B cravings. For vibrant Asian cuisine, head to Amaya Food Gallery for its exciting live stations. Diners can also feast on weekend buffets and à la carte dishes, such as Phad Cha Talay, Nasi Lemak, Ipoh Seafood Hor Fun,…

“I like using Asian ingredients and drawing flavours from my childhood, and then layering them with the help of modern cooking techniques,” shares Tan Kee Leng, head chef of NUDE Seafood. This culinary approach extends to this masterclass where he shares his Tiger Prawn with Chinchalok and Peach recipe. Chinchalok, a fermented shrimp condiment, is commonly served with sambal stingray. Peach, umeshu and kaffir lime are added for a balancd acidity. Whereas The Alaskan King Crab pays nod to Singapore’s national dish, chilli crab. Instead of plain, deep-fried mantous, grilled Chinese black bean mantou shaped like a cocoon makes for an interesting substitute. There are ways to shorten the cook time of the Alaskan King Crab recipe without affecting the final result. You can steam the crab instead of poaching…

Travel adventures or misadventures have a way to bring a couple closer together. For every lost luggage or arduous jungle trek, there are also moments of great joy, discovery and laughter. To say Bali is a must-do for every couple is not overstating it, whether it’s for a wedding celebration, dreamy honeymoon, anniversary getaway, vow renewal, or an escape from the monotony of office meetings. Go on a silent ashram-style retreat, sign up for a five-star glamping experience or eat your way through Bali’s best restaurants. Here, we explore the rugged north, rocky east, verdant west, and the artful centre of Bali. Hire a car, set up a navigation app and get ready to fall madly in love with the island. NORTH Far from the hustle and bustle of South…

The glittering blue ocean is never far from Grand Hyatt Bali. It is visible right when one steps into the open-air lobby. The resort’s sprawling grounds, beautiful lily ponds and delightful garden provide a tranquil setting for a memorable vacation. With one dedicated adult-only pool, the resort is perfect for couples who wish to spend a languid day uninterrupted. Splurge by staying at the Club Deluxe Ocean View, an elegant room with a private balcony overlooking the ocean, or the Ambassador Suite with its luxurious marble bath, ocean view and a sitting area. Both rooms come with Grand Club privileges that include access to Grand Club Lounge and concierge service among others. A visit to Kriya Spa is a must for beauty aficionados who wish to relax in one of…

With its dramatic cliff top location and stunning view over the Indian Ocean, a stay at Karma Kandara Resort’s One Bedroom Pool Villa is a luxury one has to experience at least once in their life. Combine the Karma experience with dinner at di Mare and a lazy day spent at Karma Beach Bali and you will have the ultimate Bali holiday experience. Karma Kandara Resort also offers much in the way of wellness as an extensive wellness programme being offered at Karma Spa. A dedicated spa featuring a new beachfront Ocean Spa, cliffhanging infrared detox sauna, Himalayan crystal salt pool and yoga bale, Karma Spa is a haven for body nourishment and healing. Take your special one for a rejuvenating day and let the spa’s certified massage therapist, yoga…

AYANA Resort and Spa, Bali; The Villas at AYANA Resort, Bali; and sister hotel, RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA, offer a complete island experience like no other. Imagine dramatic cliff-tops with gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean or lush green forests and a picture of bliss slowly but surely emerges. With a total of 697 rooms and suites and 78 private villas, both properties offer a mind-boggling range of accommodation options to suit every guest’s needs. Add 12 swimming pools, and 19 restaurants and bars to the equation and one may not even have to step out of the resorts. Spa aficonados will have a field day at the 22,000 sq m Thermes Marins Thalasso Spa; its famous the Spa on the Rocks experience is not to be missed. An…

Designed by celebrated Indonesian architect, Hadiprana, Rumah Luwih is a refined yet welcoming retreat that invites exploration and some quiet time with your loved ones. Taking inspiration from the Ujung Water Palace in the east of Bali, the resort seamlessly blends colonial architecture with a dose of Chinese and Balinese elements. True to its name, which means a home in Indonesian, Rumah Luwih epitomises a beautiful mansion where guests will be well taken care of. Experience the luxury of Arnawakanta Junior Suite with its ocean view, private balcony and a stunning bathroom equipped with a rainshower and clawfoot bathtub. The finely designed 50 sq m junior suite is perfect for couples. The resort’s beachfront location provides a dramatic view of a black sandy beach and offers natural discoveries that can…

