Kuala Lumpur’s New Boutique Hotel ‘Else’ Set to Launch in September
By Lifestyle+Travel
Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, the city’s new boutique hotel Else is slated to open in September 2022 in the former Lee Rubber Building, honouring the landmark’s architectural legacy while embracing contemporary design, featuring 49 well-appointed guest rooms, 2 compelling dining concepts, and modern wellness facilities.
Else Founders Justin Chen and Javier Perez commissioned local leading designers, artists and partners to create their vision of conscious hospitality. Malaysian design
firm Studio Bikin conceptualised the design and oversaw the restoration which was executed by Faizah Architect, another celebrated Malaysian partner. Complex, thought-provoking and inspiring art pieces have been acquired from emerging and award-winning Malaysian artists.
“Else has been a four-year project realized through the challenges of the global pandemic and inspired by the emerging new era of traveller. The result is an urban haven for the globally minded and curious. Our design and construction team have sensitively balanced a contrast of new and old with a refined juxtaposition of a pre-war building beautifully preserved and innovative design that invites all our guests to explore the property on their own, and discover intimate pockets to pause and reflect,” commented Justin Chen.
Else opens on 10 September 2022 with opening rates from MYR 398 until 31 October 2022. For more information, visit www.elseretreats.com
By Lifestyle+Travel
Bangkok Patana Hosts First-Ever Insect Food Seminar Led by Student Organization “Amino Insecto”
Bangkok Patana School recently buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the Amino Insecto seminar, an event dedicated to the emerging trend of insect-based cuisine as a sustainable protein source. Founded by Napa-ai Suriyabhivadh, known to her peers as April, Amino Insecto champions insect consumption as a step toward a more sustainable food future. The seminar is also led by Wipharhuck Kongboonma, cofounder of Amino Insecto. April, who developed an interest in insect protein while training with the Thai national basketball team, first tried insect-based snacks reluctantly but soon discovered their nutritional value. Realizing insects’ potential to fight malnutrition and support eco-friendly agriculture, she and her friends launched Amino Insecto to promote these benefits among Thai youth. The seminar drew notable experts in the field, including Finnish food scientist Professor Sara-Maria Kauppi and Chef Topi Kairenius, who both flew in to share their experiences. Professor Kauppi, who teaches at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted her research on consumer behavior around insect foods, explaining how well-designed packaging could ease consumers into the idea of eating bugs. Chef Kairenius, an advocate for sustainable insect-based dining in Nordic cuisine, treated students to samples of Finnish water bugs, sparking intrigue among attendees. The event’s food booth added a culinary adventure to the learning experience, featuring dishes like mango sticky rice topped with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms paired with caramelized locusts. The 180 samples quickly disappeared, with students eagerly returning for more, demonstrating a positive shift in attitudes toward edible insects. The excitement surrounding Amino Insecto’s seminar reflects a global movement that’s growing across Europe, Asia, and beyond. With climate change and resource scarcity pressing issues worldwide, this student-led initiative encourages a fresh perspective on food sustainability.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Royal Cliff Pattaya passes the assessment for five-star hotel standard
Four hotels of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group have been awarded the prestigious Accommodation Standard for Tourism 2024 - 2027 in the 5-star resort category by the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Thailand Hotel Standard Foundation. The certified hotels—Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, Royal Cliff Beach Terrace, Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, and Royal Wing Suites & Spa—successfully passed the assessment based on an internationally recognized quality system. This certification highlights the Group's excellence in management, covering key aspects such as service, accommodation, facilities, cleanliness, safety, and the exceptional relaxation experience provided to all guests. The certification aims to honor and recognize hotels, resorts, homestays, and tourist attractions that contribute to elevating Thailand's tourism industry. By enhancing competitiveness and building confidence among tourists worldwide, this initiative supports Thailand's vision of becoming a leading global tourism hub. Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four award-winning hotels, charming travellers from all corners of the world. Unlock a world of magical experiences with Royal Cliff’s curated promotions and packages at the ultimate luxury destination. Ensure your exceptional holiday by booking directly with Royal Cliff. Not only do we guarantee the best prices, but we also offer exclusive value-added extras to elevate your hotel stay. To secure the premium experience you deserve, reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext: 2732, or drop an email to reservations@royalcliff.com. For more information Please visit www.royalcliff.com, www.facebook.com/royalcliff and www.instagram.com/royalcliff
By Lifestyle+Travel
Singapore’s Finest of All
Travel with Trip.Best to Explore the Best of the Best in Singapore In today’s digital age, technology plays an increasingly significant role across numerous sectors whether business, medical, travel or other. Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to make more triumphs and is replacing manpower in various sectors, while becoming increasingly reliable and trustworthy. Digital knowhow likewise benefits tourism and travellers in many ways. With smart software such as the all-in-one “Trip.com” installed on your phone, you're sure to have a trusty travel companion with you throughout your journeys. In addition to finding fantastic deals and helping with reservations, it will help you tailor your itineraries so you get the maximum out of them. There’s also the Trip.Best list of recommendations for each destination for where to stay, what to see, where to dine and hang out, and more, curated by digital analysis of a range of travel products on Trip.com including booking volume, thematic focus, travel distance, reviews and overall product quality. Only the top 1% of products are featured on the list. I followed the leads on Trip.Best during my recent trip to Singapore and they made my visit even more mesmerising than before! Marina Bay Sands Hotel • No.1 : 2024 Trip.Best Global 100 – Instagrammable Hotels Marina Bay Sands Hotel is 'the' location to stay in Singapore for its striking towers, opulent décor, star facilities and smooth service, as well as panoramic views of the city and Marina Bay. Furthermore, a number of attractions lie within walking distance, making the hotel extremely convenient. Its cutting-edge design and spectacular vista offer homage to several Instagrammable areas throughout the hotel, particularly at the luxurious SkyPark. Sentosa Island • No.7 : 2024 Trip.Best Global 100 - Things to Do • No.7 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 - Things to Do • No.1 : Trip.Best - Best Things to Do in Singapore Sentosa, located just off Singapore's southern coast, is a man-made island that was transformed from a military fort into one of Asia's major leisure destinations. Often referred to as the "State of Fun", Sentosa is packed with attractions, great resorts especially for families, and three main beaches with imported white sand. A visit to Singapore would not be complete without visiting this entertainment destination, for which one would need to spare at least a day. Cable Car • No.79 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 - Things to Do • No.13 : Trip.Best - Best Things to Do in Singapore Sentosa Island is easily accessible via various means: via the Sentosa Express monorail that departs from VivoCity shopping mall or by car, bus or even on foot via the Sentosa Boardwalk. However, for a scenic route, the Singapore Cable Car offers a stunning aerial view of the cityscape and the island. The cable car is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a special collaboration with Hello Kitty and the new SkyOrb Cabin, the world’s first chrome spherical cabin. Skyline Luge • No.77 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 - Things to Do • No.10 : Trip.Best - Best Things to Do in Singapore Located at Imbiah Lookout on Sentosa