A host of high-profile golfers have come together to help raise nearly 2.5 million Baht at a charity auction in aid of the flood relief efforts in Thailand.

The Thai public and people throughout Asia in general are still attempting to come to terms with the country’s worst floods for 50 years and the clean-up operation is under way. Considering luxury golf breaks contribute to the Thailand tourism industry, it is entirely fitting that some of the stars of the sport did what they could to drum up some much-needed money to help the flood victims and raise awareness that more needs to be done.

Images from BillGoff.com

The likes of Darren Clarke, John Daly, Sergio Garcia, Charl Schwartzel and Lee Westwood all took time out from their preparations for the season-ending Thailand Golf Championship to attend the charity event and evening was a great success.

Ryo Ishikawa, one of the most promising young players in the sport, also attended and the recent events in Thailand are particular emotive for the 20-year-old. The youngster reacted to the earthquake and tsunami that struck his native Japan back in March by pledging all his earnings for the rest of 2011 to the relief efforts.

And Ishikawa was only too happy to lend his support to do what he can to generate money for the on-going charity efforts in Thailand. He said: “We had the same problem in Japan with the earthquake and tsunami and I was really touched with the help we got. “In return, I’m proud to be a part of this effort to help in Thailand. All the players feel the same and I hope the country recovers soon.”

Old School Beauty – A Charming Themed Resort with Nostalgic Tints

Inside Lembang’s lush surroundings lies Jadul Village, a unique villa and spa concept offering you luxurious accommodations amidst an atmosphere of rich heritage. Located approximately 30 minutes away from Bandung, Jadul Villa boast 21 tastefully designed villas fully outfitted with five-star amenities. Guests are able to take advantage of the nearby spa, which offers exquisite facilities. The Jadul Spa’s signature treatments are based on aromatherapy, a fusion of techniques from East and West designed to refresh and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. Each spa is designed to fit into its natural surroundings, using indigenous materials that showcase local culture and heritage. There is also the D’Jadul Restaurant, which offers a wide variety of cuisines – from European to Pan-Asian and traditional Indonesian foods.

Jadul Village Resort Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
Jln.Terusan Sersan Bajuri No 45
Bandung – Indonesia
P:022-2785544/2785655
www.jadulvillage.com

A Touch of Zen – Affordable Luxury in Lembang

Deep in the heart of Bandung, the flower city of West Java, lies a natural boutique resort offering guests a peaceful stay at their evergreen area in the valley of Mt Tangkuban Perahu and Mt Burangrang. The Vila Air is an ideal retreat from daily metropolitan life, boasting private chalets with panoramic views of Mt Tangkuban Perahu. Each villa comes with three bedrooms, private balconies and terraces, a water-heated bathroom, and a cozy traditional living room. Vila Air also offers several activities which guests can take advantage of. If you enjoy nature, try Tea Walk, which takes you through nearby tea plantations. You can also visit the Strawberry Plantation, where you will have the chance to learn more about these sweet fruits and pluck your own fresh strawberries to bring home. Other than that, you can also embark on various tours such as a Bandung Shopping Tour, Lembang Tour and even a Horse Riding Tour.

Vila Air Bandung
Jl Kolonel Masturi KM 9
Cisarua, Lembang
+62 22 7070 2668
info@vilaair.com
www.vilaair.com

The urban lifestyle of Jakartans continues to evolve, and now, a mall or a shopping center is no longer just a place to buy your everyday needs. But instead, it is now a center of life and activity, a meeting point to gather and socialize, as well as for young executives in between their busy schedules and a place for family recreation.

This is also true for the business lifestyle which differed very much compared to 5 to 10 years ago where formality, monotone and strict dress-codes are the order of the day. The modern business lifestyle is practical, dynamic, semi-formal and most importantly – mobile. Business can be done from wherever you want to, be it from the office, mall, cafe, restaurant, and others. This is true as well when looking for a place to stay, the trend gravitates toward emphasizing a homey atmosphere that is located near a business center.

It is to meet these evolving demands of the modern and future generation that longs for a life that is more practical and dynamic that Agung Podomoro Land undertakes the development project of super-block Kuningan City, which integrates the needs of a worker and businessman with the recreational activities and relaxation that are available to stay true to its tagline – Work, Rest and Play.

