stayhome

Get your caffeine fix from these cafe takeaways and deliveries in KL

January 18, 2021 by Sarah Khan

KL’s burgeoning cafe scene makes it one of the most exciting cities for coffee lovers in Asia. Now that parking yourself in your neighbourhood cafe is impossible during the MCO 2.0, many of KL’s coffee shops are bringing their delicious beans and specialty brews to your doorstep instead. Not only are these coffee deliveries a welcome pick-me-up on days when being cooped up gets wearisome, it’s also a great way to show your support to small and independent businesses during this time.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best cafes in KL that are still open for takeaway or delivery. From unique local twists to expertly-brewed single-origin coffees, here’s where to go to get your caffeine fix from home.

1. Lucky Coffee Bar

Lucky Coffee Bar is the sister cafe of the locally-loved Lokl Coffee in downtown KL, so you know their coffees will be nothing short of stellar. This stylish and expansive coffee bar, located in Bukit Bintang’s much-buzzed-about new boutique hotel KLoe, serves excellent coffee brews alongside classic fare like salads, sourdough sandwiches, pastries and nitro drinks with a local twist. We recommend the classic and creamy flat white or, if you’re feeling adventurous, its nitro kopi susu (milk coffee). Pre-MCO, getting a table here can be tricky; both its indoor space and courtyard are often packed with diners, particularly on weekends. Luckily, the new takeaway and delivery offering means you can now enjoy its delicious cup of joe to go from home.

Open daily for takeaways and deliveries from 7am to 5pm.

Lucky Coffee Bar KL — Photo: Lucky Coffee Bar

2. Kopenhagen

Kopenhagen is a Danish-owned cafe has a menu that’s as simple and unpretentious as its minimalist interiors. Its selection of comforting homebaked Danish-inspired cakes, crumbly scones, specialty coffees, teas and highly-raved drool-worthy ‘brookies’ (brownie cookies) are just what you need to perk you up as you stay home. While they don’t roast their own beans here, all their brews are skillfully grounded from seasonal single-origin coffee beans and locally roasted. Try the filter coffee or hot mocha with Korté chocolate. Kopenhagen Coffee also has an impressive vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu. Try the Vegan Mermaid (their version of a vegan quiche made with bell peppers, mushroom and tofu) or Green Knight (homemade tempeh balls). You can also opt for milk alternatives like soy and oat in your coffee.

Open daily for self pick-up or via delivery platforms such as Grabfood, Foodpanda and Beepdelivery.

READ MORE: A guide to Ipoh’s famous white coffee

3. Sunday Coffee Cakes

As well as being one of KL’s prettiest spots (the arched entryway, for one, is hard to miss from the street), Sunday Coffee Cakes is known for doling out cosy breakfast fare and great coffees. Take your pick from its selection of freshly baked goods like the peanut butter crumb cake, carrot cake and tarts to go along your preferred brew. We also recommend trying its delicious homemade kaya, which you can take home to enjoy.

4. VCR

With a location within the city centre and an outpost in the trendy Bangsar district, VCR is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular specialty coffee shops. The café’s all-black exterior – which applies both locations – stands out amid the surrounding buildings, while inside you’ll find a team of baristas doling out delicious brews made with their in-house roasted beans. We recommend going for the cold brew or an espresso tonic or try their house-made kombucha if you’re after something tart and refreshing.

Open for daily for takeout and delivery from 8am to 5.30pm.

5. Cream

The café outpost of local coffee roaster The Roast Things, Cream puts their coffee beans front and centre of the customer experience. You can sample brews – be it a filter coffee, iced latte or affogato – made using various blends and single-origin offerings from the likes of Colombia, Kenya, Costa Rica and Honduras, among other key coffee-growing regions. Cream also lets you purchase its coffee beans from its roastery via the web store.

Cream is temporarily closed for takeout. You can still purchase your coffee beans from its roastery available on its web store.

Cream KL — Have your pick of single-origin coffees grown from Colombia, Kenya, Costa Rica and Honduras (Photo: Cream)

6. Transparent Coffee

Located in Bangsar, Transparent Coffee – which transforms into Coley Cocktail Bar at night – is one of the newer players on the scene, but has quickly developed a following for its excellent brews made with beans that owner Joey Mah sources directly from producers. Make your way through the lush plant-framed entrance and order yourself a filter brew of whatever single-origin variety they’re serving that day.

Open daily for delivery and takeaway from 8am to 4.30pm.

