Innholdsfortegnelse for Traveller 15 i Tatler Traveller Philippines

Hamilton Island Race Week Hamilton Island, Australia August 17-24, 2019 Staged on the beautiful, island-laced tropical waters of the Whitsunday Passage is the 36th edition of Australia’s largest and most spectacular offshore regatta, Hamilton Island Race Week. Drawing an amazing cross-section of yachts from all over Australia and overseas, the award-winning series combines superb tradewind sailing and an unsurpassed social agenda. To top it off, it’s all based out of an internationally acclaimed tropical resort which sits as the centrepiece of 74 islands, 68 of which are uninhabited. www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au Festival Napa Valley Napa, California July 12-21, 2019 Recognised for transforming California Wine Country into a cultural destination, Festival Napa Valley, now on its 14th year, offers a rich programme ranging from symphonic concerts, opera, film, and dance to chamber music…

The Italian fashion house expands its Gucci Places network with the addition of six new special destinations in Italy, South Korea, and the United States. The idea is to encourage people to discover interesting stories about these places and so become part of a community. Joining the Gucci Places are the Dapper Dan Atelier Studio in New York City; the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles; the Gucci Garden and the Boboli Gardens, both in Florence; the Antica Libreria Cascianelli in Rome; and the Daelim Museum in Seoul—these locations were selected because they reflect the taste and values peculiar to the House. DAPPER DAN ATELIER STUDIO NEW YORK, USA The new Dapper Dan Atelier Studio is an homage to the couterier’s original boutique. Located in a historic brownstone in Harlem,…

In the heyday of the hospitality industry, notable organisations like Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil) ranked hotels to indicate the class and quality they can provide travellers with. Evaluating bodies base ratings upon actual visits by paid inspectors who assess the properties with a demanding list of criteria. Now, it’s a different story—social media has become the means of travel research, democratising varieties of opinions and ratings. Popular hotel travel sites like TripAdvisor have given travellers—regular people—access to submit their own opinions on their stay and how the hotel’s service fared. It’s not just industry inspectors grading quality; the customers’ opinion also matters as it influences whether one should stay or not. Gaining the consistent top spot since 2017, Astoria Hotels and Resorts has once again won the top prize…

Travelling is an essential part of life. It’s a powerful refresher to break routines and provides a breathing space to relieve stress and tension. It plucks people from the confines of their day-to-day activities. Travelling shows that there is life beyond work and there is a bigger world waiting to be discovered. Travellers are on the hunt for unique experiences and moments. Booking where to lodge is as important as the trip itself. Convenience, amenities, service, and location come to play when deciding where to stay. Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay combines all of these elements to give discerning customers an indulgent holiday and the best vacation. Located at Station Zero at Punta Bunga Cove, where pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters abound, this area gives the hotel secluded exclusivity.…

How does one choose the right pair of sunglasses for travel? Buying shades can be tricky, but the priority should always be functional use. Look for sunglasses that have high protection against UV rays. Next, consider shades that are comfortable and lightweight to reduce wearability issues like pinching, headaches, and dents on the nose or ears. Lastly, opt for a sturdy pair with acetate frames that can withstand pressure. Eye Society presents a collection of well-known eyewear luxury brands such as Bvlgari, Celine, Gucci, and Linda Farrow that emulate function and quality. Carrying a number of impressive labels and the world’s best lenses, the leading boutique guarantees the latest eyewear trends and styles. It is the fashionable Filipino’s destination for holistic eye-care. BEJEWELLED LUXE Noted for its Italian craftsmanship, Bvlgari…

Former Vogue editrix Diana Vreeland declared that the eye must travel. It’s important because it transforms us: it expands horizons, provides awareness and diversity, connects different cultures, and gives us break from our fast-paced lives. It’s refreshing to see new things, to tread the unfamiliar, and to get outside of our comfort zone. Traveling can be overwhelming since the senses are stimulated—people, food, architecture, and culture. After a tiring trip, the eye deserves to rest from the busy environment, and there’s no better place than home. Normann Copenhagen, a Scandinavian home furniture and accessories company, has pieces that can soothe the senses. It has received more than 80 design awards and its pieces have been greeted with success since the last decade. Sit and unwind with the brand’s collections, consisting…

