Where can you find a city that never sleeps, is fast and culturally rich with amazing shopping and the most gorgeous food and people? Tokyo, Japan of course.

I have been wanting to get to Tokyo ever since the movie Lost in Translation, and not just to go crazy on Suntory whisky and let my hair down with the locals and sing karaoke until 5am, but to immerse myself in the culture and experience all that this wonderful city has on offer.

Where to stay?
You will be spoiled for choice in Tokyo where you can find backpacker style accommodation or truly indulge in some of the world’s best hotels. I chose to stay at Hotel Nikko Tokyo located at Daiba station on Tokyo Bay, close to Haneda airport. It is best described as an urban hotel with a curved façade and water front view from most rooms. The lobby is grand and spacious and at night time the Rainbow Bridge is lit up and the twinkling lights of the city are amazing. The property is ideal for families as its close to Tokyo Disneyland and a number of shopping malls. The concierge service is helpful for all your Tokyo-related questions and the business centre located in the lobby is also handy.

I stayed in a Premium Ocean View Room which was very generous in size, light bright and had a lovely balcony. Be sure to ask for an ocean view room or a high floor at least, otherwise your outlook may be of the train that whizzes past. The western breakfasts at the Ocean Dining restaurant are a little ho-hum, however the traditional Japanese breakfast in Sakura restaurant that overlooks its own private Japanese garden is divine and the traditionally dressed waitresses are delightful.

Spa Zen
Hotel Nikko Tokyo has a highly regarded spa called Spa Zen. It has a beautiful bay outlook and the ‘aqua zone’ features a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor jet baths, dry sauna and steam room and of course a gym. This place is fun for the whole family. The spa itself is very comfortable and the staff are chirpy and friendly. Boasting 7 treatment rooms and 1 twin treatment room that are available until 10pm its definitely the way to say goodnight after a long day of walking the streets and shopping. I indulged in a 90 minute body and facial treatment combining a massage and facial with Werima products from Germany and Spa Zen’s own original rose oil. Pure bliss!

What else to do?
Highlights of the trip for me were exploring and people-watching in suburbs such as Shinjuku and Shibuya and going to a baseball game at Tokyo Dome. And everyone who comes to Tokyo must visit the Tsukiji fish market. If it lives in the sea, you will probably find it here where hundreds of thousands of fish products pass the hands of merchants who have been working there for 20 generations. This is not a place for your favourite Jimmy Choo’s, ladies. Most travel guides will tell you to arrive early at 4am to see the arrival of fish and the live auctioning, however the people who work here aren’t really fans of tourists sticking their noses in and I heard its not uncommon to be turned away. So enjoy your sleep-in and roll up around 8am where you can wander freely around the markets and take in the atmosphere. Afterwards, be sure to scope out the small local restaurants around the corner for the freshest sashimi and sushi that you will ever have, straight out of the market.

A great, new company that I found was The Backstreet Guides. Founding partners Owen and Rie will go out of their way to ensure your tour is planned out perfectly with quick responses to emails before you arrive. You can join in group tours, arrange your own private tour and even take a day trip with them. I had the pleasure of spending an evening with Rie who is native to Tokyo and a vessel of information. Rie took me on their Lights of Tokyo evening tour which was approximately 4 hours long and if you are only in Tokyo for a short time I can highly recommend this company to take you around and show you all the sights, some you may not know about or that are hard to find unless you know where you are going. What I love about this company is that you see the city on foot instead of on a stuffy tour bus and the staff are all young and hip who will bring a fresh flavor to your trip.

How much?
90 minute body and facial treatment at Spa Zen, Hotel Nikko Tokyo ¥90,000
The Backstreet Guides Lights on Tokyo evening tour ¥8,500

For further information please contact:
Hotel Nikko Tokyo
1-9-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Telephone: +81 3 5500 5500
www.hnt.co.jp/en

The Backstreet Guides
Telephone: +81 804 421 8366
Email: info@thebackstreetguides.com
www.thebackstreetguides.com

Don’t let the beard on Dr Andrew Weil fool you, he may look like Santa but he does more than take your cookies and milk and leave you a few presents under the Christmas tree. This time he brings us something much more exciting: the Mega-Bright Skin Illuminating Collection.

