In need of some fresh air this smoggy September! Short of going on a getaway (somewhere without the haze), i'm thinking of a mini afternoon break at InterContinental Hotel Singapore, nibbling on Chef Ben Goh's Classic Afternoon Tea. And no, you don't have to wait for the weekends to enjoy this because it's available daily at the Lobby Lounge.

This particular Classic Afternoon Tea set celebrates Chef Ben's recent win as Pastry Chef of The Year 2019, awarded by World Gourmet Summit. The sweet treats tell the story of Chef Ben's culinary journey- inspirations from his childhood (such as the buttercream cake and his grandmother's kueh lapis), and his milestone creations and award winning sweets. These are accompanied by some specially created light savory bites to balance the desserts. 

Starting with the traditional stuff, the nostalgic old school buttercream cake. I NEVER liked this style of cake because the colors look radioactive and it always has this oily Planta mouthfeel to it. Well Chef Ben's version was totally NOT that. I loved the light saltiness of the buttercream and the light sponge layers. Chef also took a leaf out of his grandmother's book for the kueh lapis and created a springy and eggy cake that wasn't too sweet. The secret ingredient is DOM Benedictine. 

My heart melted at the Peach Melba Cheesecake with the loveliest shade of pink. I mistook the exterior for a tart shell and was surprised that it was a chiffon sponge instead. It's a perfect harmony of sugar and acid in this one. 

The best thing about Chef Ben's desserts is that they are always delicate and nuanced, even with the seemingly rich stuff like chocolate. The award winning Chocolate Lemongrass Pineapple cake may look intimidating but the filling is an airy mousse that is a chocolate cloud, further lifted by the notes of lemongrass. If that doesn't lift your mood, head over to the ice cream counter and help yourself to the free flow of a creamy smooth yogurt yuzu ice cream!  

The first Shangri-La hotel, the first Shang Palace. Since 1971, both hotel and restaurant has been making history, from our little red dot, to the rest of the world. 

At the restaurant’s helm is Chef Mok Kit Keung, who has 40 good years of cooking under his belt (he started when he was only 13). Chef Mok is the one who brought Shang Palace Kowloon to its second Michelin star in 2011 and we think there's a high chance he may clinch a star (or two) for Shang Palace Singapore. Expect an extensive menu (or menus), ranging from traditional nostalgia, classic signatures, and innovative new dishes by Chef.

Taste the flavors of the good old days with Chef Mok's heritage dishes. Preparation of these heritage dishes is often painstaking, time- consuming and intricate, which explains why they are hard to find these days.

Take the Boneless quail filled with bird’s best in supreme Broth ($98/portion) for example, the tiny bird had all its bones removed, leaving the delicate flesh and skin intact to be filled with 40g of bird's nest. The supreme broth is also cooked for 8 hours using chicken, pork, and Jinhua ham to coax maximum flavour. If you think about all the work and premium ingredients that went into the dish, you'd understand why the dish is value for money. 

The Deep-fried crab meat, coriander and pork fritter 金钱蟹盒 ($36/6pcs) may look like a regular fried wanton, but the skin is actually hand-sliced pieces of pork fat (they're sliced so thinly that they're translucent). The skin wraps a mixture of Sri Lankan crab meat, mushrooms, Chinese coriander and bamboo shoots, forming a "coin" which is then deep fried till crispy. I loved how wonderfully juicy each bite was. 

I've tried several Singapore Airlines Business Class products and have been waiting to check out the A350-900 Business Class design since it was rolled out 2 years ago. I originally thought i'd be able to check out the then new design on my SIN-NRT flight but they did not retrofit that particular SQ B777-300ER. I finally managed to do so on our honeymoon by taking the twice weekly non-stop SIN-BCN flight on SQ and then another flight from Barcelona to Casablanca. The honeymoon travel posts will eventually come (2 years later). 

We all know that the A350 is a new generation aircraft and i thought that the flight experience is a lot more comfortable than the other aircraft- it's quieter and the air feels less drying, so yes, tech works.

There are 42 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 seat layout. As you can tell, the seats are generous in size, though not as huge as the older designs. But hey, even if you're a big dude, the 60" seat pitch and 28" seat width beats many other airlines offering out there. 

The Scottish leather seat can be adjusted to your comfort with the numerous buttons to play with. There are two new seating positions—the Lazy Z, a cradling position that ensures your weight is centered and balanced when you’re sitting down, and the Sundeck, a lounging position that extends the base and foot of your seat so you can stretch and rest your legs on the ottoman. 

