As I watched the live telecast of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral on television, I popped open a bottle of Gusbourne’s Brut Reserve 2015. With grapes located in Kent and West Sussex, the estate grows the traditional Champagne grape varietals of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Proudly produced in Britain it seemed […]
Location: Santorini, Greece What Makes It Special? White-washed stone houses are part of the charm of Santorini, but the rooms and suites, even at luxury resorts, can sometimes feel a little on the smaller side. Privacy can also be a concern with the many public walkways that make up Santorini. What do you do when […]
There are so many experiences to take in whenever you are travelling to new places, but one thing that I always keep in mind during trips is checking out the food scene along the way. In Uppsala, one of Sweden’s oldest and most charming cities, the dining experience is just as vibrant as its past. […]
MANILA, Philippines – While the current state of the world is as chaotic as it is stress-inducing, something to look forward to are vacation trips to the beach when this is all over. And when it comes to beaches, it is nearly impossible not to mention Boracay in the Philippines. A perennial favorite among travelers, […]
In a bid to boost the tourism industry of Thailand, the country is offering tourists the option to spend their mandatory two-week quarantine on a yacht or small cruise liner instead of a hotel room. Only tourists with negative Covid-19 test results are allowed to avail of the digital yacht quarantine program. Those qualified will […]
One of the most glamorous hotels on the Iberian Peninsula, Marbella Club has revealed the opening of its new social hub to be known as the “Clubhouse.” Set on a sprawling resort featuring immaculately-tended gardens and acres of flora that stretch down to the beach, the Clubhouse will feature El Patio Restaurant, Rudi’s Bar, La […]
On our RadarList: Since 1859 Duval Leroy has been focusing on achieving high-quality standards and bringing innovation to the noble craft of champagne-making. Located in Vertus, in the heart of “La Cote des Blancs,” the family business has been producing both vintage and non-vintage cuvées as well as a line of organic wines on its […]
Looking at Rachel Carrasco and Nicola Lee’s long list of accolades, it is easy to conclude why the pair ended up as self-described ‘best food buddies’. Rachel is a luxury branding expert and the founder of experiential marketing agency RACHE, known for managing top wines and spirits brands, while Nicola is a distinguished member of […]
Location: Istanbul, Turkey What Makes It Special? To understand what makes this suite special is to understand the brief history of the palace; it was built at a time when the Ottoman Sultans built their own palaces from the ground up, rather than inheriting those built by their predecessors, and is the very last of […]
Old world charm meets modern day chic at the recently restored Raffles Hotel. With interiors designed by famed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud. the neo-renaissance hotel, built in 1887 by Swan & MacLaren, has survived the modernisation of Singapore and reinvented itself for the next generation of travellers. The grande dame is currently offering staycations to avail […]
On our Radar is Soneva Jani that has just expanded its luxury resort offering in the Noonu Atoll of Maldives by launching Chapter Two Villas. A total of 27 brand-new Water Reserves, ranging from one to four bedrooms, have been designed to maximize the sense of space and exclusivity. Chapter Two comes will all the hallmarks of a […]
The hustle and bustle in Manhattan’s urban jungle will turn to an enjoyable peace once you enter the luxurious premises of Aman New York. Set to be open its doors in spring 2021, this brand new Aman property will hover above the dynamic Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in Manhattan’s momentous Crown Building. Designed by project architect Jean-Michel […]
HK restrictions have eased: get pampered from head to toes at one of these amazing spas With spring upon us, now is the perfect time to get pampered from head to toes and start the new season feeling fresh. Great news is, spas and salons have reopened their doors and now is a great time […]
Location: Lake Como, Italy A summer residence of the royals, the 16th-century Villa Sola Cabiati, still privately owned by the descendants of the Serbelloni family, stands out as one of the grandest mansions in a region full of them at Lake Como. Known for the expansive gardens, its gilded lake-side iron gate, redesigned neoclassical facade […]
One of Vietnam’s most luxurious hotels has recently opened its doors in the city center of Hoan Kiem District. Capella Hanoi provides an ideal accommodation for luxury travelers and opera enthusiasts who want to explore the city’s leading cultural attractions. Designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, the 47-bedroom boutique hotel recreates the vivacious lifestyle that […]
