I went on a free & easy foodie excursion and checked out a few picturesque places for the gram in Macau. Surely, the food in Macau did not disappoint. I had a mix of simple cha chaan teng food and extravagant meal at luxury hotels. Although it was a short stay, I have to agree that the city lives up to its name as a UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’. Here’s a roundup of the food I ate:

Casa de Cha Lung Wah 龍華茶樓

Casa de Cha Lung Wah 龍華茶樓 is a traditional tea house that has been around since the 60s. It is located in a pastel-yellow building that exudes a charming old-school vibe. Everything in the tea house looked like a Cantonese movie scene.

Upon entering the restaurant which is located on the 2nd floor, you’ll be prompted to order your tea. While there are many types of tea to choose from, Heung-Pin tea is my favourite when it comes to Yum-cha as the subtle jasmine palette pairs well with any type of dim sum.

Next, grab a seat. The best seats, in my humble opinion, are the ones by the window and they are extremely popular. Once you are ready, you can then proceed to pick up your choice of dim sum at the cart. You may also order food from their Chinese-only menu. We tried the steamed glutinous rice and some stuffed tofu, both were excellent.

Casa De Cha Lung Wah 龍華茶樓
Lung Wah Tea House
3 R. Norte do Mercado Alm. Lacerda, Macau
罅些喇提督市北街3號

Portuguese Cuisine at António

I took a stroll at the charming Taipa Village which is a world away from the swanky casinos and chanced upon António, a Portuguese restaurant in the area. I had Pastéis de Bacalhau, which is Fried Codfish Cakes and Galinha à Africana com Batata Gratinada, African Chicken with Peanut and Coconut Spice Sauce and Gratinated Potatoes.

I haven’t been to Portugal and so I can’t really comment on the authenticity of the food, but I enjoyed the dishes, especially the Bacalhau.

António 安東尼餐廳
Rua dos Clerigos No.18-A – 18-B, Taipa, Macau
澳門舊城區木鐸街7號

Pace Coffee Macau

I was researching good cafes in Macau and dear Google brought me to Pace Coffee. Nestled in a shophouse around the quaint Guanye Street, Pace Coffee serves a wide array of coffee options. I really love the airy space with white and wooden elements. The shop is filled with the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed coffee and everything feels so calm and welcoming. We ordered an iced latte and iced americano, and enjoyed it to the last sip!

Pace Coffee Macau 
49 Rua dos Ervanários, Macau
澳門關前正街49號

Old House Bakery 

Old House Bakery 老房子麵包 is a bakery hidden in an alley near Guanye Street. Offering organic bread, pastries and cakes, this bakery is popular among locals. We enjoyed the mini canelé and matcha muffin and the old-school interior of the bakery definitely warrant a post on your Instagram!

Old House Bakery 老房子麵包 
R/C, 13 Patio do Amparo, Macau
關前後街顯榮圍13 號地下
https://oldhousebakery.business.site/

Palette Dessert Gallery

Tuck in this artfully presented apple tart “Pomme d’Amour” at Palette Dessert Gallery, a tart specialist in Macau. We are crazy over this apple tart with thinly sliced Fuji apple and salted caramel cheese mouse. The taste was divide, so crisp, so buttery, so elegant — Each bite was a true bliss!

Palette Dessert Gallery 
Rua Nova A Guia, No. 209 R/C, Macau
澳門東望洋新街209號地下
facebook.com/Palettedessertgallery/

Cafe Namping 南屏雅敘

Cafe Namping is a charming Cha Chaan Teng that serves classic, old-school cantonese fast food in Macau. We went there for a late breakfast. Upon entering the eatery, we see a wide array of freshly baked breads that reminds me of the traditional bakeries in Singapore. Their menu was extensive, with different kinds of sandwiches, french toast, macaronis, baked rice and drinks.

We had an Egg & Ham sandwich and it was filled to the brim. While the food was alright (nothing to shout about), I love that nostalgic atmosphere as if everything was straight out of an old Hong Kong movie. I’d recommend this place if you’d like to experience eating in an old-school Cha Chaan Teng in Macau.

Cafe Namping 南屏雅敘
85A, 85 R. de Cinco de Outubro, Macau
新馬路十月初五日街85-85A號地下

渼味軒咖啡麵食之家 (Relocating)

渼味軒 is a restaurant that specialises in Macanese and Burmese noodle dishes. We randomly discovered the restaurant and it turned out to be one of the most memorable meals in the trip. We had the Garlic Chicken Chop Noodles 蒜香雞扒撈生面, and the garlic chicken chop was so fragrant, juicy and tender, and we love how springy the noodles were.

The staff also recommended their Cheesy Bun with Portuguese Sardine in Spicy Oil 葡國辣魚芝士包, as Portuguese sardine is one of the local delicacy in Macau. The bun had a generous spread of the spicy sardine that taste similar to our sambal chili and the thick layer of cheese slices adds richness to the dish!

It was a very satisfying meal and we’d love to go back but the eatery is relocating and is under a rebranding too. You may follow their facebook for further updates.

The Tasting Room 御膳房 (closed)

The Tasting Room was an elegant, French dining restaurant with 2 Michelin Stars. However, unlike my experience at Mingles in Seoul, I wasn’t entirely impressed with the food at The Tasting Room. While there were hits and misses, I’d say the plating and presentation were insanely beautiful, just like art pieces on the plate. The restaurant has ceased its operation in 2021.

