< Previous110 THE JOURNEY KISS OF THE SEA: A MULTIMEDIA SPECTACLE Prepare to be swept away by Kiss of the Sea—the world’s largest multimedia show performed on seawater. This breathtaking spectacle masterfully combines dazzling pyrotechnics, state-of-the-art lighting and spellbinding performances by international artists to weave a cosmic love story that transcends language and culture. From the opening act, the atmosphere becomes electric, pulling the audience into a world where light dances on water, music stirs the soul and every scene unfolds like a dream. The grand finale ignites the sky above the iconic Kiss Bridge with a symphony of fireworks painting the horizon in gold and crimson, crafting a moment so magical it feels timeless. Every night, Kiss of the Sea ensures that Sunset Town transforms into a jubilant celebration, where each evening feels like a festival crafted just for you. VUI-FEST BAZAAR: NIGHT MARKET BY THE SEA When night falls, Phu Quoc’s VUI-Fest Bazaar bursts into life. This bustling seaside market is a celebration of culture, colour and cuisine, featuring over 100 stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to street food. The aroma of grilled seafood fills the air while local musicians perform lively tunes, adding to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can sip on refreshing tropical drinks while wandering through the aisles, discovering unique souvenirs or indulging in desserts. It’s the perfect spot to end a day on the island, surrounded by the island's joyful spirit and the sound of the sea. Photo by Vivu Vietnam Under the Unsplash License Photo by Vivu Vietnam Under the Unsplash License111 HON THOM CABLE CAR: A SKY-HIGH ADVENTURE A journey to Phu Quoc is not complete until you’ve taken a ride on Hon Thom Cable Car—the world’s longest three- wire cable car system. Spanning nearly eight kilometres, this engineering marvel offers breathtaking views of the emerald waters, lush forest and secluded beaches. The 15-minute journey transports visitors to Hon Thom Station where rustic architecture and cultural shows await. Once there, charge your battery in one of the charming cafés with a refreshing tropical drink and local snack before setting off to explore the island, an adventure offering unparalleled perspectives of Phu Quoc’s natural beauty. SUN WORLD HON THOM NATURE PARK: THRILLS AND TRANQUILLITY At Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, excitement and relaxation go hand in hand. With six themed water zones and 21 exhilarating water games, the park offers endless fun for thrill-seekers and families alike. Highlights include the pulse- pounding Sea Monster zone, wooden roller coaster and a panoramic sightseeing tower offering breathtaking island views. When hunger strikes, the Ba Mien Buffet Restaurant serves up a feast of freshly-caught seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes. In-between adventures, visitors can cool off with tropical smoothies or ice cream from one of the park’s many snack bars, ensuring a delightful experience at every turn. Photo by Vivu Vietnam Under the Unsplash License112 THE JOURNEY PHU QUOC BEE FARM: NATURE’S SWEET HAVEN Step into the serene world of Phu Quoc Bee Farm, the island’s first eco-tourism destination where nature, sustainability and education come together. Stroll through the lush garden buzzing with life, as a knowledgeable host reveals the secrets of beekeeping and honey production. After exploring the farm, relax at the on-site café enjoying a honey-infused drink and light dishes made from local ingredients. Every detail, from the eco-friendly practices to the farm-to-table menu, reflects a deep respect for nature. It’s a tranquil escape offering a unique insight into Phu Quoc’s commitment to sustainable tourism. Phu Quoc isn’t just a destination—it’s your dream holiday brought to life. With captivating attractions, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, every moment on the island feels like a page from a storybook. Whether you’re exploring underwater wonders, savouring local delicacies or simply watching sunsets, Phu Quoc promises a holiday experience that will linger in your heart forever. THE JOURNEY HON THOM ECO BEACH DIVING CENTRE: DIVE INTO AN UNDERWATER WONDERLAND For ocean lovers, Hon Thom Eco Beach Diving Centre is an unmissable experience. This eco-friendly attraction is set on a floating raft house inspired by traditional fishing villages and offers unparalleled access to Phu Quoc's vibrant underwater world. Divers and snorkellers of all experience levels can explore the crystal-clear waters teeming with colourful marine life, coral reefs and schools of tropical fish. Children as young as five can safely participate in sea walks, thanks to the shallow and secure depths of 4-6 metres. Photo by Onbird Phu Quoc Under the Unsplash LicenseCOME SLEEP WITH ME 114COME SLEEP WITH ME 126 SANTIBURI KOH SAMUI With divine Grand Reserve pool villas where you can roll out of bed and into your private pool, Santiburi Koh Samui beckons those seeking tropical island bliss. 