Backwater Banyan
I've been to beautiful Kerala, a region in India’s southwest known for its harmonious religious diversity as well as its idyllic backwaters. It’s also the place that Banyan Tree picked for its first Indian resort, set to open in early 2013. Located on a private...
I grew up in western Massachusetts. That was a pretty idyllic existence. What do you do when you grow up in the countryside? You go to local high school and you play baseball in the afternoons and on weekends.
“War and Peace” [is probably my favorite book] and the reason is that it was...
Some More Samui
Flying to Koh Samui, every Hongkonger’s favorite beachy, pool-y and Full Moon party-y getaway, just got a little easier. Starting December 1, Bangkok Airways is upping service between Hong Kong and the Thai island, offering two flights every day of the week. As the only...
Glamping In StyleTired of traditional luxury? Try heading to the new Jeeva Beloam in Lombok, a new coastal camping hotel that’s offering a soft opening package through December 15 for HK$1,400 per night, including all meals and airport transfers. There are only five “tents” (...
More Beds in Bangkok
The new Sukosol Hotels group has had a big year. In the spring, it launched The Siam, a gorgeous, ultra-luxurious 39-room/suite boutique property along the Chao Phraya river that has earned accolades from travel gurus the world over. Now it’s reopening one of its older...
I started to take photographs in Shanghai when I was a very young kid—the first thing I shot was the Bund. That one was taken with a Brownie, a very simple, old-fashioned camera. I am self-taught.
I love Brahms, Mahler, Stravinsky. Because I studied Chinese literature, I also get inspiration...
Spa Day in Shenzhen
My dear, dear Mandarin-speaking friend J and I chose to spend last week's public holiday in Shenzhen, enjoying the fruits of a Groupon we had purchased the previous month. It was for Water Cube, which is like Queen Spa's newer, slightly cushier sister. The deal was HK$125 for...
I’m on a Boat…
…at least, I want to be! The stylish, boutique-y Alila Hotels and Resorts group is launching a new “property,” a phinisi—aka an Indonesian two-masted sailing ship—called the Alila Purnama. Starting in December, the liveaboard vessel will...
Living in our SAR offers unparalleled access to China. Yet
