Culture | Travel
Tuck in to our exclusive shoots at the region’s top restaurants, interviews with celebrated chefs, and stunning hotel and resort tours from luxury destinations in Asia-Pacific and beyond…
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Interview
The interview: Yohei Akao, founder of interior design firm Strickland, on his transformation of the Grand Hyatt Singapore
Strickland founder and designer director Yohei Akao talks us through his meticulous transformation of the Grand Hyatt Singapore, bringing together nature, city and brand heritage in the iconic Orchard hotel.
Interview
The interview: Sonu Shivdasani, co-founder of Soneva resorts, on buying into paradise
Pioneering hotelier and co-founder of Soneva, Sonu Shivdasani, launched the brand’s first resort with a view to having a residence in the Maldives. Now, many of his guests do too.
Interview
The Dictador 5 Decades collection is equal parts sculpture and spirit
When the great Richard Orlinski was asked to come up with a design for rum bottles that functioned as both rare spirits and fine art, the artist welcomed the challenge as a "fusion of two universes." And he couldn't have asked for a better partner in Dictador Rum.
The interview: Suphajee Suthumpun, CEO of Dusit International, on the launch of their flagship Bangkok hotel and residences
A first look at the flagship branded residences by Dusit International, which will redefine the hotel group’s landmark site in the heart of Bangkok.
Interview
The interview: K. P. Ho, founder of Banyan Tree Group, on three decades of luxury hospitality
Banyan Tree Group founder K.P. Ho talks us through three decades of differentiated luxury hospitality, the bright future of branded residences, and crashing drones into his latest prestige developments.
Design tour
The art of memorable elegance: Armani Hotels in Milan and Dubai
There’s an enveloping scent of wood, light and alpine, with just an undertow of amber, that ushers you in and ultimately defines a stay at the Armani Hotels in Milan and Dubai. Devastatingly sophisticated, but at the same time, accessible. Supremely poised, and yet welcoming – a near-paradox the Armani maison somehow effortlessly extends to every touchpoint from design and service to amenities and gastronomy.
The interview: Tetsuya Wakuda, acclaimed chef and owner of Tetsuya’s, on cultivating timeless taste
Today, like most Sydney suburbs within easy reach of the CBD and harbour, Rozelle has been thoroughly gentrified. Back in late ’80s, however, this inner-west enclave — considered since the early 20th Century to be one of the state’s most underprivileged, polluted areas — maintained a steely grip on its original unvarnished industrial character.
New release
Bruichladdich unveils its 15th Octomore series, including the second most heavily-peated spirit yet
Bruichladdich's Octomore, the distillery's annual collection of heavily-peated expressions, finally re-emerges with another triumvirate of 5-year-old single malt Scotch whiskies with the 15th Octomore series. This lineup includes the second most heavily-peated spirit in its category yet, following the 8.3 Octomore with a 309 phenol parts per million (PPM).
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New release
Glenfiddich presents an exclusive 31-year-old whisky finished in a 9-year-old Bordeaux cask
Glenfiddich is known for its exceptional Grand Series collection that celebrates the combination between single malt and cultures from around the world. This includes the 29-year-old Grand Yozakura, the first single malt Scotch whisky finished in rare ex-Awamori casks, as well as the rare Palo Cortado Sherry cask-finished Gran Cortes.
New release
The Macallan A Night on Earth series: A tribute to the Spanish region of Jerez
Following the iconic release of the Time : Space Collection as part of The Macallan's 200th anniversary celebration, the distillery unveils the third release of the A Night on Earth Series to mark the conclusion of the bicentennial festivities.
Interview
The interview: Sarah Crowe, winemaker and general manager of Yarra Yering, on honouring heritage and embracing winemaking innovations
Yarra Yering is one the oldest vineyards in Victoria's Yarra Valley, but is also one of the youngest in the region to hold a Langtons Classification. Heralding a legacy of more than five decades, the brand's winemaker and general manager Sarah Crowe talks us through its heritage, evolving practices and how the Langtons Classification have enhanced their reputation in the winemaking industry.
Sullivans Cove unveils a rare 17-year-old second-fill whisky
As the second oldest whisky distillery in Tasmania, Sullivans Cove enjoys the distinction of producing some of the most complex single-cask expressions in the Australian market. Further adding to the award-winning distillery's exceptional portfolio is its rare 17-year-old American oak second-fill whisky release, the TD0107. With this blend, collectors enjoy a unique blend of herbal notes and a powerful dark and heavy finish.
New release
Remy Martin celebrates its legacy with the 300th Anniversary Coupe
Since its inception in 1724, the House of Remy Martin's cognacs have been a staple among the most important gatherings in France and the rest of the world. Its name has always been synonymous with prestige, world-class blends and an exceptional legacy that only a few cognac-makers have attained.
Macallan celebrates 200 years of milestones with the Time : Space Collection
The Macallan is celebrating its 200 years with two new expressions that pay homage to the craft of whisky making. With it comes the Time : Space Collection, which, as Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell says, is unique in the sense that it takes individuals into a journey through time. The distillery selected two whiskies that look at its storied past and would lay the foundation for future whisky makers and consumers alike.