Marrying the natural serenity of Ubud with contemporary Balinese aesthetics, Wapa di Ume Ubud is an idyllic destination for couples who are looking for a quiet retreat with a rustic vibe. Despite being situated just 10 minutes away from the bustling city centre, guests will experience a sense of calm that permeates the entire resort. At every corner, you’ll observe close facets of local life and the surrounding rich green tapestry of rice fields. With tiered swimming pools, a spa and a dedicated Balinese restaurant in its compound, a stay at Wapa di Ume Ubud is a culturally immersive experience. Listen to the orchestra of crickets from the comfort of the Villa with Pool. Apart from a lush rice field view, the villa features a king size canopied bed, a…

With direct access to Sanur beach, it’s easy to while away the whole day at ARTOTEL Beach Club. You will want to linger at this chillout destination for several reasons. Firstly, the beachfront oasis offers a tasty array of food and drinks in a two-storey compound, complete with beachside sunbeds, a beanbag area, a pool bar and the main bar which was built around a century-old Banyan tree. The spacious beach haven beckons you to take a nap on any of its private canopied sunbeds. Dip your toes into the pool or the calm waters of Sanur Beach. Indulge in tasty fare and killer cocktails while enjoying snazzy tunes, weekly live music and DJ performances. Chef Manuel Effendi and his team have crafted a menu that can take guests from…

There is nothing quite like gourmet food and beautiful wines to heighten the five senses and elevate one’s mood. Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomique in Ubud, Bali, understands this perfectly. Dining at Mozaic is a sensuous experience, with its beautifully lit garden as well as superb cuisine and wines. The service is attentive, discreet and unhurried so that diners can savour every detail at their own pace. For special occasions, Mozaic takes the mood even further. At the far end of Mozaic’s tropical garden is the Gazebo, a private nook specially designed for dinner for two. This is the venue of the Gazebo Romantic Dinner. The Gazebo is lit with soft lighting and draped with gossamer curtains for privacy, while the candlelit table sits in the middle awaiting to hold a succession…

Renowned as one of the best purveyors of pork ribs in Bali, Wahaha is available at three different locations: Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Pecatu. Created by a husband and wife team over their shared love for pork, Wahaha applies a nose-to-tail philosophy where nothing is wasted. The vibe at this casual restaurant is always playful and exuberant, the antidote to a formal dining experience. At Wahaha at Samasta Lifestyle Village in Jimbaran, guests are encouraged to forgo their cutlery, tuck their napkins and satiate their meat cravings. With a fun ambience and cosy outdoor seating, dining here is as relaxed an affair as it can be. Go for the signature glazed full rack Wahaha Pork Ribs. The BBQ sauce is lip-smacking good, while the tender meat falls off the bone effortlessly.…

Located adjacent to VIN+ Seminyak, the beguiling and playful looking The Rosé Social never fails to capture the attention of passersby. The bar is decorated with pink accents and leafy potted plants. With high foot traffic, it’s perfectly suitable for people watching. The Rosé Social features a solid collection of curated rosé, be it from France, New Zealand or Portugal. Cleverly created to match the balmy Bali days, The Rosé Social is the first stage of VIN+’s dining and wine drinking makeover. Plans are in the works to include an al fresco dining experience called BOTANICA. Have a glass of Frosé and order from the tapas style grazing menu, which includes the locally sourced Oyster, Spanish White Anchovies on Melba Toast with Capers and Pomegranate Seeds as well as the…

Getting to Wa Ale Island Resort requires effort. You arrive at the modest Kawthaung Airport in Burma. A chauffeur picks you up and drops you off at the jetty for a two-hour ride aboard a luxurious 55 ft yacht. Trust us, it’s worth the wait. The resort lies within the vast Lampi Marine National Park, an ASEAN Marine Heritage site. You’d know you have arrived the moment you hit the stunningly clear, blue waters teeming with whale sharks, dugongs and manta rays. Within the resort are two restaurants, a spa, 11 Tented Beach Villas and three Tree-top Villas. The latter are beautifully nestled among lush greenery and offer unparalleled views of the Andaman Sea. Gear up for a slew of wildlife-centric activities. Trek through the flora of Wa Ale’s jungle…

