The experienced Chef will show you his creative moves in the making of Cupcake & Macaroons. His choice of menus are not only pretty looking Cupcakes & Macaroons but also delicious cakes such as, such as Green Land Cupcake, Red Velvet Cupcake, Fruit & Veggie Cupcake, Tiramissu Cupcake, Red Velvet Cake and colorful Macaroons.

In this cooking class, you will learn how to make Cupcakes and Macaroons along with secret tips, even more, you could ask questions or discuss with the Chef during the cooking class. The fee is included a Recipe Book, Food Tasting, Coffee Break and Certificate, and don’t miss the door prize during the class.

Improving services and facilities, Aston Primera Pasteur launches a special new facility for those of adrenalin activities fans, airsoft exercise, as a sport or a game of practical shooting that simulates military or police activity, using the so-called replica firearms airsoft gun.

This Airsoft facility has 5 stages of arena, which suitable for those of you beginners or even experts in this sport. At the time you are practicing you will be accompanied by experienced trainers. So, either one you prefer, cooking or shooting, or both, Aston Primera Pasteur is the only place to go…

For further information please contact Aston Primera Pasteur at phone no. +62 22 206 0123

The Scusa Chefs have created a number of flavoursome dishes with the generous use of white asparagus to delight your palate. Low in calories and cholesterol, fresh asparagus not only tastes great but is packed with essential nutrients. Available for lunch and dinner.

Scusa will also feature some Tuscany delight on its recommendation menu starting from mid June 2012.

For further information and reservations, please call InterContinental Jakarta at phone no +62 21 251 0888

Text and photo by travelwithoutborders

It was a full midnight flight from Hong Kong to New Delhi. My heart was beating fast as I imagined the country of 1.2 billion people. I’d had close encounters with Little India in Singapore and Indian Village in Indonesia, but now I was about to get up close and personal with my native land. After landing I rushed to my humble abode, the Taj Palace Hotel, for a quick check-in. Turbaned guards with thick moustaches welcomed us and a beautiful sari clad woman escorted us into the hotel for check-in. The lobby was impeccably furnished with local touches, and that was just a preview for was waiting for me upstairs in my room.

The day dawned cloudless and sunny. For the first-timer in Delhi, the city can be overwhelming. There is the traffic and the crowds, a non-stop whirl of activity. Car horns blare, rickshaws go speeding by and there is a haze of dust and pollution. It truly is another world. I found the rickshaws a blessing for getting around the city. They were a tight fit, but I didn’t have anything to complain about; you could see families of six climbing out of some rickshaws. The side mirrors seemed to be little more than accessories, and switching lanes was little more than a leap of faith and some sixth sense. The bus, on the other hand, came with its own deal. The driver was oblivious of my presence. I wasn’t even asked for a penny as I stepped down at my destination. Was I invisible? Did they sense a language barrier?

I had heard a lot about Delhi’s amazing architecture and was suitably awed. One of the most impressive was Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Presidential House, the biggest residence of any head of state. Plans for Rashtrapati Bhawan began when it was decided that the capital of India would be moved from Calcutta to Delhi. I overheard the tour guide next to me gushing to his group that the lavish complex was closed to the public, unless you happened to known someone prominent inside the government. I, unfortunately, did not, so I could only guess what was behind the magnificent façade of the four-floor mansion and its 340 rooms, which took 19 years to complete. Thankfully, the North and South Secretariat buildings came to the rescue. Located in front of Rashtrapati Bhawan, the architecture is equally impressive and the North Block is open for visits.

Before my trip, I had once mistaken a photograph of India Gate for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The resemblance is not coincidence, as India Gate was inspired by the icon in Paris. Built in memory of the Indian soldiers who died in World War I, India Gate is a bit smaller than the Arc de Triomphe and it certainly draws a crowd. There was a girl offering henna tattoos, a boy selling traditional snacks, kids on school trips and families on picnics. The weather can be a challenge in Delhi. During the summer, the mercury can hit a stifling 45 degrees Celsius. So make sure you bring plenty of water and a small towel to keep the sweat out of your eyes. I was at Birla Temple where I could feel the cold of the marble and instantly sat down to cool myself.

The hustle and bustle of Delhi is perfectly captured in Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. The exuberance and rawness of Delhi are on full display here, with the market’s distinctive smells, random noises and colourful sights. Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, is best enjoyed at dusk. I enjoyed my barefoot walk in the courtyard, watching the birds flying back home, dazzled by the reds of the setting sun on the architecture. I ended my Chandni Chowk chapter in a red sandstone castle, Red Fort, which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. Red Fort is an intimate escape with its mix of Indian, European and Persian forms. To the surprise of nobody, Red Fort was listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2007.