Kuningan City was built above a 2,9 hectare landmass, with a total built-up of 384,000 m2, boasting a parking space that can accommodate up to 3,000 cars. The property is divided into six floors of retail, 39 floors of residential towers, as well as 32 floors of The Oval Premium Office Tower which will be known as the AXA Tower in future.

The super-block development boasts an unparalleled portfolio with award winning DP Architects Pte Ltd from Singapore as the main Concept Architecture Consultant. They are the same brains behind various iconic architectures such as the Esplanade, the Singapore Flyer, Paragon and Dubai Mall.

For special lighting, First Concept Technologies by Chris Tju takes over the helm, while the Bennitt Design Group from USA is in charge of the Landscaping. The Kuningan City super-block will soon be a part of the business and commercial hub of International Shopping Belt Jakarta.
Various outlets such as Lotte Mart, Best Denki, Cinema XXI, PT Mitra Adi Perkasa, Trans Mahagaya, Flame Karaoke, Lollipop Playland, Eatery, Amazing Zone, Metrox Group and various other brands have signed up to ensure that the Kuningan City shopping center will be a lifestyle and entertainment destination for modern urbanites.

An immersive annual showcase and dialogue for art and film is set to take place at the Six Senses Yao Noi, Beyond Phuket from December 16 to 20, 2011. Film on the Rocks will be a 4 days and 3 nights of film showcase, local activities and conversation. Dictated by nature, the screenings will be informed by the tides, the activities will embrace Yao Noi and her neighbouring islands, whilst conversation will stem from interaction with locals. Tilda Swinton, Cultural Activist and Producer and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Filmmaker and Winner of the 2010 Palme d’Or will curate the inaugural Film on the Rocks. Ms. Swinton and Mr. Weerasethakul will present film titles to be screened on the rocks of Phang Nga Bay, under the stars. This year, emerging filmmakers will be chosen by Mr. Weerasethakul and their works will be premiered at Film on the Rocks.

The premiere event, Film on the Rocks will be 4 days and 3 nights of film showcase, local activities and conversation. Fully dictated by nature, the screenings will depend on the tides, and the wide array of activities all aims to embrace Yao Noi and her neighbouring islands. Local activities, debates and conversations will take place with the participation of Waris Ahluwalia, Jefferson Hack, Andre Saraiva, Olympia Le Tan and other personalities together with local villagers and the sea gypsies of Yao Noi. In addition, Film on the Rocks will be hosting residencies each year at Six Senses Yao Noi. This year, the emerging filmmakers will be chosen by Mr. Weerasethakul and their works will be premiered at Film on the Rocks.

The event aspires to be an alternative platform upon to showcase views where different worlds converge, to start a dialogue with not only each other, but also the environment and the world. It proposes to do so by bringing luminaries together to Yao Noi, an island detached from common big city concerns to reflect upon the notion of shared experiences. This will be the first event of its kind taking place at Six Senses Yao Noi. Yao Noi sits at the centre of some of the most magical locations and iconic sites in cinema history. Film on the Rocks aims to be a source of creativity and not just a backdrop to these moments. Six Senses has pioneered the idea of intelligent luxury and environmentally sustainable eco-tourism. It also continues to support cultural exchanges on its properties worldwide.

The AYANA Resort and Spa Bali is proud to announce the appointment of Jusman So as Chef de Cuisine at Dava, the signature fine dining venue at AYANA Resort and Spa Bali. Jusman is founder-chef of Singapore’s much-awarded Sage restaurant, and was the winner of Singapore’s Best Rising Chef (WGS 2008). He will be introducing a new menu highlighting his signature style, which combines a blend of classic European techniques with the highest quality imports and local ingredients paired with modern presentation. The results are visually stunning dishes which will delight all the senses. Jusman’s arrival at Dava follows six years at Sage, a fine dining restaurant which he founded in 2005. The restaurant has won a slew of awards, such as Best New Restaurant at WGS 2008, one of Singapore’s Best Restaurant by Singapore Tatler, as well as being named on the prestigious Miele List.