This article was first published in 2019, and recently updated in 2022.

This small little kiosk with lots of wood elements and limited seating reminds us of the cosy, independent cafes on the streets of Tokyo. The cafe offers a wide selection of espresso beverages ranging from the usual latte, americano, single origins to fancy milk-based espresso beverages like “Mama’s Special”, Brown Sugar Latte and Honey Cinnamon Latte.

The store rotates its single-origin beans on a regular basis. Some are not listed on the menu so if you’re keen, you may find out more from the friendly baristas. You may, of course, request the barista to whip up your coffee based on your taste preference.

We were delighted by their hot latte. The milk froth was very fine and pillowy, with a nice sweetness that compliments well with the intense and beautifully complex aroma from the espresso. It tasted like caramel chocolate with some citrusy notes and hints of honey walnut. It was truly a bliss to kick start our cafe hopping trail with 夏野豆行.

While most patrons would do takeouts at this cafe, on a less busy day, you can enjoy your cup of joe at their outdoor seat while watching the world pass by.

Cafe Information:

Summer Savage Coffee 夏野豆行
No. 1, Lane 330, Songjiang Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
臺北市中山區松江路330巷1號
facebook.com/Summersavagecoffee/

Operating Hours:
MON- FRI:
8 AM – 5 PM

SAT-SUN:
10 AM – 6 PM

Directions:

Photographs by: Wind Tay

And so here’s a blog post brought to you by my brother who’s currently based in Taipei to help you get your to-go list ready!

When we talk about Taiwan, it is impossible to skip its tea culture. Taiwan’s colonial past has resulted in its vibrant tea history. And that inspired [ tei ] by O’Bond as a tea bar to present the uniqueness of Taiwanese tea through its cocktails. So if you love tea and cocktails, bookmark this place!

Upon entering the main entrance, guests will pass through a dark alley before reaching the tea reception area. The interior is calm and minimalist, with a nostalgic atmosphere that replicates a zen state of mind just like visiting a tea house.

Welcome Tea

The first thing a guest would notice upon arrival was the tea room with an interior set-up that replicates a pavilion in a park. Expect a “Tea Serving Ceremony”, or “Feng Cha” (奉茶) session which serves as a nod to Taiwan’s once-ubiquitous veterans’ village culture – Juan Cun Village culture. (眷村文化). In the olden days, Juan Cun Villages would provide complimentary tea for its visitors. This is part of a collective memory of the daily life of Taiwanese people that symbolises the warm hospitality that the bar wishes to preserve.

Ambience

The bar pays utmost attention to its interior design. Every detail has been carefully thought through. I liked that the Japanese-inspired wabi-sabi interior infused with the warm & nostalgic atmosphere of a Taiwanese tea house.

Drinks

Paying tribute to the Taiwanese tea culture, the bar menu features 19 tea-based cocktails that are cleverly extracted and layered up with various spirits and interesting ingredients. Helmed by Tom Liu, the La Maison Cointreau International Champion in 2019, visitors would appreciate each tea varietal’s nuances through the team’s interpretation and infusions of their cocktails.

No.4 Longjing Green Tea 龍井綠茶

A concoction of rum, papaya, plum vinegar and green peppercorn. You’d notice a distinctly fruity and tropical sweetness from ripe papaya at your first sip, an unexpected vinegary kick from the plum vinegar follows, then subsequently, the drink mellows down with a hint of the spicy, woody flavour of the peppercorns. A well-delivered drink with varying layers of flavours.

No. 7 Calendula Oolong Tea 金盞花烏龍茶

For those who fancy floral and herb taste profiles, No.7 is a gin cocktail with a mixture of mead, Cocchi Americano, Skinos, and Yellow Chartreuse. The lychee and fermented honey make a wonderful sweet accent to the drink, while the herbal notes and a touch of saltiness from Skinos keep the drink from becoming cloying.

No. 16 Assam Black Tea 阿薩姆紅茶

A fun variation from Bloody Mary. Tabasco and fermented tomato were used to create the savoury, spicy drink that we all recognize, Mount Gay Rum XO for that delectable salted caramel aroma, and Vermouth for that bit of depth and balance. This version is less heavy and features an aromatic aftertaste.

Food

A great amount of time and attention was also spent on their food menu, with a fine selection of ingredients that pair well with the tea cocktails while paying homage to the Taiwanese culture and roots.

Tea Oil Pepper Seed Chicken Breast Noodle 茶油辣子 • 五辛 • 雞胸 • 月見麵條 is a chilled udon noodle dish with sous vide chicken breast marinated with Oolong tea seed oil & pepper seed. We love the fragrance of tea seed oil, the richness from the sous vide poached egg yolk that coats the al-dente noodles and the tender-soft chicken breast. The pickled radish with osmanthus on the side added a pleasant acidity, sweetness and umami flavour.

Jasmine Tea Shao Xing Drunken Chicken Breast 香片• 紹興酒• 63度雞胸 is the chef’s recreation of the classic Shao Xing Drunken Chicken. The Jasmine tea-scented dish is pleasant and refreshing to the palate.

Another eye-catching dish on the menu is the Pidan Tofu Sous Vide Pork Loin 皮蛋•豆腐•舒肥豬里肌 that came in the form of a thick soup. This creamy, chilled soup dish made of fermented duck eggs, tofu and sous vide pork loin is rather provocative and unconventional but surprisingly tasty. Only for those who are adventurous!