Not as historic as Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place is a blend of antique and contemporary charm. It is one of the most vibrant commercial and business districts in town and a one-stop solution for errands, with banks, markets, cinemas, travel agencies, gift shops and restaurants. If hygiene is an issue for the local food in Chandni Chowk, it’s no worry in the more upscale Connaught Place.

Despite all the charm of Delhi, I find the poverty mentally agonizing. The wealth gap is so wide, with the poorest of the poor begging on the street. My heart ached seeing children on the street selling pens and pencils to make enough to eat that day. The poverty and desperation are part of daily life in Delhi. According to the United Nations Development Programme, 37.2 per cent of the population lives below the national poverty line. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

It is difficult to fully explore a city like Delhi in one visit. The diversity of sights and neighbourhoods needs a least a couple of more trips to digest. Then there are the nearby cities that demand attention. Jaipur and Agra, for example. These three cities form the famous Golden Triangle, and it only takes three hours by train from Delhi to reach Agra and four hours to Jaipur. And who can resist the romance that is the Taj Mahal in Agra or the dramatic Rajput Fort Palace in Jaipur? One avid traveller said it would take months to conquer India.

You need a certain mind-set to enjoy India to the fullest. You can see India as chaotic or colourful and diverse. The choice is yours. It truly is Incredible India.

Travel Tips:

1. Don’t display too much flesh. New Delhi still very much honours its Eastern culture. Though it can get very hot in the summer, try to avoid wearing spaghetti straps.
2. Do explore the city the way the locals do. I couldn’t be more in love with the rickshaw. It’s cheap, fast and easy to find.
3. Bargaining is a must. You need to sharpen your bargaining skills if you want the best deals.
4. If you can do something yourself, do it. The people of New Delhi are friendly, but you have to be wary of tourist scams.
5. Take part in religious routines even if you aren’t a believer. I enjoyed the way they guided me through their rituals even though I’m not Hindi or Muslim.
6. Be ultra cautious when in a crowd. Pickpockets are everywhere especially in touristy areas. Hold on to your belongings or keep them in a hidden pocket.
7. Some smells can either be nice or nauseating depending on your tolerance level. I like the flowery smells of India but am not very keen on the wet market.
8. The food is not for everybody. Be careful about where you eat to avoid stomach problems. This is one of the biggest issues for most travellers in India.
9. Don’t laugh and stare at the bro-mance! Holding hands is normal for guys, it is just a gesture of affection.
10. Tourist spots can be more expensive for foreigners. Example, 10 rupees for locals and 250 rupees for foreigners for entrance to the Red Fort.
11. Matchmaking is pretty common too. I could even spot the hotline on graffiti! Quite a number of them never even meet their partner before the big day. And their divorce rate is quite low too!

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

1 Bedroom Villa for ONLY USD 1,415++

2 Bedroom Villa for ONLY USD 1,985++

3 Bedroom Villa for ONLY USD 2,585++

Benefits Include:

• 4 days / 3 nights’ accommodation in one of our luxury villas featuring private swimming pool, open plan living area and gourmet kitchen all set in tropical gardens
• Round trip airport transfers in an air conditioned private car
• Daily breakfast at EVO Restaurant or in your villa
• Welcome drink and cool towel upon arrival
• Daily afternoon tea/coffee with snacks at EVO Restaurant
• Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout the resort
• Unlimited mineral water in your villa
• One Healthy Dinner at EVO restaurant
• Daily Spa Treatments:
• Day 1: 60 minute Traditional Massage
• Day 2: 90 minute Natural Facial with Tui Na Facial Massage and Cooling Jade Roller
• Day 3: Your choice of our 120 minute spa treatments, either Solar Deity or Finding Balance
• Complimentary access to Sentosa Club featuring Luxe Lounge Spa, komangARNAWA fitness, EVO Restaurant and the main swimming pool

Terms and conditions:

• The above rates are subject to 21% government tax and service charges
• This package is valid until 15 July  2012
• 1 Bedroom Villas can accommodate up to a maximum of 2 people; 2 Bedroom Villas can accommodate up to a maximum of 4 people and 3 Bedroom Villas can accommodate up to a maximum of 6 people.
• Extra extension nights will be charged as follows:
• 1 Bedroom Villa at USD 375 ++ per night
• 2 Bedroom Villa at USD 495 ++ per night
• 3 Bedroom Villa at USD 595 ++ per night
• Benefits not taken are not redeemable
• Reservations and extension nights are subject to availability

Have an additional questions? Please feel free to contact us at marketplace@maxx-m.com or call us at +62 21 570 5869

Smartly with Style!

