Hpaper Maldives

8/12/2019 Hpaper Maldives

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ISSUE N 09MAY ~ JULY 2014

THIS ISSUE

http://h-paper.hplhotels.com A complimentary publicationby HPL Hotels & Resorts

AN ISLANDSTATE OF MINDThere is no place like the Maldives where one can

learn to fall in love with life again. Gili Lankanfushi,with its multi-hued blue waters and impeccable

service, sets the stage for an unforgettable escape.

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Hpaper is a quarterly publication by HPL Hotels &Resorts. We cover broad topics like travel, fashion,retail, gastronomy and design with a focused regionalistperspective. A concise companion if you like to be outand about, soaking in the local landscape. In each issue,the Hpaper team visits one of the 11 destinations whereour hotels are located. We aim to provide you with helpf ultips and tricks from our repository of local know-how.

Publisher HPL Hotels and ResortsEditor-in-chief Angeline LohOnline editor Cynthia TanContributing editor Fazla Jaleel Contributing writer Jean LooContributing photographer Alvin Toh,

Sakis PapadopoulosDesign and art direction Bureau Pte Ltd

We welcome comments, queries, scoops or even a chatover coffee. Please contact us at:

[email protected] Headquarters50 Cuscaden Road #05-02Singapore 249724

Find us!

ABOUT US

CORRESPONDENCE

MCI (P) 110/02/2014

Hpaperis published4timesa yearbyHPLHotels& Resorts.Allrightsreserved.No part

ofthis publicationmay bereproduced,storedin aretrievalsystem, ortransmitted,inany

formor by anymeans, electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording, orotherwise,

withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionof thepublisher.

cover:

Gili Lankanfushis Private Reserve promisesan unbeatable, fun experience including aprivate water slide extending from the secondfloor straight into the sea.

A CHANCE TO WIN

FROM THE PUBLISHER

MALDIVES

I never expected t his bout of post-holiday blues tohit me so bad. After retur ning from the Maldives,we spent our weekend in a daze. Everywhere Ilooked, things were shrouded in an imaginaryshade of blue.

That, I suppose, is t he magic of Maldives. GiliLankanfushis No News No Shoes policy fueledthe mood to abandon all earthly concerns andsoak in the waves of temporal freedom. This issue,we explore the grand Private Reserve, a rusticand luxurious five-unit overwater bungalow.Get ready to be blown away. We were utterlyspoiled by our personal Mr Fridays, who madesure every need was met, whether it was a Thai-inspired feast by our personal chef or pressingthe shutter as we went wild on the water slide.

I still dream of snorkeling alongside the seaturtles and schools of whimsical fish, and beinga part of the mesmerising marine life. As weattempted to locate the Milky Way and drifted offto sleep under the stars, we learnt again the ideaof perspective, place and time. We hope you get to Maldives somedaysoon and indulge in the right kind of blues.If youve stayed with us before, tell a friendabout the stories on Facebook and Instagram(#gililankanfushi). Write to us and let us knowhow your Gili experience has been. We know wecant wait to be back.

Hpaper

Chapel of Dreams

Theres always a reason for celebration. At GiliLankanfushi, guests are invited to hold thewedding of their dreams in the overwater chapelthe only one in Maldives. Located in the middleof the lagoon, the chapel is a stunning presenceonly accessible by boat and promises an intimategathering. Designed with oor-to-ceiling windowsand featuring a central glass walkway over a coralseabed, walking down the aisle takes on a newmeaning as the couple arrives against a backdropof golden sunset and sea. Although Maldivianlaw doesnt allow tourists to legally marry unlessone party is a local, guests are still welcome tocelebrate or renew their vows in absolute romance.Furthermore, the 45-villa resort is only 20 minutesaway from Male by speedboat and boasts an arrayof activities and destination-dining options setto create unforgettable memories for the party.Gili Lankanfushi also welcomes couples and

their personal photographer to conduct their pre-wedding photography shoot at the resort. Otherthan the chapel, the islands dramatic landscapeis a photographers heaven which includes whitesandy beaches and dreamy palm trees.

Happy Garden

Enter our fragrant and enchanting greengarden, nestled in the heart of the island. Thisis where the kitchen gets its daily fresh supplyof herbs, salad leaves and other ingredientsfor its impressive array of culinary offerings.More than hundred varieties of herbs, spicesand leaves such as rosemary, lollo rosa, rocket,watercress and oregano are grown with organic

practices on this cosy plot of land. There is evena room dedicated to mushroom cultivation. Ourfriendly gardeners will be happy to take you ona guided walk and tasting session.

