< PreviousTHE BUZZ 28 CABLE CAR No.79 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 - Things to Do No.13 : Trip.Best - Best Things to Do in Singapore Sentosa Island is easily accessible via various means: via the Sentosa Express monorail that departs from VivoCity shopping mall or by car, bus or even on foot via the Sentosa Boardwalk. However, for a scenic route, the Singapore Cable Car offers a stunning aerial view of the cityscape and the island. The cable car is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a special collaboration with Hello Kitty and the new SkyOrb Cabin, the world’s first chrome spherical cabin. SKYLINE LUGE No.77 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 - Things to Do No.10 : Trip.Best - Best Things to Do in Singapore Located at Imbiah Lookout on Sentosa Island, the Skyline Luge is more than just an amusement ride; it’s an experience that combines the thrill of racing with views as you also get to hop on the Skyride on the way back. A luge is a low-lying three-wheeled cart that’s easy to steer for everyone. What makes the Skyline Luge truly special is that it’s entirely rider-controlled—whether you want a leisurely cruise or a fast-paced descent, the experience is entirely up to you. S.E.A. AQUARIUM No.38 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 - Things to Do No.3 : Trip.Best – Family-Friendly Attractions in Singapore SENTOSA ISLAND No.7 : 2024 Trip.Best Global 100 – Things to Do No.7 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 – Things to Do No.1 : Trip.Best - Best Things to Do in Singapore Sentosa, located just off Singapore's southern coast, is a man-made island that was transformed from a military fort into one of Asia's major leisure destinations. Often referred to as the "State of Fun", Sentosa is packed with attractions, great resorts especially for families, and three main beaches with imported white sand. A visit to Singapore would not be complete without visiting this entertainment destination, for which one would need to spare at least a day. The S.E.A. Aquarium is one of the world's largest, and home to over 100,000 marine animals. It provides an entire experience of underwater life whether you're a family including young children, a marine enthusiast, or simply searching for an engaging experience. The S.E.A. Aquarium offers a one- of-a-kind opportunity to discover the wonders of the ocean in a single, awesome location.29 This landmark park spans over one square kilometre and is home for some of the world's most innovative and visually stunning man-made gardens. Gardens by the Bay brings to life a vision to create a City in a Garden. It features the futuristic Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and Floral Fantasy, while combining nature and technology with the towering SuperTrees, climate-controlled conservatories and a variety of themed gardens. Don't miss the daily Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm, as well as the Instagrammable snapshot of Singapore from the OCBC Skyway which is strung between two SuperTrees, 22 metres above the ground and 128 metres long. Palm Beach Seafood is the standard for the rich flavours and traditions of Singaporean seafood, serving up popular local classics and its signature dishes since 1956. It is located at One Fullerton with amazing views of Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion, and the metropolitan skyline. The recommendations include: Steamed Live Scottish Bamboo Clams, Beef Skewer, Honey Tangy Barramundi, Black Sauce Prawn, Palm Beach Mee Goreng, and the special Palm Beach Signature Chilli Crab that is the largest and most succulent of its kind! PALM BEACH SEAFOOD No.1 : Trip.Best Asia 100 - Local Restaurants No.1 : 2023 Trip.Gourmet Awards – Gold GARDENS BY THE BAY No.67 : 2024 Trip.Best global 100 - Things to Do No. 14 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 - Things to Do No.1 : Trip.Best – Activities in SingaporeTHE BUZZ 30 MAISON BOULUD 2024 Trip.Gourmet Awards – Platinum Maison Boulud offers a unique dining experience in a stylish setting that captures the essence of the French Riviera. Curated by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, the menu features creative and seasonal French dishes such as the exuberant seafood salad, featuring an ensemble of succulent seafood, crisp haricots verts and juicy tomatoes, served with basil and black olive pesto, and the Mediterranean-inspired claypot rice with confit Chilean seabass, drizzled in black pepper- squid ink sauce. The two-storey restaurant is located along The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands' waterfront promenade, providing diners with a stunning view of the Singapore skyline. ODETTE No.1 : Trip.Best Asia 100 - Fine Dining No.1 : 2023 Trip.Gourmet Awards - Diamond More than a restaurant, Odette is a Singaporean symbol of culinary brilliance praised both domestically and abroad. Nestled within the iconic National Gallery Singapore with its distinctive 1939 architecture (it once served as the British Supreme Court), Odette offers refined elegance and dining. Chef Julien Royer emphasises the significance of "...that 'little something' to create dishes that excite the palate and fill the heart", grounded by the techniques and presentation of French cuisine while using the best seasonal ingredients. Odette stands as a pinnacle of gastronomy, hypnotising diners with intimate, spectacular and unforgettable culinary journeys. 