Right in time for summer, you must get your hands on this range or at least a couple of the products. According to the Ipsos 2009 Brand Equity Study, discoloration, uneven skin tone and dullness are three of the top ten skin care concerns for Asian women. This range of products will help in this department.  Harvard-trained Dr. Andrew Weil has found that when areas of the skin have been challenged either by UV exposure, oxidative stress or even fatigue, pigment-producing cells are signalled to overproduce, having been irritated, and the result can be skin discoloration, dark spots and uneven tone.  And because Asian skin is genetically composed of thinner upper layers which are naturally more sensitive to dark spots and discoloration, triggering factors can make our bodies more susceptible to inflammation when it is stressed or fatigued.

The Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Mega-Bright Skin illuminating Collection is clinically proven to instantly brighten skin and improve clarity and radiance, fighting both the cause of skin discoloration, while simultaneously combating the existing visible signs (dark spots, uneven skin tone) and preventing future development. It helps keep irritation at bay, so melanin production isn’t triggered, which in turn minimizes discoloration, dark spots and uneven skin tone from appearing,” explains Dr. Lieve Declercq, Origins Global Scientist for Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology. “At the same time, it focuses on the existing signs, so they appear less visible to the naked eye.”

In a recent 12-week clinical study on a group of women with all skin types, the products proved to instantly brighten skin and improve clarity and radiance.  In addition, 92% showed brighter, more even skin tone in just 4 weeks. The stats sounded pretty good to me and while I am sure those in the study used the whole range, I opted to test-drive the skin illuminating cleanser and UV face protector. The cleanser is gentle, thick and foamy that removes dirt and makeup without stripping delicate skin. It also helps restore luminosity in skin. I don’t like milky cleansers that doesn’t foam so this is perfect for me. The face protector is also a must in my beauty regime and I just love this product; its thick and creamy and soaks into your skin immediately without leaving a shine and it is not oily at all. It provides broad-spectrum UV protection to prevent future discoloration and uneven skin tone while maintaining skin’s translucency. If you live in Asia, this is something you must slap on your face if nothing else before you step out of your flat this summer.

Highly potent anti-irritant ingredients are used to help quell the cascade of spot-triggering melanin, such as Rosa Roxburghii Complex, a beautiful flowering bush that grows wild throughout Asia, with efficacious brightening ingredients to address outward signs. Rosa Roxburghii, aka “The King of Vitamin C,” possesses strong antioxidant activity. Other key anti-irritant ingredients include Licorice (one of the earliest Chinese medicinal herbs now known to brighten skin) and White Peony. Natural optics help restore translucency to skin, and Vitamin C helps create a luminous, clear complexion.

You can pick up your products at several stores in Hong Kong. Check out www.origins.com.hk for locations. These products won’t break the bank and are a must this summer.

How much?
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Mega-Bright skin illuminating cleanser
Price: HK$260 – 150ml.

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Mega-Bright SPF 40 / PA+++Skin illuminating UV face protector +++
Price: HK$320 – 40ml.

For those of us who have not lived in Hong Kong our entire lives, there’s some things we miss about home. For me that is the weather, driving on the freeway with my favourite radio station blasting, fruit that bursts with flavor and my hairdresser. It doesn’t take that much to tame my mane, but there is a big difference between a standard cut and colour in this city and walking out of a salon with a beaming smile and a do that could stop traffic. This is exactly what you will get at The Firm.

The Firm has been around since 1994 and has been conveniently located just off the escalator above Cicada since December 2011. For any of you who may have visited The Firm a few years ago and had the pleasure of having Robert as your stylist before he moved back to the UK, you will be pleased to know he has graced us with his presence again in Hong Kong as of about five weeks ago.

It was my first visit to The Firm, that is run and owned by Pauline Rowley, and I was immediately at home in her delightful salon. I was greeted by friendly reception staff, offered a beverage and seated in my comfy chair. The salon is light and bright with neutral floor and an abundance of natural light that beams in through the windows. It is not a pretentious salon; good cuts and service with a smile is guaranteed without the waft of arrogance.