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
1 Bedroom Villa for ONLY USD 1,490++
2 Bedroom Villa for ONLY USD 2,125++
3 Bedroom Villa for ONLY USD 2,795++

Benefits Include:

• 4 days / 3 nights’ accommodation in one of our luxury villas featuring private swimming pool, open plan living area and gourmet kitchen all set in tropical gardens
• Round trip airport transfers in an air conditioned private car
• Daily breakfast at EVO Restaurant or in your villa
• Welcome drink and cool towel upon arrival
• Daily afternoon tea/coffee with snacks at EVO Restaurant
• Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout the resort
• Unlimited mineral water in your villa
• Lunch and dinner every day
• One 60 minute Balinese Traditional Massage
• Complimentary access to Sentosa Club featuring Luxe Lounge Spa, komangARNAWA fitness, EVO Restaurant and the main swimming pool.

Terms and conditions:
♣ The above rates are subject to 21% government tax and service charges
♣ These packages are valid until 15 July 2012
♣ 1 Bedroom Villas can accommodate up to a maximum of 2 people; 2 Bedroom Villas can accommodate up to a maximum of 4 people and 3 Bedroom Villas can accommodate up to a maximum of 6 people.
♣ Extra extension nights will be charged as follows:

• - 1 Bedroom Villa at USD 375 ++ per night
• - 2 Bedroom Villa at USD 495 ++ per night
• - 3 Bedroom Villa at USD 595 ++ per night

♣ Benefits not taken are not redeemable
♣ Reservations and extension nights are subject to availability

Have an additional questions? Please feel free to contact us at marketplace@maxx-m.com or call us at +62 21 570 5869

Smartly with Style!

Chef Danny, Singaporean, was born and grew up in a Cantonese Family that made him very familiar with Cantonese culture and Cantonese cuisine. “Cantonese cuisine is one of the most famous types of Chinese cuisine, popular both within and outside China and is characterized by its variety of cooking methods, freshness and use of seafood. Many consider Cantonese food to be the best in China and best in the world”, proudly proclaims the Chef.

Chef Danny started his job as an apprentice in 2000 where he mastered the technique of making traditional clay pot rice at “Clay Pot Rice Restaurant” owned by his family in Singapore. After two years of working with his family, Danny further developed his skills in mastering the technique of braising abalone and sharks fin. He also has been working in some of the best restaurants in Singapore, “Ah Yat Abalone and Seafood Restaurant”, the most well known Asian abalone and seafood restaurant; “Szechuan Douhua Restaurant”, a top ranking Chinese restaurant in the business district; “My Humble House”, serving contemporary Chinese Cuisine, included in the prestigious The Mièle Guide 2011-2012 and part of The Tung Lok Group; and largest restaurant, “One°15 Marina Club Singapore”, winner of Best Asian Marina. “I love travelling to explore other cultures and their culinary habits”, explained Danny whom before joining Gran Meliá Jakarta was working in various Asian centers including Bangkok, Thailand; New Delhi and Mumbai in India.

For further information and reservations, please call Mandarin Oriental Jakarta at phone no +62 21 2993 8888

The route will be serviced by two high-speed 266-passenger ferries, will take approximately 70 minutes, and will land at the Bintan Lagoon Terminal, a private, state-of-the-art immigration and ferry terminal located directly on the resort’s beachfront. Guests will disembark from the ferry, stroll over a newly constructed iconic bridge, and clear immigration to exit directly onto Bintan Lagoon Resort’s main lawn.

The direct ferry service will shorten the round-trip commute by nearly 2 hours. Guests will be able to avoid the long queues at the public Bintan terminal and spend more time at the resort. This is a welcome boon for golf day-trippers and corporate guests.

Ferry tickets are currently available for purchase through Journeyful’s online booking platform at www.journeyful.com.

<Text by Alamsyah Jo | Photo courtesy of Alila Villas Soori>

I had been warned not to travel to Bali at the height of the rainy season, and sure enough I was greeted by heavy rain as I walked out of the airport. But I wasn’t going to let it ruin my vacation. As my car travelled along the southwest coast of Bali, we passed through picturesque Balinese villages, lush paddy fields and rice terraces, and I found myself in the wonderfully rich and green regency of Tabanan. The ever-changing, patchwork colours of the rice terraces and the spectacular mountain backdrop eventually led me to Alila Villas Soori.

