Celebrity Life

Sweet aromatic herbs and a vibrancy of colored spices are inextricably linked with the Indian subcontinent. But Mumbai has much more to offer than its traditional cuisine. Teeming with top class chefs and award-winning restaurants, this culturally diverse metropolis boasts a wealth of unforgettable fine dining experiences to savor. Scroll through to see Elite Traveler’s... View Article

The post The 5 Best Restaurants in Mumbai appeared first on Elite Traveler.

Bruneblonde, the luxury hair salon in Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, has been making women feel and look fantastic since they opened in 2013. We speak to one of the founders, Roland Boutin, on how to care for your hair during the winter.

The secret to great hair, according to Boutin, is “maintenance, maintenance, maintenance,” as great hair takes care, time and upkeep. “Our vision when opening Bruneblonde was to respect the code of the industry – impeccable quality of service, high standard hygiene practices, and to create and use a product range that is crafted from our own experience and expertise.”

Boutin learned the beauty of the haircare industry form his mother, and she instilled in him the standards of what a truly great salon experience should be. “I also have a great passion for architecture and nature, and I have carried this love into the Bruneblonde environment – I am proud of the unique space we have created,” he says. Sitting on the corner atop the stairs in Grand Hyatt, Bruneblonde has an intimate setting infused with Parisian charm overlooking the Wanchai harbour. “My love for nature has also been translated through the product range we have created as well as the time we spent sourcing the natural ingredients we needed to produce a range that promotes fantastic health for the hair and scalp.”

Named the Bruneblonde Series, this line of haircare uses the finest natural ingredients and essential oils sourced from America, France and Germany to ensure product effectiveness and consistency and then carefully produced in Hong Kong. The series has a total of 12 products that are all made with between 85-99% of natural ingredients in their original attributes. Free from silicon, synthetic fragrance, gluten, phthalates, paraffin, the Bruneblonde series also contain no animal derived ingredients nor are tested on animals. Suitable for men, women and children, the types of ingredients chosen are beneficial for all hair and scalp needs. “We are fortunate in Hong Kong that the winter is mild,” says Boutin. “I would recommend light products that do not weigh the hair down. Our Initial BB Bitter Orange and Petitgrain Shampoo and Leave in hydrator with ylang ylang are both suitable to keep the hair and scalp clean and healthy with the winter climate.”

Having styled a myriad of personalities in Hong Kong such as supermodel Gaile Lai, Boutin says he wants a woman to look in the mirror and feel fantastic by the results they see. During today’s trying times, he suggests leaving chemical services to a professional stylist. “If your colour is growing out, leave it until you feel ready to go to a salon again. Don’t be tempted to attempt your colour at home. The best thing you can do for your hair if you are staying at home is use a good quality shampoo and conditioner and return to the salon for your hair adjustments.” Although it’s been a tough time for all those in the beauty industry, Boutin is full of positivity and optimism as he loves what he does.

Pay him a visit or visit www.bruneblonde.com to make an appointment.

(Hero image by Matt Jacob Photography)

The post Bruneblonde’s Roland Boutin on Keeping Your Hair Healthy appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

By now, your bosses and colleagues have probably seen more of your abode than you would've ever expected to show them.

With many of us working from home these days, meetings held over video conferencing apps the likes of Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become the new normal. Inevitably, this means letting colleagues into our residences — albeit virtually — and having them catch glimpses of it via our backdrop. Depending on where your workspace is located, this view could range from a boring blank wall to windows or cluttered bookshelves.

Your makeshift office may not be the most glamorous, but there are several easy interior design tricks that you can employ to quickly jazz up the background of your Zoom calls.

Textiles and cushions

If your workstation of choice is the couch or bed, all it takes is a few snazzy throw pillows wrapped in eye-catching fabrics and prints to provide visual interest in the space behind you. Consider dressing your cushions in the Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli collection, which is inspired by modern art — specifically works by Henri Matisse, Vasilij Kandinskij and Paul Klee.

It showcases striking colour blocks embellished with embroideries, ikat details and intertwined motifs. These are available in various patterns and shades ranging from pastel to neutral hues. More details here.

Houseplants and greenery

Adding houseplants to your home office will help the space look less spartan and bland. Smaller plants like cacti, succulents and spider plants can be displayed on shelves or tables, while larger ones such as philodendrons, snake plants and ZZ plant (Zanzibar Gem) can be placed on the floor to break the monotony of blank walls.

Online plant retailer Flora Houses offers a wide variety of houseplants that will thrive indoors and are generally low-maintenance. Its range includes Japanese fir, fiddle leaf fig and Bird of Paradise. The store provides free doorstep delivery with a minimum spend.

Artworks and paintings

Perhaps houseplants may seem like too much of a commitment, or you simply don't have green fingers. This is where paintings and art pieces make an easier alternative. You can simply hang a couple of them on the wall that constantly forms your video call backdrop.

