Photo credit: The Upper House For those who are currently looking for new flavours to shake things up a bit this month, these new restaurants in Hong Kong sure will not disappoint with their scrumptious offerings. This October, Hong Kong’s dining scene is blossoming with new eateries to treat your taste buds. So for discerning
Photo credit: Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle (From Airelles) It began life as a modest hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623, but under the ownership of Louis XIV, Versailles became a magnificent palace renowned throughout the world. Over the course of more than 100 years, and during numerous successions to the
Photo credit: Grand Paradiso Ibiza The statement "Life is better on the island" is proven to be true to those who have already traversed over the glory of Ibiza. Before the Spanish island was known as one of the world's best nightlife destinations, Ibiza (aka White Island or Isla Blanca) was known first for its
Photo credit: Museum of Ice Cream When it comes to everyone's go-to summer dessert, 9 out of 10 times the answer is ice cream. It's a well-beloved dessert, a crowd pleaser and a wonderful refreshment all year round for both kids and adults alike. Whether it's the regular ice cream, ultra-creamy gelato, soft serve, frozen
Photo credit: Roberta Einer 2022 is on the horizon and for those who're already looking for ways to stay on top of the fast-moving fashion trend come next year, this is the article for you. Our roundup of British rising brands anticipated to soon dominate the fashion world is here to help you keep up
Photo credit: Estro Like kids with new toys, nothing gets us more excited than the openings of new restaurants with cool, drool-inducing concepts. This month, Hong Kong’s dining scene is blossoming with new eateries to treat your taste buds. So for those who are living in or planning to travel to the Fragrant Harbour, here
Photo credit: Spencer Davis via Unsplash With hundreds of stupefying islands where crystal-blue sea kisses sheer white sands, it is beyond a shadow of doubt that this European country would be one of the top ideal destinations for a sun-drenched, island-hopping vacation. With the country reopening for tourists, there's also no surprise to see that
Photo credit: Santa Marina Mykonos Exclusive anything has a special ring to those who hear it. But for foodies – like us – nothing screams exclusive in the best possible and most delicious way like private dining. A zone free of buzzkill crowds, of loud children and of neglected service problems often found in a
Photo credit: Aneta Voborilova via Unsplash In the technology-ruled era where a cooking class can easily be found – fun and free – on the internet, there’s really no need to break the bank going to Le Cordon Bleu or CIA. YouTube and social media have become the platform for great cooks across the world
Photo credit: Kinsterna Hotel Nestled in the south-eastern part of The Peloponnese peninsula, Monemvasia, Greece is a charming little fortress town built during the medieval era on a little island that is only connected to the mainland via a thin causeway road. Dubbed as The Rock, the sleepy, serene town sitting on the foot of
Photo credit: Patom Organic Living For city dwellers living in the concrete forest of Bangkok, sometimes all you really need is a green space to reset and relax the mind. And although the Big Mango isn’t one of the greenest cities in the world, the city is actually dotted throughout with urban green spaces, from
The white wines of Burgundy are, in general, made from the Chardonnay grape. There is, however, another white grape variety that is grown in the region; and this is the Aligoté. Prior to the onset of the phylloxera (the 19th century disease that wiped out almost all the vineyards in Europe), the Aligoté grape was
Photo credit: Robert Keane via Unsplash Every once in a while, even the most creative person gets stuck in the creative block. Like falling down the rabbit hole, sometimes it could take hours, days or worst, weeks, to climb out of the creative ruts. But if you ask us, a remedy to a creative-block sickness
Photo credit: Central Restaurante Delicious and diverse, the two words that best sum up our well-beloved Peruvian cuisine. Trains of flavours bridges together, starting with the indigenous cooking traditions from pre and post Incan Empire commingled with the influences from the coming of Spanish colonisation and immigrants from Asia, Europe and Africa. A melting pot
Photo credit: Snøhetta Within the cobalt surface, the ocean holds otherworldly magic that never ceases to astound thalassophiles. With Under in Lindesnes, Norway, Europe's first – and arguably world's coolest – underwater restaurant, discerning diners slash ocean lovers will get to indulge in their love for fine dining whilst diving deep into the underwater realm
Photo credit: Noma Sure, the reveal event of iPhone 13, the launch of Instagram Reels and Covid-19 vaccine rollout undeniably got us thrilled with joy but as food aficionados, nothing got us more excited this year than the announcement of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2021 revealed on October 5, 2021. For many, the prestigious
Photo credit: Marina Testino Serving us a look that is as eye-pleasing as it is eye-opening, fashion "artivist" Marina Testino is back again with the #OneDressToImpress project where she commits to wearing the same sleek purple suit for the entire month of September. Following the success of her first #OneDressToImpress with a red suit back
Photo Credit: Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas / IHG Conceived by architect and developer Jonathan Leitersdorf, the year-round destination set in secluded Xarraca bay offers a comprehensive range of amenities and programming, farm-to-table dining, music, art, sustainable fashion, culture, longevity and wellness. Each experience is inspired by the traditions and values of the island’s
Photo credit: Yasuragi Beyond the shadow of a doubt, everyone has heard of Stockholm and its wonderful array of museums. But what may come as a surprise to many is that the capital of Sweden is built on 14 islands linked together by 57 bridges – all by the banks of the Stockholm archipelago of
Photo credit: Kadimah Home of world-famous entertainment business and gorgeous actors and actresses, the City of Angels is unquestionably the birthplace of trendsetting fashion, a source of style inspiration for people across the world. So there's no wonder that some of the world's celebrated fashion brands would originate here in LA. For fashion aficionados looking
Photo credit: Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini Nothing says self-love like a nice spa package for yourself. And if you happen to be in Santorini, Greece, one of the things you should take delight in, apart from their dazzling white-azure architecture, top-notch restaurants and bars and picture-postcard caldera view, is their repertoire of stunning
Photo credit: myGemma Nothing gets us more thrilled about the coming of November than the release of an anticipated thriller of 2021, House of Gucci, which will be aired on 24 November. Although the romance-turned-crime film documenting the true story of Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci (grandson of Guccio Gucci and a former head of
Photo credit: Petits Plats Apart from a great discovery from Brazil that jararacussu snake’s venom could be the hope for covid cures, another great news this month is dining in is back for Bangkok! Although September has greeted Bangkokians with humidity and pouring rain, Bangkok discerning diners – like us – are not afraid to
Photo credit: Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) For many travellers, a good flight equals a good window seat. It's pretty much like riding shotgun with a front-row view or winning a golden ticket when you see the flight ticket says you got a window seat. With this windowless plane, however, every passenger will equally get
Photo credit: Johnny Chen via Unsplash Among a few good news received this year, Greece opening for tourism is one of them. And for those who are hunting for the best attractions and restaurants to plan the perfect itinerary, here is our list of stunning bars and restaurants perfect for sundowners and sunsets in Mykonos.
