This little tropical getaway is situated at the edge of the longest lagoon in the world, the Marovo Lagoon (nominated for World Heritage listing). The diving and snorkelling are fantastic, with the seaward edge of the island dropping down to an incredible 2,000 metres. There are six spacious bungalows for families or couples, two units and two guest rooms. It’s the type of place where 20 guests is considered a full house. Uepi is the epitome of a lost island escape but with all the comfort trimmings.
The Solomon Islands is a country just waiting to be discovered and Uepi is a must on that adventure.
Known as a ‘conservation jewel,’ Tetepare is a unique, locally owned and managed eco lodge, housing only 13 visitors at a time. You’ll sleep in a leaf-house set on the edge of the rainforest, close to a sparkling azure lagoon. Explore rich coral reefs and cultural sites, assist rangers with conservation work and snorkel in one of the largest marine protected areas in the Solomons.
In 1993, Taula and Litia Sini closed their small shop on Upolu Island and restored this once-dilapidated area into a beautiful resort. There are 16 modern yet traditional-looking Samoan beachfront falés to choose from – all with superb ocean views.
This resort is part of the Sini’s vision to welcome overseas visitors to their home, and provide a sustainable living to their children, family and village. While you’re there, take a day trip to the local village of Lalomanu, where you can have a crack at weaving with coconut fronds and help prepare an umu, the traditional Samoan feast cooked in the ground.
Step into the Belle Époque in one of Paris’s most lavish new hotels, Maison Souquet. Hidden in the saucy Pigalle district, the abode pays homage to the courtesans who once sashayed through its halls. From the exterior, the only hints of opulence are two red lanterns and a canopy flanking a simple facade, but enter the former house of pleasure and you’ll plunge into a world of intricate panelling, plush furniture and gold, gold, gold.
The 20 rooms offer unique designs created by French artist Jacques Garcia, whose credits include the tearooms of Ladurées, the refurbishment of Château de Versailles and the styling of more than 30 rooms of the Louvre with 18th-century decorative art. This is how one should slumber in the city of love.
When you think of Myanmar, French wine and Italian cold cuts probably don’t come to mind, but MOJO is setting out to change that. At this one-of-a-kind venue your mission is to relax, unwind and connect over a menu made for sharing. Here, management serves up a brilliant mix of Mediterranean and Indochine cuisine and tapas, along with an impressive list of wines, cocktails and shots, all designed to be enjoyed by groups of friends around large tables.
The decor is minimalist but unpretentious – think bare brick walls and wooden beams – the atmosphere is laid-back but festive, and there’s always something on. Come for the sangria jugs and tapas and stay for the themed party and all-night dancing.
Ditch the butter chicken and get ready to forget everything you thought you knew about Indian food – right in the heart of downtown Bangkok. Head chef Gaggan Anand has put together a refreshing culinary experience unlike any other you’ll find in this vibrant city. Situated in a stately, whitewashed colonial mansion, Gaggan Restaurant specialises in progressive Indian cuisine – an innovative seasonal approach to the regional dishes and street food of Anand’s homeland.
Enjoy a meal in the bright, airy dining room, from the four-seat ‘library’ full of cookbooks or at the exclusive chef’s table with an intimate view of the kitchen. It may feel cheeky seeking out Indian food in a city full of local delights, but a meal at Gaggan is not to be missed.
Fancy chomping on a crispy tarantula spiced with black pepper and lime sauce? From contemporary creations to long-forgotten recipes, Romdeng in Phnom Penh serves authentic Cambodian cuisine with a twist.
The restaurant is staffed by former street kids and run by Mith Samlanh, an organisation that works with the city’s marginalised youth. Set in a beautiful colonial building, Romdeng is decorated with wood carvings and locally made furniture, and the silk goods and cushions that adorn the restaurant’s interior are all crafted by sewing students at Mith Samlanh.
In the realm of street food it doesn’t get much better than sai oua. For those of you who don’t speak the lingo, that is simply Laos sausage. It’s one of the most popular dishes in the north of the country, and its spicy pork goodness can be found everywhere, including in the food markets popular in both Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
If you’re keen to try it in a sit-down establishment, head to Nangkhambang restaurant on Khoun Boulom Boulevard in Vientiane. This is a popular spot for well-heeled locals (it’s more expensive than the places they’d normally dine), but the staff members are quite used to catering to out-of-towners, too. They do a great Laos snag, but you’ll also find other unique local dishes like frog stuffed with pork and lemongrass, as well as staples including grilled river fish, papaya salad and sticky rice.
If you’re a fan of Anthony Bourdain you may have already heard about Bale Dutung (the name means ‘house of wood’), a family-run restaurant in Angeles City where chef Claude Tayag puts a contemporary spin on traditional Filipino dishes.
There’s a choice of set menus, including one inspired by Bourdain’s visit, serving up dishes like fiddlehead fern salad, lechon (roasted suckling pig) tortilla and sushi of crab fat and catfish. Don’t eat a thing before you get there – you’ll be enjoying about 10 courses – and ensure you book ahead.
They say knowledge is power, and this speakeasy delivers in spades, serving up potent potions – if you can find it. Hidden among the cosmopolitan hustle of Keong Saik Road, the Library facade is an ever-changing pop-up shop. Whisper the password to the shop attendant (ask at the Study next door for the magic words) and step through a secret mirrored door into a clandestine wonderland. Let waves of moody blues and jazz wash over you as you take in the wall-to-wall display of liquor.
Here, cocktails aren’t the average fare – wildly imaginative and handcrafted to precision, they’re dazzling and delicious to boot. Get splashin’ with Shrub-A-Dub-Dub, a bubbly concoction of Ford’s gin, Amaro Montenegro, peach puree, lemon, ginger shrub, Moroccan bitters and a dash of Moscato D’Asti, served in a miniature bathtub (rubber ducky included). Drinks are hard on the wallet at around US$15 a pop, but who can say no to a tipple in a tub?
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