Sommaire pour October 2016 de epicure

This issue, our raw food issue is going to transport you to Latin America in a big way as we train the spotlight on ceviche. So many versions abound on this raw fish marinated with citrus juice that to single out just one incarnation would be a challenge. Fortunately, our team could tap on the creative talent of Peru native Daniel Chavez to dish up several renditions – tiradito Nikkei and even a vegan ceviche made with artichokes – along with other rawlicious creations. The super amiable chef from OLA Cocina del Mar was a delight to work with, feeding us with exciting anecdotes of his native Peru during our photo shoot. All these recipes on page 56. Another raw dish that I can never say no to is bara…

A diamond safari to the mineral-rich West Coast of South Africa is what we would call a truly unforgettable experience. Catering to both diving enthusiasts and diamond lovers, the all-inclusive Benguela Diamond Safari (R$215,000 for up to six people) is the first of its kind in South Africa and exclusive to Ellerman House guests. The grand affair begins with a chauffeured limousine transfer and private flight from Cape Town to the beautiful Port Nolloth, where your home base for the daylong excursion will be a sleek, contemporary villa boasting a gorgeous view. After breakfast, Benguela Diamond dive masters will lead you deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean on an exhilarating hunt for diamonds and gemstones. As you work up an appetite, a personal chef will be busy whipping up a gourmet…

Paying homage to its colourful North Indian roots, Tiffin Room offers a special Deepavali buffet with appetisers such as Pani Puri and Chaat, Dahi Kebab, spiced yoghurt and lentil kebabs, Tulsi Murgh Kebab, chicken legs marinated in Tandoori spices, and the signature Achari Cod Fish Tikka, tandoor-cooked black cod marinated in pickles and spices. Tuck into mains such as the Hyderabadi Murgh Biryani and Laal Maas, traditional Rajasthani smoked lamb curry, before savouring quintessential homemade sweets such as Aam Shahi Tukra, crispy bread soaked in milk with mango, Rasmalai, milk dumplings perfumed with rose and served in saffron milk, Gulab Jamun, fried milk dumplings in a saffron sugar syrup, and Gazar Halwa, the traditional carrot pudding. Available 27 October to 6 November ($68 for lunch, $78 for dinner). 1 Beach…

Aman has reinvented luxury with Amanemu, a hot spring resort located within idyllic Ise-Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture, Japan. While many luxury resorts go the route of opulence and over-the-top sumptuousness, Aman’s latest hotel project – which launched in March this year – embraces a more understated approach. Designed by award-winning Australia- and Singaporebased Kerry Hill Architects – also responsible for the stunning Aman Tokyo – Amanemu remains faithful to Aman’s ethos of adopting the customs and heritage of the location in which it operates. Set on a breezy hilltop with breathtaking views of Ago Bay, the resort’s design is inspired by the Ise Grand Shrine located just an hour’s drive away. The influence of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine can be seen in Amanemu’s majestic proportions, picturesque foliage-filled…

We confess: there were incidences of drinking and driving at epicure and Jaguar’s Ride of your Life event at Wearnes Automotive on 25 August. They were, however, conducted in a most upstanding manner. The evening had brought together almost 50 car enthusiasts for a preview of the all-new Jaguar F-PACE, the F-TYPE-inspired performance SUV that combines sporty handling, sleek design and everyday practicality. Guests included otorhinolaryngologist, Christopher Geoffrey Laurence Hobbs; director of Citigold Private Client, Citibank, Benjamin Ng; orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Kannan Kaliyaperumal; and 1st vice president of The Singapore Island Country Club, Amberly Woo. Kaliyaperumal, who had a firsthand feel of the car by taking it on a test run, loved the “posh feel”, citing the experience a “great drive”. In addition to the F-PACE, other models by Jaguar…

A striking young lady tells me she more or less grew up on her family’s vineyard. Her wine pedigree shows that she is no ordinary lady. She is Olivia Junyent, general manager of the renowned Castell d'Age winery in the balmy Penedes D.O. region in Catalonia, Spain. Castell d'Age owns six wine estates, covering 100ha in the Penedes. “I often say that I have wine running through my veins instead of blood. My grandfather gave me drops of wine in my mouth already [when I was] in the crib,” she laughs. In fact, some of her earliest and most favourite memories are of when her family got together for the yearly harvest. “Still, today, I love that special feeling of excitement that fills the air [on] the first days of…