Writer’s Note: [ tei ] by O’Bond is a stylish tea bar that exudes old-school Juan Cun Village & zen-like tea house charm. We like that the bar incorporates local flavours into its menu for a unique Taiwanese tea-themed bar experience. The space is well thought-out, and we love their progressive & ambitious cocktail menu, as well as the innovative food selection. Definitely a gem to visit in Taipei! Reservations only, no walk-ins.

Bar Information:

[ tei ] by O’Bond
No. 553, Guangfu S Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan
110臺北市 光復南路553號
instagram.com/tei_by_obond/

Reservation: tei.byobond@gmail.com
Operating Hours: 8 pm – 2 am

Directions:

Photographs by: Wind Tay

We’ve visited the same resort several times. K proposed there at Hole 17, the iconic hole of Laguna Golf Bintan; we did a Minimoon there before our actual honeymoon in Italy. And here we are at the resort for our babymoon! To be honest, the resort holds so many precious memories and I believe it is one of the reasons we always find ourselves heading back.

Please note that this trip was taken after the Indonesian government’s decision (May 2022) to lift the PCR test requirement for visitors who have been fully vaccinated.

Resort Location

Banyan Tree Bintan is a 5-star resort on the Bintan Island, Indonesia. The property is a 15-minute car ride away from Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal.

We took a 45-minute ferry ride via Bintan Resort Ferries from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and arrived at Bintan Island.

#Tip: I would recommend booking the Emerald Class especially if you are travelling on the weekends, PH and school holidays. The top up fare from Economy Class to Emerald Class is about S$44 per pax, but you'll definitely save time at both immigrations. 

Emerald Class Benefits: 

• Priority boarding and disembarkation
• Fast-track immigration at Bintan
• Check-in baggage allowance of 30kg and priority baggage handling on arrival
• Pre-assigned seats
• Complimentary onboard beverages
• Use of lounge facilities at both terminals

Reaching the resort was a breeze. Once you arrived at BBT Ferry Terminal and complete the immigration check, proceed to the waiting area designated for Banyan Tree guests near the exit before being chauffeured to the resort. Usually, the transfer is a paid service, but it is included in our package this time.

The Resort

Most consumers identify Banyan Tree Resorts as a sanctuary, a romantic escape and environmentally sustainable. Banyan Tree Bintan has always been a quintessential island-getaway resort near home that encompasses these qualities.

Here you can find 64 villas built in traditional Balinese design with thatched roofs and ornaments, gated compounds, and a private jacuzzi pool. The resort has 8 different types of Villas to choose from: Rainforest Seaview, Rainforest Oceanfront, Rainforest Oceanfront (Two Bedrooms), Ocean Villa On the Rock, Ocean View Infinity Pool, Ocean View Infinity Pool (Two Bedrooms), Sanctuary Spa Pool Villa, and Kelong Villa.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the staff and Front Office Manager, Mr Sandro with warm smiles followed by an aura-cleansing sounding of the Gong. I felt instantly relaxed. We were then ushered to an empty seat where our old friend, Mr Omas, who attended us in 2017 and 2018 respectively came with a glass of iced ginger & lemongrass shot, Kueh Lapis, and a cold towel. We were happy to see Omas again at this property after 3 years. Check-in was done swiftly. All this familiarity and the sense of homecoming make me feel calm and tranquil right from the start.

Rainforest Seaview Villa

We snapped up a good deal from Banyan Tree’s official site during the Circuit Breaker and the stay was in their Rainforest Seaview Villa. Each villa here at Banyan Tree Bintan is named after a tree, flower or animal. We got Villa 511 the “Takur” Villa, meaning Golden-whiskered barbet. It is an ocean-facing villa that features an unblocked, panoramic sunset view, with a private jacuzzi deck facing the sea.

The room features a king-size four-poster canopied bed in Banyan Tree’s signature teak wood and was adorned with a flowy, romantic white drape that double-up as a mosquito net at night; a writing desk; a day-bed area and a 50-inch smart TV is compatible with the Netflix app.

I love sitting here all day in the comfortable day-bed area right beside the huge sea-fronting window. As our villa faces directly at the west side, it means we’ll get the magnificent sights when the sun sets at around 6-7 pm.

#Tip:  Check online to get an accurate sunset time at Bintan. It also greatly depends on the weather when it comes to sunset. Avoid the Monsoon season (Early November - Late March). 

#Tip: The Rainforest Seaview Villas at Banyan Tree Bintan are generally facing 3 different directions. Villas started with number 1XX are facing the rocks. Villas 2XX are facing the East. So if you are a sunrise person, 2XX would probably suit you better. Villas 5XX are facing the West, thus the guests enjoy sunset view.

Bathroom

The bathroom also comes with marble flooring. Though the design looks a little dated, everything was very well maintained. I like that there is a huge window beside the shower and bathtub area that is facing the sea. The lush rainforest provided a sense of privacy bathing here.

Private Jacuzzi Deck

I also like the deck that is facing the sea. The whole villa is perched by the seaside that is surrounded by lush greeneries, and it is also one of the best spots for some uninterrupted time doing reading, listening to the sounds of the waves, or daily manifestation. We also spotted two fruit bats hanging on the deck ceiling every single night!