Authenticity and timelessness have long been Zannier Hotels’ ethos. Their latest outpost in Namibia is no different. Omaanda, a new luxury lodge an hour’s ride away from Windhoek, celebrates the rich yet oft-overlooked traditions of the Ovambo tribe within a premier nature reserve; one that has earned Angelina Jolie’s stamp of approval. The two-month-old property is nestled discreetly amid the sprawling Namibian savannah, and deliberately so. “We wanted to blend into the simplicity and vastness of the landscape, all while echoing Namibia’s roots and its harmony with nature,” explains Geraldine Dohogne, interior designer for Zannier Hotels. Named after the Oshiwambo word for rhinoceros, the 10-room (or, more accurately, hut) lodge does look right at home with its thatched roofs and rounded, clay walls in the Namibian plains, almost as if…

NAMI Level 24, Tower Wing, Shangi-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road. Tel: 6213 4398 Head chef Shigeo Akiba pays ode to Japanese cooking through the smallest details, including the way he makes his dashi. Using kombu and katsuobushi sourced from northern Hokkaido and Kyushu respectively, Shigeo presents eight different broths in a series of seasonal specialities, such as the Sliced Raw Japanese Saga Wagyu Beef Sirloin A4 with Kyoto Vegetables. The Omakase Menu is no less impressive. It includes an assortment of sashimi and sushi from Tsukiji Fish Market to go along with its extensive range of sakes. . 15% off total bill for UnionPay Cardholders (dinner only) One complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicqout Champagne for four to six dining guests and two bottles for eight guests CORNER HOUSE…

When it comes to naming Asian cities with the buzziest gastronomy scene, Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong come to mind but not Macau. My culinary knowledge of the country – Portuguese egg tarts, pork chop buns and minchee – was paltry. The former Portuguese colony is not only home to a 400-year-old Chinese-Portuguese cuisine but also a community of plugged-in chefs who are constantly challenging the boundaries of the kitchen. It’s shaping up to be the quintessential address for gourmets, be it casual eateries or fine dining restaurants. The latter is a fixture of Macau’s culinary scene, thanks to a succession of mega-resorts opening one after another. Just this year, MGM Cotai launched with Mauro Colagreco as well as Morpheus with Alain Ducasse and Pierre Hermé. It’s timely for bon…

For many Singaporeans, going to Johor may conjure up thoughts of inexpensive hawker food and stocking up on sundries. It’s not the first place you would think of for hip container cafes, wine-centric restaurants and even minimalist European dining, but the last two years have seen a showcase of new dining concepts around town. What exactly is cooking in Johor Bahru? Independent Singaporean restaurants have tried to enter the market, evinced by names like Fatboy’s the Burger Bar and Piedra Negra which have since pulled out of the state. Maybe they were just too early, as Johor’s slow simmer has only reached a boil in the past of couple years with fresh investments coming to fruition. A yen for zen The latest hub in downtown Johor Bahru is Zenith Lifestyle…

The Legian Bali is synonymous with luxury, a modern holiday hideaway for those who seek complete privacy and impeccable service. Pamper your loved one with a stay at one of the 67 sea-facing suites. Designed by the late Jaya Ibrahim, the suites are elegantly furnished and decorated with original artwork from around the archipelago. The Legian Suite is perfect if both of you are travelling with another couple as it features two master bedrooms and a common terrace overlooking the ocean. Stunning sunsets can be enjoyed from the comfort of the Seminyak Suite. The Sunset Suite offers separate balconies, which is ideal for couples who love to socialise and yet retain some privacy. If you have a special celebration in mind, book The Beach House, a plush three-bedroom villa. With…

From the group that brought you Bisma Eight Ubud and Folk Pool & Gardens, comes a modern Indonesian grill restaurant. Liap Liap (pronounced as leahp leahp), which means the crackling flame of charcoal embers, is a great destination diner to discover indigenous Indonesian cooking styles. Make your date night at the cosy rustic restaurant on Monkey Forest Road. Mismatched wooden chairs and rattan décor on the wall and potted plants lend a tactile and homey ambience to the interior. An open kitchen at the entrance grills and smokes fresh produce from the archipelago. The chefs dole out delectable delights in sharing portions to curious and ravenous foodies. Created by chef-patron Mandif Warokka, Liap Liap showcases the unique aroma of wood-fired dishes. “Grilled foods deliver a robust flavour to our taste…

