Celebrity Life

Hey guys, I’m super excited to be a guest on this blog after so many years of absorbing all the wonderful content Gracie has graciously put out for us, her die-hard fans. This month across the major cities is fashion week again and the designers are all in full marketing swing promoting sustainable fashion. How […]

The post Sustainable Fashion – What Brands Are Leading The Way appeared first on Gracie Opulanza.

The historic Raffles Hotel Singapore has truly evolved from being a symbol of the country's colonial past, into a modern-day icon of fine hospitality.

The post Review: Revamped Raffles Hotel is Old World Elegance Meets Modern Reverie appeared first on LUXUO.

If you could drop work and disconnect all your devices in order to reconnect with nature or a loved one, would you? Assuming your answer to that is, "Yes, I would love to spend 24 hours confined inside a luxury tent in Bali!", then Capella Hotels & Resorts might have the solution for you. However, if letting go of your phone isn't really your bag -- don't worry, I'm right there with you -- but culture is, then the luxury hospitality group has a range of activities from their new immersive cultural program, Capella Curates,  for you to choose from.

[caption id="attachment_163638" align="alignnone" width="1181"] Confined to Quarters at Capella Ubud[/caption]

The new activities engage local experts from each of Capella's eight locations, and they're designed to enrich your travel experience. After all, experiential travel is the new luxury travel. Intrigued to give these experiences a go myself, I headed to their Singapore and Bali properties. I have visited both destinations before, but never like this. Here's how it went down.

Capella Singapore

Many of us have been to the Lion City numerous times, strolled along the Marina Bay waterfront, shopped until we dropped at Orchard Road, and maybe even frequented their many hawker centres for authentic Singaporean cuisine. But at Capella, we explored the city in a way that spotlights new adventures and uncovers the city's hidden gems.

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But first, let me set the scene: Located on Sentosa Island, Capella Singapore is the group's flagship property in Asia which makes use of two gorgeously restored colonial bungalows dating back to the 1880s, along with landscaped gardens and sweeping views of the South China Sea to impress its guests. It's a lush hotel fitted with 112 rooms, suites, villas and manors with modern Asian touches across the board. It also happens to be one of the most dog-friendly hotels I've ever visited, which makes it a hit with many resident Singaporeans looking for a luxury staycation.

After warm greetings and an ice-cool towel while I checked in, I'm given a golf buggy lift to my spacious private plunge-pooled villa. It's relaxing, so much so that I began to zone out while staring at the flourishing greenery. That was until a certain feathered visitor decided to stop by and gave me a sight I never thought I would see in Singapore: Roaming the island freely, peacocks can be seen at the hotel gracefully parading the grounds regularly.

[caption id="attachment_163639" align="alignnone" width="1520"] A tour of the city on vintage Vespa sidecars; image courtesy of Singapore Sidecars[/caption]

Meanwhile, the food is just as lush. With lots of fresh fruits and variety for breakfast, The Knolls also offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu for lunch overlooking the cascading pools. Cassia, the Chinese restaurant, looks incredibly familiar thanks to interiors designed by acclaimed Hong Kong designer André Fu; it offers contemporary takes on traditional Chinese cuisine. The Chef's Table is great fun too, with a bespoke-style service that gives guests a chance to get stuck in and help prepare dishes for dinner.

As for the exclusive activities, one took us for a spin in a sidecar around Singapore to learn about the foundations of feng shui that the modern cityscape of Singapore was built on. And by sidecar, I mean the one-wheeled seat attached to the side of a vintage Vespa. Chinese metaphysics aside, it really does give you a new perspective of the city as you zip around from Marina Bay and the Singapore Flyer to the ArtScience Museum, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and more. Another experience had us walking through the Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a passionate guide that took us through the history and heritage, providing fun facts about the 160-year-old tropical flora and fauna.

Capella Ubud

Over to the uplands of Bali and we're suddenly in rainforest territory. When they told me I'd be staying in one of their tents in the forest, I had visions of rustic camping and the great outdoors in mind. Fortunately, no holes needed to be dug. Instead, Capella Ubud is a luxury retreat hidden in the cool valley of Keliki. It's built in and around the rainforest, with not one tree cut or removed in the process, and is a unique experience in itself. Look up and you'll see stars so clearly and in such abundance that it seems like an illusion. Look around and you'll see Bali's untouched natural surroundings with the refined tented rooftops, or maybe I should say lodges, popping up through the trees.