31 CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK No.51 : Trip.Best Asia 100 - Fine Dining No.7 : 2023 Trip.Gourmet Awards – Platinum Wolfgang Puck's first Asian endeavour, CUT at Marina Bay Sands opened in 2010 and has since been offering an extensive steak menu with premium beef cuts, over 580 wine options and exceptional service. The restaurant was designed by Tony Chi and includes a bar and lounge serving drinks and snacks. CUT will satisfy beef connoisseurs with its exclusive Kagoshima bone-in craft wagyu, prestigious Hokkaido “Snow” beef from Japan, Snake River Farms Wagyu / Angus, USDA Prime corn-fed beef from Illinois, 300-day grain-fed Australian Angus from Rangers Valley, plus heritage breeds such as Red Poll and Longhorn, to name just a few. Naturally, a variety of tasty side dishes are also available, as well as mouthwatering desserts. SUMMER PAVILION No.27 : Trip.Best Asia 100 - Fine Dining No.4 : 2023 Trip.Gourmet Awards - Platinum Located within The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Summer Pavilion offers Cantonese cuisine that is as exquisite as it is memorable. The menu is a carefully curated selection of classic and modern dishes, each prepared with the freshest ingredients and the meticulous attention that defines Cantonese cooking. Not-to-be-missed is Poached Rice with Lobster, a masterpiece of flavour, contrasting textures and presentation featuring succulent lobster poached to perfection, served atop a bed of crispy rice in a savoury broth. Discovering, savouring and sharing local culinary offerings is nowadays considered to be an essential aspect of travel. According to data from Trip.com Group, there is fast-growing consumer demand for food-related content when planning travel. Trip.Gourmet, which is Trip.com Group’s food travel guide, recently announced its list of global top restaurants during the Trip.Gourmet Global Rebrand Launch, and Trip.Best Gourmet Awards, which took place at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands. This marked a milestone in its mission to provide travellers with recommendations for the best of the best food experiences. Trip.Gourmet has categorised the 10,000-plus restaurants in over 300 cities and regions into four categories: Fine Dining (Black Diamond, Diamond and Platinum); Local Restaurants; Light Bites; and Restaurants for Views & Experiences. TRIP.GOURMET32 WELCOME TO BHUTAN, THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON. OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE LAST REMAINING MAHAYANA BUDDHIST KINGDOM, IT’S A REALM LIKE NO OTHER WHERE TRADITION, MYSTICISM AND MODERNITY COEXIST IN PERFECT HARMONY. AS YOU STEP INTO THIS MYSTICAL LAND, YOU'RE NOT JUST VISITING A COUNTRY; YOU'RE EMBARKING ON A JOURNEY OF PROFOUND SPIRITUALITY TO RECONNECT WITH YOUR HEART AND SOUL. JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE HIMALAYAS Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya THE BUZZ33 Bhutan’s commitment to the preservation of its cultural heritage is clear in its unique tourism strategy. Since opening its doors to the world in 1974, Bhutan has adhered to the philosophy of “high value, low volume” tourism to ensure that visitors not only experience the kingdom’s breathtaking landscape and distinctive culture, but also contribute to its sustainable development. Every traveller is required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night, which is reinvested in transformative programs that preserve Bhutan's rich cultural traditions, protect its pristine environment, support the nation’s infrastructure, free healthcare and education, as well as create opportunities for future generations. This ensures that your visit will leave a positive impact long after you've returned home. Although many believe that Bhutan limits the number of visitors it receives each year, this is a misconception. While a visa is required and local guides are mandatory (except in Paro and Thimphu), there is no cap on the number of tourists. A YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION FOR EVERY SEASON Bhutan’s diverse climate makes it a year- round destination, with each season offering its unique charm. In spring, the kingdom blossoms with vibrant flora, making it a perfect time for trekking and experiencing Bhutan’s numerous festivals. Summer brings warm days and cool evenings, ideal for outdoor activities and witnessing the country’s majestic waterfalls in full flow. Autumn is a time for harvesting, with clear skies perfect for hiking and festival celebrations. Winter, while cooler, offers clear views of the Himalayas and the opportunity to see the rare black-necked crane, providing a peaceful escape from the festive chaos of other parts of the world. A LIVING CULTURAL MUSEUM Bhutan is a living cultural museum where age-old traditions are preserved with reverence. The country hosts 153 festivals throughout the year, each a vibrant expression of culture and deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. They are grand celebrations brought to life with lavish apparel, gatherings, music, dance and sumptuous feasts. Thimphu Tshechu, Paro Tshechu, and Punakha Tshechu are among the most popular, offering Buddhists a chance to cleanse themselves of bad karma and to usher in blessings for the year ahead. One of the most fascinating customs here relates to textiles. In Bhutan, textiles are everything—so much so that the country is one of the few in the world where national dress is worn every day. This centuries-old tradition is not just a part of Bhutan's heritage; it's a vibrant art form that continues to thrive among the new generation. NATURE’S PARADISE AND ADVENTURE Nature lovers will find Bhutan to be a paradise. The country is listed among the top 10 biodiversity hotspots in the world, home to native wildlife such as the endangered Royal Bengal tiger, elusive snow leopard, and graceful black-necked crane roaming free in its