Haven’t you heard? Dinner is back in Hong Kong! With restaurants now able to seat four people per table, until 10 pm, since February 18, now is a great time to show support to the FnB industry while enjoying a long-awaited night out at one of the following restaurants, be it a soon-to-be hot spot […]
Did you know that moringa (Moringa Oleifera) can do so many wonders to your skin? When applied topically, the oil of the vitamin-rich moringa can get rid of pesky breakouts, diminish the appearance of blemishes and dark spots, and reduce signs of aging! Recognizing the numerous benefits of moringa, sibling trio from Thailand Christensen, Marika, […]
Chef de cuisine Francesco Gava brings his passion and expertise for Italian dishes to a refined dining setting at Luciolla Restaurant and Bar, the first restaurant to open at The Hari hotel in the heart of Wan Chai. At Luciolla Restaurant and Bar, diners can look forward to classic Italian dishes elevated using premium seasonal […]
A closer look at sustainability practices in the kitchens of the two 2021 Michelin Green Star awardees in Hong Kong and Macau. Some say the future of food is sustainability and, as one of the world’s key players on the FnB scene, the iconic Michelin Guide is paving the way to a more sustainable […]
If Covid 19 has taught us anything, it should be that the nature always wins. The more we fight and consume her, the harder she can hit back at us to the point of crippling nations. While sustainability and rising concern of man’s impact on the environment are not new concepts, fashion industry, which has […]
The latest addition to Hong Kong’s beautiful line-up of heritage hotel brands, The Hari has been on our radar for quite a while now. Named after the late Hari Harilela, father of Dr. Aron Harilela, the CEO and Chairman of the Harilela Group, the hotel comes strongly anchored family values but with a smell of […]
When you next pick up a bottle of Dom Perignon, take a careful look at the label. The luxury Champagne house has created a series of 3 expressions of the same champagne and named them Plenitude 1 (P1), Plenitude 2 (P2), and Plenitude 3 (P3). Three different expressions of the same champagne released at intervals […]
Ingiliz Limani (English Harbour) Situated at 36°55’06” N – 28°10’09” E, it got its name from the rumor that the British navy ships and submarines took shelter here during World War II. After battling the German ships in the Aegean Sea, they retreated to hide in this bay; even sometimes using trees as camouflage coverage. […]
Vin de Constance by Klein Constantia in Cape Town South Africa is today being heralded as one of the greatest sweet wines in the world. It is perhaps the only sweet wine in the Southern hemisphere that is mentioned by Charles Dickens and Jane Austen in their writings (“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “Sense […]
Nestled in a private bay, surrounded by inspiring blue ocean, swaying coconut trees and stunning limestone cliffs, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui delivers more than just a pretty picture, their legendary hospitality truly captures the heart. This is where you can experience exceptionality and get your unexpressed wishes answered. Just 20-minute away from Koh Samui airport, […]
With international travel still a remote prospect, the perspective of a travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore comes as a breather for those of us suffering from cabin fever and dying to hop on a plane. Planning to visit Hong Kong when the bubble allows it? Make it an indulgent trip and treat yourself […]
The most exciting moment for women in politics is the unprecedented democratic victory by U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, and the world-renowned Carolina Herrera white pantsuit she wore during her first speech to the nation. Her pantsuit is a nod to the Suffragette movement as a pledge to carry the torch for women’s rights during […]
We’re a month away from finally closing 2020, and the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. Spending the upcoming holiday season might be a little different this time, but if there’s one way to fast forward the stress of 2020, that is to unwind with a much-deserved Christmas #staycation. While […]
Featured: First Two Episodes: Some time ago, I was lucky to be featured as a Global Filipino entrepreneur abroad by Lifestyle Network TV 24x 24, a part of the TFC channel. There are 8 episodes that aired weekly that have some of the noteworthy Fakuras favorites that should be on your Radar when visiting Stockholm. […]
Bistro: in its original Parisian incarnation, a bistro is a small restaurant serving French home-style cooking and wine at a moderate price and in a modest yet welcoming setting. In the past few weeks, Hong Kong Island has seen no less than three French bistro opening their doors, all three of them being fully booked […]
Don’t ask Celine and Amit, founders of Conspiracy Chocolate, why did they choose this name for their made in Hong Kong beans-to-bar chocolate brand. They will tell you it’s a conspiracy they can’t tell you about. What I can tell you is that their handcrafted chocolate bars have nothing to do with what you will […]