An Andy Warhol or Basquiat will certainly impress your co-workers, but your art doesn't necessarily have to be expensive or by big name artists. Consider procuring artworks instead from indie galleries such as Odd One Out, which boasts an array of creations by local and international printmakers and illustrators. We can't take our eyes off the above acrylic painting by Micke Lindebergh, which is titled 'Small Yellow Flower Pot' and features colourful blooms accented by quirky squiggles and bright hues.

Statement ornaments and furniture

Inject a dose of quirk into your meeting setup by peppering your background with assorted decorative items and statement furniture pieces. These can be anything from figurines to colourful tiles and dramatic room dividers.

Our go-to is Lala Curio, which is a whimsical wonderland of objets d'art such as brass monkey sculptures, cloisonné birds, and, one of our favourites — an adorable trio of cranes adorned with rock crystal feathers and perched on crystal balls.

Wallpaper

Why settle for one specially curated work area, when you can turn your whole room into an Instagram-worthy space? Wallpaper is a bold and easy solution — if every wall in your room is clad in beautiful prints, you can essentially park yourself in any corner and still have an envy-inducing Zoom backdrop.

Designer wallpaper has seen a resurgence in recent years, and we're obsessed with Christian Lacroix's exquisite Oiseau Fleur vinyl wallpaper, which depicts vibrant botanical and bird motifs against a silk effect embossed base. It comes in two colourways of pink and grey.

(Main image: Brina Blum/ Unsplash; Featured image: Christian Lacroix)

The post The Top 5 Staycations in Hong Kong’s Most Luxurious Hotels appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Celebrating Christmas would be incomplete without giving. So, guess what we're doing?

We're counting down to the big day with an Advent Calendar filled with 25 days worth of prizes. From incredible staycations at luxury hotels and epic feasts at Michelin-starred restaurants, to more exclusive experiences and gifts. All Prestige readers have the chance to win in our Christmas giveaway collectively valued at over HK$150,000.

A new giveaway will be announced here, and on our Instagram, every day from the 1-25 December 2019. Remember to check this page, and Instagram, for new prizes daily to see if you’ve won.

How to enter:

1. Follow Prestige Hong Kong on Instagram.

2. Like the Instagram post for the prize that you would like to win.

3. To increase your odds of winning tag your friends so they can participate, too.

Terms & Conditions:

1. By entering this Prestige giveaway, you will be bound by these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you satisfy all eligibility requirements.

2. This giveaway is open to Hong Kong residents only and entrants must be over the age of eighteen (18).

3. Entrants must follow our Instagram pages and set their profile to public in order for their entry to be valid.

4. The giveaway prize is live for 24 hours only.

5. Entries will be accepted within these 24 hours. Thereafter the giveaway for that day/prize will close and the winner will be announced.

5. Winners will be contacted and asked to provide their full name and contact details via Instagram within 48 hours.

6. Winners will be instructed on how to claim their prize by by email.

7. Winners must respond to redeem the prize within seven (7) days of the prize announcement, otherwise the prize will be forfeited.

8. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash, credit and are non-transferrable to third parties.

9. Prestige reserves the right to cancel, re-draw or otherwise modify this giveaway at any time with immediate effect and without giving prior notice.

10. Photos are for reference only.

The post Prestige’s Christmas Giveaway: Advent Calendar 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Chicago is certainly a city on the move. In the space of a generation, it has transformed its fortunes and now stands as a focal point for leisure and culture. Now, the vibrant city boasts one of the finest selections of accommodations in the US. Whether a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond... View Article

The post The 10 Best Hotels and Suites in Chicago appeared first on Elite Traveler.

George Clooney is calling for a boycott of the Sultan of Brunei's hotels following harsh anti-homosexuality laws, he's continuing 2014's #StopTheSultan. Will it work?

The post George Clooney is Boycotting the Sultan of Brunei’s Hotels appeared first on LUXUO.

A new slew of meat substitutes are entering the market, with each new one coming ever closer to the texture and flavour of actual meat.

The post Are plant-based meats just a fad or paving the way for the future? appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

A new slew of meat substitutes are entering the market, with each new one coming ever closer to the texture and flavour of actual meat.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

Hi there, notice anything different about us? For months now, we've been working tirelessly behind the scenes -- and behind our screens! -- to give Prestige Online a head-to-toe makeover. Now that we've unveiled our new look -- featuring a refreshed layout and more dynamic visuals -- we'd like to celebrate by giving you, our valued readers, a full week of exclusive, luxurious giveaways.

From 6–12 March, we'll be giving away seven amazing prizes that are collectively valued at more than HK$80,000. One lucky winner will be selected each day and will be announced 24 hours after each giveaway prize is posted. We'll reveal one prize per day -- so check back daily to see what you could win!