Upon entering the four-storey home of Sherie Ng, 42, managing director (for Asia Pacific, China and Middle East) of software solutions company NICE Systems, what strikes us most is the expansive living room. Featuring a high ceiling and a sprawling floor space, the vast area is notably void of a television and coffee table. “When we were looking for a place, a spacious living room was an important consideration because it needed to be able to accommodate our church group of 40 whom we host every Friday,” says Ng, who shares the Braddell terrace home with her husband Rick Quek, 46, managing director of Corporate i, an integrated marketing agency; their son Wesley, 19; daughter Rachel, 14; and Quek’s 85-year-old mother Png Kng Lian. Despite the size of the entrance…

Keen to escape the overrun beaches of Kuta and the nowyuppie-central Seminyak, I found myself telling the taxi driver, “Pak, ke Sanur.” Made, the second-born male of his family, was to drive me East, where I would venture off the beaten Bali track. From the matured resort town of Sanur – located just a few degrees south in latitude from Seminyak in the West – I would board a ferry over to Nusa Penida, an island that hopeful locals know as ‘The Golden Egg of Bali’. Though one must travel over land and sea to get to this rocky island of temples, seaweed farms, manta rays and mola-mola (ocean sunfish), Nusa Penida is not the easternmost point of Bali. It also certainly is not the most hidden destination in the…

Located near the tranquil village of Pecatu and the stunning clifftop site of the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple on Bali’s far southwestern tip, Bulgari Resort Bali epitomises the perfect marriage between breathtaking natural beauty, seclusion and serenity. Sitting 160 metres above sea level and nestled between the cliff and the ocean, the resort swanks unrivalled panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, with a 1.5km beach accessible only by the resort’s inclined elevator. What distinguishes the property effortlessly are its unique location, blend of traditional Balinese style architecture coupled with contemporary Italian design, and bespoke Bulgari services. Designed by architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners, the resort’s layout and underlying design incorporate the exotic location’s culture and natural elements such as hand-cut volcanic stones, fine woods and refined fabrics to…

One of the swankiest playgrounds on Seminyak’s chic beach enclave is the gorgeous W Bali - Seminyak. Designed with a contemporary twist on traditional Balinese architecture, the resort easily keeps the island’s rich, natural beauty and cultural heritage at heart, while attracting the hip and affluent with its stylish accommodations, trendy restaurants and bars, and party ambience. With a total of 229 retreats, suites and villas, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to indulgent accommodations. Standing at 64 sq m each, the 75 Wonderful Garden View Retreats and 76 Spectacular Ocean Facing Retreats are among the largest retreats on the island, with most of them offering expansive views of the deep blue Indian Ocean. To dial up the luxury factor, the resort also offers four one-bedroom Marvelous…

Your vacation in Bali isn’t complete until you’ve stayed in a luxury resort like Kamandalu Ubud. The retreat is designed in the style of a classic Balinese village; it is surrounded by terraced rice paddies and overlooks a tropical valley in the hills of Ubud. There are dining options like Petulu Restaurant and Aira Cafe as well as enhanced facilities such as multiple pools including an Infinity Pool, Chaya Spa and a spectacular Rumah Yoga. The property features a selection of six different types of rooms among the 56 newly refurbished villas. For views of the greenery or waters, stay in the Ubud Chalet which comes with a king-sized bed or twin beds, an indoor sunken bath and outdoor shower. Some of these rooms overlook the terraced rice paddies while…

Surrounded by nothing but crystal clear waters and lush foliage in the northwest corner of Bali, the newly unveiled Menjangan Dynasty Resort, Beach Camp and Dive Centre is the dream destination for nature lovers looking for a luxe retreat. The 61 sq m one-bedroom and 82 sq m two-bedroom Cliff Tent Villas, which are safari tents imported from South Africa, offer more space to spread out and relax. Inside, the interiors are of a muted khaki palette and plushly furnished, with amenities such as a flat-screen television, bath and shower rooms, and coffee- and tea-making appliances. Each villa also has the bonus feature of a private infinity pool. The tents are strategically located so that guests can enjoy uninterrupted vistas of the ocean, Menjangan Island, West Bali National Park, and…

Perched on an elevated plateau in Uluwatu, Bali’s southern peninsula, Prasana by Arjani Resorts is literally a league above the rest. The luxurious property ups its exclusivity factor by offering just 21 pool villas, each with one to three bedrooms, affording guests ultimate privacy and security. Each villa mixes wood, marble, stone and sumptuous textiles to create a haven of contemporary interiors with Balinese accents. Equipped with a private pool, separate dining and living room, plus a kitchen and open pantry that stock cooking essentials and refreshments, you’re made to feel right at home. Semi-butler, daily turndown and laundry services and a 24-hour front desk are just a phone call away to cater for your requests. And even if you’re not an early riser, the Sunrise Pool Villa is highly…