The DAVA Restaurant at AYANA Resort and Spa Bali has welcomed a new Chef de Cuisine, Mr Jusman So. Jusman is the founder-chef of Singapore’s much-awarded Sage Restaurant, and he will bring along his signature style to DAVA. The new menu will blend classic European technique, high quality imported materials and local ingredients. All this will be paired with a modern presentation that is sure to delight. Jusman boast a long list of experience – six years at Sage, a restaurant he founded in 2005 to critical acclaim, prior to which he worked at the Hilton Hotel Singapore.

The well-traveled chef is a passionate surfer, and will be relishing the prospect of squaring up against the waves in the Island of the Gods. He also pointed to the freedom of creativity and the chance to provide a unique dining experience to guests of DAVA as his reasons for coming over. The new menu at DAVA will feature one of his all-time favorite foie gras creations, sauteed and served on raisin corn bread with a combination of beetroot capellini, dried orange and topped with black grape emulsion.

Photo credit - Singapore Tourism Board

The urban jungle of Singapore is a brewing pot of creativity and unique shopping concepts that are hard to find anywhere else in the SE Asia region. No wonder tourists list shopping as one of the top things to do in Singapore! From high-end luxury brands to chevap knock-offs, the little red dot has it all. This time, we focus our lens on Singapore’s custom-made movement and some uniquely Singaporean products.

1. LOVE SG. This local brand represents a new approach to local souvenirs and gifts. Through designs which appeal not just to tourists but locals as well, the brand incorporates a quirky part of Singapore into each product, blending local flavors with international appeal. Instead of cheap low-quality souvenirs, go to their stockists at the Esplanade Shop as well as Trolley (88 Club Street) to hunt for great-looking products with a unique Singapore-centric twists. Their design motto says it all : fun, inspiring and slightly surprising. (www.lovesg.sg)

2. CYC The Custom Shop. Established in 1935, CYC The Custom Shop is a Singapore institution with their flagship store located at Raffles Hotel Arcade. Established by founder Chiang Yick Ching, a humble tailor from Shanghai, the fastidious workmanship, quality control and fine attention to detail have become a trademark of the CYC Brand. Through the years, CYC has built a solid reputation as Singapore’s finest shirt maker, famed for creating comfortable shirts that fit perfectly as well as being known for quality workmanship and outstanding service. For best results call ahead to schedule an appointment with their Master Tailor before heading down to the store.
(www.cyccustomshop.com)

3. Mother and Child Project. This is a social enterprise run by the Singapore Anglican Community Service, the first non-profit social enterprise of Get Singapore. The enterprise helps train women to sew and to create a range of products for Mother and Child Project. This allows the women to become economically self-sufficient, as well as work from home and independently. Each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind, so you can wear them with pride.
(www.motherandchildproject.com)

4. BagAge. This unique boutique located on the 3rd floor of Far East Plaza is the realization of two friends who believe in individuality and appreciate a bag for its design and not it’s label. The boutique allows its customers the ability to personalize clutches and handbags. Customers can choose from various ornaments to be paired with a bag of their color and style choice. The result is a one-of-a-kind custom bag that will exude your personality and individualism. (www.bag-age.com)

5. Ministry of Press. The Ministry of Press is a collective of international t-shirt designers who believe in creating the best designer t-shirts through creative collaboration and stringent designer quality control. Customers can select a fresh, original and limited design to create a t-shirt of your size and color choice from a wide variety of American Apparel styles. Each designs are limited to 100 worldwide, making each t-shirt truly unique. (www.ministryofpress.com)

The Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a hotel with a colorful past. The five-star hotel boasts more than 37 years of history and experience that dates back to 1974, when it opened its doors with 439 guest rooms. Today, the hotel has blossomed into one of Jakarta’s most reputable hotels with more than 670 units consisting of several room categories including superior rooms, deluxe rooms, deluxe suites, executive suites and presidential suites.

Hotel facilities include 26 meeting rooms that can be used for small and large scale events, a swimming pool, fitness center and spa, Internet services, a business center, barbershop and beauty salon, drug store, money changer, travel agent, wedding consultant, daily laundry and dry cleaning service, 24-hour room service and round-the-clock in-house doctors.