On board the Sea Ray

Fancy an adventure in the Maldivian sea? The coral atolls, which boast some of the most splendidsea life on earth, is an ideal playground for shing enthusiasts. Sea Ray is the worlds largestmanufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats and is a trusted choice for a host of marine activitiesincluding big game shing, snorkeling excursions and island hopping. It can take up to 16 guests onboard and includes a service crew who will make sure guests have an enjoyable outing.

Hpaper is giving away three adorable hedgehog

brushes to its readers. Simply write to us withany feedback, comments and suggestions [email protected] and stand a chance towin a hedgehog brush for sandy feet worth US$70.

SCANHERE TOWATCHVIDEO

http://goo.gl/jrRQx6

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ECO LUXURY RESERVED FOR YOUPictures: Alvin Toh & Sakis Papadopoulos / Words: Jean Loo

L apping up the breeze as the pontoon chugs along, weare blown away by the sight ahead. Upgrading ouraccommodation to a night at the exclusive Private Reserve,the largest overwater villa in the Maldives, was probably one ofthe best (and fastest) decisions we agreed upon. Our pristineparadise for the day was a gigantic 1,400-square-metres space,which slowly unfolds before us against a backdrop of multihues of blue. Shallow lagoon waters sparkle with a sharp lightturquoise, interrupted by patches of dark green corals we steerto avoid. At the drop-off, an abrupt navy blue stretches far out,greeting the skys baby blue hue at an imaginary horizon. Thereis nary a cloud in sight. Distance sure has its way of heighteninganticipation. The Private Reserve is, in one word, spectacular.Secluded 500 meters from the resort main island and 300 metresfrom the nearest villa, it is only accessible by boat. And like agrand old dame on a throne, the property is designed in a rustic-chic style according to traditional Maldivian and Sri Lankaninspiration and sure oozes stature. At the parking bay, we are greeted by two live-in Mr Fridaysassigned to care for us during our stay. The door to the propertyswings open into a welcome room anked by glass oor panelswith schools of sh swimming beneath and a commanding 50-inch at screen television. Well, not that the plan is to turn it on.

We are ushered into our suites to prepare for a privatesnorkeling session with the resident marine biologist, VaidasKirsys. Each suite is a different ballgame altogether, with its ownliving area and sundeck. I sigh gently as my eyes catch an over-water net hammock suspended right above the inviting watersagainst the endless blue and laugh out loud, imagining theenvious eyeballs from the folks at home.

Gili Lankanfushis open-air private bathroom suites have seta new standard for personal time. In addition to a separate glass-walled shower enclosure and his-and-her sinks, each bathroomboasts a Jacuzzi tub big enough for two built over coral gardens,steps down into the sea for a bath in total privacy and a luggage-dressing room where even Madonna can doll herself up incomfort. This is luxury at its inimitable best. The master bedroomis stuff made of dreams. The grand plan tonight is to sleep withthe ceiling-to- oor windows open and wake up to an unmatchedpanoramic view from our bed, although we event ually do succumbto huddling under the sheets in full air-conditioned glory.

The girls go gaga, whipping out their cameras as we are beingled into the reserve. Lo and beholdA breathtaking central openliving area housing a dining table, enough day beds for an MTV-style party and sundecks overlooking a sea garden and naturalcoral pool that would put The Wolf of Wall Streets elaborate

to wedding proposals, although the reserve sleeps up to six. Talkabout disconnecting from the world in style.

lm sets to shame. Throw in a private spa facility with a saunaand steam room, an air-conditioned gymnasium and fully-functioning kitchen and we are blown away. A ve-metre longwater slide for everyones inner child is sweet icing on the cake.Were told that Mr Friday can arrange anything from stag nights

Rede ning private time

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Go to the extremesof luxury travel at GiliLankanfushis rusticchic Private Reserve



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For a nation of 1,192 coral islands grouped in 26 atolls,Maldives is one of the worlds most dispersed countries. It is hardto make sense of this astounding magnitude, but all one has to dois wade into the waters to appreciate its rich marine ecosystemsand parade of stunning coral reefs, sh and sea tur tles. Educationallows our guests to enjoy the environment without damaging itand understand why we operate in a certain way, shares Vaidas.He busies himself guiding guests on snorkeling trips, advisingthe resort on environmental projects and surveying the islandslagoon and marine life.

Spotting a low tide, we take a short walk to t he bed of bountifulcorals in front of the Private Reserve and are rewarded witha stunning sight of the propertys scale. The resident Maakana (a type of wild bird), poses patiently by the water hammockas we snap away. A family of six Box sh amuses us by dartingaround in the water. We move to the house reef, a stretch betweenOne Palm Island and Three Palm teeming with gentle reefsharks and rays dashing through the water. Beneath the sur face,I nd it hard to contain my excitement as the schools of adorablePicasso Trigger sh, families of Damsel sh and the alien-lookingSchooling Needle sh enchant us. We even spot a sluggish octopusand shy Olive Ridley turtle peering out from the seabed.