CLARINS For intense hydration locked into the skin all day, check out the Hydra-Essentiel line. Its key ingredient, the leaf of life, works to restore the skin’s natural capacity to retain moisture, while the new anti-pollution complex protects skin from thermal shocks caused by the weather BIODERMA Ideal for dry and sensitive skin types, this gentle version of the cult favourite Sensibio H2O micellar solution, Hydrabio H2O is formulated with Aquagenium complex to keep the skin hydrated, allowing you to easily remove waterproof makeup without irritating your skin PETER THOMAS ROTH An intense dose of THD Ascorbate, a mega-potent (50 times more powerful) gold standard Vitamin C that easily absorbs into the skin is what makes the Potent-C collection an obvious choice for anti-ageing, firming, and brightening tired skin WITH…

Discovering new perspectives leads to worlds of wonders and each landscape is a new playground. On our recent Southern Mediterranean cruise, we made it a point to stay for 10 extra days in Barcelona at the cruise’s end, to explore and soak in the arts; after all, Barcelona is a global wonder, what with the Sagrada de Familia alone, which attracts a steady inflow of tourists. Destinations may bring us around the world but it is the individuals with their art who connect us to them. One such true surrealist is Salvador Dalí who was the perfect combination of flamboyance, creativity, and intellect. My husband Rupert and I felt that taking the trip to his museum would afford us an insight into Dalí’s mind, more so, the Dalí universe. The…

“IN MEXICO, SURREALISM RUNS THROUGH THE STREETS. SURREALISM COMES FROM THE REALITY OF LATIN AMRERICA”–Gabriel Garcia Marquez There is no place where those words of Gabriel Garcia Marquez ring truer than along the enchanting quarters of San Miguel de Allende. While often described as a charming, colonial-era city, walking along the cobblestone streets transported me not just to another place, but to another time all together. It is as if the whole city was created by the boundless imagination of the artists and inhabitants of the ar ea, inside a novel exercising Latin flavours of magical realism. We checked in at the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, a cluster of 17th- and 18th-century colonial heritage mansions, now luxury accommodation. Inside were dazzling inner courtyards with luscious greens, a beautiful pool…

ORGANIC MODERNISM WILD COAST TENTED LODGE, SRI LANKA Wild Coast Tented Lodge isn’t one for grand entrances, nor does it desire to stand out. What it wants is to blend in and, given its location at the edge of Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park, Resplendent Ceylon’s first luxury safari lodge is all the better for it. Upon arrival, one is greeted by a humble hut set in verdant surrounds, which immediately reminds guests that they’re in the thick of a tropical forest bordered by the pulsing Indian Ocean. The deliberate integration of the design into the existing ecosystem was the work of Nomadic Resorts, which handled the architecture and landscaping in collaboration with the interior design firm Bo Reudler Studio. From the use of local materials—such as stone and mud…

Situated about three hours southwest of Bangkok by car, Hua Hin had humble beginnings as a simple fishing village. But in the 1920s, King Rama VII made it his regal getaway from the capital and it soon began to attract Thai aristocracy; to this day, a royal residency remains. Visitors to the city will encounter an easy-going, tranquil pace in the town, in marked contrast to popular beach getaways such as Phuket, Koh Samui, or Pattaya. CONCRETE PLANS For a property with only six rooms, Hotel Bocage makes a grand impression. Built three kilometres north of the centre of Hua Hin, this teeny retreat sits at the back of the stylish, concrete-cubed retail and entertainment destination Seenspace (the sister mall to Seenspace in Bangkok) on the waterfront. Like the shopping…

There it is… That’s the North Star,” I proudly said to our guide, pointing at the brightest star in the sky. Turns out, I was pointing to Mars. Astronomy clearly isn’t my strongest suit, but that’s no surprise. I’d normally only be able to identify the Big Dipper and Orion’s Belt, but here in the southern hemisphere, neither of these constellations appear as how I would normally recognise them. Lying on a bed outdoors and wrapped in a fleece blanket, I realised how little I knew about the universe and just how much of it I could see—the Milky Way included—with my naked eye. Stargazing is just one of the things taken to another level at the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. To say it’s a place like no other…