Just five minutes away from Ubud Centre lies Wapa di Ume, a resort so nestled in an agricultural heartland of thriving rice fields, it places you at one with nature. Fifteen new units built on the river bank have been added to the original setup of 18 villas, featuring sunken baths and private pools with views of tranquil courtyard gardens. Even with the increased capacity, a stay at Wapa di Ume continues to feel extremely private, thanks to rustic chic designs by Balinese architect, I Ketut Siandana, coupled with top-class facilities. Textures and colours greet you at every turn. Think soft homespun fabrics, dressed slates, fragrant alang-alang grass roofing, natural bamboo and canopied beds. Leave all your stresses at the door of the Terrace Villa, which comes with an open…

Well known for its wide variety of gourmet Japanese products, the newly revamped Isetan Scotts Supermarket is the address for an authentic Japanese supermarket experience. A visit is nothing short of a satisfying experience as shoppers meander through different aisles of merchandise. Adding to the buzz and visual appeal are the year-round food fairs that feature live kitchen demonstrations and sampling stations for consumers to enjoy the delicacies on offer. Shoppers can look forward to the Japan Authentic Food Fair, which started its run on 30 September. The fair highlights offerings from the Kyushu and Shinshu regions. Must-tries include the creamy cheese tarts that are prepared in Japan but baked and finished off in Isetan Scotts itself; the Oyaki pancakes (with a variety of five different fillings such as vegetable,…

How has your cultural background helped in your appreciation of whisky and other spirits? Growing up around spirits – we [Scots] also make gin and vodka – how people consume them is interesting to me. I’ve worked in bars and restaurants and consuming spirits is a big part of Scottish culture. I’ve also met taxi drivers who say, “Oh… you’re from Scotland. You must know a lot about whisky!” Thankfully, for me, it’s true! What’s one thing you find interesting about whisky drinking in Singapore? When we have a single malt Scotch in Scotland, we usually have it on our own, or with just one other person. Here, it’s a social activity. You can have it in a busy bar – I’ve seen five ladies with a bottle of The…

Makes 4 Prep time 45 minutes 200g sashimi grade yellowtail amberjack 100ml white soy (shio shoyu) 120g horseradish cream 60ml seaweed oil 2 small red radishes (julienned) 1 baby Japanese cucumber sliced salt olive oil 16 salted egg discs 16 small nasturtium leaves 20 shiso flowers ♦ using a sharp knife, thinly slice the yellowtail amberjack and lay them on a lined tray. Divide into four equal portions. ♦ season amberjack with white soy and marinate for 5 minutes. ♦ on a clean surface, lay out a sheet of cling film and neatly place a few slices of yellowtail amberjack, slightly overlapping each time. ♦ Pipe a tablespoon’s worth of horseradish cream along the base of laid out yellowtail amberjack. using the cling film, gently roll yellowtail amberjack into a…

Located on one of Bali’s most pristine beaches on the southwest coast of the island, the gorgeous Alila Seminyak is a stunning beachfront sanctuary for the well-heeled. Designed by the prestigious Singaporean architectural firm URBNarc, the resort is a distinctive blend of contemporary architecture woven through with vertical greens, wall-hugging plants, green roofs and landscaped terraces, maximising green spaces throughout the resort. In fact, the entire resort is designed with a commitment to minimise environmental damage and is certified in its efforts for sustainability and long-term ecological improvement performance. To ensure that your next family getaway is as luxurious as it is memorable, the resort’s newly unveiled three-bedroom Penthouse offers the ultimate idyllic retreat. The exquisitely designed Penthouse seamlessly combines contemporary design with landscaped opulence, resulting in 811 sq m…

Nestled among rice paddies in the outskirts of central Ubud, Bali’s historic cultural center, sits the brand new Honai Resort. In an area known for its nature, exclusivity and serenity, the resort does not disappoint, as it seamlessly blends in with the authenticity of its surrounding Papuan culture. The resort’s proximity to the city centre makes it a great location for a self-contained wellness retreat. It also doubles up as a leisurely holiday venue as it is close to nearby attractions like galleries, temples, restaurants and boutiques. Inspired by the elliptical tribal houses of Papua, each room at the resort is modelled after the traditional Indonesian honai, also known as a round house, as the concept of a round circle promises a stay of continual rejuvenation and renewal. Standing in…