7. Pulp

Pulp, the Malaysian flagship outlet of Singaporean coffee roaster PPP (formerly known as Papa Palheta) can be found at creative space Art Printing Works in Bangsar. It’s a spacious café, roastery, showroom and workshop space rolled into one – heaven on earth for coffee geeks – and where quality shots using in-house roasted beans are pulled using a Synesso espresso machine. We recommend trying a refreshing and light cascara cold brew or decadent iced mint chocolate.

Open daily from 8am to 8pm for takeout and delivery.

Do check each establishment’s official websites for opening hours and requirements before visiting. Please adhere to the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) while dining in.

A version of this story was first published in June 2020.

How to grow your very own hydroponic garden at home

May 28, 2020 by Sarah Khan

There is something incredibly therapeutic about having plenty of leafy greens in your home. Not only do they score you some serious Pinterest-worthy home décor cred, they’re also a welcome slice of the outdoors, especially with all the time we’re spending at home right now. If you’ve run out of #stayhome ideas to keep yourself occupied, why not try your hand at creating your own indoor hydroponic garden?

According to Avani Pattaya Resort, whose own in-house hydroponic farm grows over 22,000 plants which it supplies to the local community, hydroponics is a great way to grow your own produce because it’s space-saving, conserves water and soil and doesn’t require pesticides. Here’s how you can start your own mini-farm indoors, as shared by the team at Avani Pattaya Resort’s Hydroponic Green Farm.

The best types of plants to grow

The best plants to grow in a hydroponic system, according to the resort, are Chinese kale, lettuce, rocket, Swiss chard and microgreens. If you’re a little nervous about growing plants that require more maintenance, they suggest opting for basic herbs that can be grown very easily. These include your kitchen staple herbs like basil, celery, chives, coriander, dill, mint, parsley, rosemary and thyme.

When choosing a spot to grow your greens, bear in mind that plants need exposure to light for at least six hours a day to grow well, but do avoid places in your home with strong and direct sunlight.

What you’ll need to get started

Good news: you won’t need to buy a dedicated hydroponics kit to get started. The resort suggests repurposing everyday household items instead. You’ll only need four items: individual containers (these can be empty coffee jars, plastic bottles or other reusable containers), a plastic or metal tray, a sheet of sponge or foam (you’ll have to pre-cut it with slots to place the seeds) and a nutrient solution (you can easily purchase ready-made ones from local online stores like City Farm).

A step-by-step guide

1) Create your own mini “greenhouse.” Begin by placing a sheet of foam on a tray and soaking it with water. Once wet, insert the seeds into the slots and transfer the seeded foam into a transparent container. Place a see-through lid on the container and leave it out in the sun. According to the resort’s Green Farm team, this will create a greenhouse-like effect.

2) Move your seedlings into a separate container. It will take between one and two weeks before you see the first shoots. After two weeks, it’s now time to move the seedlings. Cut the foam around the seedlings and move them into separate individual containers filled with nutrient solution. Ensure that your plants still have sufficient light.

3) Check on your plants regularly. Be sure to check on the roots every now and then, to ensure they are clean and clear of algae. “It will take approximately five to six weeks for the plants to be fully grown,” shares the resort team.

4) Time to harvest! Once the plants are ready, harvest the leaves. You should be able to harvest from each plant several times. According to Avani Pattaya’s team, do not wait for more than 40 days to harvest, as the greens will begin to taste bitter after that.

How to create an indoor hydroponics farm at home — Photo: Shutterstock

For apartment dwellers, hydroponics is a great way to start your own indoor home garden, especially if space isn’t a luxury you can afford. There is also something incredibly nourishing about being able to feed your family from your own backyard, even if that backyard is a tiny balcony space for us city folks. Happy farming!

What will travel look like post Covid-19? These travel insiders weigh in

May 4, 2020 by Going Places

1. Wellness and holistic travel takes off

“People will want to get away from crowds and find peaceful sanctuaries more than ever… Many of our properties have put together special spa programmes and experiences in nature as we know this is what people have been longing for during this restricted time.” – Roland Fasel, Chief Operating Officer of Aman

Photo: Amanbagh Rajasthan — Photo: Amanbagh, Rajasthan

“While we will initially see families and loved ones reconnecting within their own countries, we believe the spotlight the pandemic has brought on personal wellbeing will see an increased interest in wellness retreats. Following long periods of isolation for many, travellers will be seeking holistic solutions to regain optimal health, with a focus on physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation.” – John Reed, Chief Operating Officer of Sangha Retreat by Octave Institute

2. Customer experience gets redefined

“As the industry navigates its way towards ‘the new normal’, the face of travel will change for the overall good of the industry. Governments and industry players will band together to rebuild traveller confidence, businesses will take heightened measures to ensure visitor safety and enhance customer experience and travellers will be more discerning in their choice of destination, mode of travel and accommodation, pushing travel companies to provide greater flexibility and better support for bookings.” – Lavinia Rajaram, APAC Head of Communications, Expedia

