https://www.scmp.com/rss/326628/feed Cedric Tan is Le Founder and Chief of Le Concierge Orient, luxury travel website and publisher of the LCO Top 10 Lists which recognises and awards the very best luxury hotels, restaurants and spas across Asia. A seasoned travel and gourmet columnist since 2003, he is passionate about the refinements of grand hospitality and has reviewed many of the top hotels and restaurants across the continent. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com A helicopter tour of Beijing’s Great Wall and a yacht cruise around Hong Kong’s Victoria Bay – with canapés and bubbly – are just some of the luxury highlights you can enjoy on a train ride between Hong Kong and Beijing. The Beijing-Hong Kong High Speed Rail, which was launched in September 2018, connects Hong Kong to China’s capital – via Changsha, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shijiazhuang – on the nine-hour journey. And there are plenty of sights and attractions to check out (and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3023100/high-speed-rail-hong-kong-beijing-how-travel-style-across-4?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3023100/high-speed-rail-hong-kong-beijing-how-travel-style-across-4?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Aug 2019 04:00:07 +0000 The Swedes are here! But is Singapore ready? It is exciting to know that a superlative three star establishment, Restaurant Frantzén, has opened in Singapore, its only fine dining outpost outside Stockholm, and, interestingly, in the space vacated by Restaurant Andre. While there is no comparison between Restaurant Frantzén and Restaurant Zén, the latter has clearly inhabited the space with aplomb, setting in motion a culinary sensation in just three months. It now has a waiting list that... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3007327/how-restaurant-zen-giving-singaporeans-taste-swedish-fine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3007327/how-restaurant-zen-giving-singaporeans-taste-swedish-fine?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Apr 2019 06:00:15 +0000 Spa sessions fit for a king, tarot card readings based on colour and light, private cooking classes in the comfort of your suite ... Some luxury hotels in Chiang Mai offer a range of fun, restful and interesting things to do while on a grand holiday in the north of Thailand. Here is a look at the city’s best resorts and the services that set them apart. First black winner of transgender Miss International Queen is a trailblazer 1. Four Seasons Chiang Mai  A tropical hideaway in verdant rice... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3006584/7-decadently-luxurious-hotels-chiang-mai-offer-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3006584/7-decadently-luxurious-hotels-chiang-mai-offer-out?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Apr 2019 07:00:05 +0000 From the day the Tokyo Skytree was built in Tokyo’s downtown Sumida ward in 2012, it has been a landmark of the Japanese capital. This futuristic tower combines cutting-edge technology and ancient architectural wisdom based on Japan’s historic Nikko Toshogu pagoda that has withstood centuries of earthquakes. A broadcasting tower, Tokyo Skytree is also a lifestyle address with fabulous restaurants at its crown and a shopping mall as its annexe. Here are five of the best ways one can enjoy this... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3004085/5-ways-maximise-your-time-tokyo-skytrees-restaurants?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3004085/5-ways-maximise-your-time-tokyo-skytrees-restaurants?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Apr 2019 02:00:10 +0000 From breezy brunch within a Unesco-listed heritage site to customised shampoos for pet dogs at a trichological practice to a matchless culinary experience that spans three floors and 14 courses, check out the golden establishments much patronised by Singaporeans in the know. Is Singapore’s ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ palace really worth US$3.5 billion? Artistic mix of old and new  For 25 years Opera Gallery Singapore has been bringing the works of modern masters including Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3003347/insiders-guide-singapore-where-crazy-rich-asians-go-eat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3003347/insiders-guide-singapore-where-crazy-rich-asians-go-eat?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Mar 2019 06:00:11 +0000 From centuries old manors to looming skyscrapers, Chengdu’s rapid advance as one of China’s leading destinations has led to the proliferation of luxury hotels across the historic city. Check out some of the best hotels to check-in to when you visit the Sichuan capital. Why is ‘Europe’s best hotel’, La Réserve Paris, called a palace? The Temple House Once an elegant courtyard residence for Qing dynasty (1644–1911) officials, today The Temple House is a hospitality landmark with rooms and suites... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3002350/historic-qing-dynasty-mansion-and-6-other-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3002350/historic-qing-dynasty-mansion-and-6-other-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Mar 2019 18:00:10 +0000 Nikko in Japan’s Tochigi prefecture is perhaps best known as the home of the AD766 Unesco-listed Rinno-ji temple and Futarasan shrine. Destined for cultural resplendence, the site was chosen as the final resting place for Japan’s last definitive warlord, Tokugawa leyasu, in 1617. As the troubled last pages of the country’s final shogunate unfurled, Nikko received a new lease of life as the preferred summer retreat of royalty and foreign dignitaries. Sumptuous villas and hotels still stand today... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2187906/ancient-shrines-frozen-waterfalls-11-top-spots-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2187906/ancient-shrines-frozen-waterfalls-11-top-spots-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Feb 2019 18:00:45 +0000 The snowy white realms of Japan have been pulling in tourists for decades at the nation’s most popular, well-established skiing resorts include Hokkaido and Nagano. Yet there are other, relatively “undiscovered” spots, such as Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, which offers the same world-class ski slopes and premium attractions – but with less of a crowd and a more distinctively local flavour. Check out the top 5 attractions at this relatively low-key snow resort in a country big on wintry... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2187117/snow-monsters-sulphur-soaks-5-reasons-why-zao-onsen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2187117/snow-monsters-sulphur-soaks-5-reasons-why-zao-onsen?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Feb 2019 05:01:24 +0000 What a bumper year 2018 was for Singapore: the island state was chosen as the setting for the Hollywood film Crazy Rich Asians, and was the venue for the momentous summit between US president Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un. Often, the most challenging consequence of achieving resounding success is the oblivion that follows. While Singapore is far from facing such a drop, can it live up to the hype after a year of non-stop international attention? In this nation of nearly 6 million... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2183615/how-capella-can-help-crazy-rich-singapore-keep-its-edge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2183615/how-capella-can-help-crazy-rich-singapore-keep-its-edge?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Feb 2019 02:00:00 +0000 It’s time again for the colourful yee sang or yusheng – raw fish salad – for yet another year of riotous lo hei. Yee sang, is a hugely popular tradition associated with Lunar New Year, particularly in the yee sang-mad Lion City of Singapore. The occasion involves the tossing of the salad with chopsticks – “lo” means mixing, and “hei” up, so “lo hei” literally means “tossing up good fortune” in Cantonese – as people say auspicious phrases for good luck. Today I learned how to make vegan food:... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2182308/why-singapores-real-crazy-rich-asians-toss-lobster?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2182308/why-singapores-real-crazy-rich-asians-toss-lobster?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jan 2019 05:28:13 +0000 The past 12 months have been a time of extraordinary developments for Malaysia. After three weeks spent traipsing through the best luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur, we have concluded that these are, indeed, the creme de la creme of luxury hospitality in the Malaysian capital. Top suite experience Ambassador Suite, Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur The latest hotel openings in the city all offer sumptuous palaces in the sky, from the singular 2,000-square-foot Alila Suite, which peers out over the Bangsar... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2180160/best-luxury-hotel-experiences-kuala-lumpur-you-simply?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2180160/best-luxury-hotel-experiences-kuala-lumpur-you-simply?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Jan 2019 02:00:59 +0000 China has some of the most resplendent luxury hotels housed within its heritage buildings, whether they are centuries-old residences for aristocrats from previous dynasties or striking neo-classical buildings built in the early 20th century. Here are five that you simply must visit in 2019. Temple House, Chengdu Swire Hotels’ prized asset in the Szechuan city is fronted by a centuries-old residence for officials that boasts a graceful courtyard flanked by handsomely restored wings. Most of the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2179692/4-luxury-hotels-offer-chinese-heritage-experience-no?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2179692/4-luxury-hotels-offer-chinese-heritage-experience-no?