TASTING DATE : 19 AUGUST 2020, SINGAPORE A glass of Ornellaia always gives pleasure. This 2000 did not disappoint. Aromas of black plum, baked fruits with beautiful secondary and tertiary notes of mushroom, smoke, cloves, cooked fruit, and tobacco greeted you on the nose. The palate was soft, fine, clean with elegant tannins. With an […]
Four Highly Anticipated Hotel Openings in Bangkok City Thailand, the country that is currently revered for handling the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic well, #staycation and #eatcation has been trending for the locals and foreign travelers stuck in town. Hotels that are leading the pace are the ones who are quick to adapt by offering […]
With more people stuck at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, food takeout and delivery services have become so common. While the current outbreak might have been the toughest challenge the food industry have ever had to face, it does illustrate the amazing resilience and out of bounds creativity of the restaurants. To meet the […]
TASTING DATE : 19 AUGUST 2020, SINGAPORE Josko Gravner’s Ribolla is more than just a white wine from Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region (not far from Slovenia). Made using the ancient winemaking technique of fermenting wine in huge ceramic vessels known as amphoras, Gravner is using a winemaking process that dates back to 6000BC. What […]
TASTING DATE : 6 AUGUST 2020, SINGAPORE I don’t think the House of Krug needs any introduction. Synonymous with luxury, a bottle of Krug is sure to bring delight to any table. With the growing interest in grower champagnes, one might wonder why one would want to still drink a Multi Vintage (MV) champagne today. […]
As the holiday season quickly approaches, many are left wondering if they will be able to go international for their holidays. For most of us, leaving is just not an option right now. A reality that may seem to come with a missed holiday season. Yet, finding family-friendly options at home has never been easier, […]
Like many of you, we are feeling the itch to travel again, luckily most of Europe the lockdowns have been lifted and people have been traveling within the region. We’d like to share three under-the-radar summer destinations we frequent where social distancing won’t be a problem. Pack your weekend bags, get your cameras ready, and […]
Sindhorn Kempinksi Hotel has been on our radar for quite a while now, and we’re thrilled to share with you a 60-seconds exclusive tour of its Lobby Lounge before the official launch. Set to open its doors in the Fall of 2020, a new landmark in Bangkok is setting the standard of what a luxurious […]
It’s day 75 of quarantine which means I have been with my husband and daughter 24/7 at home that long. Today, Alessa, my two-year-old toddler, woke up earlier than I did. It was 6:30 in the morning and she asked for milk. Half-asleep, half-awake — I happily obliged. I am a career momma from Manila. […]
Speaking of my favorite hotels in Hong Kong, The Murray is one of them. Why? I have already fallen in love with this building even before stepping in. A classic match of gold and white, with the iconic arched colonnade, welcomes you in the building that is full of history. You will find a Pink […]
Aside from the imposing karst limestone formations that tower around the famous Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon, Coron in the province of Palawan prides itself on having endless stretch of vibrant ocean teeming with historical wrecks and diverse marine creatures. I visited Coron few years ago and I was astounded by its unparalleled beauty few meters […]
Are you missing Bali vibes and in need of some retreat right now? Me too which is why I absolutely love to recharge my energy at BeatRoot, this hidden retreat and wellness spa offer nurturing massages, hair salon, soulful juices and a green terrace, ideal for daytime chill-out and play with your friends and even […]
There is something about the light in this magical place, not too warm, not too bright, romantic in a sense, just right to fall in love at first sight. Visby in Gotland has been on our radar for the past three years even before got here. Every local we meet would recommend us to experience […]
It was the beginning of 2020 when my business partner and I launched a new collection at @fakura clothing line. As we were thrilled to execute other lined-up projects simultaneously, the entire world suddenly shut down due to the unexpected arrival of a global pandemic. I somehow felt shattered, knowing that a lot of planned […]
I’ve been jetting in and out of London for a couple of years now and the city has become a second home to me. However, despite spending a lot of time there, I never fail to find something new to do in the city, one of which is its ever-growing bar scene. London’s cocktail scene, […]
Are you constantly feeling tired and low on energy? Are you dreading work and deadlines? A cold shower might be the answer you are looking for to uplift your mood, elevate depression, and energizes you throughout the day, lovingly perfect for your work from home routine. For the longest time, I never knew that the […]