Gleefully basking in the suns rays, we continue our aquaticadventure on the reserves water slide. It is undeniably the purest,most underrated fun any adult can have. We giggle ourselvessilly, snacking on a seafood platter and sparkling champagnethoughtfully ar ranged by Mr Friday, who is a welcome sight as weare famished from all the fun. We laze on the day beds indulgingin aimless conversation, as executive sous chef Stefan Goehckearrives in style with an assistant to prepare our private banquet.Meanwhile, we are treated to sundowners and tapas. Chef Stefanshares more behind the travel-inspired Thai ve-course menu

he would be whipping up this evening: We like to keep thingslight and uid, he said. It s not about just creating new ideas, butevolving how we cook for the guests.

Beautifully presented, the starter canaps are a medleyof rich Asian avours followed by shared plates of salads andmouthwatering mains, as well as a platter of desert and fruits.Belly-heavy, we trot upstairs like dazed kids in a candy store andsink onto a snug matt ress for a movie screening, complete withbowls lled to the brim with fresh popcorn. The next morning,we awake to the grand nale of our Private Reserve experience.Clutching a hot c up of freshly brewed coffee, we sit by the sundeckin our pyjamas and wait blurry-eyed. The Maldives re-introducesus to the tune of the tides and appreciation of natural light. If cityliving had numbed our sensitivity to the environment, this is apowerful reminder to reconnect with the earth and every sense ofbeing. Above us the sky blazes a shy pink as the sun forms a ruby-red yolk and rises from the in nite blue.

Water wonderworld

Lavish living

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01 The Private Reserve is a grandfive-unit luxurious propertylocated in the middle of theislands blue lagoon. It enjoysan uninterrupted 360-degreeview of the Indian Ocean.

this spread:

02 Each villa enjoys the servicesof a dedicated Mr Friday, namedafter Robinson Crusoes loyalassistant, who will ensure guests

needs are met.

03 The islands No News, No Shoesway of life encourages guests tounwind and reconnect with nature.

04 Snorkeling is one of the bestways for guests to experiencethe Maldives rich marine life.

05 The welcome lounge flankedby glass floor panels withschools of fish swimmingbeneath and a commanding50-inch flat screen television.

0609 Private dining in the reserve,where a personal chef andhis team will whip up a spread,is a popular option for gueststo pamper themselves aftera day of activity.

10 The Private Reserve boaststwo master suites, eachwith ceiling-to-floor windows,a private relaxation area andsundeck that offers direct accessinto crystal clear coral gardens.

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Peace, quiet and freedomto do absolutely anything

you want, at any time.



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this spread:

11 One of the Private Reserveshighlights includes a breathtakingcentral open living area with asundecks facing the Indian Ocean.

12 At Gili Lankanfushi, villasare designed with attentionto detail and are built to be

environmentally friendly.

13/15 The open-air private bathroomsuites include a spacious separateglass-walled shower enclosureand his-and-her sinks. It alsoboasts a Jacuzzi tub big enoughfor two built over coral gardens,

steps down into the sea for a bathin total privacy and a luggage-

dressing room.

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14 Select a film from a library ofblockbusters and classics andindulge in a private screeningcomplete with popcorn,canaps and champagne.

1618 Two master suites each havebedrooms featuring ceiling tofloor windows, allowing guestsan uninterrupted view of theocean. It also includes a largeliving area with glass floor panelsto view the marine life and arooftop terrace where one canhang out in absolute privacy.



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Hard Rock Hotel Bali Celebrate the GloriousLebaran at the award-winning Hard Rock HotelBali. The special package entitles you and thewhole family to enjoy bene ts from daily break fastand one-time dinner for t wo. Stay period from 25July to 3 August 2014. Other bene ts, terms andconditions apply.

bali.hardrockhotels.net

Casa del Rio Melaka Stay at our Melaka Suiteand have your very own open-air courtyard withjet bubble bath. Package includes accommodation,breakfast for 4 persons, River Cruise for 4 personsand Trishaw Ride within the Historical City. Termsand conditions apply.

casadelrio-melaka.com

Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya Around the worldor around the block, Everywhere I go the kidswanna rock. Specially designed for families withchildren, this package includes breakfast for 2adults and 2 kids, 2 hours usage of Lil Rock Clubor Tabu Club per day, lunch on kids menu withevery paying adult, buffet dinner per kid withevery paying adult for the buffet dinner at StarzDiner. Priced from THB 5,775++ per night for aKids Suite. Terms and condit ions apply.

pattaya.hardrockhotels.net

Glorious LebaranValid 25 July till 3 Aug 2014

Luxurious StayValid till 31 July 2014

Kids Wanna

Rock for Free!Valid till 20 December 2014

For more information, please contact us:Tel +65 6739 8303 / 04 / 05Email [email protected]