Soak in the sights and sounds of the famous Legian Beach when you stay at Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa. The oceanfront resort sits on a prime spot along the pristine beach and is within walking distance to a myriad of shopping spots, restaurants and traditional art markets – perfect for travellers seeking an all-encompassing Bali experience. The plush Club Villa, which comes attached with a private pool, is ideal for those seeking a lavish holiday. Designed in a modern tropical style with stunning wood accents, the spacious room exudes elegance while still evoking a warm, homely ambience. Guests staying at the Club Villa get access to the exclusive Club Lounge where they can enjoy free-flowing beverages and snacks, afternoon high-tea as well as cocktails and wines. The resort…

Located in a lush tropical setting on the south western coast of Bali, and within easy reach of many of the island’s most iconic beachfront destinations, Peppers Seminyak is an exclusive holiday enclave for well-heeled jet-setters. Designed by Grounds Kent Architects, the resort’s interiors largely use natural materials that have been locally sourced to pay homage to its location and surroundings. This is evident in several unifying design features visible throughout the resort such as the Indonesian marble flooring, alang-alang thatched roofs or the horizontal slate walls which are built from slate stone sourced from Karangasem in North Bali. Specialising in luxury pool villa accommodations, each of the resort’s chic private villas are elegantly decorated, making them a gorgeous tropical retreat throughout the year. Offering a spacious home feel with…

Not too long ago, The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud, Bali was the family estate of Hendra Hadiprana, one of Indonesia’s most respected architects and art collectors. Facets of the private demesne remain to this day – each of the 20 villas still features original artworks from his personal collection. That the resort is situated just outside the artists’ village of Ubud comes as no surprise. Hidden among the lush undulating hills of Bali’s culture-rich highlands, it sits among thriving rice fields as far as the eye can see. Anyone seeking rejuvenation will find a pampering oasis at The Spa with its signature treatments such as The Chedi Jade Massage and Indonesian Cream Bath. Alternatively, indulge in a pampering dining experience at The Restaurant which offers a mixture of Asian…

True to its name, The Sanctoo Villa – which means a scared place – is a hidden sanctuary surrounded by lush foliage. Situated within quaint Singapadu village, the ritzy boutique resort is conveniently located adjacent to the famous Bali Zoo. Guests are even invited to have breakfast or lunch with the elephants and embark on a complimentary ride with the majestic creatures. Embracing Indonesia’s architectural heritage, the stylish villas introduced intricate carving designs from Celebes, Borneo and Bali into its sleek, wooden furniture. Guests will be happy to know that there are only 12 villas – each fitted with a gorgeous pool – for a sense of seclusion. Splurge a little and upgrade from the Garden View Villa to the River View Villa; the latter lets you enjoy a picturesque…

When you’re in need of a getaway but still want access to urban comforts, Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Seminyak checks all the boxes. Surrounded by rice fields yet still located within the hip neighbourhood of Petitenget, the resort is the second Four Points property in Bali and just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Seminyak. Relax in style in a Junior or Vasanti Suite - both offer spacious interiors furnished in warm woods and batik wall panels. All 28 suites offer amenities such as flat-screen televisions, separate showers and bathtubs, and partitioned rest and living areas. For ultimate relaxation, shell out for the Vasanti Suite. It boasts an additional large private balcony, where you can sink into sun loungers or enjoy a soak in the Jacuzzi. Look…

FOR HER FOR HIM…

Ned Kahn’s avant-garde structures have one thing in common: they are designed to encapsulate natural forces – wind, sand, water, fire, and fog. As a practitioner of Vipassana Buddhism, he is inspired by the notions of substantiality and insubstantiality, and aims to create artworks that lure people out of their comfort zone and see the world in a different light. The man behind the mesmerising Enagua – a 100 ft tower wrapped in layers of plastic chainmail that ripples in the wind like water – located at Playa Vista Los Angeles, he cites Singapore as one of his favourite cities he has worked in due to the intriguing cultural mix, urban planning and architecture. When did you first realise you were drawn to turbulence and the beauty of invisible forces…