It is not hard to understand why Alila Seminyak, Bali is a favourite among frequent flyers and bon vivants. Located in buzzy Seminyak and its long pristine coast, the resort offers a wondrously curated Balinese experience. With landscaped terraces, cascading pools, lush contemporary gardens, and the calming blue strip of ocean that’s never far away, the beauty of the urban design and architecture is one to behold. Couples who appreciate the contemporary chic design synonymous with the Alila brand should opt for the beachfront Seminyak Suite as the ultimate hideaway. Enhance the stay with the Alila Experience, a tailored exclusive experience that provides the best things that Seminyak has to offer. During the day, explore the area’s favourite beaches, different beach clubs and even a temple with the resort’s painstakingly…

Be it by the riverside or oceanfront, the two Four Seasons properties in Bali offer an intimate retreat, steeped in culture and surrounded by luscious nature. For couples who wish to stay by the sea, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay’s Premier Ocean Villa is enchantingly crafted for two. Inspired by a traditional Balinese courtyard house, they can hide away in the discreet thatched-roof sanctuary with a private pool and panoramic ocean view. Join the Culinary Tour de Force, a progressive dinner that will whisk you and your loved one to the most picturesque spots of the resort. Savour the entrée under a secluded gazebo by the beach, enjoy a modern Asian-inspired third course at the beautiful Sundara and dessert in the comfort of your own candlelit villa. Book…

Located by the tranquil Banyuwedang Bay, Menjangan Dynasty Resort is a world away from the madding crowd. You’ll get a feeling of luxurious escapism once you arrive to a view of mangrove-entwined coastline, lush lowland forest of the West Bali National Park and the world-class diving destination of Menjangan Island. The bay is a gorgeous fixture from anywhere within the resort, but it looks especially stunning from the One-Bedroom Cliff Tent Villa. With a private infinity pool overlooking the bay and an open-air deck to bask in the sun, the villa provides an intimate hideaway under the stars. Think of a chic safari inspired furnishing, adorned with goatskin rugs and equipped with a terrazzo soaking tub. It is definitely glamping at its best. Saunter to the Pasir Putih Beach Club…

If there’s one way to describe Hotel Tugu Bali, it’s that the boutique hotel puts couples in the mood for romance. Not only is it located on the Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu, known for its surfing and café scene, the hotel boasts a collection of Indonesian antiques and artworks. The latter is a tribute to the archipelago’s romantic history and legends of the ancient kingdoms of Indonesia. Explore this hideaway through a three-night stay package at the Puri Le Mayeur Villa, which is named after the eternal love between a Belgian painter and his beautiful muse. Or experience the charming Dedari Suite with its hidden garden and a private plunge pool. The Walter Spies Pavilion is another option for art deco lovers, with one of the pampering highlights being…

Spacious and luxurious are common words used to describe this beachfront resort in Nusa Dua and it’s certainly not an overstatement. Ayodya Resort Bali’s sprawling architecture and immaculate tropical landscaping were inspired by the Balinese water palace. The echo of romantic epos of the mighty King Rama and loyal Queen Shinta from Ramayana is artfully told through its décor and artworks. The Ayodya Palace, a serene oasis of 81 rooms, offers a retreat and access to the lounge, pool, as well as a 24-hour butler service. The Bharata Suite at the top level of the Ayodya Palace is perfect for an intimate getaway for two. The 160 sq m suite comprises a private entrance and hallway, separate living and dining area, an elegant king size four-poster bed, a large bathroom…

LACASITA Fonda Mexicana is fast becoming one of the dining hotspots in Ubud and it’s not hard to see why. The restaurant is headed by chef Phil Mowforth, who specialises in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Expertly blurring the lines between lunch and late night cocktails, LACASITA Fonda Mexicana is divided into a well-designed bar and two floors of dining. The latter is where one can relax over an ensalada and margarita. Head upstairs for a pre-dinner cocktail and enjoy the view. The seating is illuminated with colourful light coming from the stained glass window. Exquisite details like the birdlike ceramic lamps and ombre wall add funk to the place. This third venture of Lacalongtime Group also features a large menu of vegan and vegetarian dishes that will please even…

Plenty has changed since KU DE TA, Bali’s first prominent beach club opened its doors back in 2000. Seminyak was then a quiet, dark void where people rarely ventured to. Having secured a premium beachfront location, KU DE TA went on to create a multi-faceted, all-day lifestyle destination and transformed Seminyak’s sleepy rice paddy image to that of a glamorous beachy hotspot. Fast forward to 2018 and Bali is now teeming with beach clubs. From the panoramic cliff-top Uluwatu in the southernmost tip of Bali to the eastern coastline of black-sand Keramas Beach, it almost feels like if there’s a strip of beach left, there’s bound to be a club opening there too. With catchy tunes from a live DJ, a bar located by the pool, friendly service and plush…

