As big fans of the Hoshinoya brand (also known as the ‘Aman of Japan’ – go figure!), we were thrilled to find out the group was opening a resort in the tiny hot spring enclave of Guguan in Taiwan’s mountainous heartland. Predictably, they brought along a heavy dose of Japanese finesse, but managed to seamlessly…
Read MoreAll articles filed in Travel
Where to stay in Bangkok – an insider’s area guide
Ever since making Bangkok our home 5 years ago, we have been asked numerous times: “What is the best area to stay in Bangkok?” With 50 districts and more than 1000 hotels to choose from, deciding on where to stay in Bangkok can be intimidating for first-timers. In this guide, we’re going to do our…
Read MoreBombay Black Book – A guide to Mumbai, India
Sorry Delhi, but Mumbai stole our hearts. With its perfect mix of hipster and heritage, highbrow and lowbrow, and streets peppered with eclectic architecture and quirky concept stores, it managed to enthrall us for two full weeks, and we would’ve gladly stayed longer. Here, we’re sharing our favorite things to see, eat, drink and buy…
Read MoreOld-world opulence at The Sukhothai in Bangkok
Before our stay, a mention of ‘The Sukhothai’ evoked images of celadon tableware, perfectly crisp linen, and price tags that would only be appropriate for very special occasions. As it turns out, only one of those is false. Designed by hospitality guru Adrian Zecha (Aman), interior designer Ed Tuttle and Australian architect Kerry Hill (who…
Read More48 Hours in Hong Kong
Thanks to a top-notch airport and affordable direct flights from many cities throughout the region, Hong Kong is the perfect city for a quick weekend away. Fly in on a Friday evening, and fly out two days later for a laid-back weekend of world-class shopping, great food, and fantastic scenery. We’re sharing some of our…
Read MorePretty in Pink — A Guide to Jaipur, India
You’ll find plenty of pink hues around India’s ‘Pink City’, but actually – Jaipur is a riot of colors. From crumbling forts to some of the country’s savviest concept stores, we’re giving you the lowdown on where to eat, shop and sleep in Jaipur. First things first: the Jaipur highlights We’re never big on ‘must-see’…
Read MoreWhen in Jaipur, get your picture taken
“Hello! Hello! Old Camera!”. We usually bolt in a different direction when a street-side tout starts shouting at us, but upon seeing Mr. Chand and his vintage camera just outside Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal, we knew we’d be in for something good. The camera is a piece of history. Manufactured in Germany in the 1860s, the…
Read MoreColaba coolness — Abode boutique hotel in Mumbai
Finding a charming boutique stay in Mumbai can be a challenge. Sure, you have the Taj, the Oberoi and a plethora of international luxury chains, but small-scale, design-driven boutique hotels are few and far between. A standout is Abode Bombay in the heart of South Mumbai’s bustling Colaba district. Set in a beautiful historical building…
Read MoreMughal Magic — The Udaipur City Palace
Call us superficial, but we’d be lying if we’d deny that we put Rajasthan on our ‘to-go’ list mainly because we wanted to shoot a single picture: the blue Queen’s Chambers at the City Palace in Udaipur (header image) – it did not disappoint. Built over the course of 400 years, the Udaipur City Palace…
Read MoreA Villa of Great Pleasure – Villa Mahabhirom in Chiang Mai
Rome wasn’t built in a day – and Villa Mahabhirom is a great example of that. It took three design-savvy friends seven years to build this hidden luxury retreat in one of Chiang Mai’s lesser-visited neighborhoods. In contrast with most luxury hotels in Northern Thailand, you won’t find much Lanna architecture at ’The Villa of…
Read More