Under The Sea: Myanmar’s Merui Archipeago From schools of barracudas, to seahorses, manta rays, and whale sharks, be mesmerised by the diversity of wildlife Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago offers. Awei Pila, an exclusive resort that lies on a pristine beach just a stone’s throw from hundreds of metres of live coral reefs, has opened a SCUBA diving centre on the island, which is known for its diversity and quantity of marine life. Set on a remote tropical island, the resort offers Open Water courses and certification to first-time divers and all levels of PADI diving courses conducted in six languages. Once certified, guests may join experienced divers at 12 different dive sites with depths ranging from 12 to 30 metres, including two locations that are rapidly becoming world-famous: Shark Cave and…

The best part about traveling is the new places—exotic locations, beach resorts, shopping hotspots—the eye will be exposed to. But before setting off to your destination you must first pack all the beauty products you need to keep you fresh and glowing while on vacation. Less is more. Bring only the essentials to save luggage space. To help the selection process, visit Beauty Bar, which introduces Spanish personal care brand Fancy Handy. Fancy Handy turns your beauty routine into a real party with its fun and quirky packaging. Putting enjoyment and originality at the forefront, its approach to beauty is quirky and whimsical, something we’d appreciate as kids. One of its eye contour products is packaged in the form of a starfish and the facial cream is designed as a…

When people think of Thai hospitality, the first impression that comes to mind is luxury hotels, good service, fine dining accommodations, and a thriving tourist culture. All of these are epitomised by leading five-star hotel Dusit Thani. Located along Ayala Avenue in Makati, Metro Manila’s financial district and commercial hub, Dusit Thani Manila’s fusion of Thai hospitality and Filipino culture resonates across its accommodations, meeting and banquet facilities, and leisure amenities. Dusit Thani Manila has a wide selection of rooms and suites, boasting up to 500, which includes Deluxe, Premier, Premier Executive, Club Executive, Ambassador, and Presidential. Exquisitely furnished with Thai décor and interiors, these accommodations exude luxury and comfort. The Dusit Club Lounge, the hotel’s popular facility, delights guests with the wealth of privilege and exclusivity for business and…

JO MALONE LONDON’S HEMLOCK & BERGAMOT IS A POWDERY, FLORAL FRAGRANCE WITH A MODERN TWIST. MIMOSA AND CASSIE GIVE A REALLY YELLOW, POWDERY SCENT, COMPLEMENTED BY CUCUMBER, BIRCH LEAVES AND WHITE MUSK FOR A SPRITZ OF FRESH SOFTNESS…

After the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, Mont Saint-Michel is probably one of the most identifiable landmarks in France. Forming a tower at its apex, the island sanctuary is a compelling vision even from a distance as it comes into view as you traverse the farmlands of Normandy. But seeing it in its full glory, a medieval town and abbey floating in the middle of an immense, sparkling bay, is an experience that will simply take your breath away. It is no wonder that both the rocky islet sanctuary and the surrounding waters that form its ever-changing seascape are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites; and over 60 of its buildings are protected as monuments historiques. The site is also listed as part of the Camino Frances or French…

Our guide said he had one last surprise for us before we left. It was behind one of the wooden front doors of a building that looked like any of the others; we stepped in and were transported back home. In the heart of Mexico was Tradiciones Filipinas, a beautiful mural of nipa huts, farmers, and carabaos that drew upon local traditions that Romeo Tabuena remembered from his childhood in Iloilo City. The showroom of the Filipino painter and printmaker Romeo Tabuena is managed by Galeria Nudo, featuring a handful of the late artists works, many with Filipino motifs. A long time resident of the city for four decades, he is celebrated as a local artist by the people of San Miguel de Allende. “His art is a testament of…