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Dec 2018 18:02:48 +0000 As the high-end real estate market heats up in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur has become home to a cluster of luxury hotels that are taller and shinier than ever. Is new truly better? We size up the competition and present the city’s top 10 luxury hotels. Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur View this post on Instagram Let us plan and make your wedding day everything you have ever imagined. . #FSKualaLumpur #FSKLnewheightofluxury . Contact us: +603-2382 8888 A post... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2179142/10-best-luxury-hotels-kuala-lumpur?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2179142/10-best-luxury-hotels-kuala-lumpur?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Dec 2018 03:47:09 +0000 As 2018 draws to a close, here are some of what I think are Asia's best luxury establishments curated from over 220 hotels, restaurants and spas we've reviewed this year. Yet there will not be any cause for celebration if the environment buckles under the weight of the industry's shortfalls in timely conservation efforts. 9 luxury holiday spots in Thailand, Indonesia and Japan you should stay at As the wind of austerity rises in a world shackled by natural calamities, trade wars and political... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2179343/our-pick-asias-best-luxury-hotels-2018?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2179343/our-pick-asias-best-luxury-hotels-2018?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Dec 2018 06:00:15 +0000 In the summer of 2014, Swiss venture capitalist Michael Roesli checked in to the Mandarin Oriental while visiting his fiancé in Kuala Lumpur for the first time. Surveying his room in one of the city’s top luxury hotels, the disappointment in his voice was palpable. “I know this is probably the cheapest Mandarin Oriental in the world but I certainly did not expect to see this old and tired room,” he said. “The bits are all falling apart and the design is just severely dated. And with one of the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2178722/step-aside-singapore-malaysia-real-land-crazy-rich?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2178722/step-aside-singapore-malaysia-real-land-crazy-rich?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Dec 2018 05:00:30 +0000 Besides poise, stature and a face that can trigger a million camera flashes, newly crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray is here to prove that beauty in its myriad of forms will amount to nothing if it is not backed by other admirable traits. Here we highlight five of Gray’s uncommon qualities, which rightfully set the Miss Universe crown upon her head at the end of Monday’s beauty pageant in Thailand. Communication skills At 22, Gray speaks with surety and a confidence that is natural and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2179034/5-reasons-why-miss-philippines-catriona-gray-deserves?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2179034/5-reasons-why-miss-philippines-catriona-gray-deserves?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Dec 2018 04:00:30 +0000 Few inventions from antiquity have survived the transition into modern day. A pair of chopsticks is one such item. The sole means of feeding much of the Asian region, including China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, for a few thousand years, the wisdom of the humble chopsticks may not apply to eat inordinately large pizzas and cannolis – as Italian luxury fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana has found to its cost – but it still looms significantly for the culinary culture of Asia in general.  3 things we can... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2175425/5-unexpected-asian-delicacies-best-savoured-pair?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2175425/5-unexpected-asian-delicacies-best-savoured-pair?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Nov 2018 06:00:15 +0000 For those channelling a Crazy Rich Asian-style hankering for a deluxe diving getaway, the Maldives should top the list. Since gaining independence from the British in 1965, the tiny island nation has made tourism its main industry. And guests with deep pockets are spoilt for choice: the Maldives’ 28 atolls are dotted with luxury resorts along the seafront, each pushing the frontiers of ultra-luxe hospitality. In 2018 alone, more than a dozen five-star properties threw open their doors, with... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2170173/how-dive-crazy-rich-asian-four-seasons-maldives?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2170173/how-dive-crazy-rich-asian-four-seasons-maldives?