3. We go green

“We don’t know when and if global travel will go back to pre-crisis levels. What we do know is that the quest for sustainable, green tourism will be more important than ever. People around the world are realising how fragile our planet is, in terms of ecosystem and human interrelations. Hotels and resorts emphasising a real commitment to environmental and social responsibility will be favoured by more eco-conscious travellers. Airlines also have a substantial role to play, by offering more inter-regional connectivity and reducing the carbon footprint of leisure and business travel.” – Somonea Cheng, Acting General Manager at Templation Angkor Resort, Siem Reap

Templation Angkor Resort, Siem Reap — Photo: Templation Angkor Resort (via Booking.com)

4. We gain an appetite for hyperlocal travel

“As travellers balance their desire to explore with uncertainty about a post-Covid-19 world, they will be more likely to visit places easily reached by boat, car or short-haul flights. After weeks or months of lockdown, many travellers may also prefer to immerse themselves in nature, instead of crowded cities or attractions. It’s our hope that when people do travel again, they will choose to support small local tourism businesses as their travel spending will be hugely needed in helping these businesses rebuild.” – Jacinta Lim, co-founder of Seek Sophie, a platform for travellers to book unique nature trips in Asia with independent local businesses

5. “Slow” travel picks up

“We expect travel patterns and expectations may look very different after Covid. There will be a new focus on slower, more considered travel, defined by responsible values. Travellers will want to show gratitude and help local businesses such as tour guides and local corner shops get back on their feet. Tourists will also proactively want to create a positive impact on the destinations that they visit.” – Herman Hoven, CEO of Khiri Travel

Photo: Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor, Siem Reap

“With pent-up wanderlust comes a greater appreciation of the simple pleasures – walking barefoot on sand, savouring a beautiful sunset whilst sipping on a perfectly chilled aperitivo with the juiciest olives. We are seeing lots of people posting their travel memories on Instagram and it is always the purity of the travel experiences that they remember – stunning sunsets, long and lazy breakfasts and beautiful views.” – Arnaud Champenois, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Brand of Belmond

6. Safety and hygiene become more important than ever

“Safety, hygiene and security will likely be higher on people’s list of concerns when they start to travel again. We have always had very high cleaning and hygiene standards in place, but we are working with leading medical and health companies like Bureau Veritas to implement even more rigorous sanitation protocols on a global scale to ensure consistent application of the highest standards worldwide in all our hotels. By working with independent authorities, we can provide a level of confidence and authority to give travellers peace of mind.” – Michael Issenberg, CEO & Chairman Asia Pacific of Accor

“The hotel industry must be prepared to adapt to a new ‘normal’ and evolve its current processes and meet new guidelines for health, safety and social distancing across all touchpoints – from checking in at the front desk to its housekeeping procedures. We also need to redefine the concept of hospitality in this new era to address how hoteliers can continue to maintain a service connection with our guests.” – Joon Aun Ooi, President and Managing Director (South East Asia and Pacific Rim) of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

The KL hotels delivering iftar and Raya kueh to your doorstep

April 29, 2020 by Sarah Khan

While Ramadan and Raya will no doubt be celebrated differently this year, certain things remain the same – like food’s unparalleled ability to bring the family together. If you’d like a break from toiling away in the kitchen, why not let these hotels feed you with their chef-made iftar dishes and Raya platters? There’s everything from classic ala carte dishes to sumptuous buffet-style iftar spreads that cater to various dinner sizes. Options aplenty below!

1. St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

Eat your way through all of Malaysia – literally – with St. Regis KL’s new buka puasa menu. Signature dishes from all 14 Malaysian states such as Negeri Sembilan’s Kambing Salai Air Asam, a Sarawakian kek lapis, and Pahang’s Daging Daun Kadok are featured on the menu. Prices start from RM428+ for a set meal for four.

Call +6012 280 1303 or email dining.kualalumpur@stregis.com to place your orders. Available daily until 23 May, orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance.

St. Regis Kuala Lumpur Ramadan and Raya Delivery 2020 — Photo: St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

2. Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

Mandarin Oriental KL has curated three feast-worthy iftar sets with dishes like lamb varuval, Ipoh kari laksa, ketam masak lemak, assorted Nyonya kuih, and so much more for your picking. You can also shop its Raya hampers which brim with an assortment of sugary treats courtesy of head pastry chef Anthony Hoyle. Browse its full Ramadan and Raya delivery menu here.