ECOCAMP PATAGONIA Setting up camp in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, this fully sustainable hotel is the first of its kind in the region, boasting 13 geodesic domes that run on solar and hydraulic energy, and featuring composting toilets. While electricity is limited, luxury is not overlooked—the cosy dome tents house a king-size or two twin beds, with an open terrace, a wood-burning stove, an enclosed porch, and a fully-equipped bathroom. ecocamp.travel/en AURORA SAFARI CAMP Even the journey to this camp in Lapland, Sweden, is an experience to remember: glampers are taken on a sleigh ride across a frozen lake to the camp. Founded by Swedish photographer Fredrik Broman, this private camp features safari-style tents that can be rearranged into double, twin or family rooms,…

Seda Lio in the vast Lio Tourism Estate in El Nido caters to leisure tourists, families, destination weddings, meeting and incentive groups, and other discerning visitors to this stunning vacation spot that offers modern facilities and conveniences, while showcasing the area’s biodiversity and spectacular natural attractions. Only minutes from the Lio airport, guests can enjoy a wide range of facilities and amenities, including indoor and outdoor activities. Within the hotel grounds are the adults’ and children’s swimming pools, Seda Spa, Children’s Playroom and outdoor play area, a Game Room, Pool Bar and Misto restaurant; while on the four-kilometer stretch of beach are non-motorized water sports like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, pedal boating, as well as snorkeling. Ayala Malls’ Shops at Lio is just a short stroll away. Those who wish…

Basking in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, less than a hundred kilometres south of Italy, and some considerable distance north of the African Continent lie three distinct islands of the Republic of Malta. Though an archipelago, it is still among the smallest states in the world joining the roster of Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican. Strategically located, Malta enjoys an enviable position ideal as a naval base, proven through centuries past by an array of settlers—from the ancient Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and the Byzantines—and by the global powers of the Spanish, the French, and the British. Its golden age was primarily attributed to a Roman Catholic unit known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. Approximately 250 years…

SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY PORTUGAL A few minutes into our drive across the Douro Valley, we couldn’t resist rolling down the windows to take in the fresh breeze at this serene slice of northern Portugal. Hugged by the Douro River on one side and rolling terraced vineyards on the other, the winding road served as a red-carpet welcome to the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Portugal has seen a massive tourism boom in recent years, so much so that crumbling buildings in both Lisbon and Porto have been transformed into trendy hotels and restaurants. While the Douro Valley is popular—especially for keen oenophiles—it has managed to retain a sedate character. Built structures are few and far between, a triumph of regulation that respect the area’s status as a…

The journey to lunch could hardly be more dramatic. As you look 300 metres down a sheer cliff face, the might of the Atlantic crashing on the rocky coastline below, you spot terracotta-roofed buildings scattered among impossibly green vineyards. The cliffs continue in a dramatic sweep up the coast, unchanged for millennia since this magnificent island was born from a vast undersea volcanic eruption. We are somewhere called both the “island of eternal spring” and the “garden island”—Ilha Jardim in Portuguese, otherwise known as Madeira. Around a 90-minute flight southwest from Lisbon, or three- and-a-half hours to London, Paris, and Amsterdam, this archipelago stuns the first-time visitor with truly awe-inspiring landscapes, legendary wine, and a genuine, homely food culture that makes the most of the island’s rich volcanic soil. But…

Crossing Borders The Peninsula Hotels, official hotel partner of Art Basel Hong Kong 2019, hosted a gala to celebrate the launch of Art in Resonance, a multi-year global contemporary art programme. In a continuation of the group’s ethos of innovation, The Peninsula Hotels have commissioned work from artists who are poetically pushing the boundaries of their mediums. On display until 21 June 2019, visitors and guests at The Peninsula Hong Kong can enjoy installations throughout the property by international artists Janet Echelman, Timothy Paul Myers, Iván Navarro, and a unique private dining venue designed by Zhi-gang Lu and teams at MINAX and Minaxdo. www.peninsula.com Paper Mirror In an exhibition on view through June 23, 2019, MoMa PS1 presents a major survey of the work of the American artist and activist,…