A look at Molteni&C’s most celebrated hotel design collaborations
As an Italian heritage brand, Molteni&C's pursuit of exceptional design has led to some key collaborations with titans like Angelo Mangiarotti, Tito Agnoli and Luca Meda. The Italian furniture maker, after all, has always sought out creative partnerships that exercise its artisanal vision and legacy of craftsmanship.
The interview: The Macallan whisky maker Steven Bremner on curating the right expression for the Harmony III
The Macallan's fabled Harmony Collection is a celebration of creative force. Harmony I brought together the worlds of chocolate and whisky with some help from the Roca brothers. Meanwhile, Harmony II drew from five coffee experts, creating two whiskies with a distinct coffee flavour.
New release
The Macallan Time : Space Mastery pays tribute to past whisky makers
The Macallan celebrates its 200 years of legacy with an all-new expression that pays tribute to its past whisky makers. This is the Time : Space Mastery, a unique whisky made from the diverse inventory of the most exceptional oak casks.
Interview
The interview: Thomas Duroux, CEO, Château Palmer
Producing and marketing fine wine requires a particular set of skills, blending science and agriculture, sober business savvy and Dionysian artistry. It follows that it takes certain special qualities to be the CEO of a winemaker – especially a winemaker as esteemed as Château Palmer.
Interview
Capella Sydney’s McRae Bar and Brasserie 1930
When Capella opened its doors in Sydney’s heritage sandstone precinct, it was never going to be just about the city-resort hotel. F&B play a leading role in the luxury group’s establishments, as witnessed by the launch, earlier this year, of McRae Bar and Brasserie 1930.
Jason Ong’s restaurants Caviar and Uni Gallery emphasise doing what you love
Restaurateur and gourmet seafood importer Jason Ong has a straight-forward approach to both businesses – do what you love. His two restaurants, Caviar and Uni Gallery, underscore the point. “I love eating uni on its own,” he says, “with a spoon, like ice-cream.” Tonight, however, it’s a pairing of five courses of caviar with matching Champagne by Legras & Haas, whose vigneron Jerome Legras aims “to elicit every nuance Champagne can offer.” This runs the gamut from the crisp and citrusy Blanc de Blancs paired with a creamy Kaluga Queen caviar and Hyogo oyster, through to the Rosé, with its structured breadth of red fruits, setting off sake lees, white chocolate and the enveloping and buttery Polanco Oscietra.
Interview
67 Pall Mall: The exclusive members’ club with a wine problem
Singapore’s sublime new members’ club began in London, when founder and former banker Grant Ashton found himself with a wine problem. The dilemma was an overabundance of fine wines in his collection – and a desire to share it.
Showcase
History repeating: The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is a heritage stay with a story
The parallels could not be more perfect. Just like its stunning sister in Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney was once a grand General Post Office and remains a beloved local icon, with layers of history to unfold. Launched in 1874, the GPO Building has long been a landmark and meeting spot; its clock tower was once the tallest building in the city – and while Sydney’s skyline has since surpassed it, the allure of this place endures.
Showcase
Ice queen: Silversea unveils expedition ship Silver Endeavour
Cruising is synonymous with fun in the sun, lazy days drifting around tropical isles. Yet the more adventurous cruise aficionado will probably have advanced beyond such quotidian travels. Instead, they’ll seek journeys offering truly extraordinary experiences. Trips that are not simply vacations – they’re full-blown expeditions. For those intrepid voyagers looking to go somewhere awe-inspiring, but unwilling to sacrifice creature comforts along the way, Silversea has long been the go-to cruise line. Specialising in ultra-luxury aquatic journeys to remarkable locations, the company recently launched its most sumptuously appointed expedition ship yet, the Silver Endeavour.
Interview
New horizons for renowned Nihi Resorts
The past few years have been difficult for the hospitality industry, to say the least. But for the proprietors of Nihi, an ultra-luxury surf resort on the Indonesian island of Sumba, one hour’s flight east of Bali, there’s been a silver lining to the restrictions on international travel.
Interview
The interview: Esin Güral Argat, CEO of Joali
Esin Güral Argat is the vice-president of the board at the Gürok Group, the Turkish conglomerate founded in 1948 and run by her family ever since. The company has interests in packaging, real estate, mining, roof tiles and construction, among other concerns. Entering the family business in the 1990s, Güral Argat quickly seized the initiative to build a start-up of her own within the company, LAV. Today, it’s the world’s fifth-largest glassware manufacturer, producing some two million drinking receptacles per day, while employing more than 2,000 people at its offices and factories.
New release
The House of Suntory unveils its oldest blended whisky yet
This year, the House of Suntory introduces its oldest blended whisky yet, the Hibiki 40 Year Old. This expression is set to be launched at Oncore by Clare Smyth in Crown Sydney on 24th October. This exclusive gathering offers guests the opportunity to be part of the first tasting of the Hibiki 40 Year Old in Australia. Individuals are also invited to experience the bespoke five-course menu designed by Chef Clare Smyth at the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Showcase
33 Club: Design, drinks, dinner meet a private members’ watch club
The world’s sixth-largest importer of Swiss watches, Singapore is a voracious consumer of luxury timepieces. So it makes sense that the city-state should possess somewhere suitably sophisticated for the watch-collecting community to congregate. Enter 33 Club, a plush new private member’s establishment that opened late last year at Raffles Place.