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There are a total of 23 tented suites dotted around, separated by stairs and footbridges and all with private pools, at Capella Ubud. Each is individually designed and themed by none other than Bangkok-based luxury hotel designer Bill Bensley, who was inspired by the Dutch settlers from the 1800s for this project. His designs show off interiors filled with European glamour blended with touches of Balinese life and all the eclectic flair that he is known and loved for: Think dark woods, rattan walls, soft drapes, a whimsical mix of colours and furnishings, along with a copper bathtub, indoor and outdoor shower. My only issue with this impressive 'tent' was the throne-like toilet that really was just not for me. But if you're feeling a little Game of (Toilet) Thrones, then off you go.

Dining doesn't disappoint either, with sustainably-farmed and fresh produce offered at Mads Lange in the form of healthy yoghurt bowls, avocado toasts as well as classic Indonesian nasi campur. There's also authentic Asian barbecue at Api Jiwa, which blends the traditions of Asia and the finesse of western dining with smoke. Our meal here was centred on seafood and produced some stunning dishes with takes on beef rendang sprinkled with coconut snow stealing the show. This was followed by some marshmallow roasting by the campfire -- nostalgia at its best.

[caption id="attachment_163637" align="alignnone" width="1540"] Balinese dance class is combined with yoga moves[/caption]

At Capella Ubud, more active experiences awaited and it didn't take too long for us to meet with our Capella Culturist (local expert) to discuss the bespoke activities ahead. For us, a cycling tour around the local area and through rice paddies geared us up for a dance class, which combined both Balinese dance and yoga to really burn some calories. This all lead up to the climbing of Mount Batur, which is an active volcano no less, to witness the sunrise. It's no easy feat with its call time of 3am and steep 1,717-metre incline on slippery volcanic powder and rock, but thanks to our expert guides that literally pushed and pulled us up, we made it to the summit. And if the magnificent view wasn't enough, a splendid little picnic spread had been laid out for us to enjoy. So there I was, with hot coffee and croissant in hand, in awe of the rising sun. Then it occurred to me that had I not stayed at Capella, I never would have experienced the destinations this way, walked away with this particular memory, or have this story to tell you all.

[caption id="attachment_163623" align="alignnone" width="5102"] Sunrise at Mount Batur[/caption]

The post Capella’s New Enriched Travel Experiences Tell the Cultural Story of Amazing Destinations appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Located 800m away from the shore, the property offers guests a chance to get away from it all.

The post Banyan Tree Bintan’s new kelong villa offers solitude in the ocean appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Located 800m away from the shore, the property offers guests a chance to get away from it all.

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

Looking for a unique luxury travel experience? Discover the most luxurious train rides in the world and start planning your next trip!

Once very popular, back when rail travel was considered the most elegant way to travel, luxury trains are reemerging as a popular travel experience.  Newly and redone trains will take you back to old times when people used to cross entire continents in sophisticated trains.

Continue reading The Most Luxurious Train Rides In The World at Luxxu Blog.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House places guests right on the edge of the country's Volcanoes National Park.

The post Observe gorillas in their natural habitat at Rwanda’s latest luxury eco-resort appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House places guests right on the edge of the country's Volcanoes National Park.

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

Finding a luxury vacation spot doesn’t mean that you have to travel out of the country. Some of the most beautiful and high-class destinations are right in your own backyard. Look no further than the incredible Jersey Shore if you want to find a spot that fulfills all of your opulent vacation desires. You can enjoy the stunning beaches, small…

The post Finding The Perfect Luxury Getaway On The Jersey Shore appeared first on The Luxe Insider.

Luxury Airbnbs are whole other level when it comes to accommodations! Who wouldn’t want to spend a week in a castle or a private island? Now you can!

Airbnb was founded on the basis of having your own home when traveling abroad. The company has been growing in the last few years and is finally looking at the luxury travel industry, offering everyone the chance to stay in a castle or private island.

Continue reading The Most Amazing Luxury Airbnbs You Can Rent at Luxxu Blog.

At 15 hours and 30 minutes in duration and nearly 13,000 kilometres in distance, the flight from Hong Kong to Newark (one of three airports servicing New York City) isn't for the faint of heart. Coming third on the list of longest flights departing from Hong Kong -- behind Washington, D.C. and Dallas -- this is a seriously long-haul flight, which calls for the ultimate in in-flight comforts. So for our latest visit to the Big Apple, we documented our business class experience with United Airlines to give New York-bound travellers the details they ought to know before booking their next flight to the other side of the world.