I like that you can also request different pillows, tea and other amenities based on your preferences. I requested an ergonomic pillow as I need good support when I sleep during pregnancy, and peppermint tea to be the amenities and they delivered! You can also select a favourite scent as your room incense sticks – everything is tailored for your senses!

Restaurants

There are 3 restaurants in the resort: Treetops offers an amazing spread of international buffet for breakfast and authentic Indonesian cuisine for lunch and dinner. The Cove offers European fare in a tranquil ambience overlooking the ocean. Saffron is Banyan Tree Resort’s Signature Thai Restaurant that offers award-winning flavours from Thailand.

The Cove was unfortunately unavailable during my visit. However, the resort can make arrangements for the guests to dine in at the nearby Cassia Resort’s Xana Beach Club or their lobby restaurant Vista, if you crave Western cuisines & bar bites.

If you would like to splurge a little to elevate your partner’s holiday experience, there is also plenty of Destination Dining Experiences to choose from! For those who’d like to experience local seafood cuisine, just inform the staff and they’ll make arrangements for you!

Flavourful Indonesian Spread at Treetops

It is a tradition that we’d always take one of our lunches at Treetops during our stay. Treetops is perched on a hilltop overlooking the majestic South China Sea. It is also the place where guests enjoy daily continental breakfast.

For lunch and dinner service, the restaurant serves authentic Indonesian cuisine painstakingly prepared by their local chefs. They also offer a sumptuous degustation menu, complete with wine pairing for lunch and dinner.

We didn’t opt for the degustation menu as I wanted to try their signature dish Bebek Goreng Ketumbar, deep-fried coriander marinated young duck which was featured on the final round of Banyan Tree Hotel & Resort’s annual competition in 2017.

So we ordered Gado Gado as our cold starter which was perfect for the weather, Bebek Goreng Ketumbar as our main dish, and a Nasi Goreng Treetops to share. The lunch comes with complimentary keropok crackers and different types of condiment, which was fun to mix and eat with.

We liked the Bebek Goreng Ketumbar, which was soft on the inside, and crispy on the outside. The meat was fragrant and moist and paired well with the sweet chilli sauce.

Elevating Flavours of Thailand at Saffron

We’d always dine at Saffron one of the nights every time during our stay. It is Banyan Tree’s award-winning, signature restaurant that offers a delightful selection of gourmet Thai delights. Similar to Treetops, they also have a degustation menu with wine pairing options.

The restaurant is way quieter compared to pre-COVID time. And perhaps due to safety measures, they have also removed the hand cleansing rituals. However, they have resumed their rice cart service where guests can select saffron rice, pandan rice, brown rice and jasmine white rice from the cart.

The dinner started with ginger & lemongrass shot to whet our appetite, a sweet & sour fried tofu amuse bouche, followed by rice crackers with Thai condiments. We love the coconut & shrimp dip and even requested a second serving to pair with rice.

For soup, we ordered Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup) and Massaman Beef Curry as our main dish. My palette has changed ever since I got pregnant and it seems like baby Sunshine has a penchant for everything sour, coconut-y and slightly spicy. I can always feel baby’s strong kick whenever I consume Tom Kha Gai. The Massaman beef curry was soft, tender and flavourful, so delicious that we wiped out the entire pot.

Casual Bar Bites & Drinks at Xana Beach Club

We also took a buggy ride to the nearby Cassia Resort for a walk by the beach, before dining at Xana Beach Club. It is a casual beach-side bar that offers simple bar bites and drinks. I remembered that they used to do movie screenings over the weekend pre-COVID too.

Hearty Breakfasts at Treetops

The continental breakfast buffet at Banyan Tree makes me a happy guest. There is a wide selection of Western & Indonesian cuisines. You’ll love the Bread Stations, Live Egg Station, Cold Cut & Cheeses, Cereal Bar, Waffles, pancake & Muffins, Fruit & Dessert Stations, Juice bar and fizzy drinks.

For local delights, there are rice and noodles, stir-fried veggies and meat dishes on rotation. There is also comforting porridge, Mee Soto and please do not miss out on the traditional Kuehs that look beautiful and taste great too. You can also make yourself a Mimosa at the juice bar.

SPA & Wellbeing

I always love a SPA session at Banyan Tree. I have always felt so refreshed after the treatment, physically, mentally and spiritually too! For those who are doing a babymoon here, they have a SPA program tailored to expectant mothers that involve gentle massage at your arms, legs, head, shoulder & neck.

#Tip:  If you are doing a different type of massage or if you are doing a solo session, chances are that you'll be having your SPA session at the main building below Treetops. If you are doing a couple session, you'll be receiving your treatment at the Hilltop SPA Pavillion, which in my opinion feels much more relaxing as the environment resembles a Balinese villa.

Pool & Beach

There are two pools within the resort – The Rock Edge Pool and the Beach Side Pool. As the Beach Side Pool is under maintenance, we used the Rock Edge Pool located beside Treetops throughout our stay.

Take a stroll at their beautiful white-sand beach, where you can easily access to Angsana and Cassia Bintan’s restaurants. For those who love water sports, check out the Marine Centre. If you are lucky, you can participate in the seasonal baby turtle releases at the beach too!

Writer’s Note: I feel relaxed and recharged after a 3D2N Babymoon at Banyan Tree Bintan. The idyllic holiday island provided us some quiet and uninterrupted time to have some in-depth conversation about how we want to raise baby Sunshine, and the value we want to inculcate in our child.

