< Previous20 THE BUZZ 22 AN ART LOVER’S GUIDE TO OSAKA Nakanoshima has emerged as a cultural hub over the last few years with several destinations for art and design lovers. 26 NEW ZEALAND WANDERLUST ON WHEELS New Zealand is a dream destination renowned for its jaw-dropping landscape. Picture yourself on a road trip that takes you through lush green forests and past soaring mountains and tranquil lakes. 30 SHOPPING IN SHANGHAI Nowadays most of the products available in the world’s market is made from China. Therefore, let's rock shopping hub within the land of the Dragon. 34 COME SPA WITH ME : Indulge in Lanna Serenity Nestled within Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel, Quan Spa is an oasis of rejuvenation. Franz Josef Heli Hike, Photo by Franz Josef Glacier Guides21 THE BUZZ Star Gazing from Pukaki hot pool, Photo by T ekapo SpringsZentis Osaka - Main Lobby | Photo by Stirling Elmendorf 22 THE BUZZ AN ART AN ART LOVER’S LOVER’S GUIDE GUIDE TOTO OSA OSAKKAA NAKANOSHIMA, A SLITHER OF AN ISLAND IN DOWNTOWN OSAKA, HAS EMERGED AS A CULTURAL HUB OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS WITH SEVERAL DESTINATIONS FOR ART AND DESIGN LOVERS. OSAKA'S ONLY DESIGN HOTELS MEMBER, ZENTIS OSAKA, HAS SELECTED SOME OF THE BEST STOPS FOR AESTHETES LOCATED ALONG THIS THREE-KILOMETER STRETCH THAT DIVIDES THE TOSABORI AND DOJIMA RIVERS. Text by Bart ConleyThe National Museum of Art | Photo by Guilhem V ellut Flickr 23 A design destination in its own right, the lifestyle hotel features interior architecture by internationally-renowned designer Tara Bernerd of Tara Bernerd & Partners, who is also behind such projects as SIXTY SoHo New York and The Hari London. The round-up below features some of the team’s favourite spots a short stroll from the property. NAKANOSHIMA MUSEUM OF ART, OSAKA After three decades in the making, Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka debuted in 2022. The visually-striking black cube facade and sleek steel and concrete interior sets a contemporary tone but the collection of over 6,000 works spans from the present back to the mid 19th century. Highlights include work by famous Japanese painter and former Osaka resident Yuzo Saeki and a nude by Italian artist, Modigliani. The exhibitions feature both international and local artists with an emphasis on spotlighting Osaka's rich art scene. https://nakka-art.jp/en THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART Across the road from the new Nakanoshima Museum of Art is one of the few completely subterranean museums in the world. Osaka’s National Museum of Art may begin with a brightly-lit glass-paneled lobby but from there it’s all underground with three floors of exhibition space and one of Japan's largest art collections of over 8,000 pieces. The permanent gallery space features works by such names as Catalan artist Joan Miro, American sculptor Alexander Calder, and visual artist Yoshihiro Suda. https://www.nmao.go.jp/en/ Jar from the Ataka Collection | Photo by Nishikawa Shigeru 24 THE BUZZ THE MUSEUM OF ORIENTAL CERAMICS After almost two years of renovations, The Museum of Oriental Ceramics re-opened this April with a fresh glass entrance hall, extending from the original brick building. The museum holds one of the world's finest collections of East Asian ceramics, with a permanent collection of pieces from China, Korea, and Japan spread over three floors, alongside temporary exhibitions. A veteran in the city’s art scene, the museum first opened over 40 years ago to house the Ataka Collection (1,000 pieces of Oriental ceramics gifted by the Sumitomo Group). https://www.moco.or.jp/en NAKANOSHIMA CHILDREN’S BOOK FOREST World-famous, Osaka-born architect Tadao Ando is behind the design of this cultural facility created to encourage children’s creativity and curiosity. The multi-level space is clad in floor-to-ceiling shelving displaying eye-catching children’s books. Areas are divided by themes ranging from nature to the future. Over 20,000 books can be found here. Advance reservations are a