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Oct 2018 18:04:29 +0000 When it comes to the quest for luxury and splendour, nothing fires the imagination as quickly as royalty. In our feudal past, the ruling houses of empires and kingdoms all displayed a penchant for rich living via the monumental statements that marked their reign. Art and architecture seem to be the most obvious vestiges of their grand existence, and today many surviving royal edifices have been restored and given new leases of life as luxury hotels and tourist attractions. In Southeast Asia,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2168095/6-ways-live-lavish-life-siem-reap-cambodia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2168095/6-ways-live-lavish-life-siem-reap-cambodia?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Oct 2018 02:00:53 +0000 Here’s a roundup of some of the lavish hang-outs frequented by crazy rich Singaporeans. Manhattan Bar, Regent Hotel Voted Asia’s Best Bar for two years running, Manhattan Bar at Regent Hotel is frequented by rich expats and executives in Singapore with a thirst for its signature cocktails such as the Negroni and the Manhattan. The Sunday Brunch with unlimited servings of cocktails and Champagne is also extremely popular, with waiting lists that can stretch for weeks. How to take a break from... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2167634/hang-out-and-chill-way-crazy-rich-singaporeans-do?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2167634/hang-out-and-chill-way-crazy-rich-singaporeans-do?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Oct 2018 08:01:32 +0000 Singapore is on a roll in 2018. Already endowed with a sterling reputation as one of the world’s safest, richest and most technologically advanced countries, the tiny island republic is now enjoying a tidal surge of renewed interests in the wake of two momentous events – the Trump-Kim talks held in the country earlier this year, and the immense success of the Hollywood romcom Crazy Rich Asians. Whilst the buzz generated from the two leaders’ meeting has largely abated due to its much ado about... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2167195/singapore-depicted-crazy-rich-asians-fact-or-fiction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2167195/singapore-depicted-crazy-rich-asians-fact-or-fiction?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Oct 2018 06:00:45 +0000 Siem Reap in Cambodia may be a popular destination packed with ancient sites, but the rapidly growing city offers more than just culture and history. Dotting its landscape are some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Here is our pick of the most alluring havens close to the archaeological wonder of Angkor Wat, itself cloistered in magnificent greenery. Would you stay in this luxury island hotel resort for US$2,000 per night? 1. Sojourn Boutique Villas A laid-back resort located on Siem Reap’s... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2166746/12-best-hotels-enjoy-cambodias-siem-reap?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2166746/12-best-hotels-enjoy-cambodias-siem-reap?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Oct 2018 18:01:26 +0000 Luang Prabang in Laos is one of Asia’s most unspoilt cultural enclaves, home to many natural and heritage marvels that are unknown even to seasoned travellers. From magnificent sunsets on the Mekong to a private poolside dinner fragrant with romance, here are some of the most splendid attractions and experiences of this ancient and charming city, still happily one of Asia’s best kept secrets. Weibo vs WeChat: which do Chinese travellers prefer? 1. Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden The first, and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2165957/6-best-must-see-attractions-luang-prabang-laos?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2165957/6-best-must-see-attractions-luang-prabang-laos?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:03:02 +0000 Bangkok pulsates with the synergy of old and new, but one pocket of space in the Thai capital still hangs in a state of arrested development: Rattanakosin district, also known as Bangkok Old Town. The historic heart of Bangkok, this riverside enclave with its rustic sois, or side streets, lined by weathered buildings, is where the first monarch of Thailand’s present ruling Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I, founded the kingdom of Rattanakosin in 1782. Wat Pho, the magnificent 16th-century temple that... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/2164214/bangkok-old-town-where-old-and-new-combine-grand-palace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/2164214/bangkok-old-town-where-old-and-new-combine-grand-palace?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Sep 2018 00:45:15 +0000 The Singapore Grand Prix, which became the first Formula One motor racing event to be held at night in 2008 – will take place around the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the 11th time on Sunday. 7 great things to do in Singapore this September The entertainment featured during the three days of motor racing activities, starting on Friday, remains as electrifying as ever, with a sterling line-up of concerts featuring top acts such as Jay Chou, Liam Gallagher and Simply Red. With all the high-octane... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2164099/top-5-daytime-delights-visitors-singapore-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2164099/top-5-daytime-delights-visitors-singapore-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Sep 2018 02:03:25 +0000 Much has been said about what getting a star or two on the Michelin Guide can do for a chef’s career. Reflecting the common view in the industry, one star can supposedly raise a chef’s profile; two is likely to guarantee a major following. And three stars? Well, that’s the highest accolade a chef can dream of. Nonetheless, for Singapore, expectations and reality have so far proved to be rather mismatched. Singapore’s only three-star Michelin restaurant, Joël Robuchon, left the island nation in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2163549/will-michelin-star-make-chefs-career-shine-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2163549/will-michelin-star-make-chefs-career-shine-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Sep 2018 05:01:02 +0000 The over-the-top wedding enjoyed by Araminta Lee and Colin Khoo in the hit Hollywood movie Crazy Rich Asians vividly shows what money – and film productions – can conjure up. Where the book by Kevin Kwan originally had the wedding reception staged on a private island away from Singapore, the producers eventually settled on CHIJMES chapel for the wedding and Gardens by the Bay for the afterparty in the movie adaptation. 10 young ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ - and how they made their fortunes The... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2162623/whats-it-go-real-crazy-rich-asians-style-weeding-4?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2162623/whats-it-go-real-crazy-rich-asians-style-weeding-4?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:01:26 +0000 If “snow skin” mooncakes have become the new face of traditional pastry in Singapore, it would come as no surprise that the old-school “baked skin” varieties are also going through a facelift in the mooncake-mad Lion City. Although there is little a pastry chef can do to change the surface beauty of these age-old delights, one would be astonished to discover how many types of fillings one can find in mooncakes these days. Originally, mooncakes were made with lotus paste and salted egg yolk and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2162624/top-11-traditional-mooncakes-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2162624/top-11-traditional-mooncakes-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Sep 2018 04:03:41 +0000 Mooncake, the beautiful Chinese confection that has been indispensably linked with the Mid-Autumn Festival for over 1,000 years, is more than just a traditional sweet. From supposedly playing a vital part in the overthrow of the Mongols by the Ming insurgents in 1368, to conveying sentiments of value and respect to elders and business partners today, these treasured treats have journeyed far into the heart of Chinese culture and heritage. In fact, the festival is more widely known as the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2161648/10-best-places-try-snow-skin-mooncakes-singapore-mid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2161648/10-best-places-try-snow-skin-mooncakes-singapore-mid?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Aug 2018 18:02:23 +0000 Frequent travellers face all kinds of problems which take a toll on their health. From hectic itineraries to the notoriously dry cabin air to the difference in water quality around the world, a frequent traveller is usually exhausted by the time the trip ends. A wellness treatment is often the best solution. Here are four outstanding wellness treatments in Singapore (two of the establishments have branches in Hong Kong) I have reviewed and would recommend for those who are constantly crossing... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2160652/4-best-hidden-wellness-secrets-singapore-frequent-fliers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2160652/4-best-hidden-wellness-secrets-singapore-frequent-fliers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Aug 2018 18:02:42 +0000 This year saw the introduction of a new designation to further confuse what it means to be a Michelin-listed restaurant. Previously, restaurants were given a three-, two- or one-star ranking according to their culinary distinctions by anonymous inspectors making their rounds in cities while compiling Michelin Guides. Restaurants that did not win a star, but were deemed capable of dishing out a good meal for good value at around US$40 or less were awarded a Bib Gourmand. But from this year,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2160492/street-food-match-fine-dining-michelin-ranks-hawker?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2160492/street-food-match-fine-dining-michelin-ranks-hawker?