While it’s convenient to book a stay at five-star hotels around the city, there’s a rise among travellers who prefer to have an intimate vacation—a quiet solace, away from the cosmopolitan’s excess and fast-paced energy. Once you’ve recuperated from a heavy workload, you’ll be able to carry tasks more efficiently and perform better when you get back to work. So, for a relaxing stay, take a breather at Anya Resort Tagaytay. The property, developed by Roxaco Land Corporation, stands tall in the quiet street of Tagaytay, surrounded by trees and dense foliage. The road to this hidden gem cuts through the forest and eventually reveals a magical retreat. The hotel is few minutes away from the main road. Anya Resort Tagaytay is very keen on delivering bespoke services with a…

Finding the best hotel to stay in on your trip can be quite challenging. A worthwhile travel experience—one you can remember years from now—can all depend on where you stay. Leisure travelers are on the look out for upscale amenities, stellar service, and unique experiences—all of which can be found in Belmont Hotel Boracay. Located in Boracay Newcoast on the northern side of Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay is a fivestory hotel with three clusters that offers 245 deluxe twin rooms, 130 deluxe queen rooms, 49 premiere deluxe rooms, 12 executive suites and six specially-abled rooms, an impressive array for a brand new hotel. What makes Belmont Hotel Boracay different is the experience it offers. “We always live up to Belmont’s tagline: ‘Savor the Moment.’ This is where I position the…

Packing for travel can be daunting. This season’s traveller, however, can get a lot of help from Escada and its spring/summer 2019 collection. Escada’s line is easy to mix and match with its signature prints and colours. Put on a shirt and a skirt when exploring the city, then throw on a blazer for serious power dressing if you’re going out to a fancy restaurant for dinner. For this collection the brand looks back to its origin. Niall Sloan, global design director, focuses on Escada’s beginnings: after seeing a horse named Escada, the founders were inspired by its energy and channelled this strength into their clothes. Power dressing established the authority of women in the workplace. One of the most influential women the brand has dressed was Princess Diana, who…

It’s exciting to go on a trip especially to a place that you’ve yet visited but have only seen on magazines and on TV. It’s so exciting if you think about it—trekking the Andes Mountains to visit Machu Picchu in Peru, riding at the back of a big elephant in Thailand, exploring the thousands of torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, having a gastronomic adventure at the Raohe Night Market in Taiwan, and endless options for shopping at Mongkok, Hong Kong – the list is endless! But nothing waters down this excitement when you get sick during your travels. Aside from packing the essentials and booking into a hotel, a traveler needs to include a health check in their todo list. It is highly recommended to allot…

In travelling, the journey is just as important as the destination. Having a complete first-class travel experience that’s comfortable, convenient, and safe is just as crucial as where you’re planning to go. Whether taking a quick trip to a local destination, exploring the different cultures around Asia, or planning a vacation in Europe or the US, the act of getting to these places is also part of the experience. Philippine National Bank (PNB) offers the PNBPAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard, a card full of perks to help you get more out of your getaways. The card has free 2,000 Mabuhay Miles upon activation, and another 10,000 Mabuhay Miles for those with at least Php 100,000 worth of PAL transactions. It also earns rewards points for every spend whether locally or…

The cornerstone of Turkey’s culture is its hospitality; locals believe that visitors, regardless of which country they come from, are guests sent by God. Turkish welcome guests into their households by offering a pair of slippers and a cup of freshly brewed tea—a clear indication that Turkey has preserved the custom and integrated it with its tourism. This openness makes Turkey a top tourism destination along with its rich cultural history. Turkish Airlines builds upon the same kind of hospitality to provide travellers an enjoyable experience. Affiliated with respected global airline network Star Alliance, the company’s membership assures passengers can benefit from a wider flight network, special programs, and offers. A NEW JOURNEY Turkish Airlines recently relocated from Istanbul Atatürk Airport to its new home at Istanbul Airport to help…