must. https://kodomohonnomori.osaka/en26 THE BUZZ NEW ZEALAND WANDERLUST ON WHEELS NEW ZEALAND IS A DREAM DESTINATION RENOWNED FOR ITS JAW-DROPPING LANDSCAPE. PICTURE YOURSELF ON A ROAD TRIP THAT TAKES YOU THROUGH LUSH GREEN FORESTS AND PAST SOARING MOUNTAINS AND TRANQUIL LAKES, EACH TURN REVEALING A SCENE MORE BREATHTAKING THAN THE LAST. SET OFF ON AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY AND OUR RECOMMENDED 10 STUNNING PHOTO SPOTS AROUND NEW ZEALAND, AND GET READY TO CREATE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES IN THIS ENCHANTING LAND! ❱❱ Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya Bruce Bay Photo by Miles Holden On the Road to Greymouth Photo by Miles Holden27 Huka Falls Photo by Destination Great Lake Taupoˉ HUKA FALLS, LAKE TAUPŌ Huka Falls, one of New Zealand's most renowned natural spectacles, towers over 11 metres high with a staggering 220,000 litres of water surging downwards per second. It’s a sight that captivates visitors from across the globe. Start your visit at the viewing bridge above the falls, an unrivalled vantage point for snapping photos of the thundering cascade and expansive scenic vista. For thrill-seekers, jet boating through the fast-flowing waters promises an exhilarating rush, while those seeking a gentler experience can enjoy the Huka Falls trail, an easy one-hour walk that starts where the river is tranquil and wide. TE MATA PEAK, HAWKE'S BAY Discover Te Mata Peak, a cherished cultural icon that rises from the Heretaunga Plains at Hawke's Bay. Renowned for its deeply-rooted significance for the Ngaˉti Kahungunu people, this majestic peak offers a sweeping view of the Ruahine, Kaweka, and Maungaharuru ranges, and also Mount Ruapehu's majestic outline gracing the distant skyline on clear days. Here, you'll be enveloped by truly unforgettable scenery and a sense of eternity. The nearby area is also known for its premium vineyards. ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK, NELSON TASMAN Picturesque Abel Tasman National Park, nestled along the coastline of Nelson Tasman, is New Zealand's smallest national park. As you wind your way within it through lush greenery and sweeping ocean views, anticipation will build up for the tranquil spots that await ahead. During low seasons, you’ll get to peacefully enjoy secluded beaches with powdery white sands and the soothing symphony of lapping waves. The park is also known as a paradise for water activities of many types — whether kayaking, gliding along on a paddleboard or simply soaking up the ocean view and capturing picture-perfect moments. TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK, RUAPEHU Head into the heart of Tongariro National Park where sacred volcanoes await to exhilarate you. Home to the legendary peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, this expansive natural wonderland spans 800 square kilometres and stands proudly as one of New Zealand's three UNESCO World Heritage sites. Wander through its awe-inspiring landscape with pristine trails such as the Silica Rapids Walk and enjoy the alpine flora surrounding you, and explore the ancient lava caves and steamy volcanic craters. Tongariro National Park guarantees you'll capture plenty of photos that will impress and amaze your friends. Tongariro National Park, Makatote Viaduct Photo by Tourism New Zealand Abel Tasman National Park Photo by Black Pete Te Mata Peak Photo by Richard Brimer28 THE BUZZ LAKE TEKAPO, CANTERBURY Do not miss visiting Lake Tekapo in Canterbury, where nature paints its canvas in hues of turquoise against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. This gem is nestled within UNESCO's Dark Sky Reserve, a scenic three-hour drive from Christchurch through the expansive Mackenzie Basin. As you approach, the tranquil waters of Lake Tekapo will unfold before you and reflect the ever-changing colours of the sky, and then you’ll glimpse the often-snapped Good Shepherd Church standing serenely on the shore. Venture higher to Mount John or Cowans Hill for their panoramic views that stretch across