Place your orders here at least 12 hours in advance. Available daily until 23 May from 10am to 5pm.

3. Pullman KLCC

Pulman KLCC has rolled out two iftar sets – the Kampung Set (for two) and the Sedap Set (for three) – with the option of adding on an additional pax at RM45 per person. It’s also introduced a special menu just for sahur, a welcome option when cooking up a storm in the wee hours feels like the last thing on your mind. Browse the menus here.

Place your orders here. Available daily till 23 May.

4. Sheraton Petaling Jaya

Feeling nostalgic about missing out on the bazaar experience this year? Sheraton Petaling Jaya has recreated all Ramadan bazaar staples like satay, pengat durian and roti john. Depending on the size of your iftar crowd, you can opt for its set feasts or ala carte dishes. Prices start from RM35.

Call +603-76228888 to place your orders. Available from May 2 to May 23.

Sheraton Petaling Jaya Ramadan 2020 delivery — Photo: Sheraton Petaling Jaya

5. Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur

Too bleary-eyed in the mornings to prepare sahur for the family? Intercontinental KL has a Sunset Souk To-Go promotion which delivers both sahur and iftar to you. There are classic Malay favourites like Ayam Goreng Kunyit, Ikan Asam Pedas, and an assortment of sweet treats you can look forward to. More details here.

Call 03-2782 6000 o or WhatsApp 016-202 4623. Large orders must be placed at least a day in advance. Bookings are available daily till 18 May.

Intercontinental KL Raya Ramadan 2020 delivery — Photo: Intercontinental KL

6. The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The Majestic Hotel KL’s Contango Kitchen is whipping up all your favourite Malay recipes like satay for appetizers, Udang Masak Lemak Tempoyak for mains and mouthwatering desserts that range from your traditional kuih-muih variety and pulut hitam to an indulgent bread and butter pudding.

Place your orders here at least 12 hours in advance. Orders for Raya treats are applicable till 23 May.

The Majestic Hotel KL Ramadan 2020 — Photo: The Majestic Hotel KL

7. The Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur

If The Ritz-Carlton KL’s Ramadan feast tastes like a nostalgic slice of home, it’s because the entire menu is crafted around time-tested, generations-old recipes shared by the chefs’ very own grandmothers. Classic Malay dishes like the Nasi Bukhari Ayam Tradisional and Ikan Bakar Asam Pedas won’t disappoint.

Call or WhatsApp 018-929 2174 to arrange for a delivery or place your orders here. Available daily till 23 May, orders must be placed between 10am and 3pm.

The Ritz Carlton KL Ramadan Raya 2020 delivery — Photo: The Ritz Carlton KL

8. Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur

Choose from Le Meridien KL’s six iftar set menus, which feature mouthwatering nosh like a lamb vindaloo, beef rendang with coconut flakes, bubur lambuk, and more. All sets come with Tunisian dates to accompany your hearty meals!

Call 03-2263 7543 or 012-215 8782 to place your orders. Available daily till 23 May.

Le Meridien KL Ramadan 2020 — Photo: Le Meridien KL

9. Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

If a day’s worth of fasting has got you longing for a bowl of fiery, creamy Indonesian curry, Aloft KL’s Ramadan fare is your best bet. Its main restaurant, Makan Yuk! at Nook, is whipping up classic Indonesian dishes like Daging Sapi Gonso and Ayam Bakar Ingkung that’ll hit all the right spots.

Call 03-2723 1188 to place your orders. Available daily from 7am to 9pm.

Aloft Sentral KL Ramadan Raya 2020 — Photo: Aloft Sentral KL

10. Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur

Four Seasons KL has introduced a new home delivery and takeout service just in time for Ramadhan. Classic Malay dishes like a Beef Short-Rib Rendang, Udang Sambal Petai, Ayam Masak Merah, prepared by Chef Muhd Mujtahid Lukman are just some of the tantalising offerings you can enjoy. Browse the full menu here.

Call 03-2382 8888 or WhatsApp 017-238 9670 to place your orders. Available daily from 9am to 6pm.

Four Seasons KL Ramadan Raya 2020 delivery — Photo: Four Seasons KL

11. Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Shangri-La KL has three different delivery menus this Ramadan: The Feast (RM40 per pax), The Horizon (RM60 per pax) and The Shangri-La (RM80 per pax) which has everything from Malay kuih muih, chicken kapitan with potatoes, fish head curry, and more.

Call 03-2074 3900 or WhatsApp 019-390 2257 to arrange for pickup or delivery. Available daily till May 23, orders must be placed between 10am and 4pm.