The seat also transforms into a 78" flat bed when you're ready to snooze and it comes with a cushioned headboard, complete with linen, duvet and pillows. This is why i love taking SQ business class on long-hauls. The side lights were very useful for reading under different conditions, be it sitting upright, in-bed, or lounging. I don't think Jr was too bothered by my light as it didn't spill that much into his cabin. Also, there are also 2 earphone jacks, for sitting and lying down. I thought that is a very thoughtful design!

It's been a while since i'm back on my favorite Singapore Airlines Business Class! I know i know.. I'm saving it up for that big one to NYC you see. Anyhow, this was a rather special trip for us- It's Jr's first time on SQ biz (i was really excited when i booked it); and i came back from Japan engaged, and with a broken tendon! Yeah.. 2018 hasn't had a dull moment yet!

A quick stop at the SilverKris lounge was all we could manage pre-flight. The lounge was so packed! Our supper was the signature prawn noodles (love the broth) and carrot cake (i ate a fair amount of this even though i claimed i wasn't hungry), plus a mean G&T made by yours truly. 

Given that we were on the B777-300ER, i assumed that it was going to be the SQ's “new” business class product but it's the old one! BOOOO... That said, it's still better than their old regional product (read my review on the old regional A330 here).

#FWP i shadn't complain. I do love the old business class anyway. Their seat width is one of the widest in its class, up to 34-inch wide and with a pitch of 55. Yes this is larger and wider than the new 777-300ER seats. The 1-2-1 forward-facing cabin layout gives you that aisle access no matter where you sit ). 

Oh, and we were one of the first to try their free Wifi onboard (like finally SQ). 

Here's the sleeper service menu. SQ now allows you to preview the menu pre-flight now, so i was able to decide if i wanna use the Book-The-Cook service or not. Well for flights to Japan, i'd always order the onboard Japanese meal. Also, you could choose to have your meal immediately (for supper), or to have it pre-landing (an early breakfast). We chose the latter and after informing the attendants, we promptly went to bed in our fully-flat bed that comes complete with linen, duvet, and pillows.

I've become quite the pro at making my own bed in Business class i must say. I thought i would be occupied with the movies but i fell into a deep sleep and Jr had to wake me up for breakfast because the attendants couldn't! Partly because i was plugged into their on-board noise cancelling headphones too. :P

Jr had the BTC Classic Lobster Thermidor, which was as good as i remembered it to be. Creamy chunky lobster that wasn't too dry.  

My Hanakoireki wasn't too bad as well, if not a bit plain. This works as a traditional Japanese breakfast though. Other than the rice and pickles, there were also omelette, herring roe, turnip salad, grilled yellowtail teriyaki, stuffed tofu with chicken, mixed vegetables, and an assortment of vegetables. 

A quick review of the ANA's services at Haneda and New Chitose Airport, since we were enroute to Furano for snowboarding. If you're flying premium class or if you're an elite frequent flyer on Star Alliance, there is a dedicated check-in. This definitely makes traveling a breeze! The ANA lounges for domestic travel aren't great though. Drinks (draft beer, whiskys, sakes, juices and soft drinks) and a snack is provided (assorted Japanese rice crackers) at the lounge.

The international lounge at Narita fared better in terms of food options. There were some sushi rolls, hot finger food, sandwiches, and salad. Go around the corner to the noodle bar, where you can order your choice of udon, soba, and curry. The kakiage wasn't that great, and it's not nice soaked in the soup as well. Will probably do the curry next time.

A quick slurp of soba and 1 Creamia soft serve later, we were on board our flight back to Singapore and welcomed by the signature Beef and Chicken Satay!

Book-The-Cook is not available on the Narita-Singapore leg. I contemplated having the Western option but caved in to more Japanese food! 

Sake seemed to be the natural pairing. :) Can't remember much about the first course other than the rather springy udon. 

The meats were a lot better and i tried really hard not to eat so much rice but Japanese flavored rice is too hard to resist! 

Refreshing Japanese fruits with jelly to end the meal... Or so i thought!

More fruits and cheese went around! And more desserts too! Jr had the rich chocolate mousse while i nibbled on cheese and nuts.

Singapore Airlines, always a great way to fly! Till the next one!