Some of the facilities like the beachside pool and the European restaurant remain unavailable as the resort is doing some upgrading work at the moment. While it is impossible not to feel the aftermath of COVID at this property, the impeccable service and the welcoming smiles from the staff were consistent.

Overall it is a sanctuary retreat for couples, family and of course, expectant couples. I’d however recommend a 4D3N trip if you also appreciate slow travel. As the nature of a holiday island, do expect steep prices on dining, activities and transport. Considering that we got the “Ultimate Getaways Package”, the damage was moderate. So do pay attention to grab similar promotions in the future!

3D2N Ultimate Getaways Package - USD 365: 

• A 3D2N stay in their Rainforest Seaview Villa
• Daily breakfast for 2
• 20% off all F&B and water sports
• 2-way return land transfer by private car from the Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal

Things to Note:

If you are considering a Babymoon trip to Banyan Tree Bintan, here are some of the important things to note, especially when you’re pregnant.

#Tip:  You must be below gestational week 28 to travel to Bintan Island via ferry. All expectant ladies are required to bring a doctor certificate stating that you're fit to travel by your gynae.  

#Tip:  Avoid school holidays and PH if possible. Our trip was an impromptu one and it was the June school holidays so the resort was busy. The ferry terminal and immigration was crowded so please expect longer turnaround at the check points too. Do consider upgrading to Emerald Class if you are travelling during PH and school holidays.

#Tip:  If you don't drive, note that you may experience trouble booking a taxi/ private transport when you arrived at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal from Bintan during peak season. Most ferries arrived at SG Time 4pm, and you may need 1 hour to clear your immigration check, which would likely end up calling your trasport at rush-hours. Do expect to wait (we waited for 45 mins++), or take a bus to Bedok Interchange. Hubbies who are travelling with expectant ladies, please prepare some snacks just in case. 

#Tip:  Currently, Singapore is on Visa Free Policy. As long as you have at least 6 months of passport validity, completed 2 doses of vaccination, you can stay in Bintan up to 30 days. For updated travel requirements from Singapore to Bintan, check here: https://www.bintan-resorts.com/bintan-resorts-travel-requirements/#visa 

Resort Details

Banyan Tree Bintan
Laguna Bintan Resort, Jalan Teluk Berembang, Sebong Lagoi,
Kec. Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29155, Indonesia
https://www.banyantree.com/indonesia/bintan

So after a few disappointing and unbelievably expensive breakfasts at local hotels (typically below 5 stars), when we were in Venice, we decided to stop paying for those uninspiring hotel breakfasts and explore the city early in the morning. During our morning photography session in Venice with Luka, we discovered Farini.

I remembered it was rather early in the morning, perhaps around 730 AM. And the store was filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the enchanting buttery aroma of baked pastries was so inviting. Listening to my instinct, we made a stop and it was the best decision ever!

The racks and glass display counters were filled to the brim, with a wide array of artisanal bread, sweet pies and pastries. I couldn’t hide my excitement and quickly ordered something simple – as we still have a few more locations to shoot before crowds of visitors flocked to the nearby Rialto bridge. (by the way, it is only 3 mins. away from the cafe!)

It turns out to be super satisfying! Their warm, buttery croissant has a flaky exterior and is soft and pillowy inside. Their coffee was divine. You can taste the natural sweetness of the beans – Order their espresso if you’re a fan of this mini cup of gold liquid! I enjoyed it very much.

Coffee time in the morning is one of my favourite moments of the day. Be it a quiet morning all to myself, or a morning coffee session, just the two of us. Though we’d love to do slow morning coffee sessions every single day, the truth is we don’t have the luxury to do this as much as we can. Crazy mornings, working late, or house chores… you name it.

And I was glad that Luka managed to capture the wonderful serenity of our morning coffee time in Venice. The moments of contentment, happiness, and joy that are fully available to us but usually left unnoticed as we get busy, tired and depressed by the mundane daily routine. The photos would serve as a constant reminder that happiness is a daily choice in the time to come.

By the time we completed our photoshoot and walked passed Farini again, it was already 1130am. The cafe was bustling! Trays of freshly baked pizza filled the racks, and they look really appetizing. As we had plans at the 300-year-old Caffè Florian, we gave Farini’s pizza a miss. But according to our local photographer Luka, Farini’s pizzas are amazing and judging from our breakfast experience in the morning, you should totally give it a try!

Contact Details

Farini
Calle Seconda de la Fava, 5602, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 9pm
https://farini.com/

As a cafe junkie, not paying homage to this historical cafe would be a grave disappointment to this trip to Venice. Hence we decided to spend a leisure afternoon with all things coffee and alcohol here at Caffè Florian when we were at La Serenissima.

Everything here is dreamy and romantic. The grand entrance, the gilded hall with hanging chandeliers, rich wood panelling, intricate wallpapers and the beautiful paintings from the 19th century, marbled tabletop with the antique carved wood chairs… I  dare say that this is one of the most opulent coffeehouses in Europe.

There are 6 beautifully adorned halls in total. We were seated at one of the halls decorated in powder green and blue – with sights of Piazza San Marco & the live orchestra outside the coffeehouse.

A table pamphlet was handed over to us explaining the brief history of the cafe and the playing orchestra. Other than the Coperto, a “table service charge” widely practised in Italy, sitting down in the hall or outdoor terrace while the performance is going on would incur a £6 “music surcharge” per person. This may sound offensive to some, but I figured that at Caffè Florian, the experience and ambience is what it is all about. So we went ahead anyway.