Shangri-La KL Ramadan Raya 2020 — Photo: Shangri-La KL

12. Eastin Kuala Lumpur

Create your perfect iftar meal with Eastin KL’s Ramadan sets, which can cater for up to six. You’d be spoiled for choice by the wide selection of appetisers, soups, mains, and desserts prepared by executive chef Dennie Yudi Samsuardi and his team.

Call or WhatsApp 016-262 2070 to place your orders.

Eastin KL Raya Ramadan 2020 delivery — Photo: Eastin KL

13. De.Wan 1958

While you may not be able to break your fast at De.Wan 1958 right now, you can still enjoy Chef Wan’s signature dishes through the restaurant’s new home delivery service, Ramadan Feast in a Box. Buffet sets start from RM58+ per person.

Place your orders here. Orders must be made a day in advance by 3pm.

De.wan 1958 Ramadan 2020 delivery — Photo: De.wan 1958

Don’t panic: you can shop for Raya outfits online

April 27, 2020 by Sarah Khan

With Raya coming up, it’s time to give your closet a refresh with festive pieces to welcome the month of Syawal. While you might not be able to pop into your favourite designer’s brick-and-mortar boutiques right now, you can still easily shop at their online stores. Major perk: some of these stores even offer ‘virtual appointments’, should you need custom-tailoring. From Fern Chua’s Moroccan-inspired kaftans to Alia Bastamam’s latest collab with Scha Alyahya, take your pick from the stunning Raya 2020 collections by Malaysian designers below.

1. FERN

Fern Chua’s latest collection takes cues from the landscapes and culture of Morocco, inspired by a trip she took a year ago. Known for her creative reimagination of batik, Fern’s new ready-to-wear collection fuses traditional elements of the batik with Moroccan influences, as seen from the Moorish architecture and Islamic geometric motifs referenced in her designs.

Shop Fern Chua’s Moroccan Series collection here.

2. Alia Bastamam x Scha Alyahya

For Raya 2020, Alia Bastamam has collaborated with Malaysian darling Scha Alyahya. Called Alia Bastamam x Scha Alyahya, the collection features the designer’s signature wrap-style kebaya, a beautiful kebaya-kimono fusion, and modern twists on the baju kurungs in various ultra-feminine shades of nudes, neutrals and pinks.

Shop the Alia Bastamam x Scha Alyahya collection here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_UANV2l90v/

3. Alia B

Alia Bastamam’s second line, Alia B, also has a ready-to-wear Raya collection that was inspired by the ocean. Featuring easy, flowing silhouettes and drapery, it’s made for women who favour a minimalist, understated style. Expect plenty of soft, delicate shades and prints that mimic the colours that bounce off sunlit waves.

Shop Alia B’s Raya 2020 collection here.

Alia B Raya 2020 collection (Photo: Alia B)

4. FK by Farah Khan for Zalora

Farah Khan’s new Modern Marrakech collaboration with Zalora features beautiful kaftans, kebayas and kurungs, which all pay homage to the Islamic architecture of Marrakech. You’ll find pieces inspired by the intense blues of the Jardin Majorelle and the intricate mosaics of the historic Médersa Ben Youssef. There are also matching festive sets for kids, which will no doubt be perfect for your family photo ops.

Shop the FK by Farah Khan for Zalora collection here.

5. Ezzati Amira for Zalora

If you enjoy mixing and matching your Raya outfits, you’ll love Ezzati Amira’s Raya 2020 collection for Zalora. There are plenty of beautiful separates ranging from scarf-printed pants to blouses and blazers which you can also wear for work or play. For those who gravitate towards more traditional pieces, the collection also features classic kebaya and baju kurung styles.

Shop the Ezzati Amira Raya 2020 collection here.

Ezzati Amira Raya 2020 collection for Zalora (Photo: Zalora)

6. Khoon Hui Eid 2020

Khoon Hui’s Eid 2020 collection is for women who don’t shy away from making a statement festive look. Featuring 11 beautiful gowns in dramatic silhouettes (think: voluminous puffed sleeves, gathered skirts, festive front bows) in brocade and bold prints, they’ll make for stunning, stand-out pieces this Raya.

Shop the Khoon Hui Eid 2020 collection here.

7. Melinda Looi

In keeping with her aesthetic, Melinda Looi’s Baju Raya 2020 collection features classically Melayu baju kurungs reimagined in vibrant colours and bold designs. Using light, breathable fabrics, her pieces are as comfortable as they are chic.

Shop the Melinda Looi Baju Raya 2020 collection here.