For more information, please contact us:

Tel +62 361 761 869Email [email protected]

For more information, please contact us:Tel +606 289 6888Email [email protected]

For more information, please contact us:

Tel +66 38 428755-9Email [email protected]

Gili Lankanfushi Retreat to an intimatecoral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jettiesthreading across the water out to spacious over-sized villas. Enjoy complimentary night withminimum 3 nights stay when you book to stayduring the above promotion date. Rates includeaccommodation of choice, non-motorised watersports activities, sunset cocktail party on Tuesday,yoga & Tai Chi sessions, steam & sauna at MeeraSpa, wireless internet access, sparkling and stillbottled drinking water in villa. Applicable forbookings made via website at Best Available Rate,other terms and conditions apply.

gili-lankanfushi.com

Summer Indulgencestay longerValid 17 May till 31 July,1 till 30 Sept 2014

For more information, please contact us:Tel +960 664 0304Email [email protected]

Concorde Hotel Singapore Stay with us during the Great Singapore Sale season to enjoy greater valueand bene ts! Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a welcome drink, late check-out, discounts at Hard Rock Cafe Singapore(50 Cuscaden Road, HPL House, Singapore 249724), and free airport transfer on the departure day!Terms and conditions apply.

singapore.concordehotelsresorts.com

Great Singapore SaleValid 30 May till 27 July 2014



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Fishing is the lifeblood of Maldives and is inseparable fromthe country and its people. Blessed with an abundance of

aquatic life and sh, local shermen rely on a line-and-polemethod to sh sustainably for popular species like tuna, grouperand dolphin sh. On a sunny afternoon, we are treated to theexperience of picking fresh herbs from Gili Lankanfushis gardenand preparing a raw marinated tuna salad.

Clockwise from top left Watercress, Basil, rocket leaves with f lowers,beach lettuce, Thai Basil, coriander leaves with blossom.

EDIBLEGARDENPictures: Alvin Toh / Words: Jean Loo

INGREDIENTS:

500g Tuna fillet50ml Soy sauce

1 piece Lime (zests)1 piece Egg yolk

20ml Water1 pinch Salt

50g Wasabi leaves80g Grape seed oil

60g Parmesan cheese60g Garden herbs ( beach lettuce / rocket leaves with blossom / coriander leaves

with blossom / water cress / chives / chervil )Wasabi tobiko

Salmon roeWhite and black sesame seeds

METHOD:

1) Slice the fresh tuna f illet like a fine sashimiand marinate with soy sauce and lime zests.

2) Grate the Parmesan cheese on a baking paper.

3) Melt the cheese for 25 seconds in a microwave oven.

4) Remove the baking paper from the microwave ovenand form the melted Parmesan into tuile (thin wafer).

5) Blend the wasabi leaves together with water,add in egg yolk, lime juice and a pinch of salt in a kitchen

blender and emulsify the mix with the grape seed oil

to make a smooth mayonnaise.

6) Dress the marinated tuna slices into a roundshape on the center of the plate and decorate with

the Parmesan tuile, garden herbs, salmon roe,wasabi tobiko and sesame seeds.



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Rede ning the boundaries of eco luxury, the Private Reserve is a paradisesitting in the islands pristine blue lagoon and promises an experiencehard to beat. When the tide recedes, guests are steps away from the

magical experience of strolling along the coral bed and getting up close andpersonal with the resident marine life.

STEPPING OUTPicture: Sakis Papadopoulos / Words: Jean Loo



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RASMUS TAKES ON GILIPictures: Alvin Toh

/ Words: Jean Loo

Celebrity chef Rasmus Kofoed brings to Gili Lankanfushi a menu withunique elements of Danish cuisine and Maldivian organic produce.

O ver a weekend in March, guests at Gili Lankanfushi weretreated to a gastronomic experience designed by award-winning celebrity chef Rasmus Kofoed. The Danishchef is co-owner of Geranium, a two-star Michelin restaurant inCopenhagen that was ranked 45 th Best Restaurant in the world in2013 by Fine Dining Lovers. He also emerged tops in the Olympicsof cooking, the prestigious Bocuse dOr in 2011 and was the captainof the Danish culinary team for seven years. Drawing in uencefrom his work at Geranium, a lucid, light and dynamic kitchenwith a mission to create meals that involve all the senses, ChefRasmus worked with the freshest of Maldivian organic produce tocreate a six-course dinner menu for a full house of 30 diners. Theidea was to bring my thoughts about the Nordic gastronomy andincorporate in this island, and combine the Maldivian ingredientswith my thoughts from the cold country where I come from,shared the charming Chef. The whole island inspires me. During his time on the island, Chef Rasmus spent a lot oftime walking around, feeling and collecting textures like thesand, water and even random blocks of charcoal he found ata replace. Part of this was channelled into the presentation ofhis dishes, to share the beauty in local ingredients and awakendiners sensitivities to a place and time. He raves about one of themost beautiful sh stocks ever, a tuna sh put to boil for threehours which yielded a full-bodied clean consomm and how hediscovered chilled Indian ocean water increased the taste of sh

llets before baking them in the oven. These experiences affectme a lot, said the Chef, who has cooked for celebrities and royaltyaround the world. It is important for me not to just come and

spend time in the kitchen, but to experience that part of the worldand get inspirat ion from that when I go home.

this spread:

01 Chef Rasmus is the Head Chefof Geranium, a restaurant focusedon creating meals that restore,challenge and enrich ones palate.