Robert undid my matted pony tail and assessed my hair with me while talking about colours and what sort of cut he may give me. My Goldwell colour was whipped up and applied and I was then free to flick through the large stack of western mags available to me. I of course reached for the latest editions of Vogue and Marie Claire and was left to my own devices for a while to relax while my colour did its thing.

I managed to stay awake for the delicious head massage Robert gave me as he washed out my colour and then it was back to my chair for my cut. I told Robert to work his magic and I wasn’t worried about him chopping at my locks if necessary as I knew it was a little drier than it should have been. True to his word, Robert only took what was necessary and I was totally pleased. After he had dried my hair, it fell around my face perfectly and had the right amount of bounce and a lovely shine. A tap and a squirt of a couple of Osmo products to finish off my new look and I was done.

Now, I don’t know about you, but the factor I really don’t like about most salons in Hong Kong is that you have different stylists attend to your hair and depending on what you have done, you could have three or four different people touch it during your service. What I love about the Firm is that your stylist really is your stylist. Robert met with me, applied my colour, shampooed my hair, cut it and dried and styled it. This is normal practice at The Firm and the experience was so much better. I guess I can say it was just like getting my hair done at home with someone I know and can expect to see next time I book in. Love it!

The other thing I noticed at The Firm was the relationships Pauline had with her customers who were in the salon. The lady next to me was showing her pictures of her puppy, another greeted her like they were old school friends and another gave her a hug as she paid her bill and went on her merry way. This is proof enough that the existing client base is happy and was lovely to see rapport between customers and stylists.

Ask for Robert or Pauline (Hairdresser of the Year 2011-12: The Guide, Hong Kong).

60 Seconds with Robert:

BBHK – how did you get into hairdressing?
R – I worked as a Saturday boy and found myself amazed by the creativeness of hair dressing.

BBHK – what do you like most about hairdressing?
R – My favourite thing about hair dressing has to be making people look and feel fabulous.

BBHK – what trends or new styles can we expect to see this summer?
R – Styles always go around in circles in hair dressing. Soft big hair is in at the moment as well as dipped colour and distinctive highlights.

BBHK – have you ever styled someone famous?
R – Yes I have, but I don’t like to name drop.

BBHK – what tips can you give us for taming frizzy hair this summer?
R – At the Firm we have a new treatment in that is perfect for taming those frizzy curls. We use GKhair which is made to restore hair by repairing and providing long term conditioning and protection, keeping your hair smooth and silky during the summer.

How much?
Colours start from HK$700
Ladies wash, cut and blow-dry HK$750
Mens wash and cut HK$400

For further information please contact:
The Firm
M/F, 4 Shelley Street, Soho, Hong Kong
Reservations: +852 2525 6696
Email: contact@thefirm.com.hk
www.thefirm.com.hk

If there is one place you must visit whilst living in Asia, it’s the charming city of Luang Prabang in Laos.  Hailed as “Thailand fifty years ago”, travellers searching for the holy grail a snapshot of the real untouched South East Asia, will not be disappointed.  World Heritage listed Luang Prabang is situated where the two mighty rivers, the Mekong and the Nam Khan meet.  A sympathetic joining of French Indochine buildings alongside mystical Buddhist temples and monasteries creates a magical and stunning atmosphere that must not be missed .  Traditional Buddhist rituals take place along side European café society.  A perfect afternoon can be spent, sitting sipping Laos coffee in the picturesque wooden French town side-walks, watching mustard-robed teenage student monks late for class sauntering past, with cheeky grins on their faces, hearing the chanting of their peers coming from the numerous temples in the vicinity.  There is simply no place like it.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, the town was described by the global body as “an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.”

Opened in June 2011, The Kiridara,  the newest boutique hotel in Luang Prabang brings a touch of sophistication and glamour to town.  Situated just outside the centre, this 24-room hotel offers a personal experience to its guests, overlooking the magnificent Mount Phou Si.  The location whilst being just far enough outside town to warrant the use of the complementary bicycles, or the tuk tuk service provided by the hotel, its also ideally placed only five minutes drive from Luang Prabang International Airport within easy access to the popular surrounding tourist sites.