We had a signature hot chocolate, and an alcoholic coffee beverage. The drinks were excellent, albeit with a hefty price tag. The total damage of the coffee session was £40 with 2 drinks. All of their signatures drinks cost at least £16, cocktails at £20 and above. The simplest coffee at Florian costs about £6 while a cappuccino would only cost about £1.5-2 elsewhere. But drinking coffee at Florian is more than just an ordinary coffee break. It involves all senses.

The beautiful ornaments in the hall whenever you look up to the ceiling, the scents of the coffee, the hustle and bustle and the atmosphere of a 300-year-old cafe… The scent, the light, the music and wonderful atmosphere and the memories in the cafe are things that I vividly remember until today. And this was what I was paying for – Travel memories that I’d remember all my life.

Writer’s Note: Caffè Florian is not your everyday coffee shop. It is a living museum of Venetian’s coffee culture. While pricey, it is no doubt a quintessential experience in Venice. We enjoyed ourselves at the cafe. It was dreamy and beautiful.

While I remembered the first opinion published on my IG was that it wasn’t impressive enough to warrant a second visit (probably due to the price tag and the lack of service) but when I revisited the photos and my travel notes, I was actually yearning for another visit.

#venicehacks Insist on sitting at the bar at the back of the cafe where you pay bar rates instead of the table rates. You’ll miss the quartet and the music but hey, the bartenders’ performance is in your full view. I can’t tell you which is a better option as it all depends on your budget and the experience you’re looking for, but I am sure the memories of dining in a historic cafe would be worthwhile!

Contact Details

Caffè Florian
Piazza San Marco, 57, 30124 Venice VE
Opening Hours: 9am – 12am
Tel: +39 041 520 5641
https://www.caffeflorian.com/en/

How about signing yourself up for an exclusive rooftop sunset view? I got a tip-off from a local photographer about this beautiful rooftop at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi by DFS, where visitors sign up for access to a 360-degree view of the beautiful Venetian city. #venicehacks  The building is located right behind the Rialto bridge and the iconic riverside view at dusk was amazing.

T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, or in English, the Fondaco Rooftop Terrace is a historical-building-turned-modern-department-store located at this prime location of Venice. As DFS Group’s first store in Europe, you can find a curated collection of products here, from local produces like balsamic vinaigrette, truffle oils, to a decent lineup of luxury apparel brands here at this department store. It is a perfect site to visit if you’d like to do some shopping before soaking in the grandeur of Venetian’s sunset from the Rialto Bridge.

Pre-visit sign up to enter the rooftop is a must but it is free of charge, and you get to enjoy this scenery for 15 minutes, more than enough for a couple of photographs, selfies, and quick video snaps. You’ll be sharing this 15 minutes with another 40 to a maximum of 60 pax on the rooftop, which was alright. No shoving, not fighting for space. Peace.

The Fondaco Rooftop Terrace is located right behind Ponte di Rialto. Hence you’ll get a very identical view as you are on the bridge. While seeing the sunset right on the bridge is a nice experience, the rooftop offers a more organised experience, especially during the golden hours.

The only thing you should remember is to check your iPhone or Google to find out the estimated time for sunset and book early. Sunsets come way earlier in the winter so please take note of this too! We were there during the end of April (a relatively low season) and I was able to book a 615pm session on that day right in the morning. But I’d consider myself lucky. And we managed to catch the sight right at the magic hours!

The terrace opens from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, with 6:15 pm being the last slot of the day, it would be the most popular slot of the day. The reservation of the slots opens one month in advance and is free of charge. Please go earlier than your reserved time as the sessions run on time and there’s usually a queue! Reserve your preferred timeslot here.

Attraction Details

T Fondaco dei Tedeschi by DFS
Calle del Fontego dei Tedeschi
Opening Hours: 10 am – 7 pm.
Reservation to visit Fondaco Rooftop Terrace

I liked the team welcoming us to the island with a live performance of the boduberu drums as we arrived at the resort’s private dock. The relaxing sound of the drum is what I still vividly remember today. How very Maldivian!

Resort Location

Reaching Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives was a breeze. We were greeted at the airport by the resort staff and boarded the white speedboat — with high-speed Wi-Fi onboard just so if you need to connect to the outside world in the middle of the Indian Ocean. And within a blink of an eye, we were already at the resort! Trust me when I said it is so much easier (and faster!) to reach the resort as most 5-stars resorts in the Maldives will require an additional seaplane or domestic plane ride after arriving at Velana International airport, then followed by another speedboat ride.

The seaplane rides, though fun and exciting, are usually small and come with baggage restrictions. Since seaplanes can only fly in the daytime, so if your plane arrives at the Valena International Airport late at night, you might have to book an extra night at a hotel in Male City. So selecting a resort that is closer to the airport may be a good choice!

The Resort

Grand Park Kodhipparu is designed by the award-winning hospitality firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates, so you can expect a beautiful set-up at the resort. From the beautiful corridor to the villas, to the main infinite pool at the bar, and of course, the romantic overwater hammock, the gorgeous mix of traditional and contemporary architectural design makes everything on the island picture perfect!

