Transformed Oasis pool bar and restaurant at Grand Hyatt Singapore offers enchanted garden

By Joakim Persson

Oasis Singapore bar review: What an appropriate name, given in particular its outdoor bar in a lush garden, and one that takes the concept of an oasis in a buzzling city to new heights! Discover the details here via Happy Hour Asia! This Grand Hyatt Singapore-based unique dining and drinking venue has undergone a complete transformation, as part of the hotel’s makeover. The result? A component of the hotel as both hotel pool area and a waterhole with a distinct atmosphere! Designed as what can appropriately be described as a pleasure garden, the walk there, on level 1, from within the hotel’s Terrace Wing (an urban oasis and wellness haven) follows a snaking pathway through a lush mini rainforest.

Flanked by this lush garden and coming with guests’ privacy are also five exclusive Garden Suites. These are understandably in high demand and constitute a fascinating tropical experience with an urban resort feeling for the lucky ones that manage to book the suites.

Guests are also welcomed to the Oasis with a cascading waterfall, followed by an abundance of various – pretty much fully grown – trees, plants and flowers; all landscaped and manicured to perfection (and yet with dense vegetation)! It’s just an amazing accomplishment that draws guests further inside to where – poolside – the Oasis poolside bar and restaurant reveals itself, designed in architecture like no other! But one reference that definitely comes to mind is how this pool garden forms a nod to the nearby Botanical Gardens of Singapore.

Overall, perhaps its architecture is a modern interpretation of a vintage gazebo. Its wood pillar supported roof shields the outdoor marble bar and bar seats from the elements. It comes in the form of an open-air wooden structure, where bended brown pillars support a roof. While being a modern take it definitely comes with strong influence of Straits-colonial vintage design.

Rain or shine, under its roof guests can enjoy Oasis. The ceiling resembles oversized parasols, but all being made of wood. The lovely bar stools come with beige cushions and rattan weaving, placed on sandy tiles. Unsurprisingly, signature Peranakan tiles frame the square-shaped outdoor bar. There are also seating corners with sofas and armchairs in summer vacation style, plus bespoke low-slung marble tables.

Rosé wine on offer include: Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Blend, Côtes de Provence…

Top 10 places to take Mum for Mother’s Day lunch in Sydney

By Isabelle James

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, on Sunday May 11, so now is the perfect time to start planning something special.

Skip the flowers and chocolates this year, and treat your mum to an experience you can all enjoy together. Restaurants across Sydney will be serving special limited edition menus for the occasion, whatever your budget. Here are our picks for the best tables for a memorable Mother’s Day lunch in Sydney.

Chin Chin

Treat Mum to one of Surry Hills’ funkiest restaurants for a relaxed dining experience that pairs casual South Asian cuisine with contemporary art. Highlights on the menu include the prawn and ginger dumplings and the indulgent chocolate mousse served with raspberry and coconut for the final flourish. Mum will also be treated to a complimentary glass of Whispering Angel Rosé on arrival.

The Xaak restaurant at the Xcaret Arte hotel welcomes Leña y Olivo from Tlaxcala

By Miriam Carmo

The Xaak restaurant at the Xcaret Arte hotel welcomed chef Marco Mellado of Leña y Olivo in Tlaxcala for one of its several bi-monthly dinners.

Xaak Restaurant is a project developed by four nationally and internationally renowned chefs who are part of the hotel’s culinary collective. They are Roberto Solís from Mérida, Paco Méndez, who has lived in Barcelona since 2011, local chef Jonatan Gómez Luna , and Alejandro Ruíz from Oaxaca. The restaurant offers a concept of contemporary Mexican cuisine through a tasting menu that chronicles the chefs’ careers.

Here you’ll experience an exceptional fine dining experience in a cozy atmosphere with warm tones and natural decor. Each dish blends the best of modern Mexican cuisine, thanks to the vast experience of each of these chefs, supported by Chef Luis Arzápalo 

Chef Marco Mellado of Wood and Olive

Guest chef Marco Mellado has dedicated himself to blending authentic local flavors with exceptional technical expertise at his restaurant in Tlaxcala. Leña y Olivo serves dishes cooked over charcoal and wood, with the oven and grill at the heart of their cuisine. They offer a contemporary Mexican culinary concept with fresh, flavorful ingredients, ideally served for sharing. One of the restaurant’s defining features is the way their artisanal salsas are freshly prepared at the table.

Pairing dinner at Xaak

For this pairing dinner at Xaak Restaurant, we started with akami, nori, and shitake salad by Chef Arzápalo paired with a Don Julio cocktail. Then, we paired tlatlapa, beans, and togarashi by Chef Mellado paired with Puerta de Lobo orange wine. We continued with hamachi, passion fruit, and wasabi ice cream by the house chef with a Sauvignon Blanc from the Don Leo winery in Parras. For the fourth course, Chef Mellado prepared lobster with huitlacoche and truffle paired with Whispering Angel wine.

Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca is Making this Mother’s Day One to Remember

Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca, located at Green Valley Ranch Spa and Casino, invites families to celebrate Mother’s Day with a festive dining experience filled with fresh flavors and Tuscan charm. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, Bottiglia will offer its signature brunch, with exclusive specials continuing into dinner service from 4 to 9 p.m. Families can enjoy a lively atmosphere inside the bright dining room or al fresco on the picturesque patio.

For brunch, Bottiglia will feature limoncello pancakes layered with lemon curd, fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, available exclusively for the occasion, priced at $14. Those looking to toast to Mom can sip on bottomless Whispering Angel Rosé, priced at $29, and stop by a Whispering Angel pop-up with wine tastings. To add to the celebration, The Palette will host a floral bar pop-up where moms and their loved ones can create handmade bouquets.

The wines of Provence: much more than rosé

When we think of Provence wines, rosé often comes to mind. Yet, this region boasts an impressive diversity of red, white, and sparkling wines, all imbued with the unique character of its terroir. From the freshness of the Var hillsides to the finesse of Bandol reds, Provence deserves to be explored far beyond its famous rosé cuvées. Here’s an overview of Provençal treasures for curious wine lovers and enthusiasts.

Provence: a unique terroir

An exceptional climate and soils

Rosé wines: the jewel of Provence

The major appellations

Provence enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate , characterized by hot summers, a drying mistral wind, and mild winters. Its varied soils, ranging from schist to limestone, provide exceptional conditions for quality viticulture. This diversity is reflected in the rich aromas and complexity of the wines produced in the region.

A thousand-year-old wine history

Provence is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in France. Introduced by the Greeks over 2,600 years ago, vine cultivation has been perfected over the centuries to produce wines that are both authentic and modern.

The Côtes de Provence , Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois in Provence are the big stars of rosé. These wines are appreciated for their freshness, lightness and aromatic brilliance.

Côtes de Provence:

• Château d’Esclans – Whispering Angel 2022 (~€18): a modern classic that combines fruitiness and delicacy.

Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel Launches Egg-xquisite Easter Offers

Celebrate Easter with Festive Feasts & Delights at Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung

By May Ng

For a touch of elegance, The Whispering Pink Afternoon Tea is perfect for beauty enthusiasts. This delightful experience pairs rosé-inspired sweet and savory bites with a glass of Whispering Angel Pink Rosé. Each set includes a complimentary SEKKISEI travel skincare kit (valued at HK$115, while stocks last), making it a beau-tea-ful way to enjoy the holiday.

Weekends & Public Holidays

RED WAVE EVENTS BY VICHY LABORATOIRES

By Κατρίν Ξενάκη

Vichy Laboratoires, a leader in scientific dermatological care, presented the new Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 Bonding Serum through a series of events in Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion, Crete. Against a striking red backdrop, Vichy’s holistic approach to anti-aging was highlighted, combining scientific research and innovation to enhance collagen.

Important figures from the field of dermatology participated in the events, highlighting the importance of collagen for the health and youthful appearance of the skin. The former Professor of Dermatology of the Medical School of the University of Athens, Dimitris Rigopoulos, as well as the Dermatologist-Venereologist of the 2nd Dermatology Clinic of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Christina Fotiadou, emphasized the scientific basis behind the new product. At the same time, Dr. Paulina Andrycz, Director of Medical Communication of Vichy Laboratoires International, presented the Co-Bonding technology, which combines three powerful active ingredients (Matrixyl, Maitake, Rhamnose) and enhances collagen production by 350%, correcting 16 signs of aging.

There is plenty to inspire so without further ado, here’s my monthly round up of the best of the best.

Vichy approached anti-aging holistically, through a dynamic panel discussion, in which journalist Andrianna Paraskevopoulou participated. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Anna Kandaraki highlighted the connection between psychological well-being and skin health, while nutritionist Manos Dimitroulis highlighted the importance of diet in collagen production.

In addition, Tolis Giakoumakis, Scientific Director of L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty, and Antigoni Antoniadi, Product Manager Vichy, spoke about the scientific knowledge behind the clinical studies of the safety and efficacy of the new product. Dimitris Lekkakos, Business Development Manager of L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty, analyzed the business prospects offered by innovation in the pharmacy market.

The RED WAVE journey continued in all three cities, conveying the message of holistic anti-aging and the power of the new Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 Bonding Serum. Guests had the opportunity to experience the Vichy philosophy through interactive experiences, while enjoying collagen-enriched drinks and mocktails from the Vichy Collagen bar.

Vichy Laboratoires reaffirms its commitment to holistic skincare, adopting a new philosophy that connects science with everyday life. It thanks all contributors and participants, as well as Trinity Wines for the kind sponsorship of the Whispering Angel wine.

Bonjour, mes amis and what a wonderfully sunny week it has been. As I write this, York is reaching the heady heights of 16 degrees, almost unheard of for March (yes, thank you, global warming) and I am bathed in a warm glow at my desk. I would love to say that I am also bathed in a glow of glory after winning at the pub quiz last night, but no. We didn’t even come mid table this time. I contributed virtually nothing to the team effort, even failing to recognise the dulcet tones of James Blunt during the music round which is an outrage seeing as I even watched the documentary. Sigh. But we won’t give up. We will return and do better next time.