Designed to sympathetically incorporate South East Asian architecture with a modern flare, the hotels rooms all include European standard power shower bathrooms, and balconies overlooking the beautiful Infinity pool, with the famous Buddhist site, Mount Phou Si as the impressive backdrop.  Sandstone and dark polished wood surrounded by local Champa trees set a picturesque and serene environment, perfect for this mystical city.GIVING BACK
Service in Laos always comes with a genuine heart felt smile.  The Laotians are some of the nicest, most genuine and kind people in South East Asia, and the staff in the Kiridara are no exception.  Managed by Francis Ferdinand, he offers a program of education to all his staff, giving them the priceless opportunity of learning English whilst learning service in a luxury hotel environment.  He has teamed up with a local school, offering language training as part of their extra curricular activities, as well as giving incentive programs for all the staff.  Ferdinand describes the staff as part of the family, and their monthly appraisal parties and higher than average salaries all culminate in a body of staff that are so extremely genuinely happy to be working there, and will do anything and everything in their power to make your stay in both the Kiridara and Laos all and more than you wish for.  The service can be a little slower than we would expect in Hong Kong, but be assured that you will be so humbled by their effort , the little extra time it may take to get to the finish line will be forgotten and the warmth from the staffs’ smile makes it all worth it!

AND NOW RELAX…
I challenge anyone to feel stressed or agitated in this wonderful town, however I don’t believe anyone needs an excuse to further their state of bliss and relaxation.  A laze around the pool may be in order, a work out in the gym, a Yoga session in their Pavilion, or a visit to the Kiridara Spa.   The Spa offers one of the most wonderful of Laos traditions, a local herbal steam bath.  Using an alchemy of medicinal local herbs that are grown and dried in-house, the therapeutic steam is said to cleanse your body and mind, as well as relaxing your muscles, ready for your treatment. Follow this with their signature Nuat Bouhan Massage, which combines a body scrub, Laotian herbal steam and a ancient traditional massage with incorporates Japanese Shiatsu, Thai massage and Chinese acupuncture, as well as using sound.  This unusual and memorizing ritual was one of the most interesting and euphoric treatments I have had, with the essence of pleasure for me being the steam bath and the intuitive and lovely (and smiley) therapist.

HUNGRY FOR LAOS?
Laotian food is reminiscent of Thai and Vietnamese food, with Laab being considered their national dish.  A mixture of mixed meat (mostly chicken, but also buffalo, river carp, or pork), and local spices makes an exotic and tangy delicious salad, along side curries, streamed rice, extremely delicate local sausage and spring rolls are all usual menu items.  Phu Doi, the restaurant at the Kiridara provides some of the best food in town. Breakfast is all a la carte, and like everything in the hotel, you can have whatever you want.  They also provide a fantastic buffet of fresh fruits and European breads. Superb service, in a simple and sophisticated environment makes for a delicious and intimate setting.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
If you are looking for a authentic wooden village Laos guest house vibe, then the Kiridara might not be the place for you.  Also with the main town being so quaint and picturesque, some might argue that at 5 minutes away, The Kiridara might not be ideal.   However, if you want to stay in one of the best hotels in town, with European management, a fabulous bed and shower, and knowledge of what a ‘proper’ hotel should offer, in terms of service and etiquette then do consider the Kiridara.

WHAT ELSE?
Every direction you look in Luang Prabang is a picture postcard.  From the children playing in the cobbled stone streets and locals paddling in their wooden canoes along the river, to the Monks chanting and going about their daily rituals, but there are a few things that would be  real shame to miss:

Elephant Safari
I’m not usually one for elephant trips or safaris.  For one, living in Asia, I find that every town and village you ever visit has a local elephant sanctuary, which claims to help orphaned elephants, which tend to me be just to be a tourist trap.  However the visit to the elephant village just outside town and the trek through the local villages and through the Mekong River is one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring things I have ever seen.  The orphanage seems most genuine and the vista is like nothing I have ever seen. Speak to the (smiley) reception to book this trip.