A stay at the Amanjena, Marrakech can now include a private Organic Herb Garden Tour Experience, Morocco’s first biological herb farm at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Discover 50 species of aromatic and medicinal plants that are cultivated and used to produce the resort’s exclusive line of organic bathroom products. The visit includes a tour of the distillery and the resort’s aromatic organic garden by the owner and chief gardener and concludes with an organic lunch prepared by the farm owners. For more information and for tour price, please call +212 524 399 000 or email amanjena@aman.com What’s to love about newly revamped The S bar by Senso Ristorante & Bar? For starters, the 30-seater Club Street bar charms with its ostrich upholstered walls, antique black mirrors and plush…

As the oldest and most esteemed literature festival in England, the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival gathers renowned writers, critics, historians, actors, playwrights and thinkers in the historic town of Cheltenham to celebrate the written word. This year, legendary chef Pierre Koffman and one of Britain’s most influential interior designers, Kelly Hoppen, MBE, will be part of the 600-strong lineup. Having recently launched new books, the two personalities will personally host events at The Lucky Onion’s properties. Koffman, who set the bar for French cuisine in Britain in the early 1970s working at Le Gavroche, is the ex-head chef at The Waterside Inn in Bray, where he was integral to the restaurant’s clinching of its two Michelin stars. He’ll be cooking a three-course lunch and supper on 7…

While growing up in Sweden, Carl Ishizaki’s Japanese father, the main cook at home, made sure to acquaint his son with the cuisine of his heritage. What and how they ate and why they ate that way defined who they are. The 43-year-old shares: “When my dad arrived in the country in the early 70s, he worked at a lunch restaurant where he learnt how to cook husmanskost (traditional, home-cooked Swedish cuisine). So at home, we ate a mix of both Japanese and local Swedish dishes, but with an emphasis on the former.” “My dad has very set ideas about ratios and textures. That’s probably why he made such a mean gyoza and such light and crispy tempura,” Ishizaki recalls. “When he first moved here, he had to substitute Japanese…

As the global leading producer and purveyor of green tea beverages, ITO EN Ltd is known for its innovative spirit, which forms the backbone of the company’s culture and business practices. Lauded for its continuous and inventive initiatives to produce healthy and sustainable products for its consumers, ITO EN was recently ranked No.18 on the coveted list of FORTUNE Magazine’s “50 Companies That Are Changing The World 2016”, thanks to its Tea Producing Development Project. Using pure Japanese-grown green tea leaves that are safe and natural, ITO EN launched the project in 2001, where sustainable procurement practices and technology turned 400,000 hectares of abandoned Japanese farmlands and its unemployed workers into nuturing lush tea grounds and a new generation of tea farmers. To minimise production waste and greenhouse gas emissions,…

Ceviche is rarely eaten after dark in Peru. They’re enjoyed early in the day because the catch is no longer fresh by late afternoon. Our masterclass on ceviche is held just hours after head chef Jacq Lim at Tiger’s Milk, a rooftop bar in The Club Hotel, has hauled in her supply of fresh salmon, tuna and sea bass. That the restaurant is named after leche de tigre, the marinade that forms the backbone of Peru’s most famous dish of ceviche, is no coincidence. It specialises in the country’s cuisine of anticuchos, pisco sours and, of course, the iconic raw fish dish. Peruvian chefs have their unique individual methods for making the perfect tiger’s milk in the same way Peranakan matriarchs have their own renditions of rempah – each believes…

The mere mention of Bali evokes idyllic images of a lush tropical paradise, beachside yoga sessions, gorgeous sunsets, and tantalising cocktails. It’s no wonder then that Bali is lovingly called the ‘Island of the Gods’, with its pristine white beaches, balmy ocean breezes, azure blue skies and an endless array of entertainment options. Rich in cultural history, spiritual remedies and treatments, and buzzing with the trendiest clubs, bars and restaurants, Bali is home to some of the most sophisticated and spectacular resorts in the region, where no stone is left unturned when it comes to pampering and pure indulgence. So how do you choose where to stay from the plethora of alluring options available? We bring you some of the best addresses on the island, where traditional architecture seamlessly blends…

After undergoing extensive renovations, the iconic Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay unveils its latest Premier Villas, as it takes the authentic Balinese resort experience to greater heights than ever before. Staying true to its original Balinese Village concept, the 147 villa and nine residence luxury beach resort has enriched the villas’ existing graceful Balinese aesthetic by creating spacious accommodations that maximize ocean views. In addition to the new one and two bedroom villas, four other new villa categories have been added to menu of choice accommodations available, making this luxurious getaway destination the select destination for sybarites seeking the ultimate retreat. The latest categories comprise of the Garden Villas, Jimbaran Bay Villas, Deluxe Villas, Premier Ocean Villas and Family Premier Villas. With its new plush interiors and landscaping, the 320 sqm…