I’ve also been heavily forward planning for our next home, as yet unsecured, but hopefully in the pipeline. I have SO MANY ideas that my head feels like it may explode, a situation that is just too much for Joe, my husband. We went to view a house last week that demonstrated only too clearly the differences between the two of us when it comes to home style. I always knew it, really, but I didn’t quite appreciate how poles apart our idea of the ‘perfect home’ actually is. From the front, it was a beautiful Edwardian townhouse, with renovated sash windows and a pretty front garden that was right next to a bus stop, perfect for Leo’s trip to school.

But it was indeed a front. We entered the porch to find that the entire house had been renovated by a developer many years previously, with even the staircase fully replaced with a new model and every single door ripped out. It looked smart and indeed, for many people who are not house decor obsessive it could well be ‘the one’, but for me, it was lacking in the character that I need to make a house a home. For Joe, however, it was the dream. Grey carpets. Grey walls. Grey flooring. Gloss grey kitchen.

Lots of stainless steel. Spotlights (many). He would have packed a bag and moved right in had I not explained the basics of my house hunting mission to him. Poor Joe. He already complains of back issues from the Togo and doesn’t understand why we can’t have carpet in downstairs rooms. One day, he’ll get it. I can hear the cries of ‘poor Joe’ echoing around the globe as I write. Ha.

But enough of poor Joe and back to the High Street and Spring has truly sprung on the shelves with an abundance of beauty to be perused for the home. Warm neutrals, particularly textured, are still super hot but there are earthy Spring tones coming into play now as we move towards April. There’s a lot of green about and a move towards simplicity – less frills and more clean lines.

There is plenty to inspire so without further ado, here’s my monthly round up of the best of the best.

12. TJARLEK Set Of Four Glasses – £18

Praise be for IKEA and their affordable homeware that is always on the ball yet can be relied upon to bear their signature value price. In my opinion, you can never own too many pretty wine glasses and this set of four have coloured stems in varying glorious colours. Perfect for your chilled Whispering Angel. Also very handy if you have a few people over for dinner and don’t want to pick up someone else’s drink. PLUS, I popped into IKEA yesterday and spotted them – be assured they are excellent quality with a good weight to them.

She often changes context in her job and is convinced that progress comes from commitment and willpower. In this interview, Sunnie J. Groeneveld talks about her current projects and her personal drive.

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Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences on finews.privé.

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What do you do first in the morning?

My favorite way to start the day is with a latte macchiatto and a fresh orange juice.

What is the best thing about your job?

The creative opportunities and working with different people.

A moment that changed your life?

When I founded my first company, Inspire 925.

What car do you drive? What is your favorite?

The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Do something every day that will help make your dreams come true – even if it’s just something tiny.

What are you particularly proud of?

That at the age of 20 I had the courage to move to another continent on my own for almost five years to complete my degree in economics.

What was your biggest defeat?

It’s difficult for me to pick out just one; there have been many since founding Inspire 925 in 2013. Defeats are part and parcel of entrepreneurship – be it through lost pitches, project rejections, wrong strategic decisions or unexpected market changes. Looking back, I see them above all as valuable learning moments that have helped us develop further.

What is your favorite wine?

I don’t drink much alcohol, but in summer I enjoy having a glass or two of “Whispering Angel” on Lake Zurich with friends.

Are you currently working on a project?

I am currently preparing for the eighth edition of the Liechtenstein Digital Summit, which will take place on April 15, 2025 in Vaduz under the motto “Artificial Intelligence – Transformation of the Future”. Keynote speakers such as Christine Antlanger-Winter (Country Director Google Switzerland) and Fabian Schmid (Head of IT for the Principality of Liechtenstein) will also be there.

What is most important to you at the moment?

My health. Because it’s the basis for all the other things I enjoy doing every day.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to do your job for a day?

I combine different roles in my job, including entrepreneur, board member, course director, speaker, moderator, lecturer, etc. I think someone else might be surprised at how often and effortlessly I change context.

What is your personal drive?

A mixture of tireless curiosity, the joy of creating and the conviction that progress comes from commitment and willpower.

What are you afraid of?

Dementia. My grandmother suffered from it and later passed away; I think it’s a terrible disease. I’m afraid of losing my cognitive abilities one day.

Your favorite watch brand?

IWC Schaffhausen

What do your employees value most about you?

I think my openness and my ability to stay calm and lead the way in pressure situations.

Your best investment?

My education.

Zurich’s best burger? No, we wouldn’t go quite that far. But the “Émile” meat sandwich, which, by the way, cost 39 francs, certainly ranks in the top ten, in our opinion. Of course, there’s also the matching wine: Champagne from Philipponnat at 21 francs a glass (not cheap), the cult rosé Whispering Angel (13 francs per deciliter), or a Tempranillo from Bodegas Rosario Vera at 15 francs a glass. Plus a whole host of good bottles.