02/03 Preparation for a range of starters.

04 Chef Rasmus collaborateswith the resorts culinary teamto present a thoughtful diningexperience for guests.

05/06The menu included an array ofsnacks such as Nordic Leaves,a creation of salmon roe, sourcream and dill.

0708 The chefs idea of presentation washeavily influenced by his experienceon the island and included the useof sand and stone.

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The whole island inspires me.

Rasmus Kofoed,Head Chef of Geranium,a two-Michelin-starred

restaurant



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T ucked away on another side of Lankanfushi Island, itis a humbling eye-opener visiting the host village andgetting a tour of the operations backbone of the resort.Sustainability is a big word, but ideals are often materialised by

tiny efforts and orderly systems in place. Gili Lankanfushi is oneof the rst few resorts in the Maldives to produce its own drinkingwater. While purchasing water from Male is a common practice,both guests and hosts working on the island drink waterpackaged in eco-friendly glass bottles. It reduces the damage toour environment, says Sidney Viegas, the resorts assistant chiefengineer. We dont have the issue of disposing plastic bottles, sothat minimises the total volume of waste the resort generates.

Seawater is pumped into a tank with a capacity of 15,000 litresand passed through a maze of systems and membranes, whichseparates freshwater from salt and sediments. The resulting wateris then made potable by a set of lters, which adds natural mi neralsand kills germs through UV exposure, before it gets piped aroundthe resort. At the bott ling plant, a clean air-conditioned hut mannedby two workers, some 400 bottles of drinking water are produceda day. Sparkling water, which is made by adding pressured c arbondioxide and chilled, is also popular with guests.

FROM SEATO BOTTLE

Pictures: Alvin Toh / Words: Jean Loo

this page:

01 As part of its sustainabilityefforts, the resort producesits own bottled water.

02 Sparkling water is producedat the plant by adding pressurisedcarbon dioxide.

03 The bottling plant is locatedin the host village on the islandand produces up to 400 bottlesof drinking water a day.

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W hispering gently, Asti the therapist asked me to breathe, as my eyelids grew heavierstaring into piece of sea beneath me. I took three deep breaths and started to lose myselfin the aroma of warm mist of sweet orange, basil, lemon and rosemary oil rubbed onher left palm, as she skillfully swept long strokes down the contours of my back with her right arm.Yes, I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the Maldives, but it was the signature massage atMeera Spa that elevated this e xperience to a whole new level. Meera, whic h means ocean in Sanskritlanguage, offers a range of therapies and massages to comfort aching bodies and burdened minds.

Its Masters in Residence Programme hosts renowned practitioners like Mr Sommai Pokhamnerd,who guided me in a gentle class of Tai Chi , with specialised healing skills to offer.

My spa session kicked off with a foot wash where the therapist gently washed the sand off myfeet with a concoction of tea tree oil and sea salt. Never underestimate the effect of walking into aroom with nothing but the sea in front of you and glass oor panels strategically built under massagetables. With utmost sensitivity, Asti hit the sore spots bursting with accumulated fatigue and the illsof modern living. It did not take long for me to slump into a oaty state of being as baby sh swam inand out of my vision. The Spa also offers other choices like excellent Bamboo Massage for reducingstress with the use of multi-sized bamboo rods and warmed aromatic oils, the Tibetan SingingBowl Massage for those seeking balance as well as an exclusive Ocean Therapy which harnesses thegoodness of Voya Organics, a range of hand-harvested seaweed products, in baths and wraps thatpromote skin regeneration.

OCEAN DREAMINGPictures: Alvin Toh & Sakis Papadopoulos / Words: Jean Loo

The award-winning Meera Spa redenes comfortand leaves you in a good kind of daze.

this page:

01 A wide range of treatments includesspecially tailored options for men, mums-

to-be, detox journeys and couple rituals.

02 The Spas boutique features an exclusiveselection of products from Voya Organicsand Sodashi, as well as the Meera LifestyleHome Spa range that includes chakra crystal

jewelry, environment al aromas and b odyproducts made with Meera signatureessential oil blends.