Explore the hidden intricacies of the Great Barrier Reef like never before
As the holiday season commences around the world, there’s no better place to escape the daily rush than Australia’s breathtaking Great Barrier Reef during the pristine summer season.
Interview
The interview: Tamara Grischy, general manager of Langtons, on the globalisation of Australian fine wine
For more than three decades, Langtons Classification has served as the ultimate form guide for connoisseurs. It has found, recorded and predicted how demand, preferences and wine styles have ebbed and flowed over the years, as well as the emerging influence of Australian fine wines globally.
Queenstown’s award-winning The Carlin Boutique Hotel goes up for sale
Set amidst the spectacular alpine paradise of Queenstown, New Zealand, the award-winning, boutique hotel, The Carlin, has been offered for sale in a unique opportunity to buy a luxury retreat in this renowned resort town.
Hublot Xplorations sets its sights on unraveling the history of the Antikythera shipwreck
If there's one thing Hublot has always understood, it's the beauty that lies in heritage. Since the Maison's launch in 1980, it has continued to push the boundaries of Swiss watchmaking and what a modern timepiece could be. This, of course, started off with the introduction of polished and brushed gold and rubber into haute horology, presenting new ways of defining style and adaptability.
The interview: Peter Ng, founder of Maduro, on music, whisky and cigars
After spending 15 years as a professional – and highly regarded – jazz pianist both in Singapore and on the international circuit, Peter Ng eventually started and settled down into his core property business in London. It was only when he found himself looking for somewhere to smoke a cigar that he conceived of, and then opened Robusto – the first incarnation of Maduro. The now beloved jazz, whisky and cigar club recently relocated to the Sofitel hotel in Sentosa, where Boulevard caught up with Ng over a Montecristo…
The Macallan embarks on a ‘journey through time’ with Cirque du Soleil for its 200th anniversary
In the world of fine whisky, The Macallan has stood consistently as a true innovator of the single malt Scotch whisky. For two centuries, the distillery's expressions have showcased the flavours and texture of the picturesque Speyside region. Collaborations with artists and designers over the years have only enhanced the brand's status.
Bruichladdich embraces its Islay legacy with two new rare single malt expressions
Bruichladdich had been built on the stories that shaped the remote Isle of Islay. The Scottish distillery honors its heritage all the while embracing modern techniques to create more dynamic expressions.
300 years of Rémy Martin: The legendary 1738 Accord Royal comes to Sydney
The House of Rémy Martin is a name synonymous with prestige, world-class blends and an enduring power only a fortunate few have attained. For about three centuries, its cognacs have been a staple among the most important gatherings in France and the rest of the world.
A decade of ‘wild harmony’: Highland Park releases limited-edition Single Cask #3439 in Australia
As one of the premier distilleries in Scotland, Highland Park continues to cultivate expressions that mimic the natural environment that is home to its Orkney distillery. Such is the case with its new whisky, the 10-Year-Old Single Cask #3439, which embodies the brand's vision for 'Wild Harmony'.
Sullivans Cove introduces Australia’s oldest single cask whisky to the market
Sullivans Cove adds another layer to its legacy with the release of its 24-year-old single cask spirit. The award-winning Tasmanian distillery recently announced the limited run of the HH0004. With it comes an expression that not only surpasses the brand's 22-year-old record-breaking blend, but also exudes newer levels of depth and complexity in flavor.
Gibson Wines’ ‘Dirtman’ Shiraz is a Barossa Valley legend for a reason
South Australia's climate conditions and geographic character make it the ideal region for wine production. The Barossa Valley, in particular, is famous for its lush vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and of course its iconic Shiraz.
Louis XIII adds another dimension to the renowned cognac with ‘The Drop’
Louis XIII is widely considered the pinnacle of cognacs for a reason. An ode to French art de vivre, its blend is a product of a vision built from the motto, 'Think a century ahead'. The Remy Martin flagship prides itself as a spirit ahead of the curve, constantly showing new ways to appreciate and consume its complex expression.
Gardens of Eden: Into Phuket’s new luxury tropical arcadia
As the Phuket property market transforms into one of the most robust in the region, it welcomes its latest luxury wellness residential and hospitality community along beautiful Bang Tao Beach. Gardens of Eden reflects Thailand's tropical splendor in many ways. With it comes a breezy arcadia of grand proportions.
Firangi Superstar: the restaurant that reveals itself in vignettes
Cinematic, seductive and quasi-surreal, Firangi Superstar announces itself as a “foreigner’s love letter to India.” Aesthetes with an eye for eccentricity might wonder if that foreigner is American francophile filmmaker Wes Anderson, the great creator of dreamlike worlds. But the applause here goes to restaurateurs Rohit Roopchand and Michael Goodman of the Dandy Collection, with creative director and principal of EDG, Piya Thamchariyawat, mastering the mise-en-scène.