five-million-acre network of protected areas. More than 70% of Bhutan is covered by forests and over 51% of the country is protected land, making it one of the world's few carbon-negative nations. In this pristine environment, Bhutan offers a plethora of outdoor activities from exploring any of the hundreds of trekking routes through some of the most scenic and fragile ecosystems on earth, to heli-scenic tours of the kingdom’s stunning landscapes. The Trans Bhutan Trail, a restored ancient path, invites you to discover the country’s remote human settlements and untouched nature.34 THE BUZZ THE ALLURE OF MYTHS AND MYSTICISM Bhutan is where every corner breathes with ancient myths and mysticism. Tales of the elusive Yeti, aka the "Abominable Snowman", echo through the snow-capped peaks and remote forests of the Himalayas. This legendary creature is said to roam Bhutan's wild and untamed nature, adding a touch of mystery to your adventure. Even Bhutan's most challenging trek, the Snowman Trek, bears the name of this mythical being! SACRED ASTRONOMY Astronomy is woven into the very fabric of the culture. Tsipas, or Bhutanese astrologers, use the movements of the stars in Bhutan’s skies to guide the most important events in the cycle of life, from weddings to festivals. In Bhutan, where clear skies and low light pollution create a perfect canvas, you can marvel at both the northern and southern constellations—an awe-inspiring spectacle that connects you to the cosmos in a way few places on earth can. A HAVEN FOR WELLNESS Once known as the "Land of Medicinal Herbs" with a history of traditional healing practices, Bhutan is also a destination for wellness. In the highlands there is cordyceps, aka as the “Pearl of the Himalayas”, used in traditional medicines. It’s believed that cordyceps can enhance athletic performance and help with kidney disorders, liver problems and sexual health. FOOD AND FAMILY FUN The national dish ema datshi (chili and cheese) is a culinary adventure in itself, reflecting the Bhutanese love for spicy food. Families will find Bhutan a welcoming destination with activities ranging from cooking classes and archery lessons to horse riding, camping and white-water rafting in pristine rivers. Don’t miss the chance to spot the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, in its natural habitat. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: WWW.BHUTAN.TRAVEL ACCOMMODATION TO SUIT EVERY TRAVELLER Whether you prefer the luxury of a five-star hotel or the charm of a traditional homestay, Bhutan has accommodation to offer that caters to every taste. Stay in world-renowned hotels like Aman, Six Senses or Le Méridien, or experience the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality in a local homestay where you can sample traditional meals and participate in the routines of daily life. THE JOURNEY AWAITS Bhutan is not just a place to visit; it’s a place to feel, reconnect and be inspired. Whether you’re seeking adventure, spiritual enlightenment or simply a serene escape from the world, Bhutan beckons with open arms and a promise of unforgettable memories.Text by Urasa Chittamvanich The Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie is truly a sanctuary for wellbeing, longevity and aes thetics derived from Switzerland, found right in the heart of Bangkok. Nestled within the luxurious The St. Regis Bangkok, the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie is designed to evoke a sense of calm and exclusivity from the moment a client arrives. The interior features a sleek and modern design with subtle touches of luxury, blending Swiss minimalism with Thai- inspired warmth. Soft lighting, a neutral colour palette and plush furnishings contribute to the peaceful and sophisticated atmosphere, and I immediately felt as if I was cocooned within a sanctuary. A SANCTUARY WITHIN COME SPA WITH ME THE BUZZ 36The reception staff explained that Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie is led by three primary pillars: Longevity, Wellbeing and Aesthetics, as per Clinique La Prairie's Montreux Protocol. They achieve this by personalising each client’s longevity assessment and solutions across cutting-edge treatments and therapies. In my case, that would imply looking into the optimisation of the natural healing processes of my body and promoting my lifespan from within by enjoying Cryotherapy, Oxygen Therapy, and a Selective IV Drip. Before any therapy starts, a meet-the- doctor session is crucial. I was asked to explain my typical daily routine, and with the help of technology my Longevity Index Assessment was done in a snap including a Mineral Test Report, Vitamins Report, and Heavy Metal Test Report. These were not only displayed on the screen, but also immediately forwarded to my email address! 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At first I was hesitant to be confined in a small capsule, but finally decided to give it a go and was very glad I did. The transparent panel stopped me from feeling any claustrophobia for the whole 30-minute session, and the doctor’s assistant also popped in to check on me now and then. Coming out of the capsule, I felt refreshed and ready for the rest of my day. The final therapy of my visit was an hour of massage customised according to my Longevity Index Assessment for overall rejuvenation. The skilled therapist sent me to heaven with her massage techniques. I thought my blissful visit would end there, and then I was invited to also enjoy the relaxation 37 LONGEVITY HUB BY CLINIQUE LA PRAIRIE 15th floor, The St. Regis Bangkok, 159 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10330 T. +66 (0) 2207 7779 W. www.cliniquelaprairiebangkok.comNext >