The resort has 5 different types of Overwater Villas and a Beach Pool Villa to choose from. Depending on where your villa is situated at, you can easily get to everywhere within a 10-15 minutes walk. Since the Maldivian sun can be mercilessly fierce, the buggy is at your service if you prefer to be chauffeured.

Ocean Water Villa

We stayed at  Ocean Water Villa 31. It is an ocean-facing villa that features a wider overwater hammock compared to the villas with a private pool. All overwater villas on the island (regardless of pool or hammock only) have direct access to the ocean. I love that we can plunge straight to the sea to swim and snorkel, then relax on the hammock during the day.

I enjoyed the unblock view of the sea.  As we visited the Maldives during November, there were short showers in the early morning or afternoon, followed by bright and sunny weather. We saw a double rainbow from our villa after a swift thundershower in the morning!

Insider Tip #1 at Grand Park Kodhipparu: Seriously, I do not know why there aren’t many mentions about the sparkling night sky in the Maldives. The country is situated right above the equator, so you’ll be able to see both northern and southern hemisphere stars. Just switch off all the lights and be amazed by the starry night sky at your private deck. We even caught 10 shootings stars in 20 minutes looking up at the clear sky!

Restaurants

There are 3 restaurants on the island, offering a variety of food choices. The Edge offers a buffet-style dining experience for breakfast and dinner, and plated international cuisine during lunch. Breeze Poolside Dining & Bar offers light menus of modern Asian and Mediterranean classics, as well as old favourites like burgers, pasta, salads, and of course, tipples that are ready for the gram. I’ll come to their speciality restaurant, FireDOOR later.

I love the alfresco dining area at The Edge, where you can just seize the moment, not rushing breakfast while gazing at the beautiful sea.

Insider Tip #2 at Grand Park Kodhipparu: There is a pod of dolphins that will come near the shore at The Edge to play every morning so do check them out!

Being Asian, I love my rice and noodles. And I am so happy to see Japanese sushi, Taiwanese-style congee, Braised Beef Noodles, Vietnamese pho noodles, Korean Kimbap, Hong Kong Wonton Noodles, and Pad Thai on their menu. I have tried their continental breakfast, Italian pasta, Mediterranean hummus and grill, Thai fried rice, Cuts of Steak, Maldivian curry dishes, Japanese Tuna Tataki and all other Asian selections at breakfast during my 4-nights-stay.

Everything at their restaurants turned out to be above expectation, and there is nothing I don’t like about their food (and wine!).

Initially, I was really concerned about the food as there are only 3 restaurants on the island and  I have food allergies. And being on the island 4 days would mean at least 12-14 meals on board. But the friendly staffs at the restaurants attended to all my food requests and the buffet menus are on a rotation so there is always something new to look forward to.

Bar & Pool

The Breeze Poolside Dining & Bar was the place we spent most of our time on the island. The infinity pool overlooking the majestic Indian Ocean was really quiet in the morning, ideal for a few laps of swim to burn off the excessive calories and alcohol intake the day before. I love taking my morning coffee here too.

The west-facing infinity pool is also one of the best places to view the splendid Maldivian sunset on the island. No wonder the bar is so popular at dusk! There is just something magical about watching the sunset here at the bar. When the sun dips into the horizon and the sky is filled with that shimmery gold, red and yellow… The marvellous ambience is truly one of a kind.

Insider Tip #3 at Grand Park Kodhipparu: If there is only one cocktail you should try on the island – that’d be Kurumba Colada, a concoction of Maldivian Kurumba (coconut), dark rum, malibu, coconut puree and pineapple juice!

Spa & Wellbeing

The award-winning overwater spa has a photogenic setting. With an oval bathtub filled with flowers overlooking the majestic ocean, taking a dip here is a dream come true. I enjoyed the massage from the Indonesian masseuse. The session was relaxing and I can feel instant relief in my neck and shoulder.

There were also free yoga sessions at the beach club. I have attended both the sundown and sunrise yoga sessions at the beautiful open-air yoga deck. Those are wonderful and rewarding experiences for my body, mind and soul. For fitness junkies, working out at the air-conditioned gym with unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean and magnificent sunsets is true bliss.

Sunset Dinner at FireDOOR

One of the memorable experiences on the island was our wedding anniversary dinner at the FireDOOR. It is situated at the other end of the resort to provide an intimate dining experience to the guests. The restaurant offers a Modern European dining experience and specialises in charcoal grills that are prepared using a Josper grill to achieve a perfect charred flavour to the dishes. The service is impeccable and we had a wonderful anniversary celebration at the restaurant.

Insider Tip #4 at Grand Park Kodhipparu: Don’t miss out the spectacular sunset at FireDOOR. Check with your lifestyle host regarding the sun setting hours, and let them know that you’d like to have some drinks at the cocktail area during the sunset. The alfresco deck at FireDOOR features unobstructed ocean views with an intimate and romantic atmosphere, certainly a perfect place to create memories that you and your partner will remember for years.

Writer’s Note: If you are looking for an affordable luxury water villa in the Maldives that is accessible via speedboat right from the Male International Airport, consider Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives. It offers a perfect retreat for couples and families who are looking to spend some quality time together. Go for an All-Inclusive meal plan as this will save you a small fortune as drinking water comes in a hefty price tag in the Maldives. You may also check out their ongoing promotion here.