the Mackenzie Basin, where the landscape shifts with the passing light. Whether under the sun's bright glow or the stars' shimmer, Lake Tekapo is stunning and unforgettable. AORAKI MOUNT COOK, CANTERBURY Aoraki Mount Cook is the crowning jewel of New Zealand's South Island with a majestic peak that is the tallest in the country. It’s also the sacred guardian for the Ngaˉi Tahu people. Enveloped by glaciers and draped in perpetual snow, Aoraki Mount Cook offers an unparalleled spectacle of nature's grandeur. As night falls, the surroundings — which is part of the pristine Dark Sky Reserve — transform into a celestial theatre with stars dazzling against the pitch-black sky. The road journey to this natural wonder is as enchanting as the destination itself; as you drive along Highway 80, you can also marvel at the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki which reflect the snow- capped peaks, to add to the dreamlike scenery. HOKITIKA GORGE, WEST COAST Visit the vibrant turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge, a mesmerising natural wonder on New Zealand's West Coast. Framed by dramatic white limestone cliffs and lush forest, this hidden gem lies just 33 kilometres east of Hokitika. The gorge's stunning glacial waters get their dazzling colour from the finely-ground rock particles suspended within, creating a surreal and unforgettable sight. Walk along the easily-accessible paths and the swing bridge to immerse yourself fully in the gorge's breathtaking beauty. Tekapo, Canterbury Photo by Miles Holden Aoraki Mt Cook National Park Photo by Miles Holden Hokitika Gorge,West Coast Photo by Fraser Clements29 PUNAKAIKI PANCAKE ROCKS, WEST COAST Have you ever seen towering stacks of pancakes sculpted in stone over 30 million years? That’s what you’ll find here, spread across the cliffs on the West Coast. This peculiar limestone formation consists of layers of compacted marine fossils and sand. Watch the waves crash into the rocks and spectacular geysers of seawater here. This geological marvel draws visitors from around the globe. The best time to visit is during high tide, when the blowholes are the most active and offer an exciting show. ROAD TRIP TIPS! • Share the drive: Rotate drivers to stay alert, and enjoy the journey together. • Plan pit stops wisely: Find out where fuel stations are along your route for smooth sailing. • Stay fresh: Stretch your legs regularly to stay energised. • Tunes on, stress off: Create a playlist that will keep the mood positive. • Safety first, fun always: Check your vehicle, buckle up, and enjoy the ride! FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER, WEST COAST Want to experience a frozen world? Don't miss a journey to the majestic Franz Josef Glacier, nestled on New Zealand's West Coast. This glacier captivates with its massive ice cliffs and crevasses creating a mesmerising landscape. Franz Josef Glacier is a testament to the dynamic forces of nature that constantly shape and reshape the terrain over millennia. As you explore, marvel at the glacier's blue hues contrasted against the rugged backdrop of the Southern Alps. For a different perspective, take a walk to nearby viewpoints – or enjoy a guided tour on the glacier itself. LAKE MATHESON, WEST COAST Don’t forget to grab your camera at the famed Lake Matheson, with its mirror-like surface that perfectly reflects the surrounding scenery. This iconic destination is renowned for its ethereal view of the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, Aoraki Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman, which are mirrored against a backdrop of the stunning sky and pristine waters especially during sunrise or sunset, when the warm colours dance on the lake's surface. Walk to the swing bridge of Clearwater River nearby to get another perspective, which is just a short distance from the parking area. Franz Josef, West Coast Photo by Miles Holden Punakaiki, West Coast Photo by Miles Holden Lake Matheson, West Coast Photo by Bare Kiwi Christchurch punting Photo by Graeme MurrayNext >