Cycling
The last time I rode a bike was when my father pushed me down the hill without my stabilisers for the first time.  So I was extremely wary of cycling around town, but there is no better way to explore this visually explosive town.  Whilst on foot you will experience the flare and vibe of the town, the bicycles give you the extra distance to find forgotten streets, and immerse yourself into the local lifestyle and ways.  Available free from the Kiridara.

Eating and Meeting
Do find the little restaurant across the rickety bridge Dyen Sabai.    This French run little jaunt is held up by wooden stilts overlooking the Mekhong, and is the best place to watch the sun go down, whilst sitting on beanbags drinking mohitos! Try the traditional Laotian Shabu Shabu, where you cook your own meals in local broth. Yummy!   www.dyensabai.com/ .

Magical Monks
One of the biggest tourist attractions in Luang Prabang is getting up at the crack of dawn to give food to the Monks.  They parade early every morning down the main street collecting food from the barrage of people ( today mostly tourists) for their daily feed. Whilst this Im sure is an interesting thing to see, I am not an early bird, and I also heard some rumours of unscrupulous locals selling out-of-date food to tourists which was making the Monks sick.  Whether this is true, I cant say, but I experienced something with no tourists around, that will go to the grave with me as one of the most moving things I have ever seen or heard.  Sitting on the steps of the monastery in the main street at sunset, listening to the monks chanting and enticing the night to come.  Like the rest of Luang Prabang, simply Magic.

Kiridara hotel, 22/13 North Rd., Ban Naviengkham; 856-71/261-888; kiridara.com; doubles from US$120.  Nuat Bouhange Spa Treatment, 90 Min, US$ 75

One of the things I get most asked about as a beauty writer is hair products for the hideous humidity induced frizz that most of us ladies have to endure in Hong Kong.  Of course different hair types require different solutions, but not everyone wants to subject their hair to a chemical treatment such as a Brazilian Blowout for luscious smooth locks.  I have tried almost every type of serum, special shampoo, mousse or spray to help me look half decent in the summer months, and the ONLY thing that seems to have ever had any impact was never available here in Hong Kong… until now!

I discovered Moroccan Oil 3 years ago whilst in Los Angeles, and since then has taken the high-end hair world by storm.  Derived from Moroccan argan oil, this smooth rich, yet light oil slicks down the frizz, without weighing down the hair.  I have a heart attack when my supplies run low, I almost managed to convince myself that the price of a plane ticket to LA was worth the oil at the end.  I have tried a lot of the argan counterparts that other companies have since brought to market, but they just cannot compare.

For daily use I use a HKD5 size piece in my hair every morning, and my frizz dissipates into pretty loose waves. I tend to either wash my hair, and leave it to dry naturally, after which I brush it, put a good blob of Moroccan Oil through, and it dries frizz free, or I dry my hair, and straighten it with my GHD’s, again after which my dry hair just drinks all the lovely Moroccan Oil, and I’m good to go.

It’s not cheap at HKD$400, but the 100ml bottle lasts with my ridiculously long dry hair almost a year, so in the grand scale of humid frizzy things, its money well spent!  There is also a lighter version available for very fine hair, and do check out the rest of the range.  I also adore the deep treatment mask, but steer away from the hairspray, which I find a little heavy and doesn’t provide as much hold as some other products!

Available in the Mandarin Salon, Mandarin Oriental Hotel.  (THANK GOD!)  Don’t forget to mention BBHK!

5 Connaught Road,
Central
Hong Kong.

Tel:+852 2825 4800
Fax: +852 2810 6190
Email: mohkg-salon@mohg.com

Monday to Saturday 8am–8pm
Sunday 10am-6pm

Alison Tam launched the Hong Kong based Pretty Dangerous Jewellery www.prettydangerous.com.hk in the middle of 2011.  With a background in PR and a passion for fashion, she noticed a gap in the market, and decided to bring fabulous and different jewellery from all over the world to Hong Kong.  She currently exclusively stocks Annika Burman Jewellery, Daisy Knights Jewellery, Deva Rose, Guillaume, Mercurious Designs, Pure Dead Brilliant and Zelia Horsely Jewellery in Hong Kong.  We find out more about the girl behind the dream…

BBHK:      Why did you start PD?
AT:               I founded Pretty Dangerous after an extensive search for bold and daring jewellery in Hong Kong yielded nothing of any quality so would end up bringing pieces back from London and Tokyo. During my time there, I noticed there were loads of great young designers with quality pieces at affordable prices and hence started Pretty Dangerous as a platform for these designers. Saying that, we’re not limited to designers from just these places, we search worldwide for awesome jewellery pieces.