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Aug 2018 08:46:23 +0000 The Hungry Ghost Festival is one of Singapore’s most popular events, bringing together people from all corners of the city’s cultural melting pot. For the entire seventh month of the lunar calendar (which falls from August 11 to September 9 this year), the living remember and revere their deceased relatives who are said to return to roam our realm. Chung Yeung Festival: has the celebration lost its true meaning? The Hungry Ghost Festival, or Zhong Yuan Jie, stems from both Taoist and Buddhist... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/2160024/singapores-hungry-ghost-festival-what-do-lion-city-during?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/2160024/singapores-hungry-ghost-festival-what-do-lion-city-during?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Aug 2018 01:45:15 +0000 The third edition of the Michelin Guide Singapore focusing on the Lion City’s culinary scene was unveiled at a glitzy presentation ceremony held on the resort island of Sentosa on July 25. After the closure the three-star Joel Robuchon Restaurant – the eponymous establishment run by the celebrity French chef who died in August – barely a month before the event, there remained only five two-star and 34 one-star restaurants in the food-mad city state – one more than last year's crop of 38... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2159129/do-newcomers-and-returning-restaurants-deserve-place?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2159129/do-newcomers-and-returning-restaurants-deserve-place?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Aug 2018 08:00:59 +0000 Luang Prabang in Laos and Siem Reap in Cambodia are two popular Unesco-listed heritage haunts for very different reasons. In the former, one finds an uncommon wealth of resplendently restored colonial buildings turned heritage hotels, whilst the latter differs with an abundance of modern projects as it was largely developed because of its proximity to the famed Angkor complex. Perceptibly, one visits Laos’s ancient city to enjoy its historicity whereas history is preserved for show at the Khmer... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2158089/top-5-heritage-boutique-hotels-laos-and-cambodia-you?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2158089/top-5-heritage-boutique-hotels-laos-and-cambodia-you?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Aug 2018 08:00:45 +0000 As far as green tea goes, China's Longjing (Dragon Well) tea is one of its most famous. Qing dynasty emperor Qianlong was apparently a big fan of Longjing tea, and granted imperial status to 18 tea bushes in the Longjing Village, in eastern China's Hangzhou city. Today, many of the terraced tea plantations by the West Lake will let tourists relive some of the emperor's leisurely pursuits. And only the leaves harvested from the West Lake region can be graded as Xihu Longjing, widely regarded as... https://www.scmp.com/travel/where-pick-chinas-famous-longjing-green-tea-emperors-once-did/article/2155677?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/travel/where-pick-chinas-famous-longjing-green-tea-emperors-once-did/article/2155677?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jul 2018 10:15:15 +0000 Bangkok is a favourite holiday destination – we look at some of the city’s most extravagant suites and villas.   1. Connie's Cottage The Siam Bangkok Once the abode of renowned Thai socialite Connie Mingskau, this century-old Thai teak house was dismantled and transported from its original Sukhumvit Road site to its present address. It will be restored and decorated with antiques and designer accoutrements to take one back in time with style and nostalgia. Price: 160 square metres from US$1,000... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2154439/5-luxury-suites-bangkok-treat-you-royalty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2154439/5-luxury-suites-bangkok-treat-you-royalty?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Jul 2018 02:00:45 +0000 Thai massage may be one of the most popular treatments in Bangkok. One can indulge in more than stretching and kneading in these luxury spas. Here is the countdown to our top five spa treatments in the city.   1. Opium Spa The Siam Bangkok A beautifully conceived space with an amazing reception area, Opium Spa delivers exclusive treatments with pure botanical products by Sodashi. Signature treatment: Muay Thai Massage. Work up a sweat in the gym with your own private Muay Thai boxing session,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2153064/5-best-luxury-spas-bangkok-and-their-most-lavish?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2153064/5-best-luxury-spas-bangkok-and-their-most-lavish?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Jul 2018 08:00:15 +0000 With temperatures constantly hovering above 30 degrees Celsius, a good swim, preferably complemented by grand views and attentive service, is mandatory in Bangkok. We look at some of the most impressive hotel swimming pools in the Thai capital. 