XOXO
Travelerintransit

We all love a home-cooked Christmas feast but honestly who looks forward to the cleaning?! How about glamming it up at one of the best hotels in Singapore a.k.a. Capella Singapore and have the chefs be at your beck and call while you chill to the view of the South China Sea? The Chef’s Table, a private dining affair at Capella Singapore, is the answer to your perfect Christmas party!

The #alldayerrday semi-buffet Private Brunch Affair caters to a party of 10 and more, and you could do it any time of the day. What's best is the 2 hours of free-flow Taittinger champagne and other alcoholic beverages of your choice to start. Mulled wine sounds perfect to us too!

Hone in on the cold seafood section for the freshest oysters shucked to order (we had both US and Canadian varieties on the day we went), lightly poached Boston lobsters, succulent prawns and juicy scallops.

December, the month of jolly merrymaking. If you are in town for a sunny (or rainy) Christmas, take the opportunity to soak in the heritage of the charming Raffles Hotel as you celebrate the festive season in colonial style.

An epicurean experience awaits as you tuck into Bar & Billiard Room's buffet-styled Christmas Eve Dinner ($288/adult) or Christmas Day Dinner ($288/adult). The renowned Christmas Day Brunch ($318/adult) is available for more indulgence.

Scottish Smoked Salmon, Kristal Caviar and Blinis from Christmas Buffet Menu.

I used to think that staycations are a waste of time and money because honestly, that money is best spent on seeing the world and exploring new places right right right? BUT #adultworklife and limited leave + we can't go without an indulgent break for too long, so HELLO St. Regis Singapore!

I love the St. Regis Singapore, having lost count of the number of times i've dined here. She is a luxurious oasis in the off-Orchard belt, allowing business and leisure travelers the convenience, without the crowd.

Check in was a breeze and we were waltzed to our room in no time. For the first time ever, i appreciated the plush chair in the St. Regis's lift, for it was a climb to our 19th floor Penthouse Room. It provided time for our friendly guest relation staff to explain to us the various facilities, services, and activities in St. Regis.

We were then handed over to our personal butler (yes all guests get to experience the legendary St. Regis Butler Service), who brought us on a tour of our gorgeous room. But first, the view!

Of course i couldn't help but jump into the plush King-size bed with 600 thread-count bed linens and choice of as many types and number of pillows that i want. Yes 1 small girl and the need for a dozen  feathery clouds all to herself. Go figure. While i was bouncing away, our butler took our drink orders (the off-the-menu hot chocolate is super delicious), set up our Bose system so that we can chill to our favorite Spotify playlists, unpacked our luggage, and then fixed us a bubble bath in our super luxe bathroom. Is he superman or what?! 

I could stay in this bathroom forever. A free standing bathtub centerpiece is a must for any indulgent stay. It's even better if the tub is lined with French Breche de Benou marble. Bubbly time with bubbles anyone? You could also catch up on some tv on the strategically placed flat screen.  

If you don't have time for a soak, there's also the adjoining shower with massage jets to reinvigorate you, complete with the revitalizing Remede Spa bath products. Love that minty and cooling feel. 

The pampering continues at the Remede Spa, the first outfit outside of US. Individualised services are provided to scrub, knead, polish you into oblivion. Here i tried the award winning signature Warm Jade Stone Massage ($290/90mins), which uses both hot and cold jade stones to aid relaxation and improve circulation. Jr had the Body Revival ($260/90mins) treatment which rejuvenated him from head to toe (he had his first ever warm paraffin foot wax treatment here). 

The relaxation continues after a spot of floral tea and handmade chocolates (make sure you bring home some, they sell them outside Brasserie Les Saveurs). We chilled out (separately) in the wet facilities that is available to all guests. I alternated between the Finnish cedar wood sauna and the outdoor jacuzzi. The indoors spa pool and heated wave loungers reminded me of the traditional Turkish baths! 

You can also experience the world-renowned pedicure treatments designed by French Podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez at his Mani:Pedi:Cure Studio. Really really trust me, you'll never look at your nails the same way after. 

We could have gone for the daily afternoon tour of the private art collection in St. Regis which features over 100 original scultures by world famous artists such as Columbian artist Fernando Botero, French painter Marc Chagall, American architect Frank Gehry among others.. BUT the bed beckons! We couldn't even make it down to La Brezza for Italian nosh by the pool, instead choosing to have one of their thin crust pizza sent to our room. Pizza and wine in bed is pretty swell too. ;)

To make up for the inactivity the day before, we woke early to squeeze in a pre-breakfast workout. The 24-hour guest access Fitness Centre is a great place for a quiet workout. After a quick warm up, we ran to and around the newly minted UNESCO World Heritage site- The Singapore Botanic Gardens. It's surely a good way to work up an appetite in time for the epicurean breakfast spread at the gorgeous French restaurant Brasserie Les Saveurs. 