BBHK:       Who is your style Icon?
AT:                 There is no one person I really admire in terms of style but I do admire those that have the guts to dress outrageously.

White Block n Roll HK$1900

BBHK:       The style of your jewellery is more punk, which is not the general fashion of HK, so What outfits would you imagine women wearing with your jewellery?
AT:                  I wouldn’t classify it as punk but it’s definitely jewellery with more of an edge from what you usually find in HK. The whole point of starting Pretty Dangerous was to show people that edgy jewellery can be elegant and be paired with anything from jeans to girly dresses, to gowns.

BBHK:          What is your favourite piece of jewellery?
AT:                   Every piece is my favourite – there are so many pieces that I love. What I wear largely depends on my mood at the time.

Galactica Pendant HK$3300

BBHK:        Whats trends do you see big in 2012?
AT:                 In 2012 the top jewellery trends are all about classic pieces for the spring as well as natural pieces for the fall collection. 2012 will be all about sustainability, recycled, raw pieces that will range from classic to exotic. We will also see that few trends that started out in 2011 that will continue to be hot fashion items in 2012, such as the big and bold rings as well as mix of vintage with a contemporary flair.

BBHK:          How do you think HK compares to NY/London etc when it comes to fashion?
AT:                   I would say London has the most diverse and quirky fashion, which I love! NY, haven’t spent enough time there but from what I could see it’s quite similar to the fashion around Central – well put together, clean cuts, fairly conservative, some great heels for women. Men’s fashion is better in NY though. The more local HK style is quite different to London & NY, they seem to love layers of huge, black, baggy clothes or real cutesy styles with bears on their shoes and sweaters.

Silver Skull stud earrings HK$1500

BBHK:       What are your favourite shops in Hk for fabulous secret buys?
AT:                I tend to visit smaller boutiques in Soho such as Indigo, Tiare, Polka Dot, Dress Me Up as well as the shops in Apple Mall in CWB.

BBHK:         Do you have a favourite beauty salon/treatment?
AT:                  I’m a Happy Foot girl for my weekly foot n body massages and often get my nails done at the same time. I go to Clarins for facials just because the therapists have such soft hands!

Studded Bangles

BBHK:      What items are in your make-up bag?
AT:               It changes all the time, but my staples are: Estee Lauder Futurist foundation, MAC loose powder, Lancome blush, YSL Touche Eclat, Laura Mercier brow pencil, Maybelline gel eyeliner, Special Ed. Vivienne Tam Great Lash mascara by Maybelline, Marchesa Le Metier De Beaute, and Paw Paw gel for everything and anything!

BBHK:      What’s next for PD?
AT:               We’re working hard to bring more cool, young designers onboard and to provide them with a platform into the Asian market. And, we’re looking to design our own signature pieces. Stay tuned!

Skull Earrings Gold HK$2100

Pretty Dangerous Jewellery available online in the Alexa and Todd boutique:

First Floor
28 Hollywood Road
Central, HONG KONG

www.prettydangerous.com.hk
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PRETTYDDANGEROUS
@PRETTYDTWEETS

Check out what we cooked up during the Homegrown Foods cooking demo class at www.facebook.com/beautybuzzhk for your chance to win!  Simply ‘like’ the dish you like best that we made during the Homegrown Foods cooking demo class before the 5th of May to go into the draw for you and a buddy to win seats together at the next Homegrown cooking class!

We live in a city that is fast; we work hard, play hard and if time permits we get to the gym for a spin class or yoga session and on weekends we try to exert energy by hitting the islands for a hike. But it is not as always easy to find fresh and affordable vegetables or find the time to duck down to the supermarket in order to cook and eat well in Hong Kong.