Your vacation in Bali isn’t complete until you’ve stayed in a luxury resort like Kamandalu Ubud. The retreat is designed in the style of a classic Balinese village; it is surrounded by terraced rice paddies and overlooks a tropical valley in the hills of Ubud. There are dining options like Petulu Restaurant and Aira Cafe as well as enhanced facilities such as multiple pools including an Infinity Pool, Chaya Spa and a spectacular Rumah Yoga. The property features a selection of six different types of rooms among the 56 newly refurbished villas. For views of the greenery or waters, stay in the Ubud Chalet which comes with a king-sized bed or twin beds, an indoor sunken bath and outdoor shower. Some of these rooms overlook the terraced rice paddies while…

Banyan Tree Ungasan has been rooted in Bali long before other luxury resorts followed in its wake. As pioneers of the tropical garden setting concept, Banyan Tree is infallible in the hospitality department. Its Ungasan property features 73 spacious pool villas, each framed within their own lush landscaped gardens and equipped with an outdoor jet pool, outdoor shower, marble bathroom and Balinese bale (outdoor pavilion). The highlight, however, is your own private infinity pool, which ranges from 10-12 metres in length, arguably the most expansive in Bali. The sea-facing villas offer views into the magnificent ocean blue with interiors that are a seamless blend of island tradition and modern living. What Banyan Tree excels in most, is its seamless symbiosis of old and new. Carefully selected furnishings fuse contemporary design…

Strategically located at the top of a cliff in Nusa Dua – a hotbed of exciting activities and diverse attractions – Samabe Bali Suites & Villa is the place for travellers seeking a serene respite while still having creature comforts at their fingertips. Newlyweds can expect an intimate stay at the minimalistic Ocean Front Honeymoon Pool Suite. Featuring a spacious glasssurround bathroom, enjoy a romantic soak in the tub as you look out into an undistributed seascape of the Indian Ocean where the sea seamlessly blends into the sky. The pool is warmly heated between 27 and 31 degrees Celsius, allowing you to have a comfortable night swim under the moonlight. Stargazing is also taken to the next level as the room comes equipped with a telescope. Work together with…

An all-suite hotel, Double-Six Luxury Hotel, Seminyak is the discerning traveller’s accommodation of choice. The experience begins when guests are greeted by a smartly attired team at the lobby. The In-suite Check-in follows and a Butler Service is immediately assigned and available round-the-clock, catering to every whim. Double-Six’s design undoubtedly exudes beachside bliss. Pick from Deluxe suites that provide a peerless view of the ocean on the upper floors, or the Premium Suites situated on the ground floor that come with access to the 120-metre pool. Suites start from 80 sq m and carry Hermès toiletries, a mini bar, TWG Tea and capsule coffee. For those raring to go, there’s the Double Six Beach Spot (butlerserviced and only for in-house guests) and a 120-metre swimming pool. Also offering the purity…

At Suarga Padang Padang, sustainability takes centre stage. The entire resort is predominately constructed using consciously sourced and repurposed wood from abandoned pontoons, factories and bridges in Borneo, Kalimantan and East Java. Designed to be self-sufficient, the 36-room boutique resort is fitted with solar panels and while the gardens are irrigated with collected rainwater. Applied architectural knowledge stimulates a natural breeze and preserves the surrounding indigenous flora and fauna. Perched on a cliff-edge supporting a 180-degree view of Padang Padang, a soft white-sand beach with world-renowned surf, the resort is a well-secluded haven like no other. Relish the balmy sea breeze and uninterrupted sunset view when you dine at the Dugong Lounge & Bar. Over here, communal dining is encouraged with delicious bites to the likes of Hamachi Ceviche and…

When exploring the northern realms of Japan’s main Honshu Island, tourists tend to make a beeline for Aomori city, Aomori Prefecture’s modern metropolis. If you want a more laid-back experience, head instead to my hometown of Hachinohe. The city has a population of just 200,000 and is located on the southeastern grass-covered flatlands of the prefecture. Towards the west lies the majestic Hakkoda mountain range and gleaming Lake Towada. As a port town, the city prospers mainly due to its fishing industry. Fishermen net their catch from the seas off southeastern Hokkaido. THE FRESHEST CATCH In the middle of town, look for Hasshoku Center, also known as Hachinohe Fish Market, which is frequented by both locals and visitors. Within, you’ll find all manner of seafood, from mackerel to octopus, meats,…