Melinda Looi Raya 2020 collection — Melinda Looi Baju Raya 2020 collection (Photo: Melinda Looi)

The 8 apps you need when we’re all travelling again

April 22, 2020 by Sarah Khan

1) Airalo: Say goodbye to travel SIM cards

We’ve all been there: frantic searches for a local SIM on your travels or realising that you’ve misplaced that SIM card you’ve painstakingly taped to the back of your phone upon returning home. Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, eliminates that travel SIM card nightmare we’ve all been privy to.

Through the app, travellers can purchase a local eSIM card at affordable rates in over 160 countries. It’s surprisingly easy to use: select your destination on Airalo’s app and purchase a local eSIM QR code. Scan the QR code on your device (this works only if your smartphone is eSIM-compatible), and the eSIM is immediately installed and ready to use. You can even switch between multiple eSIM cards – pretty useful if you’re hopping between countries.

Download Airalo on iOS and Android.

Airalo, the world's first eSIM store — Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store (Photo: Airalo)

2) PackPoint: No more overpacking

How hot does it get during a New York summer? Do we need thermals for springtime in Japan? These are the packing conundrums that PackPoint helps you solve. This intelligent packing app helps you organise what you actually need to pack in your luggage, based on the duration of your trip, weather at your destination and the activities you’ve planned there. From this information, the app will create a list of wardrobe items, electronics and personal items you’ll need, which you can also check off as you pack. Let’s face it: we all know a chronic overpacker (or are one ourselves) who could do with this app.

Download PackPoint on iOS and Android.

Packpoint packing travel app — PackPoint makes packing an easier and painless affair (Photo: Unsplash)

3) Timeshifter: The jet lag app

Adjusting to jet lag is no fun, but this nifty app might make it easier on you. Developed by scientists from the latest in sleep and circadian neuroscience, Timeshifter helps you combat jet lag. The app personalises a jet lag plan for you based on your trip details and natural sleep cycle, and creates an itinerary that’ll tell you when to get some shuteye, when to avoid light and when to avoid or consume caffeine. To keep you in check, it’ll also send you alerts accordingly, so you can be assured that you’ll arrive at your destination (hopefully) jet lag-free. No more wasting precious holiday time making up for sleep.

Download Timeshifter on iOS and Android.

Timeshifter: The jet lag app (Photo: Timeshifter)

4) Roadtrippers: The secret to fuss-free road trip planning

Got an epic road trip planned? Roadtrippers not only maps your driving route and helps you navigate, it also lets you plan and save your trip itineraries for easy sharing amongst your friends or family. You can even book your accommodation and activities along the way! Need advice on the best stops to check out along your journey? The app can suggest everything from popular must-see landmarks to more off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Download Roadtrippers on iOS and Android.

5) YouTrip: A travel wallet that lets you pay in over 150 currencies

A multi-currency card that lets you transact in over 150 currencies with no overseas charge – that’s YouTrip’s biggest draw. This travel wallet is a timesaving, cost-effective alternative to traditional money changers or regular bank cards that come with hefty overseas transaction fees. The e-wallet comes with a prepaid Mastercard, designed so you can pay overseas with no fees while also allowing you to lock down competitive exchange rates prior to your trip.

Download YouTrip on iOS or Android.

Youtrip: A multi-currency wallet — YouTrip: A multi-currency wallet (Photo: YouTrip)

6) HappyCow: The TripAdvisor for vegetarians and vegans

Something for the plant-based folks: HappyCow helps you scout over 100,000 vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, diners, coffee shops, bakeries, farmers’ markets, grocery stores and more in over 195 countries around the world. You can even filter by cuisine type and dietary restrictions.

Download HappyCow on iOS and Android.

Find a great herbivorous dining spot wherever you are with HappyCow (Photo: Unsplash)

7) GlobeTips: A global tipping guide

We’ve all been guilty of undertipping (or not tipping at all!) at some point on our travels. GlobeTips is the ultimate guide to tips around the world, sparing you any awkward travel tipping scenarios. The app can advise you on the appropriate tipping culture in more than 200 countries, and even features a handy tip calculator you can use.

Download GlobeTips on iOS.

8) TripIt: Create a master travel itinerary in seconds

Forward your flight, hotel and travel bookings to TripIt as soon as you make them, and it’ll compile a single master itinerary for you right away. No more cross-checking flight itineraries or scouring your inbox for your multiple booking receipts; you’ll have all your plans at your fingertips whenever you need them. There are also other perks, like a carbon footprint tracker, and flight updates on its pro version.

Download TripIt on iOS, Mac App Store and Android.