Homegrown Foods, who have brought us restaurants such us Posto Pubblico and Linguini Fini, have established their own farm and work with neighboring farmers to bring us fruit and vegetables that are clean, sustainable and harvested at their ripest, creating much more flavorful and nutritious essentials and bringing them to your kitchen. That’s right, Homegrown Foods deliver to your door through a direct-to-household service. Simply logon to www.homegrownfoods.com.hk and click on ‘store’ to explore what is in season. You can order pre-bundled boxes or handpick your greens in a variety of sizes for families and even petit boxes for those who fly solo at home. I can detest that Homegrown always deliver my veggies on time, fresh and as I opt for the pre-bundled boxes I look forward to the surprise of opening it up to see what I will be munching on during the week ahead.

Most recently I experienced the cooking demo class that is held monthly in the private kitchen of Posto Privato in Soho. These classes are great for to-die-for recipe ideas, healthier eating tips and to meet new people. My class was with around twelve people and presented by the lovely chef Peggy Chan. Peggy taught us how to make a scrumptious three-course meal that featured baked zucchini fries served with marinara dip, mixed mushroom brown rice risotto and salted caramel and warm banana bread pudding. While the dessert probably wasn’t the healthiest food choice, it certainly was delicious and I will be whipping it up at my next dinner party. Like Julia Childs once told us, ‘do not crowd the mushrooms in your pan’, said Peggy and ‘remember to deglaze your pan with a splash of wine to soak up all the yummy flavors’. Peggy talked about nutrition and shared interesting facts about vitamins and minerals in the vegetables we were using. This class was a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday and with a box of vegetables to take home its great value for money.

Homegrown Foods is a delightful company that was officially launched in mid-2010. The initial two delivery districts quickly extended to eight in just a few months. With other products available such as coffee, wine and organic soap this business is certainly expanding and now delivers to anywhere in Hong Kong, seven days a week.

How much?

Cooking demo class: HK$538 includes the class, a complimentary box of organic vegetables and a 10% voucher to redeem at Posto Pubblico after the class.

Vegetable delivery: from HK$208 that becomes cheaper the longer you commit to the service and free delivery for orders over HK$338.

For more information please contact:

Homegrown Foods

T +852 2671 2771

www.homegrownfoods.com.hk and www.facebook.com/homegrownfoods

The newest kid on the block for all your nail wants is Lavande Nail Spa, located on the escalator up near Caine Road. You may have passed it once or twice already; it’s the one with lavender colored brochures out the front and a pretty sign above the door.

Lavande Nail Spa has six salons in California and now has Hong Kong on its map. So I set off for a little bit of pampering to find out more about what they had to offer.  I booked in for a spa manicure and spa pedicure and was greeted at the door by friendly staff ready and waiting to pamper me. My therapist ran a warm foot bath for me and I snuggled into my chair with the latest mags for a bit of me time.  Lavande Nail Spa has a built-in long sofa which is the perfect setting for some people watching, a cozy place to unwind by yourself or with a couple of girlfriends. There is also a drying station on the side, complete with a sweet jar for you to gobble down a few treats before you hit the streets.

After my feet had finished soaking in a delicious foot bath my feet were gently exfoliated before being gently massaged. My cuticles were then perfected before my nails were clipped and re-shaped to my liking and then buffed and polished. Lavande Nail Spa has a large selection of OPI, Essie and even a few Chanel shades on offer. I chose a bright shade of Essie pink for my toes before the top coat was applied.  While my feet were being done, my fingers were soaked in an essential oil foaming bath before my nail and cuticles were clipped, beautified and buffed. My treatment finished with a lovely hand and arm massage and a neutral shade and top coat applied.

Lavande Nail Spa prides themselves on being the most hygienic salon in Hong Kong, whereby all equipment is sterilized twice and all nail files, buffers and pumice pads are put back into their wrappers and given to you to take home. As they believe in only using equipment once, this means you get to take your tools home.  Lavande Nail Spa has an extensive choice of nail and waxing services available and also welcome parties for birthdays and hen parties. They are open seven days a week.