1. The Siam Bangkok  Set next to the river with a full-service bar, morning and evening dips here present Bangkok in a whole new light. This palm-lined lap pool with stylish geometric patterns is perfect for swimmers and suntanning guests. 6 new luxury... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2152292/5-most-amazing-swimming-pools-bangkok-hotels?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2152292/5-most-amazing-swimming-pools-bangkok-hotels?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Jun 2018 04:30:00 +0000 Bangkok was the second-most visited city in the world in 2017, according to market researcher Euromonitor International late last year. Every luxury hotel brand desires a presence in Bangkok, a city packed with five-star hotels. Recent openings include Hotel Indigo and Park Hyatt, and other high-profile brands anticipated to open soon include Waldorf Astoria, Edition, Capella and Four Seasons. Here’s a countdown of our top 10 luxury hotels operating in Bangkok, starting from No 10. 6 new luxury... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2151947/holiday-bangkok-check-these-10-best-luxury-hotels-now?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2151947/holiday-bangkok-check-these-10-best-luxury-hotels-now?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Jun 2018 08:00:30 +0000 Shanghai is experiencing a new wave of luxury hotel openings. 1. Bulgari Hotel Shanghai     Bvlgari is woven into every detail of the new Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai. Stay tuned to discover more. . . #shanghai #bulgarihotelshanghai #bulgarihotels #nextopening A post shared by Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts (@bulgarihotels) on Jun 13, 2018 at 5:54am PDT Occupying the top floors of a swanky tower next to a restored pre-war architectural landmark minutes from the Bund, the Bulgari Shanghai is one of the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2151484/6-new-luxury-hotels-raise-bar-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2151484/6-new-luxury-hotels-raise-bar-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Jun 2018 02:00:45 +0000 Thais love food and their palates are not confined to local cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants tempting Bangkok’s gourmands with their refined foreign fare. 1. Shang Palace, Shangri-la Bangkok Asians-Delight #fitnessjourney #foodgasm #foodporn #taiwanese #authentic #cheatdayeveryday A post shared by Bryan Matt Pannawish (@bryan_pannawish) on Jun 16, 2018 at 6:53am PDT Impressive chandeliers and Chinese panels are the first signs of a grand gastronomic experience. The... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2151476/5-best-gourmet-experiences-bangkok-you-shouldnt-miss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2151476/5-best-gourmet-experiences-bangkok-you-shouldnt-miss?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Jun 2018 04:03:43 +0000 The weather fails to dampen one’s mood when one is indulging in a luxury spa resort. Here are 5 of the top resort spas in Asia built to rejuvenate the senses. 1. The Geo Spa, Four Seasons Langkawi Enveloped in seclusion at this rustic island hideaway tucked between an ancient rainforest and the Andaman Sea, one can explore the Unesco-listed mangrove park nearby or lounge under the hut all day after sumptuous element-themed treatments at the spa. 5 amazing resorts close to Shanghai to beat the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2149190/5-most-indulgent-spa-resorts-asia-chilling-out-summer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2149190/5-most-indulgent-spa-resorts-asia-chilling-out-summer?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jun 2018 02:03:27 +0000 Summer in Shanghai can be glorious, but if it gets a tad too hot, there are luxurious escapes just hours away in the midst of mountains and lakes. Here are our top five recommendations. 1. Pullman Zhouzhuang Classic gardens meet contemporary architecture at this new Pullman property. It features vibrantly modern rooms, a splendid indoor pool and a wonderful Chinese restaurant. The great summer retreat is just minutes away from the charming water village of Zhouzhuang. Bulgari’s new hotel adds... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2147018/5-amazing-resorts-close-shanghai-beat-summer-heat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2147018/5-amazing-resorts-close-shanghai-beat-summer-heat?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 May 2018 08:03:22 +0000 Hangzhou is an ancient city with excellent restaurants offering stunning dishes. Here are five of the most memorable meals we’ve enjoyed at some of the best culinary establishments. 1. Bai Yun, Banyan Tree Hangzhou Classical Hangzhou and Cantonese cuisine at Bai Yun is accompanied by views overlooking a graceful garden. The intense flavour of the braised pork ribs is something to savour. 5 new cafes and restaurants you should visit in Kuala Lumpur 2. Hu Yin Tea House, Xin Xin Hotel Hu Yin is... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2147783/5-best-restaurants-visit-when-hangzhou?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2147783/5-best-restaurants-visit-when-hangzhou?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 May 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Asian summers are blazing hot with little rain, which provides the perfect setting for fiery sunsets. Here are five luxury hotels in Asia you will want to check in to this summer for some amazing twilights. 1. The Capella Singapore Nestled in hectares of greens on Singapore's only resort island – Sentosa – Capella Singapore is a Norman Forster updated colonial relic pointing towards the tropical sunset. With a rum cocktail in hand at its super chill Bob's Bar, evenings are truly... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2145989/5-best-luxury-hotels-asia-catch-sunset-summer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2145989/5-best-luxury-hotels-asia-catch-sunset-summer?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 May 2018 07:00:15 +0000 Legend has it that in the Qing dynasty, during one of Emperor Qianlong’s visits to the West Lake in eastern China, he personally plucked a number of tea leaves and granted imperial status to 18 Longjing bushes in Longjing Village.  Today, tourists can mimic the emperor in his leisurely pursuits at the many tea establishments in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province where the West Lake is situated.  Only the leaves harvested from the West Lake region can be graded as Xihu Longjing, widely... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/2142035/how-get-hands-picking-and-roasting-chinas-longjing-tea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/2142035/how-get-hands-picking-and-roasting-chinas-longjing-tea?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Apr 2018 00:15:19 +0000 A relaxing bath adds to the opulence of any hotel.  Here are the five bath experiences that captivated our hearts in some of the most sumptuous establishments in the Chinese city of Shanghai.  1. Executive Suite, Wanda Reign on the Bund   Dedication is what it takes to be ranked top of our “best bath experience” list.  If richness has a new skin, then Wanda Reign on the Bund is the master couturier of this trend.  Into its bath goes a considerable amount of thought and devotion, and it offers a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2141857/which-luxury-shanghai-hotel-offers-best-bath-experience?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2141857/which-luxury-shanghai-hotel-offers-best-bath-experience?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Apr 2018 04:03:16 +0000 Afternoon tea is a cherished tradition at top hotels. Here are five of the best in Shanghai. The Lobby Lounge, The Peninsula Shanghai  We are happy to report that the glamour and success of tea at Hong Kong’s The Peninsula has been successfully exported to the fine lobby lounge of its group’s Shanghai property. The magic of a three-tier tea here is built on tastes and refinements, with commendable effort placed on extending a service so grand, it is intimate.  Ferragamo and Tosca host haute... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2141563/5-top-afternoon-tea-experiences-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2141563/5-top-afternoon-tea-experiences-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Apr 2018 04:03:54 +0000 1. HE Japanese Restaurant, Wanda Reign on the Bund HE Japanese Restaurant has a bold manifesto, melding classical Japanese culinary traditions with avant-garde visual forms which, although not groundbreaking in Tokyo, is a bona fide stunner in Shanghai.  5 fine-dining restaurants in Hong Kong that offer lighter, healthier dishes What to order  Sushi, sashimi and that million-dollar night view. 2. Sir Elly’s, The Peninsula Shanghai  A melange of cutting edge flavours are artfully assembled onto... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/2141565/5-top-gourmet-experiences-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/2141565/5-top-gourmet-experiences-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Apr 2018 04:00:40 +0000 Japan’s superlative flower show – courtesy of the blossoming of its many beautiful cherry trees – usually starts from mid March in isolated locations, before the main event unfurls across Kyushu and Honshu over the last week of March and first week of April.  The city of Kyoto's first cherry tree blooms, or “sakura”, in Japanese, are expected on March 28.  Typically it takes a week for the trees to enter full bloom, but a sudden cold snap or unseasonably strong winds can take their tolls.  These... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2138203/5-most-peaceful-spots-kyoto-see-japanese-cherry-tree?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2138203/5-most-peaceful-spots-kyoto-see-japanese-cherry-tree?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Mar 2018 07:00:30 +0000