Insider Tip #5 at Grand Park Kodhipparu: Get an instant 10% discount by signing up as a member before booking a villa at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives! Park Rewards is a loyalty program by Park Hotel Group to reward travellers with exclusive benefits, deals and discounts. If this is your first time staying with any one of the participating hotels (Grand Park Kodhipparu is a participating hotel), you can earn a bonus of PARK$250* (a virtual credit of Park Rewards) which can be used to redeem a wide array of dining, shopping and hotel stay vouchers! As we all know the expenses for a dream holiday in the Maldives can go up to several thousand, it is a good time to accumulate your PARK$ for future indulgence!

For Singaporean readers, remember to activate Shopback as you get a 3% rebate after the trip! 

Resort Details

Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives
Kodhipparu, Maldives 08121, Maldives
https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/en/maldives/
Email: rsvn.gpkd@parkhotelgroup.com

As the ancient capital of Japan and the cultural heart of the country, it is an atmospheric city where you can take a slower pace and immerse yourself in the mysterious yet beautiful city. One of my favourite activities in Kyoto is to visit a tea room and enjoy a moment of tranquillity through 5 senses – definitely a perfect antidote to the hectic pace of modern life.

Nestled inside the Nijō Castle, a World Heritage Site in central Kyoto, Waraku-an is a tea house that serves up traditional Japanese tea in a lovely Japanese house. I like to take a stroll through the castle, enjoy the crisp autumn air of Japan, then walk past the castle moat to Seiryu-en Garden, before walking into Waraku-an, the hidden tea house located within the Nijo Castle.

This quaint and charming tea house overlooking the beautiful imperial garden is located at the northernmost part of the castle ground. This space is strictly reserved for guests who intend to take tea. You’ll be rejected admission if you are only planning to snap a few photos in there. Tea and pairing wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet confectionary) are not overly expensive here. It is not a formal tea house so you can enjoy a cup of tea in a relaxed environment.

Autumn menu is relatively simple here at Waraku-an. You can choose to have traditional matcha with the beautiful wagashi, or coffee with western confectionary. During my visit, there was a wagashi exhibition by Oimatsu Kitano (老松 京菓子) in the castle. So in collaboration with the time-honoured confectionary, Waraku-an was serving their guests one of the wagashi that was served in the imperial palace!

I enjoyed the traditional matcha with wagashi pairing as much as I enjoyed the black coffee with the matcha chiffon cake, clotted cream and azuki bean by the side. The experience of sipping a warm bowl of matcha at the world heritage site, away from the crowd, was surreal. Before my eyes were the beautifully manicured gardens. The leaves were starting to turn yellow. And the early autumn breeze was gentle… It was one of my best casual tea house experience in Kyoto!

Writer’s Note: Waraku-an is a perfect place to enjoy traditional Japan tea after a tour in the stunning Nijo Castle of Kyoto. As one of the hidden gems in Kyoto, this tea house is an oasis of serenity to cultivate a peaceful, relaxed state of mind. However, do note that the tea house might be booked out for event during some time of the year. It is best to check with the ticket office before purchasing your entrance ticket.

Some photos of this blog are from Japan Travel.

Contact Details

Waraku-an
Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Tel: +81 75-823-0223

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The new Alamayah villa resides on the island of Sumba, a true hidden gem within the Indonesian Archipelago. The thoughtfully designed villa is tucked away in a beachside village in South-Western Sumba, home to one of the last flourishing prehistoric tribes on earth. It is an island with peaceful, tranquil and uninterrupted beauty.

What I like about this new hotel is its remoteness, and the general idea of boosting the guest’s well-being – something that appeals to city dwellers like me – a paradise we look to escape and restart – psychologically, and physically, inside-out.

Alamayah features 6 private suites with outdoor terraces, where guests can wake up to spectacular views of the beaches and observe the sunset against a backdrop of unspoiled nature. All suites come with private dining area, en-suite bathrooms and walk-in showers. All guest is treated an all-inclusive experience that includes a healer’s body analysis, 3 plant-based meals per day, medicinal mixology, daily massage treatment and more.

I am a true believer of the gut-brain connection. I was in a high-stress environment a few years back and developed some gut-issues that affected my health. The recovery took years, and I am glad to find out Alamayah’s team make great effort in curating a farm-to-table menu that embodies health and sustainability both ethically and environmentally.

Guests will be able to heal from inside with their plant-based culinary creations. These medicinal teas, tonic and dishes are made of foraged ingredients indigenous to Sumba, integrating herbs, fruits, vegetables and edible flowers grown by local farmers in neighbouring plantations and Alamayah’s organic permaculture gardens.

As an island with a rich indigenous culture and history, this little tropical gem has so many things to explore. Hike some of Sumba’s most picturesque trails. Try mountain biking or snorkelling. Visit a local village and watch the intricate and meditative process of ikat weaving. Sink into an Ayurvedic massage then surf under the Sumba sun. Learn to garden in their permaculture farm, or practise sunrise yoga, or treat yourself to sound healing therapy, Alamayah calls to the heart of every traveller looking for a fully customisable island getaway.

Booking Information

The hotel is set to open in April 2020; bookings are available from 2nd April 2020 by emailing bookings@alamayah.com or calling +62 859-3615-2893. www.alamayah.com

Maps

The Alamayah experience begins with a breathtaking journey from Sumba’s Tambolaka Airport, a two-hour drive over rocky mountain summits, through lush teak and mahogany forests, past waterfalls, rice fields, and river valleys before reaching Alamayah in the beachside village of Kerewe.