Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2019 i Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau

1 Scott Woodward PHOTOGRAPHER “Higher Ground” Page 35 —“Rosewood Bangkok is like a private manor: sophisticated, exclusive and intimate. My favorite location is Moon Gate at the entrance to the modern Chinese restaurant, Nan Bei. This circular wooden portal looks into a glass-enclosed atrium filled with 1,600 lights and 600 suspended golden magpies, and was inspired by the Chinese tale of the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd,” he says. “Fashion shoots bring together so many different creative partners—the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, and this cooperative spirit is one of the things that I love most about my job.” Instagram: @iamscottawoodward. 2 Shamilee Vellu WRITER “Style Your Stay” Page 59 We asked our writers for their favorite family, millennial, business and romantic hotels in the…

PERHAPS YOU’VE HEARD of Masaru Emoto. The Japanese alternative-medicine guru believed in the effect of human consciousness on water. He claimed that when he exposed water to positive ideas (the word “angel;” a photo of dolphins) then froze it, the molecules formed beautiful crystals. Water exposed to negative ideas (“you disgust me;” heavy metal music) and then frozen became ugly blobs. You can find his microscopic photographs online, and—since our bodies are about 60 percent water—they seem to make a compelling aesthetic argument for all of us to think happier thoughts. Emoto’s theory has never been scientifically proven and plenty of skeptics call him a crank. But the idea of the power of intent pervades the wellness industry. Sankalpa is a yoga term for a solemn vow, a resolution of…

Every year, T+L editors reach out to our network of hospitality professionals, trusted writers and hotel addicts in search of the finest new (and newly reimagined) properties around the globe. Then we log tens of thousands of miles checking in to dozens of them, from far-flung islands to mountain lodges (and this year, for our It List, more than one renovated church). Here, 19 of our favorites—find the full collection for 2019 at tandl.me/it-list. QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE Capella Ubud, Bali INDONESIA Hotel designer Bill Bensley has dreamed up some of Southeast Asia’s most glamorous resorts, but his favorite travel memories are those of childhood camping trips. That love of nature, along with Bensley’s obsession with old-world style, informed his vision for the first Balinese property from the Singapore-based Capella…

SUPERSAVER The Shanghai Edition, China Treat yourself to bed and breakfast at Shanghai’s new designer home away from home. Spend the night in one of their sleekly furnished rooms, some with Bund views, and spend the next morning feasting at the hotel’s Shanghai Tavern, a European restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. The Deal Bed & Breakfast: a night in a Deluxe room, from RMB1,888, through December 31. editionhotels.com. OUTDOOR THAILAND Pimalai Explore the jewels of the Andaman Sea with a diving package from luxe Koh Lanta resort Pimalai. The four-day package includes a one-day dive trip to Koh Haa—a group of five islets famous for their crystal-clear waters, pristine corals and variety of marine life—with two dives, a full set of dive equipment and National Marine Park entry fee…

Beverly Hills Hotel Part of the Dorchester Collection, along with its sister property, the Hotel Bel-Air, the iconic retreat houses two of the city’s most popular dining destinations: the brunch favorite Fountain Coffee Room (mains US$8–$27) and the power-lunch den Polo Lounge (mains US$20–$75). beverlyhillshotel.com; doubles from US$595. Chateau Marmont Hotelier André Balazs’s hideaway welcomes Angelenos and travelers seeking a respite from the city—whether you’ve come for a leisurely meal at the kaiseki restaurant Chateau Hanare (from US$90 per person) or a stay in one of the legendary bungalows. chateau marmont.com; doubles from US$450. Hotel Bel-Air Ensconced in Bel Air’s labyrinthine canyons, this former estate feels ultra-private, thanks to lush gardens and discreet service. Carve out time for brunch at Wolfgang Puck (from US$95 per person). hotelbelair.com; doubles from US$595.…

IN 300 B.C., A HERMIT MONK named An Ky Sinh hiked to the top of Yen Tu mountain in search of eternal life. He came to the right place: More than 400 varieties of medicinal herbs grow in these forested hills in northeast Vietnam. Though An Ky Sinh never found the immortal mix, up on Yen Tu’s peak, 1,068 meters above sea level and just an hour from legendary Halong Bay, he did find enlightenment. Soon, more spiritual explorers journeyed to the region, the most significant of whom was King Tran Nhan Tong. The 13th-century king had brought harmony to the country after successfully ousting Mongol invaders, but by 1299 he sought a different kind of peace—he renounced his throne to embark on a more spiritual life, and chose sacred…

WHEN YOU DESIGN AN ENTIRE HOTEL around the wai, the Thai hand-gesture of greeting, you set a pretty high standard for the welcome to be expected within. Rosewood Bangkok is now receiving guests in the heart of the capital, and whether you arrive via the expressway off-ramps from both city airports or the integrated walkway to the Skytrain, you sense that your personal convenience, comfort and style have always been top of mind. The residential feel that pervades the 159-room tower is best exemplified by the 23 suites and villas on high, four with private pools, all of which we’d happily move into. Among the on-trend drinking and dining venues are a speakeasy with 6,000 vinyl records for guests to play DJ, and an organic, locavore, farm-to-table café that healthily…