03 The Spas treatment rooms are a visualtreat, with floo r-to-ceiling windowsoffering a view thats hard to beat.

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SPOILTFOR CHOICEPictures: Alvin Toh & Sakis Papadopoulo / Words: Jean Loo

Plan your dining experienceand feast anywhere you want.

O ne can be forgiven for bad table manners when diningunder the stars on Palm Beach. Fixated by the shiftingclouds hurried along by the evening breeze, my friendsand I caught ourselves in between bites speechless at the beautyabove us. So there we were, the four of us on Palm Beach,surrounded by whimsical cones of candlelight as our personal

chef toiled over a makeshift kitchen grill to present us with a four-course dinner. This is the resorts way of utterly pampering itsguests as various faces of the island are presented beautifully intandem with sensitive culinary options.

Executive Chef John Bakker, who oversees the culinary team,believes in being true to ones roots and experiences. Workingtogether with executive sous chef Stefan Goehcke, the duoconceptualised a menu in uenced by both their Canadian andEuropean backgrounds. We want to take elements of classicdishes from home that are re ective of the environment here andcreate a menu with the earthiness of the garden and its fantasticproduce, said Chef Bakker. The stage is set for the team to deliver:One Palm Island, the ultimate deserted island retreat with itssignature lone-standing palm tree, oozes romance in the sunsetsglow. There is also Horizon, a table dug into perfect soft sand idealfor sunset viewing, as well as 360 , an elevated dining setup inthe organic garden, to create the perfect intimate setting. By theSea, set on the quiet east-facing beach, will whisk one away withan impressive array of Japanese food, while the Jungle Cinema

offers an alternate movie and dining experience under the stars.To top it off, indulge in a wine and chocolate tast ing session in thegourmet cellar hosted by our sommeliers, where guests are treatedto homemade truffl es paired with specially selec ted choice winesfrom a 500-bottle strong collection.

this page:

01 Palm Beach promises a romanticsetting for dinner under the stars.

02 Lunch in the organic herb gardenallows guests another setting amongbeds of plants.

03 Wine and chocolate tastings inthe underground gourmet cellarare experiences not to be missed.

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Ever wanted to feel like you are in the middle of nowhere? Witha little luxury, of course. Whether its cocktails at sunset or alunch picnic on our pontoon oating in the middle of the lagoonsurrounded by only sea and sky, this is an exclusive experienceyou should not miss.

Renew your vows or hold the wedding celebration of yourdreams at Gili Lankanfushis overwater chapelthe only one inMaldives. Located in the middle of the lagoon, the chapel isa stunning presence only accessible by boat and promises an

intimate gathering for your guests.

Pick up the skill of making sushi and tempura with our chefsbehind the signature Japanese spread from By the Sea, a 32-seater restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests can trytheir hand creating well-loved favourites like California rolls ortempura rolls and learn the tricks to tasty, fresh sushi and a crisptempura deep-fried to perfection.

The Maldives ranks among the top ve places in the world towatch whales and dolphins, so be sure to venture out of the islandand search for wild dolphins on a sunset dolphin cruise. Beamazed at their synchronised acrobatic movements as they swim

alongside the yacht, jumping out of the water from time to time.

The elevated dining area in the resorts organic garden enjoysa stunning view of the enchanting sea and leafy beds of green.Carefully positioned to take advantage of natural breezes yetensure absolute privacy, guests can choose from a refreshingmenu designed to invigorate the senses and renew an appreciationfor taste.

Snorkel the One Palm Island reef with our marine biologist,where guests can learn to identify various marine life includingcolorful schools of sh, sea turtles and rays. The Ocean ParadiseDive Centres multilingual PADI instructors also cater for small

dive group sizes, ensuring guests of all experience levels get thebest service at all times.

Castaway

Wedding Chapel

Sushi and Tempura Making Class

Dolphin Cruise

360

Snorkelling and Diving

Cruise through the lagoon aboard a traditional sailing Dhoni, amulti-purpose sail boat handcrafted using coconut palm timber,while enjoying champagne and gourmet canaps. Take in the seabreeze and countless photo opportunities and be amazed at thewonders it does for the soul.

This is no drive-by cinema. At the resorts outdoor cinema,lms chosen from an extensive library ranging from the latest

blockbuster hits to romantic oldies are screened twice a week forguests. Relax and snack on popcorn and champagne under thestars as the screen transports you to someplace else. The junglecinema is also available for private viewings.

Start your day with a session of morning yoga guided by holisticpractitioners at our tness centre. Healthbuffs who need theirdose of endorphins will also be spoilt for choice at the tnesscentre, located at the waters edge amidst greenery, where youcan work out with a panoramic and clandestine view of the ocean.