VOYAGE TO A DREAM WORLD BY WAY OF THE AEGEAN SEA. INSPIRED BY BLUE SEAS, COOL BREE ZES, AND PURE LIGHT, AERIN’S AEGEAN BLOSSOM IS A LUM INOUS FLORAL FRA GRA NCE PERFECT FOR YOUR NEXT SUMMER ESCA PE. AN INSPIRED RE IMAGINING OF THEIR SIGNATURE MEDITERRA NEAN HONEYSUCKLE PATTERN DANCES AROUND ITS GLASS BOTTLE, FEATURING A SOFT COLOUR WAY OF PALE BLUES, CORAL, AND WHITE. www.aerin.com “Sailing in the vibrant blue Aegean Sea, with its clear light and cool breezes scented with Orange Flowers, is a dream experience like no other”- Aerin Lauder LAURA MERCIER Keep your summer tan glowing with the limited edition Mediterranean Escape Sun-Kissed Veil from Laura Mercier. Meant to be applied with your fingertips onto your face, decolletage, legs, or arms, this universally flattering lightweight…

From the hillside of Corsica, a little French island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, comes the immortelle flower and its extraordinary anti-ageing properties. First uncovered in L’Occitane’s laboratory 15 years ago, the most precious and powerful age-defying essential oil distilled from the “flower of youth” has become a key ingredient in the brand’s new Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum. Taking this serum to the next level is the patented technology that encapsulates the immortelle flower essential oil in little bubbles that are suspended in an aqueous serum infused with Acmella oleracea and marjoram extracts. Each 30-milligramme bottle contains 3,000 individually produced golden bubbles that are all exactly the same size, stabilised by a sheer membrane. Turning the clock back on skin damage, this two-texture serum melts perfectly into the…

Thanks to modern air travel and the luck of the weather, I found myself this spring amidst the peak of cherry blossom season in both Tokyo and Washington, D.C. To start, I helped close our first Milken Institute Japan Symposium on stage with US financier Tom Barrack, Jnr. Our setting: a reception amidst Japanese sakura, arrangements of pink and white cherry blossoms with the Tokyo Tower gleaming in the distance. Days later and an ocean away, I was one of thousands of visitors drawn to the fleeting beauty of Washington’s cherry blossoms. This latest trip to the US capital city brought me back to the cherry tree-lined Tidal Basin to tape an Asia Minute episode for my YouTube channel with the videographer Jose B Collazo and also to the doors…

Full of romance, character, and history, Vietnam’s capital city is a fitting backdrop for the iconic property that is Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Within walking distance from the Opera House in the French Quarter and the popular Hoan Kiem Lake, the hotel has been a silent witness to Vietnam’s colourful past. The moment you arrive at the hotel after a 32-kilometre drive from Noi Bai International airport, you are greeted by a receptionist dressed in traditional ao dai against an imposing white façade with green shutters and glass doors. As you set foot into the French colonial-style lobby, you are instantly transported to a different time; marble floors, rustic chandeliers, tasteful woodwork, and louver windows complete the warm, old world vibe. Opened in 1901 as Hotel Metropole Hanoi, its original…

Through the years, Boracay has consistently been a top destination of choice for travellers in the Philippines. This is especially true today, over six months since the island re-opened after undergoing an aggressive and much talked about rehabilitation programme. With waters that are more pristine, and white sand beaches that are cleaner and more peaceful than ever, tourists from all over the world make the journey to Boracay today to see its unadulterated beauty and experience pure tropical bliss. It’s easily a place you’ll want to visit over and over again, and with the arrival of Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, you’ll find even more reasons to keep coming back. Opened just last year, this sprawling five-star development offers guests the ultimate VIP experience. And it begins before you even…

It would have been very easy for a city like Hanoi, one of the most ancient capitals in the world, to fall victim to melancholy and give in to the brutal passage of time, and yet there is almost nothing in the local atmosphere that speaks to this. What you find instead is a cinematic stillness—a reverence for the thousand years that have passed and for the time it now finds itself in. In Hanoi, long and storied memories of colonial rule, war, and reunification are lovingly preserved in its six great districts: Hoan Kiem, The Old Quarter, The French Quarter, Ba Dinh, Ha Ba Trung, and West Lake. Of these, it is the first three that hold essential experiences for travellers. They are a charming and lively showcase of…