9 luxury hotels offering free online wellness programmes

April 17, 2020 by Sarah Khan

Real world travel is on pause right now, but the bright side is that it’s opened our eyes to a whole new way of experiencing the world. Luxury hotels too have embraced the digital wave, with the likes of Six Senses, Aman, Anantara and Bawah Reserve offering their highly acclaimed wellness sessions online – completely free. There’s everything from meditation podcasts and mindfulness rituals to virtual workouts and home spa rituals – even a surfing bootcamp! Until we all get to travel again, they’re a refreshing welcome to your stay-home routines, amidst the lockdown restlessness.

1. Six Senses

Want to infuse that inimitable Six Senses’ spa magic into your home? This award-winning luxury hospitality brand has rolled out a new virtual wellness programme called ‘At Home With Six Senses’. There’s everything from advice columns, video tutorials, recipes, workouts – even an at-home yoga session for kids. The programme kicked off with a mindfulness session conducted daily by the brand’s global wellness director Anna Bjurstam on Facebook Live.

Available on: Six Senses’ official website and social media pages.

Spa views from Six Senses Seychelles (Photo: Six Senses)

2. Belmond

A live poetry night, floral workshops and live-streamed music – these are just some of the offerings you can enjoy with Belmond’s new series of online performances and workshops. Called ‘Belmond Invitations’, it’s designed to bring a taste of what you’d experience across its properties into your living room, only virtually. Kicking off with a performance by pianist Joe Stilgoe, you can expect a live poetry night with Gala Gordon (April 17th) followed by a virtual home baking class with Clodagh Mckenna (April 24th). To help you tide over this ‘new normal’, it’s has also unveiled the ‘Belmond Care Package’, which brims with plenty of wellness tips, mindfulness rituals, and recipes to enliven your stay-home routine.

Available on: Belmond’s official website and IGTV

Learn how to create the perfect Easter blooms with celebrity florist Simon Lycett (left) or delicious baked treats at home with Clodagh Mckenna (right) (Photo: Belmond) — Join Gala Gordon (far left) on a live poetry night or learn how to recreate delicious baked treats at home with Clodagh Mckenna (right) (Photo: Belmond)

3. Nihi Sumba

While you might not be able to have a taste of Nihi Sumba’s highly-raved wellness programmes (which Meghan Markle counts among her favourites) in person right now, you can still experience it on its daily livestreams on Facebook and Instagram as part of its new online Nihi@Home series. Start the week with a sound healing session on Mondays with spa manager Hendra Lim, listen to tales shared by local storytellers, take part in a brunch cooking class over the weekend, or get moving with an indoor surfing boot camp! There’s also a kids’ yoga for your little ones every Thursday.

Available on: Nihi Sumba’s website, Facebook and Instagram. Schedule available here

Nihi Sumba is now offering a wellness programme online for free — Experience a taste of the Nihi Sumba wellness philosophy with its new Nihi@Home series (Photo: Nihi Sumba)

4. Bawah Reserve

There’s something incredibly moving (and healing) about watching a beautiful sunset, and Bawah Reserve seems to think so too. The private island resort is livestreaming its sunsets and sunrises on its Instagram daily, which might just help offset the cabin fever woes we’re all facing from staying indoors right now. Until you get to witness a spectacular tropical dawn or dusk moment in person, this is the next best thing to experiencing that golden hour magic, albeit virtually.

Available on: Bawah Reserve’s Instagram

Soak up Bawah's splendid sunsets livestreamed on its Instagram daily (Photo: Bawah Reserve) — Soak up Bawah’s splendid sunrises and sunsets on the resort’s daily Instagram livestreams (Photo: Bawah Reserve)

5. Aman

If there was ever a time to be nourishing your mind, body and spirit, now’s certainly it. Aman is regularly creating content on its social media with wellbeing tips shared by its experts, nutritious recipes you can create at home, as well as a few online classes to help you keep healthy mentally, spiritually and physically. Its wellness practitioners at Amanpuri, Amanoi and Amanyara will impart wisdom such as breathing techniques to help you relax, immunity-boosting mocktails, and much more.

Available on: Aman’s Instagram or follow #TheSpiritofAman on social media

Adopt the wellness tips and recipes shared by Aman's esteemed practitioners (Photo: Aman) — Aman’s wellness practitioners will be sharing tips such as breathing techniques to help you relax and nutritious recipes you can recreate at home (Photo: Aman)

6. Thanyapura Health and Sports Resorts

This Phuket-based sports resort has launched a new series of free virtual fitness classes. Available twice daily, you can enjoy workouts such as its high-energy HIIT sessions, Muay Thai, and yoga, led by Thanyapura’s very own coaches. The classes require no equipment and range from 30 to 60 minutes long. If you’ve now ceased your personal training at the local gym, here’s great news: the resort is also offering private online PT sessions for both members and non-members.