Here’s how to win:

1. Follow Prestige Hong Kong on Facebook.
2. Subscribe to Prestige Online's weekly newsletters in the form below.

St. Regis Hong Kong

The prize: Two night weekend stay with afternoon tea, welcome drinks, and butler service (valued at HK$20,000)

[caption id="attachment_133249" align="alignnone" width="3000"] Suite, St. Regis[/caption]

Set to open in April 2019, The St. Regis Hong Kong is one of the city’s most anticipated hotel openings of the year. So you’ll be one of the first guests in the world with this prize — the Rituals Suite Experience. Stay at the luxurious hotel for 2 nights and enjoy a whole host of activities including afternoon tea, welcome drinks and champagne. Not to mention their signature butler service so you can be looked after at any time of the day during your stay.

The Murray

The prize: One night stay at the Signature Suite and continental breakfast for two (valued at HK$8,800)

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Located in the iconic architectural Murray Building, The Murray reopened last year as a luxury landmark hotel in the heart of the city. And now you can win the chance to stay there in their Signature Suite, a contemporary and chic room furnished with a large bed, marble-floored bathroom and seamless technology. Followed by an intimate breakfast for just the two of you.

Arcane 

The prize: Dinner and wine pairing for two (valued at $4,000)

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If you haven’t been living under a rock and watched popular Netflix show ‘The Final Table’ then you’ll already be well acquainted with Michelin-starred restaurant Arcane and multi-award-winning Chef Shane Osborn. Serving modern European cuisine, the restaurant offers exceptional dishes led by the seasons. The lucky winner and a guest will dine on a special tasting menu, paired with some great wines.

Mandarin Oriental 

The prize: Two night weekend stay at the Harbour View Roomwith breakfast for two, and dinner for two at Mandarin Grill + Bar (valued at HK$21,000)

[caption id="attachment_132639" align="alignnone" width="1100"] Harbour View Room, Mandarin Oriental[/caption]

As big fans of this luxurious hotel, we thought what better way to celebrate the Prestige Online relaunch than with a stay at the flagship. The winner can indulge in the five-star room and enjoy world-class facilities and amenities. But what’s more is the prize includes not only breakfast for two but also dinner for two at Michelin-starred restaurant Mandarin Grill + Bar — where only the finest ingredients have been used for classic grill dishes with a contemporary touch.

Arbor 

The prize: A Seasonal Tasting Dinner with wine pairing for two (valued at HK$4,550)

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If you enjoy innovative French cuisine, then you’ll want to win this special tasting meal at Michelin-starred restaurant Arbor. Created and crafted by Chef de Cuisine Eric Räty, the 6-course tasting menu will reflect the changing seasons and best produce that comes with it. Bringing together French techniques and premium ingredients from Japan, this dinner will be an evening to remember.

Grand Hyatt

The prize: A spa experience and afternoon tea for two (valued at HK$2,200)

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Treat yourself and a friend to spa and afternoon tea at the Grand Hyatt and you’ll get brownie points for sure. Start with a 60-minute massageat the award-winning spa Plateau along with a 30-minute radiance facial treatment, and finish the day with an indulgent afternoon tea set at Tiffin. The winner will also receive a spa day-pass to the enjoy the pool, fitness studio and sauna.

The Upper House

The prize: A one-night weekend stay in an Upper Suite and breakfast for two at Café Gray Deluxe (valued at HK$20,000).

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For our first prize, we want you to rise high above Hong Kong and enjoy the view from a spacious, 1,230-square-foot Upper Suite at The Upper House. Relax in luxury with a drink in hand (compliments of the mini bar) and admire the stunning harbour views from your living room, bed or limestone bathtub before waking up to a blissful breakfast for two at the hotel’s European contemporary restaurant, Café Gray Deluxe.

Terms & Conditions:

1. By entering this Prestige Online giveaway, you will be bound by these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you satisfy all eligibility requirements.
2. This contest is open to Hong Kong residents only, and entrants must be over the age of 18 [eighteen].
3. Entrants must subscribe to Prestige Online and follow our Facebook page for their entry to be valid. They must therefore maintain a public profile setting at all relevant times.
4. Every email entry will be entered in for the daily prize for the entire giveaway period.
5. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash, credit and are non-transferrable to third parties.
6. Prestige Online reserves the right to cancel, re-draw or otherwise modify this giveaway at any time with immediate effect and without giving prior notice.
7. Entrants are limited to one giveaway prize per person each calendar year.
8. Winners will be contacted for prize redemption. Winners must respond within 24 hours of announcement, otherwise prize will be forfeited.
9. Photos are for reference only.

The post Celebrate the New Prestige Online with 7 Days of Luxurious Giveaways appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Here are five reasons why you absolutely need to stay at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Words by Calvin Chong

The post Review: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong appeared first on LUXUO.

Get your meat-free fix at Wolf Burgers, Mezza9, and Oasis.

The post These plant-based burger patties taste just like meat appeared first on The Peak Magazine.