VIETNAM JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa The one-of-a-kind design at this Bill Bensley haven makes a creative backdrop for events you want etched in your memory. The university-themed five-star resort has plenty of venues for festive nights: feast at the Pink Pearl fine-dining restaurant; have a dance at the waterfront, jazz band–playing Chemistry Bar; or take in golden sunsets at the open-air Red Rum restaurant. The suites make intimate sea-view stays for honeymooners; blowout group parties should book Lamarck House, a 1,300-square-meter, seven-bedroom expanse with marble bathrooms, 24-hour room service and a 50-meter infinity pool. jwmarriottphu quocresort.com; doubles from $400; Lamarck House from $10,000. — ELOISE BASUKI INDONESIA The Apurva Kempinski Bali It may be the new kid on the block, but there’s nothing neophyte about…

THIS MONTH ON TRAVELANDLEISUREASIA.COM SYDNEY’S HOTEL BOOM From charming boutiques to big-name five-stars, an array of top-flight new stays will ensconse you in the hottest neighborhoods of Australia’s most famous city. VIETNAM THROUGH THE LENS An intrepid photographer looks back on years of traveling through and living in the diverse, ever-changing landscapes of Vietnam. 12 BUCKET LIST– WORTHY RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES Stunning new getaways that up the ante and provide the perfect excuse to run away to a dreamy Maldivian isle. DOWNLOAD US T+L TABLET EDITIONS Available on iOS, Android, Win 8 and Zinio Desktop Reader. FOLLOW US  TWITTER.COM/TRAVLEISUREASIA  FACEBOOK.COM/TRAVELLEISUREASIA  PINTEREST.COM/TRAVLEISUREASIA  INSTAGRAM.COM/TRAVELANDLEISUREASIA KEEP UP WITH US Sign up for our newsletter for monthly highlights and offers from T+L Southeast Asia. TANDL.ASIA/NEWSLETTER CONTACT US  TLEDITOR@MEDIATRANSASIA.COM LOOKOUT Canggu is the Bali…

THOSE IN THE KNOW have always talked up Lao food for its marriage of balanced flavors—more savory than sweet, intense use of fragrant herbs, and unusual tastes such as moreish buffalo-skin paste and sundried river algae. Internationally, however, it simmers under the radar. Search for Lao cuisine on Amazon, say, and Hawker Fare, the book by Michelin two-starred Lao-American chef James Syhabout appears, but little else. Lower down the ranks, a title with a monotone jacket is listed. Unlike contemporary cookbooks with graphic covers so alluring they’re good enough to eat, it’s this, the unassuming Traditional Recipes of Laos by Phia Sing, that’s behind the opening of Luang Prabang’s new Paste Laos, the country’s first restaurant with Michelin-starred chefs in the kitchen. Bongkoch “Bee” Satongun and her Australian chef husband…

IN A FRENCH DECO BUILDING in Tangier, not far from where William S. Burroughs wrote much of Naked Lunch, textile artist Nina Mohammad-Galbert led me through the stacks of vintage Beni Ourain and boucherouite rugs that line her studio. Mohammad-Galbert runs Artisan Project (artisan projectinc.com), a textile brand and sourcing company for Moroccan wares. She recently relocated to Tangier after seven years in Fez. “This city constantly draws in new perspectives,” she said. “The vibe here invites creativity.” Tangier’s notoriety peaked in the years following World War II, when it was a demilitarized zone that seduced spies, artists and the jet set. But by the 1980s, the flow of foreign visitors and the money they brought with them had dried up. Now, after decades of neglect, the city is showing…

PHILIPPINES Okada Manila This gleaming, gilt structure fronting Manila Bay is an all-under-one-roof theater, nightclub, gaming complex, dining hub and shopping district. Dance the night (and day) away at beach/nightclub Cove Manila, sift through top brand boutiques at the Crystal Corridor, and pick from 21 lavish eateries, from refined Italian or robata-style Japanese to 24-hour dim sum. Some offer views of Okada’s enormous fountain, which shoots 700 water jets in time with 2,000 colored lights and booming tunes. okadamanila.com; doubles from $280. — E.B. MACAU The Parisian Macao With access to some of the region’s hottest concerts, cabaret performances and stunt shows, plus 850 shops, 150 restaurants and an Eiffel Tower replica, The Parisian Macao has pretty much got you covered for fun. Little ones won’t get bored either: Aqua…

Getting There Jaipur Sanganer International Airport has nonstop flights from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Tourist e-visas can be obtained online prior to arrival at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in. Rajasthan’s modern road network makes it feasible, and enjoyable, to do a leisurely road trip. I hired a car and driver through India Beat (indiabeat.co.uk). Most luxury hotels in India offer complimentary driver accommodations. Hotels RAAS Jodhpur Set against the backdrop of the towering Mehrangarh Fort, the glassy blue infinity pool was a cool spot to unwind after a day of exploring, as is the decadent spa with its excellent Ayurvedic and Himalayan treatments, like the Tibetan Ku Ny, which realigned my sensory organs. raasjodhpur.com; doubles from US$315. Lakshman Sagar by Sewara Traditional charpoys made cozy with soft hot-pink cushions flank the aquamarine swimming pool,…

It’s a scene that plays out on Saturday mornings across the land: a line of people winds out the door of a small diner where, all weekend long, athleisure-clad families fill the dozen or so stools that flank a curved counter. As they thumb the papers, linger over partially eaten plates of eggs Benedict and silver-dollar pancakes, and lift their mugs to request refills of joe, they give no inkling that the Fountain Coffee Room is anything but a neighborhood joint, because that is exactly what it is—an institution locals casually refer to as the Counter. For starters, you would never know that Marilyn Monroe loved getting late-night ice cream here or that this is where the members of Guns N’ Roses signed their first record deal. And unless you…