Dhoni Sailing Jungle Cinema Yoga

Guests are spoilt for choice at Gili Lankanfushis many primespots to dine and take in the views. Horizon, a table dug intounspoiled white sands, sits alongside a swimming pool with anuninterrupted view of the lagoon and immaculate service fromwaiters dishing up platters of inspiring cuisine.

The iconic One Palm Island is the ult imate island treat for a privatesandbank picnic or bespoke barbeque manned by a personal chef.While it is the perfect place to laze under the sun as the dhonisgo by, it takes on an unbeatable canvas in the evening for somedinner romance and sunset glow.

HorizonOne Palm Island

Indulge in a gourmet wine dinner in the spectacular undergroundcellar. To keep guests warm as it gets rather chilly, dedicated MrFridays are on hand to provide you with eeces and hot waterbottles to enjoy dinner in comfort. Trained sommeliers willalso recommend wines from a 500-bottle strong collection tocomplement a selection of world-class dishes.

Gourmet Wine Dinner



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Q: Tell us about Mr Friday Q: What is your idea of good service?

Q: How do you overcome challenges in the job?

Q: What kind of t raining did you undergo?

Q: How does your job impact you?

Mr Friday is a concept modeled after one of themain characters of the Robinson Crusoe novel,a local assistant who is competent and loyal.Guests are assigned their personal Mr Friday,a butler who will care for them from the timethey arrive till they depart the resort. Thereare currently around 15 Mr/Ms Fridays who gothe distance to deliver outstanding service tomake sure everything goes smoothly and theguests are happy.

Service begins with quickly understanding howthe guest wants to be served and then adaptinghow we go about it. Good service means makingthings work and going the extra mile, so thatboth the guest and Mr Friday are satis ed.

It is a tough job with heavy responsibility. Aswe grow, our personal lives also have to grow.One of the biggest challenges is to balance ourenergy between our personal commitments andchanneling proper services to the guests. Itis not easy, but I do think our team has builta reputation for being one of the best in theMaldives. The challenge is in the communicationand how we handle requests from discerningguests with very high standards. Some requestsweve received include serving lunch to guests inthe middle of the lagoon on their hammocks ata speci c time. Another guest asked if the tidecould be changed because she didnt like seeing

exposed corals. I t hought really hard about it andsolved it by moving her to a villa where the sealevels didnt change much and she would alwaysbe greeted by a sea view. Sometimes we have tosecond-guess guests who are not speci c aboutsharing information about their requests likewhere they want to go and what they want to eat.When such things happen, I feel bad if I cantmeet the demands.

I started out in 2010 shadowing the senior MrFridays to understand how they work. Initially, Iwas sitting in the offi ce handling administ rativework, but opportunities came around to followguests on boat excursions, do the shore roundsand assist in check-ins. Through this, Ive learntthe style of the work and basic principles of butlersat Gili Lankanfushi. We also constantly improveourselves, sometimes through training courses.

at ease and they want to come back. Its beenvery interesting and sometimes I feel I can takecare of anybody in the world, at any moment, bydelivering exceptional service and understandingtheir feelings.

I feel very privileged to serve guests who comefrom different backgrounds and parts of theworld. I have looked after people from politicians,business tycoons to popstars. There are so manystories I can share, but its very encouragingwhen I have guests who return because theywant me to care for them. They can travel toany other luxury resort in the world, but havingexperienced Mr Fridays care, they choose tocome back and praise us on Tripadvisor. It makesme feel very great and thankful. It is one of thebest feelings when guests let me know I put t hem

PEOPLE

MR FRIDAY Picture: Alvin Toh / Words: Jean Loo

Q: What makes an outstanding Mr Friday?

Someone who understands the guests feelingsfrom the time he see the guests face; someonewho can observe the moments and get a senseof the guests heartbeats. He can work very closeto the guest and understand his pulse. I thinkit is also very important to go along with onesfeelings, yet maintain a balance not too intrusiveand too close to the guests.

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HPL HOTELS & RESORTS

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Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International AirportAmidst a sanctuary of greenery, the hotel is 3 minutes away from

Kuala Lumpur International Airport and 20 minutes away from Low

Cost Carrier Terminal. Equipped with modern amenities and within

close proximity to F 1 Sepang International Circuit, Concorde Inn is an

ideal choice for travellers and motor sports enthusiasts. Kuala Lumpur

city centre is a mere 28-minute ride via the Express Railway link.

Jalan KLIA 1 /60, Kuala Lumpur International Airport

43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia

Tel +603 8783 3118 Fax +603 8783 1211

Email [email protected]

sepang.concordehotelsresorts.com

Concorde Hotel Shah AlamNestled in the heart of Shah Alam, the hotel is 30 minutes drive

from Kuala Lumpur city and approximately 40 minutes drive from

Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Overlooking the spectacularBlue Mosque, guests will enjoy easy access to Shah Alam Convention

Centre, the Shah Alam Sports Complex, Bukit Cahaya Agricultural

Park, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park and world class golf courses.

