https://www.scmp.com/rss/297889/feed Debbie Oakes is a journalist and photographer specialising in all aspects of travel, from luxury lifestyle to breathtaking adventure and unique experiences. For Debbie, travel is a treasure hunt where the people, the food and wine – and always the odd bit of shopping – are the holy grail. Along the way she has found secret spots and exotic places, and made lifelong friends. The road gives and it takes away, but it never stops teaching… Debbie writes to tell the tales of her travels. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Luxury hotel brands are eyeing Bangkok more and more these days, and the hospitality scene is trending towards Thai-inspired design, lofty views and five-star, customised service. This year alone three opulent doors have opened to welcome the well-heeled traveller, with two more five-star hotel openings to come in December. Bringing authentic experiences, value for money and the culture of true Thai hospitality, the new five-star luxury hotel trend is challenging the standards of existing... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3029912/5-new-luxury-hotels-bangkok-are-changing-citys-skyline?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3029912/5-new-luxury-hotels-bangkok-are-changing-citys-skyline?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Sep 2019 18:00:08 +0000 The Japanese have a long steamy history of getting up to their necks in hot water. And travellers have long followed suit. Surely there is nothing more relaxing than leaving all the stress of life, along with your clothes, in a locker by the door and slipping into mineral-rich healing waters. Surely there is nothing more relaxing than leaving all the stress of life, along with your clothes, in a locker by the door and slipping into mineral-rich healing waters? In Japan, the onsen culture of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3020067/6-best-private-hot-spring-onsens-japan-soak-your?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3020067/6-best-private-hot-spring-onsens-japan-soak-your?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jul 2019 02:00:05 +0000 It is widely believed that to enjoy the healing power of onsen waters, you must head out of town. But these exclusive hot springs can be enjoyed year-round in the heart of Tokyo. The rules in Japan There are spoken and unspoken rules that will make encounters with “Mr or Ms Grumpy” less likely. 1. Shoes come off at the entrance and are placed in a locker. In separate changing rooms you place everything else in another locker. You receive one big and one small towel. The small towel is used to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2188092/soak-healing-powers-these-4-onsen-heart-tokyo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2188092/soak-healing-powers-these-4-onsen-heart-tokyo?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Mar 2019 02:00:22 +0000 High above the glistening lights of Tokyo with views that stretch to Mount Fuji, I sit down with two master chefs, at the Aman Hotel in Tokyo to ask a renowned Japanese sushi chef and Italian chef what they think of each other’s food? Hiraki Masakazu spent 17 years learning how to turn fresh seasonal produce into delicious cuisine in the kitchens of Italy. He returned to Tokyo as executive chef of Arva where he curates mouthwatering Italian dishes. With 30 years’ experience and a Michelin star... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2188070/master-chefs-musashi-hiroyuki-and-hiraki-masakazu-talk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2188070/master-chefs-musashi-hiroyuki-and-hiraki-masakazu-talk?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Mar 2019 08:04:07 +0000 Called the "Green heart of Italy", the Apennine Mountains to the north of landlocked Umbria roll quietly down into verdant hills topped by medieval villages. The mysterious Etruscans first groomed and farmed these fertile lands three millennia ago and, through the long ages, farmers have been rewarded with an abundance of seasonal flavours. Brazen tomatoes that grasp your tongue like a tempestuous lover, and seasoned cheeses and truffles whose earthy musky savours should be rated with an X. This... https://www.scmp.com/article/1176794/slow-sexy-secrets-umbrian-kitchen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1176794/slow-sexy-secrets-umbrian-kitchen?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000