Post-flight blues includes grouchiness, body aches and lethargy. And all we needed was some pampering at the spa house.
Stepping in to the quiet Celestine Spa at The Stones Hotel Bali, and being welcomed by cups of warm tea – the house brew ginger, lime and honey tea – immediately calmed our senses down by many notches. We were offered the signature The Stones Art Movement – a combination of long strokes, stretching and rocking.
I have been to many hotels and resorts around the world, but a trip to Sri Panwa Villa at Phuket and it has immediately rocketed to my all-time favourite list – I am head over heels in love with this gem of Phuket.
Here are 9 reasons why I love Sri Panwa Resort in Phuket.
Aburiya is a common name that I have always heard from friends when we talk about Japanese BBQ restaurant. Though I am a frequent diner of the restaurants at Robertson Quay, I only found myself stepping in to Aburiya some time recently. And after my dinner, I can understand why Aburiya has its steady flow of customers nightly.
I have written previously that Korean-style fried chicken is one of my favourite guilty indulgences, and I am always on the lookout to try new places. If you are also a fan of Korean fried chicken, add Woori Nara Korean Restaurant to your list.
I like the idea of a small Japanese sushi bar ala hole-in-the-wall concept that caters to its regular patrons and the random walk-ins, and I often wonder why Singapore does not have more of such restaurants. When I dined at The Sushi Bar at Far East Plaza, it fitted the bill perfectly, and was exactly the kind of place I have in mind.
They serve the standard dishes like sushi, sahimi, Japanese-style pastas and donburis, but if you only have room for one dish, you must try the much-lauded Salmon Aburi Sushi (S$14.50). I am happy to report that it lives up to its hype, and it is very addictive satisfying. As it is, The Sushi Bar is already very popular, so try to go there during off peak hours, or be prepared to wait in line.
Just a little gripe – the service is lacklustre and it soils the entire experience. I do hope that the next time I return, I would see more smiles when the servers welcome and wait on all patrons.
The Sushi Bar
#04-28 Far East Plaza
14 Scotts Road
Mon to Fri: 12.30pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 9pm
Sat: 12.30pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
Talk about eco-friendly toiletries and we all think of The Body Shop. We are no strangers to their ever popular Shea Butter, Olive and White Musk products. But do you know they have a spa, too?
Tucked at a quiet corner of the Paragon outlet, The Body Shop Green Sanctuary is a small day spa that offers decent relaxing treatments at prices that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. With 4 massage rooms and 1 steam room, it is ideal for a simple retreat. Busy executives working in the area who need a recharge during lunch hour, shoppers who are in the vicinity and need a massage from all the walking, mothers who are waiting for their kids to be dismissed from school… there is surely a treatment to cater to everyone’s needs.
Advertorial
Gravity Bar at Carlton Hotel Singapore is the kind of place that regulars would probably prefer to keep it as their secret hideout, and it is not difficult to see why. Not only does Gravity Bar has a superb and extremely convenient location, it also has live band playing music in the evenings. For those of you who are always on the lookout for nice bars with live music, note Gravity Bar down. The resident band plays live music from 7.15pm to 11.30pm from Mondays to Thursdays, and from 7.15pm to 12 midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and eve of Public Holidays. Speak about having the perfect spot at a centralised area to chill out with friends till late!
And because Oktoberfest is round the corner, I am sure beer lovers are getting all excited and mapping out drinking spots. Why not drop by with a bunch of pals to celebrate this annual German drinking event? If you need any more convincing, Gravity Bar has several promotions – a bottle of Erdinger Weissbier is going for S$15 (Usual price S$18), and the Erdinger Weissbier Set at S$60 which is inclusive of three bottles of Erdinger Weissbier and one mini platter of Bratwurst Sausage.
Photos credit: Carlton Hotel Singapore
Oktoberfest aside, Happy Hour drinks are from opening to 8pm daily. It offers an extensive selection of single malt whiskies, wines, international cocktails and delectable finger food.
It is the combination of these collective parts: the atmosphere, the live band belting out live music to get you grooving, the central location, the happy hour promotions, the expertly mixed drinks that make Gravity Bar a place to go for a drink before heading to dinner, or to enjoy the evening while you catch up with your companions. With that, let’s cheers to this fantastic bar and its fantastic October promotions!
Gravity Bar
Lobby, Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Tel: +65 6311 8839
Sun to Thu & PH: 5pm – 1am
Fri, Sat & Eve of PH: 3pm – 1am
Nearest Station: City Hall
Venice, or the City of Water, is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities. While some people may find that Venice is too expensive, touristy and over-rated, it will always be one of my favourite places in the world. Sadly, Venice is slowly sinking, so if you have never been there before, please make a trip before it is gone. Here are some postcards from Venice.