How much?

Spa manicure HK$200

Spa pedicure HK$350

For further information please contact:

Lavande Nail Spa

Shop A, Basement Floor, 61 Caine Road, Central, Hong Kong (enter on Shelley Street)

Reservations: +852 2522 2577

www.lavandespa.com

Looking for somewhere special to holiday that is right on the beach and culminates a great spa, food and water sports? Look no further than the charming Layana Resort and Spa, Koh Lanta, Thailand.

This magic resort is a little further than the usual suspect holiday destinations but you certainly get more bang for your flight miles. To get here you fly into Bangkok, take a short flight to Krabi and then a two hour drive south of Krabi international airport. There are plenty of other routes to get here, such as out of Phuket, making this an easy destination to get to for anybody. Out of Hong Kong there are great flight connections and with this little piece of paradise that awaits you, a little more effort than usual to get there is certainly worth it.

The Resort
This exclusive boutique resort is located right in the middle of a 3km stretch of white sandy beach; perfect for a jog in the morning, swim mid-morning, long lazy lunch and a good book all afternoon long. Take your pick from fifty luxurious guestrooms and suites that are designed in contemporary Thai style, complete with balconies and natural and luxurious furnishings. All rooms have the choice of king or twin beds, complete with a large day bed, perfect for sipping cocktails as the sun sets. Along the beach you will find a variety of places to eat that are all walking distance, ranging from restaurants within resorts to casual restaurants that feature local cuisine, pizza and beer.

Linger Longer Spa
Take a break from the busyness of life at the beautiful Linger Longer Spa. Secluded within its own walled garden, the spa is a perfect place to treat yourself and unwind.  My buddy and I indulged in the Secret of Andaman package which was three hours of total relaxation. First we were invited to enjoy a jacuzzi or sauna to unwind before starting off with a one hour Sesame Scrub, suitable for my skin that was probably a little drier than it should have been. If I had of packed some carrots and celery I could have dipped them in the delicious coating of black sesame, yoghurt and honey that was smeared all over me. Next came the Asian Herb Body Wrap that was also an hour long and great for detoxifying. My therapist, Kan, whipped up a blend of Thai white clay, lavender oil, ylang ylang oil, safflower oil, sweet almond oil and phlai (cassumunar ginger) before lathering it all over me and wrapping me up to soak up the goodness. Of course I was given a head rub and drifted off to lah lah land for a while as the morning and my worries drifted away. I had pre-picked my coconut oil and after showering away the remnants of my body wrap, I dove onto the massage table for an hour long Youthful Revitalizing Massage which I thoroughly enjoyed. Kan got stuck into knots and kneaded away my tight shoulders that had been bothering me for a few weeks.

After my massage I was helped into my fluffy robe and slippers and glided down the hall where a delicious tea and light snack was awaiting me. My friend and I met back up and muttered words of relaxation together before gathering our belongings to head off to the lunch that was waiting for us.
Linger Longer Spa has five treatment rooms, including one suite room and two double rooms with treatments available from 10.00am to 8.00pm every day. This spa is a must-do if you are visiting Koh Lanta and definitely a place worthy to treat your loved one.

Tides
After we touched down from cloud-nine and walked out of the spa, my friend and I were off to lunch beachside at Tides restaurant. The food here was amazing. I had a delicious tuna dish that I washed down with a mango juice while my friend gobbled down a traditional Pad Thai dish. Service was excellent and with the choice of sitting inside under a thatched roof or out on the deck, all seats have a picture-perfect sea view, perfect for watching the world go by.

Layana Resort & Spa is definitely the place to stay in Koh Lanta. It is no wonder that this property has won a number of awards with World Travel Awards, World Luxury Hotel Awards and by readers of Trip Advisor.

How much?

3 hours Secret of Andaman package THB3,100 per person

For further information please contact:

Layana Resort & Spa

272 Moo 3 Saladan, Phra-Ae Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi

Reservations: +66 75 607 100

Email: resa@layanaresort.com

www.layanaresort.com