128 ABOVE THE CITY’S PULSE For the young and young at heart seeking more than just a place to stay, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is a fresh take on urban hospitality. 116 ROSEWOOD PHNOM PENH A downtown destination hotel for those looking to enjoy the modern and fashionable face of Phnom Penh. 118 BACK WITH A BANG! Nestled in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, Amara Singapore has a well-established reputation among business and leisure travellers for excellence. 120 A MEDITERRANEAN DREAM ON PHU QUOC Step into the oasis that is La Festa Phu Quoc, by Hilton’s Curio Collection, set on an island that’s often rated one of the top in Asia. 122 SLEEK CITY STAY Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-Minami provides cosy and practical accommodation in the buzzing neighbourhood of Tenjin. 124 SAII KOH SAMUI VILLAS For a sense of sabai, a quiet beach with generously-sized pool villas and friendly resort staff, SAii Koh Samui Villas is the refuge for you. 115116 COME SLEEP WITH ME A downtown destination hotel for those looking to enjoy the modern and fashionable face of Phnom Penh. Text by Jenjira van der Linden ROSEWOOD PHNOM PENH ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ There’s a good chance you’ll catch sight of the Rosewood Phnom Penh as your plane makes its descent, since it sits on the top floors of Vattanac Capital Tower One with a distinct curved elevation that evokes the fabled Khmer Dragon King’s back, complete with scales. Giant wire sculptures of local deities and contemporary art greet you in the living room-style sky lobby on the 35th floor, as well as engaged and friendly staff. Rosewood’s “sense of place” approach is experienced here through the floor-to-ceiling glass façade on the public floors offering a 360° tableau of the city and its landmarks including the venerable rivers that run through it – the Tonlé Sap, Mekong, and Bassac. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ Guests will feel as if they’re floating above the capital in whichever guest room they stay as each offers an amazing 180° panorama of the city, unblocked, through large windows. Located on the 25-31th floors, they start at a generous 50 sqm and size up to 225 sqm for the Norodom House with its own sauna and steam rooms. Interiors are luxurious, with a neutral colour palette offset by contemporary art. The marble bathroom in my Premier River Room (62 sqm) was a highlight, with its bathtub in which I languorously sipped a nightcap while enjoying a view of Wat Phnom (a sanctuary that marks the city’s establishment in the 14th century) and the rivers beyond it. I adored the bespoke bath amenities by Christophe Laudamiel. Lounging on the bed fitted with 600-thread-count Frette linen felt like floating on a cloud that cruised above the city. In addition to the usual expected amenities, 24-hour in-room dining was offered and a premium private bar that was nicely presented by turndown service staff. Rosewood Phnom Penh is one of six Impact Trailblazer properties, and proactive on sustainability and social responsibility. For example, 98% of guest room plastic has been eliminated partly by using glass bottles (eventually donated to Coconut School Foundation which uses them to construct school classrooms). Additionally, old linen and towels are upcycled into sleeping bags for rural schoolchildren. 117 The fitness centre is open 24/7 and the 22-metre swimming pool, kissed by sunlight, is inviting. Sense, A Rosewood Spa offers enticing “Lost Remedies” inspired by Khmer traditional wisdom for the restoration of both mind and body. Cambodia’s only Pedi Mani: Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez, the nail care brand recognised as the best by World Spa Awards, offers a new approach to foot, hand and nail care. ROSEWOOD PHNOM PENH Vattanac Capital Tower, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia 120111 T. +855 23 936888 E. phnompenh@rosewoodhotels.com W. www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/ phnom-penh In addition to dining & wining, there is a steady rota of events hosted by the hotel throughout the year including art exhibitions, a designer week and an international film festival. Attached to the hotel is Vattanac Capital Mall, home of luxury brands including Brioni, Jimmy Choo, and Ferragamo. For trips further afield within the radius of 2 km, book a complimentary and chauffeured three-wheeler Remork with comfortable leather seats. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ For an overview of the six dining & wining venues, please go to page 99 for “Come Dine with Me – Rosewood Phnom Penh”. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ Rosewood Phnom Penh is a destination hotel with amazing unblocked views of the city from every room, and offers a sophisticated mix of dining, wining and recreation options. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ I experienced in-room technology glitches: it would take up to five attempts for the keycard to open the door; internet access was not consistently high-speed; and on one night half the blackout curtain wouldn’t close.118 COME SLEEP WITH ME119 Nestled in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, Amara Singapore has a well- established reputation among business and leisure travellers for excellence. After 38 years it has received a renovation, and now impresses with a seamless blend of contemporary luxury and thoughtful functionality. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich BACK WITH A BANG! restaurant with modern dim sum omakase, Bar-roque Grill, a hearty and wholesome French restaurant, and Sushi Yujo, a Japanese restaurant with a twist. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ I’ll likely become a regular guest! Apart from the clean modern vibe that pervaded every aspect of my stay, the hotel's location is also a big factor – the immediate surrounding area buzzes with eateries, cafés and shops to enhance any stay. Tanjong Pagar MRT Station is only a few minutes away by foot, and Chinatown is a 15-minute walk. Marina Bay Sands is a five-minute drive, Sentosa ten, and Orchard Road fifteen. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ It would be ideal if a clothes rack was added in the shower area, to provide extra hanging space while changing. ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ The lobby space is grand with an interior that makes use of natural materials in gentle hues plus subtle artistic details and potted plants, altogether creating a modern ambience with clean lines to soothe the souls of arriving travellers. The standing check- in counter exudes a stylish futuristic spirit and the process was completed in a snap. I can attest that the staff remain attentive and efficient, exemplifying the hotel's commitment to hospitality. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ The recently remodelled rooms with their calming neutral interiors are a highlight. Starting at a cosy 32 sqm in size, they show thoughtful functionality and include a very comfortable bed and chaise lounge sofa, ergonomic desk and modern amenities such as a smart TV and touch-controlled lighting. Bathrooms have a rain shower and offer quality supplies, creating a spa-like space. A floor-to- ceiling window frames a stunning view of the city skyline, on one side of the bustling city centre and ancient shophouses, while on the other side of Singapore's history through the local neighbourhood. I was told that the sleek design prioritises sustainability, with energy-efficient technologies and sensor control units that change air-conditioning thermostats to reduce AMARA SINGAPORE 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539 T. +65 6879 2555 E. singapore@amarahotels.com W. singapore.amarahotels.com energy use. Water conservation measures include low-flow showerheads and taps, as well as recycling bins in each room. Filtered drinking water dispensers in guest rooms contribute to the elimination of single-use plastic bottles. I was pleased to know that my luxurious room had less harmful impact on the environment than before. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Amara Singapore will keep any foodie happy with its wide choice of eateries to suit every taste. The Café Oriental, located on the lobby floor, offers contemporary dining as diners look out at the main road. The menu here comprises of Asian and Singaporean favourites, to be washed down by the must-try Nanyang coffee and tea. On the opposite side is Element, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant that serves a buffet of world cuisines. Diners can also opt for the alfresco Element on Tras Street, which serves a variety of whiskies, beers and wine-by-the-glass to complement pizzas, pastas and the signature Element Wagyu Burger. The Lobby Bar is a dynamic area to grab-and-go during the day, and it’s also a lively venue offering a wine collection and champagne at night. The hotel also houses Jigger & Pony, an award-winning cocktail bar, Thanying which is a Thai restaurant, Peony Jade, an elevated Cantonese and Sichuan Next >