I love dining at BLS because it's so pretty. Go early, and be prepared to wait. If not, you could also choose to dine at La Brezza, which has a smaller breakfast selection. That works too if you prefer a quieter dining space. 

Well this is the main reason why i chose to dine at BLS, the Epicurean Lobster Omelette. Seems like most people didn't know that they could order this a la minute. Well, it's quite a normal-ish omelette with slightly old-ish lobster chunks. The caviar and creamy bisque sauce makes up for it though. 

If you love your carbs, you would be very satisfied with the breakfast pastries. Love the croissants, danishes, tarts, and sweets! I obviously had no issues having bread and butter pudding, waffles, and ice cream for breakfast.

Well if a western type of breakfast isn't your thing, then skip breakfast altogether and book yourself a Weekend Dimsum Brunch at Yan Ting. For $108/pax, you can feast on as many dim sum, hot dishes, and desserts as your appetite can stomach! Everything is fired fresh upon order which is PERFECT. Do not miss the steamed lobster, har gao siew mai, char siew sor and more. Expect a full post on this soon! 

Plenty to do at a stay in St. Regis Singapore. There was no rush at all at this lavish property. Can any other hotel chain beat a 4pm late check out (if you have the SPG Gold status that is)? Till the next time!

St. Regis Singapore

29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 6506 6888

I've been told that i'm a COMO fan by someone i was introduced to for the first time. But who wouldn't be really, after getting a first taste of the signature Christina Ong experience at Point Yamu by COMO in Phuket. So immediately after my Phuket getaway, i booked the next COMO holiday in Bali Indonesia- Uma Ubud.  

It was not love at first sight at Uma Ubud for me. For one, you really don't get to see much at a glance. It took a while for my other senses to kick in and that's when the Uma brand of love crept in. 

Environment

If privacy is what you want, privacy is what you get. Uma Ubud is in Ubud, but not in Ubud. You step in, and you leave the world behind. Everything is tucked away and secluded and you're enveloped by the lush greenery, tall trees, bird and insects and all. Pause for a moment, and all you hear and feel would be the pulse of nature and the beating of your heart.

The property is sprawling without any feeling of crowdedness. The planted rock walls that mark each room blend in perfectly with the nature, removing any type of clastrophobia. On several occasions, i found myself lost on the narrow paths that connect the different spaces. It's literally a jungle in there, which is amazing because it was unexpected, at least based on my first impression at the reception area.

What is your criteria for the perfect beach holiday? Well my must haves include a monochrome fine sand beach (yes black is cool like at Alila Villas Soori Bali), clear aqua-marine waters, and of course a luxurious villa with the full works, and food of course. The Jumeirah resorts in the Maldives crosses all the boxes and my stay at the Jumeirah Vittaveli resort was nothing short of perfect. 

Jumeirah Vittaveli is located a short 20-minute speed boat ride from Malé, which makes it a convenient destination. While a sea plane ride is part of the quintessential Maldivian experience, i find it over hyped and honestly unnecessary, since you can get the same piece of clear blue ocean with gorgeous views practically anywhere in Maldives. Ok granted that not all house reefs are great but JV's reefs were quite amazing. Plus, it saved us a lot of time and pain and we got to spend more time exploring the gorgeous island.

From their Bolifushi location, JV offers 43 beach villas and suites, 46 lagoon villas and suites, with four restaurants and a beach side cocktail bar. All villas come with their own swimming pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon, perfect for snorkeling trips any time you fancy (snorkeling gear provided for free). Connect with high speed complimentary Wi-Fi around the island, or be a couch potato with the free on-demand movies on your Apple TV. Disconnect by exploring the outdoors on the Vittaveli bicycles parked right outside your doorsteps or out at/under the sea with the myriad of water sports available.

Expect great hospitality regardless of the accommodation you pick. Each villa has its own dedicated host who will ensure that your activities and meals run smoothly. The welcome snacks were a nice touch, bubbly included! We were greeted by smiles and engaging conversations everywhere we went and it was really comfortable.