3 Jalan Tengku Ampuan Zabedah C9/C

40100 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Tel +603 5512 2200 Fa x +603 5512 2233


shahalam.concordehotelsresorts.com

Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur At the heart of the citys Golden Triangl e, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur

is a 0-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and is

within walking distance to the Bukit Nanas Monorail station, Malaysia

Tourism Centre, Saloma Theatre Restaurant, Suria KLCC Shopping

Centre and Petronas Twin Towers.

2 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel +603 2144 2200 Fax +603 2144 1628


kualalumpur.concordehotelsresorts.com

Concorde Hotel SingaporeLocated on the lively Orchard Road, Concorde Hotel Singapore is

ideally situated for shopping, entertainment and business. Perfect

for business travellers, the hotel is within close proximity to the

Central Business District, Integrated Resorts, 5 minutes away from

the nearest Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station and 25 minutes away

from Changi International Airport.

1 00 Orchard Road, Singapore 238840

Tel +65 6733 8855 Fax +65 6732 7886


singapore.concordehotelsresorts.com

Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality management company, operated andwholly-owned by Hotel Properties Limited, a main-board listed company. Our collection provides uniqueexperiences with high quality service in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Maldives.Pick up your copy of Hpaper here.

Rihiveli Beach Resort MaldivesOn the South Mal Atoll, an hour away by speed boat from Mal

International Airport, the resort island of Rihiveli comprises a

collection of thatched bungalows surrounded by a crystal-clear lagoon.

Rediscover the joy of face-to-face communication in a convivial, back to

basics environmenta reminder of the time before electronic gadgets.

South Mal Atoll, Republic of Maldives

Tel +960 664 3731 Fax +960 664 0052


rihivelimaldives.com

The Lakehouse Cameron HighlandsLocated 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur, set against lush state reserve

forests 1 ,000 m above sea level in the Cameron Highlands, The

Lakehouse is a Tudor-style country house overlooking the Sultan Abu

Bakar Lake.

30th Mile Ringlet, 39200 Cameron Highlands

Pahang, Malaysia

Tel +605 495 6152 Fax +605 495 6213


lakehousecameron.com

Casa del Rio MelakaLocated 148 km southeast of Kuala Lumpur, Casa del Rio nestles in

the historic town of Melaka, a unesco World Heritage site. Meaning

Home by the River in Spanish, the hotel is the perfect starting point

to experience the rich c ultural heritage of Portuguese, Arabic, Dutch

and Straits Chinese.

88, Jalan Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Tel +606 289 6888 Fax +606 289 6999


casadelriomelaka.com

Hard Rock Hotel PenangSituated on nearly two hectares of land by the popular Batu Ferringhi

beachfront, Hard Rock Hotel Penang provides luxurious service and

amenities with a unique rock n roll edge. The hotel is 25 minutes

drive from Georgetown and 40 minutes drive from the airport.

Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia

Tel +604 8811 711 Fax +604 8812 155


penang.hardrockhotels.net

Hard Rock Hotel PattayaOverlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya is a vibrant

beauty with a mellow vibe. T he internationally renowned resort town of

Pattaya offers shopping and entertainment on a grand scale , all reached

by a short walk along the picturesque waterfront. The hotel is less than

90 minutes drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

429 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Road

Chonburi 20150, Thailand

Tel +66 38 428 755-9 Fax +66 38 421 673


pattaya.hardrockhotels.net

Casa del Mar LangkawiSet on the pristine Pantai Cenang beach, Casa del Marmeaning

Home by the Sea in Spanishis a Mediterranean-style resort just 1 0

minutes from Langkawi Airport. A few minutes walk from the resort

are a multitude of restaurants, night spots, shopping outlets and a

night market.

Jalan Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang,

07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

Tel +604 955 2388 Fax +604 955 2228


casadelmarlangkawi.com

Hard Rock Hotel BaliSprawling across three hectares of pristine tropical property, the island

paradise is located in Kuta, the heart of Balis famous entertainment

and shopping district. A paradise for couples, families and singles, the

hotel is about 15 minutes away from the airport.

Jalan Pantai, Banjar Pande Mas,

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Tel +62 361 761 869 Fa x +62 361 761 868


bali.hardrockhotels.net

Lankanfushi Island, North Mal AtollRepublic of Maldives

Tel +960 664 0304 Fa x +960 664 0305Email [email protected]

gililankanfushi.com

A short 20-minute boat ride away from Malthe capital of Maldives, lies Gili Lankanfushi. This eco-luxury resort occupiesa small coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villas.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives



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As part of its sustainability efforts, Gili Lankanfushi produces its own bottled still and sparkling water.

Hpaper Maldives

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