The dramatically beautiful landscape was fresh, washed cleaned by three days of rain. The emerald expanse of rice fields stretched out toward the horizon and the looming presence of Mount Batukaru.

I was greeted in the open-air lobby by Irra Malik, the resident manager at Alila Villas Soori. After the pleasantries she led me to the Ocean Pool Villa where I would be spending three magnificent days. With a private pool and direct access to the beach, the 156-square-metre villa was designed to connect the living space with the beach and the sound and breeze of the Indian Ocean.

I spent the morning relaxing in my villa, drifting off to sleep in the bale bengong to the sound and caress of Mother Nature. That afternoon I joined a yoga class. Yoga is the path of enlightenment, stretching back 5,000 years to its native India. It’s also my favourite exercise, how I banish the tension and quiet my mind.

The next day, the weather was still grey with heavy black clouds looming over the landscape and no sign of the sun. But I didn’t mind because I would be spending the first half of my day at Spa Alila. A secluded sanctuary, Spa Alila offers a range of natural treatments and is located below the reflective pond at the reception level, creating an aqua roof that fills the spa with a soothing spectrum of watery light.

Now, I have to confess that I am not really a spa fanatic. I’m also hyperactive and have trouble sitting still for 60 minutes, never mind the three-plus hours I was going to spend being pampered at Spa Alila. I started with the 90-minute therapeutic massage. My therapist told me I was in for a real treat. “The massage is good for you. It uses fluent strokes of different depths and intensity. Long Balinese strokes improve lymphatic drainage and circulation and Swedish deep-tissue techniques work into muscles to relieve tension and stiffness,” she said. “Acupressure points are used for specific stimulation while Thai movements add elements of stretching to increase mobility. It will soothe away all your tension and help you relax.” I was just wondering how I was going to survive 90 minutes without doing anything.

I am also a heavy smoker and after the massage, I was due for a lung-cleansing herbal steam. And I don’t pay much attention to skincare and things like that, but I was also due for a HIM signature facial. And guess what … I enjoyed all of the treatments. The therapeutic massage soothed away the stress and left me relaxed, and my face was moist and radiant after the facial. The HIM signature facial is designed to restore the skin’s natural PH balance and includes exfoliation with local rice bran and sandalwood, a detoxifying mask of volcanic clay and lemon, finishing with an ultra-moisturising blend of aloe vera, wildflower honey and wheat amino acid. I’m not sure if the herbal steam fixed my lungs, but my visit to Spa Alila really was a complete experience, refreshing my body, mind and soul.

Now let’s talk food, which is my passion. I began my Alila Soori culinary journey at the resort’s semi-covered open-air restaurant, Cotta. Chef Ashton uses the freshest products available for his signature ingredient driven cuisine. My appetizer featured scallops, green apple, spinach, bacon and sherry vinaigrette. That was followed by Butterfish with pomelo and pistachio, before the meal came to a perfect close with Kopi Luwak tiramisu with mascarpone and grapefruit cassata. The playful combinations created a harmony of flavours and textures.

In the evening I walked barefoot along the black volcanic sand to the peninsula, watching the sun slipping into the Indian Ocean. Then I watched as the bats came out of their caves for their nocturnal journey.

On my last day, I enjoyed one of Alila’s customized journeys. There are 11 customized activities that allow you to explore the natural surroundings, Balinese culture and local communities, with a focus on wellness and the environment. I went on the “All About Rice” excursion. It began with a visit to Subak Museum before we got a chance to walk through rice fields, getting close to nature. Lunch was served in a typical Balinese compound. It all brought back childhood memories of time spent in the fields.

Alila Villas Soori is a unique blend of nature, culture and culinary treasures, and is absolutely impossible to resist. The resort is an island of tranquillity, surrounded by vibrant green rice fields and the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, with luxurious villas that offer the ultimate in seclusion. At Alila Soori, you don’t just admire nature; you will truly enjoy it with all your senses. When you have finished your yoga class, your cycling tour around the village, your spa treatments, you will eat, pray and sleep in a resort that is the ultimate tropical escape.

Alila Villas Soori – Bali
Banjar Dukuh, Desa Kelating
Kerambitan, Tabanan
Bali – Indonesia
www.alilahotels.com