To better meet the needs of guests, the hotel also boasts 4 different restaurants, a cake and pastries shop, as well as a bar and lounge, all of which maintains a unique sense of cuisine and service offerings to complement the luxurious turn-down service.

The Bengawan Solo Restaurant, founded in 1991, provides original flavors of Indonesian cuisine from each region of the archipelago. Andrawina Restaurant, located in the hotel lobby, is open 24 hours a day, serving a buffet of a wide variety of cuisines, from Indonesian to Chinese and Western dishes.

There is also the Sahid Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant, which offers more than 80 types of seafood imported from various countries, as well as the Bushido Japanese Restaurant. All in all, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice when staying at this prestigious hotel.

A new option is now available at Marina Bay Sands, with Sky on 57 launching its Outdoor Terrace which allows guests to enjoy post-dinner drinks or late night snacks with the accompaniment of chill-out music and some of the most stunning spectacular night views in Singapore.

From 3pm daily, guests can lounge at the bar area at the entrance of Sky on 57 to enjoy inspired bar bites such as Kurobuta Pork and Grilled Oyster Mushroom, as well as specially crafted cocktails and power juices. In the evening, this bar concept extends to the outdoors in the breezy and spacious terrace that wraps around the entire restaurant.

One key feature is the Oyster Bar, which offers a delectable range of fresh oysters, all hand-picked by Chef Justin Quek, who helms the kitchen at Sky on 57. This ensures its premium quality and supreme taste, with the sweetness of fresh oysters complemented by a tinge of creaminess that is seldom found in other types of oysters.

Reservations for Sky on 57 are strongly recommended and can be made by calling +65 6688 8857 or email skyon57@marinabaysands.com. The restaurant is opened from 7:00am till 12:00am daily and offers different menus throughout the day, showcasing the signature creations of Chef Quek. The bar has a minimum spending of S$30 per person.

The iconic Equinox Complex in Singapore is turning 10 this year, and it is celebrating with a bang with the return of the annual Chefs With Altitude from 23 to 30 October 2011. The week-long gourmet festival will feature the best in fine dining, mixology and entertainment. The event will feature the return of the illustrious Chef Bruno Menard to JAAN restaurant, where he will be presenting a special menu and helm an exclusive 9-Course Dom Perignon Vintages Dinner. The event will also ushers in a ground-breaking collaboration with Fifteen restaurant in London – three of their chefs, Dean McClumpha, Andrew Parkinson, Trevor Howard and Robin Soutar will present their signature Fifteen menu and culinary experience for diners and guests.

Paying respect to 10 amazing years, The Equinox Complex is proud to announce “10 TRIBUTES TO 10 FABULOUS YEARS OF THE HIGH LIFE” at this year’s Chefs With Altitude with an array of premium events featuring a stellar list of chefs. Highlighting this event is the return of the famed Chef Bruno Menard to JAAN Restaurant where he will be showcasing his special menu on 24, 25, 26, 28 and 29 October and head a very exclusive 9-Course Dom Perignon Vintages Dinner on 27 October (which will be featuring some of the rarest Dom Perignon Champagnes).

Chefs With Altitude 2011 will also usher in a ground-breaking collaboration with Fifteen restaurant in London. Developed by its inspiring founder and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, several remarkable chefs will present their signature Fifteen menu and culinary experience for diners and guests at Equinox Restaurant from 23 – 30 October. They are – Head Pastry Chef Dean McClumpha, Executive Head Chef Andrew Parkinson, Senior Sous Chef Trevor Howard and Restaurant Manager Robin Soutar.

“We are very honored and privileged to bring the team behind Fifteen restaurant to Singapore through this year’s Chefs With Altitude event. The philosophy and quality behind this magnificent culinary institution created by Jamie Oliver is inspiring, and the caliber of their Italian–inspired culinary creations is equally mesmerizing. We are confident that our diners at the Equinox Restaurant, which will showcase these talents’ specially-created menu, will be in for a truly epicurean experience,” says Mr. Nigel Moore, Director of Food & Beverage Service, Swissôtel The Stamford.

For reservations and enquiries about the event, call +65 6837 3322 or email dining.reservations@swissotel.com.