Airline: United Airlines

Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Class: Business

Checked Baggage Allowance: 2 pieces at 32kg each

Flight Duration: 15 hours, 30 minutes

Route: Hong Kong (HKG) to Newark (EWR)

Mileage Program: Star Alliance

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Check-in: 10/10

Checking in for a flight has never been as convenient as it is now thanks to technology. The online check-in system is literally at your fingertips and and can be accessed via the United website or app. At Hong Kong International Airport, the United Airlines counter is located in aisle G, where you can conveniently drop off your checked luggage and pick up your Polaris Lounge pass.

Lounge: 10/10

Having visited the United Club and Polaris Lounge, it's safe to say that the lounge in Newark is one of the best lounges you'll come across in any airport in the world. There, you can freshen up in the spacious shower suite while your clothes are steamed by professional valets. Afterward, head over to the bar overlooking sweeping views of Newark and enjoy full bar service, with professional mixologists stirring up an extensive cocktail list to take the edge off the upcoming flight. Make sure to grab a quick nibble either at the international buffet or private dining area before heading to your gate.

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Space & Comfort: 9/10

With four seats per row, every seat has aisle access, making it easy to move in and out of your seat without disturbing anyone, and vice versa. The highlight of the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is that everything has been designed to give business class passengers optimal sleeping conditions, so surprise given that the airline claims to “put the legacy of weary business travellers to bed”. The 180-degree lie-flat seats and mood lighting offer a great sense of privacy in the individual suite-like pods, which allows for some quality shut eye.

Food & Beverage: 7/10

As far as in-flight business class meals go, we know what to expect. The choices available were limited as per usual, and the food itself was probably as good as it will ever get. However, there's a treat for those on board with a sweet tooth. United is known for its extremely over-the-top, made-to-order ice cream sundae. A large scoop (or two) of ice cream is topped with all the bells and whistles you can imagine that come with it: peanuts, sprinkles, gummy bears, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.

Service: 9/10

Upon boarding, we were welcomed by the friendly flight attendants with a menu, pre-flight drink, hot towel and pyjamas to change into. As we eased into our seats, we munched on some snacks before the flight attendant returned to take our orders for the flight. Meals were served in a professional and attentive manner which made the lacklustre food slightly more enjoyable.

Entertainment: 7/10 

The entertainment system on board isn’t exactly something to write home about. The 16-inch high-definition screen is operated by touch, though it would be nice to also have the option of using a remote control as even sitting up and fiddling with the controls is too much effort when you’re all cozied up in your blanket. When it comes to the offering of movies, television shows, music and games, it's comparable to other airlines, especially in terms of variety and audio/visual quality.

Amenities: 9/10

With a good night’s sleep in mind when designing the aircraft, it only makes sense that the best bedding is on offer. We were not disappointed as we tucked ourselves into the lush Saks Fifth Ave custom bed equipped with duvets, day blankets, mattress pads and gel-cooled pillows for a proper deep slumber -- not to mention comfy slippers and pyjamas you can slip into to get you feeling right at home. We were also given an amenity kit, and not just any amenity kit, but a Spider Man: Far From Home amenity kit. The little blue pouch embossed with the Marvel superhero designs fit all the in-flight essentials: Spider Man motif sleeping mask and flight socks; ear plugs; dental kit; and lip balm, face cream, hand cream, and facial cleansing cloth by eco beauty brand Sunday Riley.

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Facilities: 7/10

For those looking to get some work done en route, there are multiple surfaces available and storage areas for laptops, gadgets and cords. In-flight WiFi is also available for a small fee, but do bear in mind that the connectivity level is low, so only expect to access basic email and light browsing.

Verdict: 8.5/10

In a nutshell: So comfortable you’ll sleep and wake up with little to no sign of having just stepped off a 15-hour flight.

The post Airline Review: United Airlines’ Business Class Brings Supreme Comfort to the Sky appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Take a dip into our gallery to find the most beautiful pools from around the world; from geothermal baths in Iceland, to iconic infinity pools at luxury hotels, to secluded rainforest lagoons away from it all. Here are our top 10 cool pools worth travelling to and swimming in.

The post 10 of the World’s Coolest Pools to Dive into Right Now appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.