Photo credit: Sander Crombach via Unsplash What’s probably posher and cooler than Breakfast at Tiffany’s is breakfast with a view. Yes, the food is undeniably the main player in any meal but let’s face it; a picturesque view that comes with it can always take it up a notch. With globetrotters around the world flocking
Photo credit: Clan 7 Chinese Restaurant Checking out new restaurants to us often feels like checking out new cities; it’s reminiscent of stepping into a new territory where unknown – and delicious – wonders await. That’s what makes it so fun and exciting. And it seems like the past few months Singapore has welcomed a
Photo credit: Château de la Messardière Beautiful hotel pools can be found anywhere. But let’s face it; there are only a few that are truly memorable and worth going back to time and time again. This week on RADAR-LIST, we are currently daydreaming about a sun-drenched French holiday as summer is coming to an end.
Photo credit: Aman When it comes to staying in hotels and resorts, anything with the term “private” has this special ring to it that can cast a magical spell on bons vivants - think private infinity pool or even private spa suites. But what if both the journey and the destination can be made even
Photo credit: Edivo Vina In the 21st Century where space travel and a wearable computer “Google Glass” are a thing, the process of winemaking also got a newfangled upgrade with the new technique of underwater wine ageing. Like many great creations, underwater wine ageing starts from a disheartening accident. With the discovery of fine champagne
Photo credit: Sarnies Bangkok Lockdown can sound a little daunting and disheartening but if you know how to do it right, staying sheltered in place can definitely be fun and delightful. As Bangkok is going through another lockdown, the city’s establishments make sure everyone stays home, stays safe and stays satisfied with a variety of
Photo credit: Pane e Latte The wonderful thing about cafes? They mostly embody the characters of a bar, a restaurant and a coffee shop; they serve up mean concocted drinks (although it’s mostly caffeinated and non-alcohol), scrumptious substantial bites, snacks and desserts all with a side of relaxing, soul-calming vibes – not to mention their
Location:Budapest, HungaryPhoto credit: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts What makes it special? Home to one of the most impressive suites in Budapest, and perhaps in Europe, the beautiful Gresham Palace is an iconic destination for those looking for a ‘Grand Budapest Experience’. The one-bedroom Budapest Royal Suite’s original
Photo credit: Unsplash/Jeremy Bishop Since the pandemic arrived, much like an unwelcome guest, travelling outdoors – let alone traveling abroad – has almost become a forbidden topic. So for us surf lovers, the tides of the ocean seem so far out of sight and even further out of reach. Like so many other travel-hungry souls,
Photo credit: Villa Godthem Whilst the last bit of summer is still with us in Stockholm, one thing we commit to doing apart from sunbathing and sailing the beautiful Stockholm Archipelago is getting caffeinated and dining at our favourite cafes and restaurants, spending hours relishing the scrumptious summer spread each venue has to offer with
Photo credit: @ restaurantelasai @gabrielpalatnicfoto January River or the city we know as Rio de Janeiro is not a hidden gem, but it is nevertheless a treasure trove for those who know how to appreciate it. Unlike any other city, Rio is the type of host that comes and greets you with its larger-than-life charm
Photo credit: Perivolas Hotel If what you’re after in vacation are waves and wholesomeness, nothing sounds better than the Mediterranean holiday on one of the most mesmerising Cyclades islands out in the Aegean Sea, Santorini. But instead of staying at its capital of Fira which is a hub for nightlife fun, shopping and restaurants, switch
Tasting Date: May 2021. The Butcher’s Block Sommeliers play such an important role in our dining experience. They introduce us to the latest wine trends and exciting new producers; curate wine lists that are varied and interesting; and offer an extensive selection of wines for their guests to choose from. I had precisely such an
Location: Paris, France Overlooking the Seine, in the heart of the capital, Cheval Blanc Paris is opening the doors of its urban haven. Contemporary, it embodies the French art de vivre: epicurean pleasures, hospitality for family and friends. Bathed in light, from intimate hideaways to big city wonders: 72 accommodations — 26 rooms, 46 suites
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
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. La Burrata Pugliese At Luciolla Restaurant and Bar, diners can look forward to classic Italian dishes elevated
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. At The Bletchley,
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