Available on: Livestream on Thanyapura’s Facebook. Class schedules can be viewed on its official website

Sweat it out with Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort's wide selection of fitness classes (Photo: Thanyapura) — Sweat it out with the resort’s wide selection of virtual fitness classes (Photo: Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort)

7. Equinox Hotels

Equinox, the global brand behind the likes of SoulCycle and Pure Yoga, has carved itself a niche among the well-heeled, fitness-conscious – and now you too can experience its programmes on its new YouTube series. The luxury health and fitness hotel brand has made its in-room meditation and wellness videos specially designed for its guests available online. Having trouble sleeping? You might enjoy ‘PM Rituals’ video, a mix of targeted stretches and calming breathwork that helps relieve stress and ease you into sleep. Equinox has also introduced a new podcast series called Headstrong ™ Meditation Podcasts, guided by instructor Amber Voiles, to help you power up in the mornings or reset and wind down after your day.

Available on: Equinox’s YouTube channel and Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B97U-PxBynZ/

8. Miraval Resorts

Health and wellness pioneer Miraval, has launched its own wellness community on both its website and social media pages. Called the “Virtual Wellness Resort”, it hopes to bring that signature Miraval wellness experience to guests at home. You can expect tips shared by Miraval’s specialists, live Q&As with health experts, nutritious recipes from the resort’s esteemed chefs, and more.

Available on: Miraval’s official blog and Facebook

Get expert tips from Miraval's live Q&A sessions — Get expert tips from Miraval’s live Q&A sessions (Photo: Miraval)

9. Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas

Anantara‘s network of health and wellness experts will be sharing a host of tips, healthy recipes and home spa remedies you can recreate at home on its blog to keep guests inspired while they’re camped out at home. There’s a virtual martial arts class by Việt Võ Đạo, Anantara Quy Nhon’s resident martial arts master, and even a chance to get up close with the rescue elephants at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort! This twice-daily livestream lets you watch these gentle giants interacting and playing among themselves. (Now, if that doesn’t cheer you up, we don’t know what will.)

Available on: Anantara’s official blog, the Anantara Travel Nomads

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort will be sharing a daily livestream of its gentle giants interacting and playing among themselves (Photo: Anantara)

What we can learn from a woman who has lived in solitude for 20 years

April 13, 2020 by Judy Vickers

Social distancing is nothing new for writer Sara Maitland. Sara has lived happily alone, except for her ageing terrier Zoe, on the Galloway moors in southwest Scotland for 20 years. Her nearest neighbour is more than a mile away.

The 70-year-old author is best known for her books How to Be Alone and A Book of Silence, which explore the importance of silence and solitude, and she has lived a solitary life since her marriage ended. “I didn’t wake up one morning and decide to live a solitary life,” she says. “I rather grew into it. But I absolutely loved it.”

Sara feels the flood of mental health advice for those who live alone and are now cut off from physical visits from family and friends is wrongly directed.

“We must stop talking about self-isolation and start talking about solitude because self-isolation sounds awful and solitude sounds nice. It would have a completely different feel.”

This is Sara’s advice for living healthily and happily while in isolation:

Use the time to tackle a weightier book than usual. Sara suggests Robinson Crusoe and A Journal of the Plague Year, both by Daniel Defoe, as “he covers two topics that we are dealing with now”.
Take up a handicraft, or rediscover one with the help of the internet. This gives your hands rhythm and comfort, and leaves you with an actual product.
Find solace in prayer or meditation.
Most importantly, remember that history shows that solitude needn’t be mentally damaging. “In 305 AD, St Anthony came out from 20 years of solitude and a whole crowd gathered, and everyone was surprised he was both healthy and sane.

“Solitude is good for creativity, for self-knowledge and spirituality.”

Sara also points to French sailor Bernard Moitessier, who grew up in what is now Vietnam, and who would have won the first Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, a nonstop solo round-the-world yacht race held in the late 1960s. He decided, however, not to head for the finish line but continue sailing for three more months, so much was his state of solitude helping him mentally.

As part of her research for a new book, last autumn, Sara spent 40 days travelling in silence across the Sinai Desert in Egypt, ending at St Catherine’s Monastery, an ancient church which also houses a mosque. She found the journey good for her soul, but she says she has huge sympathy for those who are experiencing less solitude because they are now with family 24 hours a day or have additional responsibilities such as childcare.

Sara herself is actually less silent than usual. “I am talking more – I am writing five personal emails a day and [making] three phone calls. I have a large family, we need to keep in touch with each other at this time.”