As a purveyor of sustainable products, Classic Fine Foods brings in ingredients that are free from additives, chemicals, or genetic modification. Some of the brands it represent include carabineros from Qwehli, the only company that has the skills to fish for this red prawn; obsiblue, an exotic New Caledonian blue shrimp; and premium blue lobster from Rougié, the world’s leading gourmet food store which uses the highest quality and source for the top produce. What we love: the New Caledonian blue prawns, which are reared in the heart of the South Pacific, New Caledonian – in pure and crystal clear waters of the largest lagoon in the world. The meat is firm and delicate, fine and subtly flavoured. It is also lightly sweetened. It’s no surprise that many Michelin-starred restaurants…

Adding to his repertoire of jaw-dropping bar designs across Asia, Australian interior designer Ashley Sutton dazzles with not one, but two new projects in Hong Kong; Dining Concept’s Dear Lily and Dragonfly. F. Scott Fitzgerald would have been right at home sipping an afternoon cocktail in Dear Lily. Sutton recreates the vibe of Paris through a sprawling space of carved wood and soft gold that’s reminiscent of the timeless glamour that enraptured the literary genius. That’s not forgetting Sutton’s attention to detail where he peppers the interiors with bouquets, trinkets and an awe-inspiring ceiling of a wrought iron chandelier swimming in a sea of dried lavender. It paints the perfect backdrop for head chef Bhupendra Singh’s indulgent 8 oz Japanese Wagyu Strip Loin (HKD688/S$120) and Tasting of Caviar platter (HKD488)…

Designed by architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners, Bvlgari Resort Bali marries Italian sophistication with Balinese tradition. The resort’s signature hand-cut volcanic cornerstones, natural lava and palimanan stone blend in with Uluwatu’s rugged landscape, while a collection of unique Balinese antiques and art pieces add a touch of elegance and heritage to the property. The stunning resort offers one- and two-bedroom villas and up to Five-Bedroom Mansions, which come with the same opulence found in other Bvlgari properties in Milan and London. In particular, the Five-Bedroom Mansion pampers the wedding couple and their families with a spacious living room, open-concept dining room and bar, five separate bedrooms, sun decks, a gazebo with open living areas, and a private pool and garden overlooking the sea. Cool cocktails, fine wines and…

Classic cocktail specialist Jigger & Pony has moved out of its Amoy Street digs after six years, and reopened in a sleek, split-level hotel setting. Its ambitious magazine-inspired menu is divided into ‘editorial’ sections such as Classics vs Signatures, where their definitive Negroni is pitted against a floral version, Madame President. They’ve even managed to make the Singapore Sling exciting again, with lapsang souchong depths and the natural sweetness of rhubarb. Lobby, Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road. Tel: 9621 1074 At 1927, SO Sofitel Singapore’s new al fresco rooftop bar that pays homage to its building’s year of birth, equatorial cocktails hold fort. The menu is equally creative, told through the ‘telegrams’ of a pair of separated lovebirds in 1927. The Pain Killer ($22) is a natural favourite, showcasing…

Being located in the most happening part of Seminyak certainly cemented W Bali – Seminyak’s reputation as the place to be. With its signature playful twist, the hotel brand offers something decidedly different, a ‘new scene unseen’ as the resort puts it, to the island. Since opening its doors, the resort has provided guests with some seriously funky spaces for interaction before they retreat to the comfort of their suites or villas. Couples will appreciate the Marvelous One Bedroom Pool Villa for its blissful privacy. The villa has its own sundeck and a wide day bed next to the plunge pool for a cool dip. Inside, it is equipped with cool amenities, such as a state-of-the-art entertainment system and a lavish Egyptian cotton bedsheets. With the signature 24-hour Whatever/Whenever service,…

Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, Renaissance Hotels’ first hotel in Indonesia, is an exciting base from which to explore Bali’s neighbourhood, the Bukit, an area famous for its waves, sunsets and rocky cliffs. Located on the top of the island’s south western limestone peninsula of Uluwatu, the resort consists of 207 rooms and suites; each comes with balconies overlooking the ocean or the green hill. It also boasts an enormous infinity pool with an uninterrupted view of the ocean. Foodies can discover the resort’s culinary delights through three distinctive outlets. Head to Clay Craft Restaurant for an all-day dining experience and put your pottery skills to the test at the adjoining studio. Experience the authenticity of Indonesian cuisine at Double Ikat Restaurant or order a cocktail at R Bar…

Located in Ubud, the spiritual and artistic heart of Bali, Desa Visesa Ubud is the perfect place to immerse oneself in the rich heritage of the island. With cascading streams and verdant rolling rice fields, the resort pays homage to the Balinese village, blending elements of traditional architecture with nature and contemporary design seamlessly. Take the One Bedroom Pool Villa, for example. Adorned with canopied king size bed and an open-air bathroom, the villa provides privacy and comfort, from which one can explore the abundance of activities. Discover the natural rural beauty through a cycling trip or trekking excursion along rice terrace pathways. Gourmet couples should sign up for a cooking class at Warung Tani and learn how to expertly blend the spices to create basa gede. They will also…

With two different locations to choose from, ARTOTEL offers two ways to experience Bali. Stay at ARTOTEL Sanur Bali to enjoy the hospitality of a seaside village community and watch the famous sunrise. With an artful approach to design and numerous interactive events involving the island’s creative talents, there are plenty of activities to keep hotel guests engaged. From a soothing spa treatment at Smita Spa, a ‘Chef Wannabe’ three-course Balinese and Indonesian cooking class to a romantic dinner at BART accompanied with a curated cocktail list and a view of the sunset, your couples getaway will get off on a great start. Consider the recently opened ARTOTEL Haniman-Ubud for an immersive cultural experience. It’s located in the centre of Ubud, which encourages a leisure stroll around the charming town.…

The Balé Nusa Dua is a luxurious adults-only retreat that offers a getaway for couples who need a little downtime. Its ‘no children’ policy is not the only reason why it has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most romantic resorts in Nusa Dua. Picture a turquoise freshwater pool, plush daybed, and contemporary tropical garden with gnarled frangipani when you check into the resort’s Deluxe Single Pavilion. You and your loved one will also be pampered with complimentary daily cocktails, a dining option of either lunch or dinner and a 60-minute spa treatment – in addition to access to the resort’s beach club, pool, and a personal 24- hour butler service. You can curl up with your loved one in the privacy of your pavilion or sign up…

Design savvy travellers will find The Layar - Designer Villas and Spa a delightful experience. The all-villa resort is a showcase of cutting-edge architecture and chic modern tropical interior. Each of the 23 villas combines indoor and outdoor living seamlessly under the signature sloping roof that resembles the sail. Escape with your loved one and book a stay at The Layar’s One Bedroom Villa. It features a private landscaped garden and swimming pool, and an open living and dining area that gives way to a spacious bedroom. An ensuite garden bathroom comes with a statuesque stone bathtub. Quiet and serene despite being located in the heart of Seminyak, the villa is the perfect sanctuary for weary souls. The Layar provides in-villa breakfast and an extensive in-villa menu. Another perk is…

Bustling Seminyak is set to get more exciting with the opening of Salazon and En Vie. Located on En Vie Lane, the building that houses both the restaurant and the club resembles an industrial warehouse. Think of it as a one-stop destination to drink, dine and party. Dress up, take your loved one and start the evening with a Salazon crafted cocktail. A dedicated bartender will make his way to your table with a trolley and concoct signature drinks like Woodfire Negroni. Rustic and elegant, the restaurant doesn’t skimp on the finer details, from the antler chandelier to the intimate booth seating that provides the right amount of privacy. The heart of the restaurant is the packed open kitchen. The team dry-ages and cures the meats, makes relishes and sauces…

French executive pastry chef of Grand Hyatt Taipei, Julien Perrinet has created The Palette (NTD880/S$39), an eye-catching confection filled with layers of coffee mousse, mandarin orange cream, marmalade and a crisp hazelnut dacquoise. The cake is topped with an edible colour palette and paintbrush to mimic the palette that his father, an avid artist, would use to create the watercolour paintings that populated his family home. It also comes with a tube of chocolate ganache “paint” for guests to decorate the cake with. Available via special order at Baguette. Grand Hyatt Taipei, 2, SongShou Road, Taipei, Taiwan, 11051. Tel: +886 2 2720 1200 ext. 3164 When Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Rogers adapted the Jean Prouvé 6×6 Demountable House, 1944 in collaboration with gallerist Patrick Seguin in 2015, they only had…