LIFELIFE

HARPER’S BAZAAR SEPTEMBER 2012274 HARPER’S BAZAAR SEPTEMBER 2012 275

As the world’s top fashion houses fl ock to Taipei to open their most statement-making stores—Burberry and Dior are the latest to make an entrance with the latter unveiling its largest store in the world at Taipei 101—it’s only fi tting that the hotel brand most associated with sleek design and fashion has recently opened a branch in the city’s glitziest shopping district. W Taipei, which opened a little over a year ago with a fabulous party, has injected some energy into the local hotel

landscape and has been embraced by locals—it’s a favourite spot for weekend staycations—and travellers alike for its cool ambiance, relaxed atmosphere and laid-back attitude that come at no expense of the impeccable service. The suites, all decorated in bright colours and featuring quirky touches such as whimsical sculptures and minibars stocked with “munchboxes,” look like luxury dorm rooms for grownups. Boasting incredible views of Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, the suites could be the perfect setting for a dramatic fashion shoot—the beautiful staff, who seem to have been handpicked from the pages of a glossy magazine, also help create the illusion.

The real highlight of a stay at the W Taipei, however, is its happening vibe. Bar at Wet, located by the pool, hosts popular Sunday parties, where you can mingle with the city’s beau monde and dance to the beat of a live DJ. The Woobar becomes party central at night, when a velvet rope keeps the hoi polloi from the fashionable crowd—as a guest, you can obviously join the city’s VIPs. The young—and the young at heart—love the South Beach-meets-Tribeca atmosphere of the W but in a nod to the locals’ love for their cuisine, the hotel boasts the fi rst W-branded Chinese restaurant, YEN. This is, however, not your typical Cantonese eatery: from the offbeat décor, all done in accents of purple and silver, to the sleek food displays, YEN achieves the rare goal of marrying traditional food with modern accents while maintaining the authenticity of the tasty dishes. Visit www.wtaipei.com and www.transasia.com for fl ight information

Th e most picturesque part of Okinawa, Kabira Bay, houses one of Club Med’s beloved resorts, which was recently refurbished based on the theme of Japanese simplicity. Th ere is defi nitely something ethereal about this mystical retreat surrounded by coral reefs and mostly uninhabited islands. Looking out over the Pacifi c Ocean, the resort off ers a variety of accommodations and activities with some special treats for meat lovers, who will be delighted to savour the delectable Ishigaki beef and the world-renowned Kobe beef. Club Med’s all-inclusive packages are sure to provide a holiday tailored to your every need regardless of whether you are looking to have some solitude or enjoying lazy days with family and friends. Visit www.clubmed.com.sgBY

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TASTE OF PARADISE

RITZ-CARLTON MILLENIA Get a bird’s-eye view of the races with Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore’s F1 Suite Experience. The exclusive suite overlooking Marina Bay gives you not only a panoramic view of the bay, but also of the night races. This luxurious premier put-together comprises a three-night stay with daily buffet breakfast for two, a pair of Pit Grandstand passes and full access to all that the hotel has to offer. Visit www.ritzcarlton.com

MANDARIN ORIENTALWho says it has to be all heat, noise and crowds at F1? Mandarin Oriental Singapore’s Race Extravagance Package promises a weekend of pampering, wining and dining to complement all the action. The package also includes unchallenged views of the race at turns 16 and 17, a Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapy experience and a weekend champagne brunch put together by Michelin-starred chef Marco Pedrelli of Dolce Vita. Visit www.mandarinoriental.com

ROOMS WITH A VIEWSoak in the energy of Singapore’s night-racing extravaganza, Formula 1, from the comforts of these lavish hotel suites.

TravelTravelNEWSNEWSCity escapes and a beach paradise to invigorate you

The living room of the Extreme WOW Suite at the W Taipei

The Fabulous room at the W Taipei

The sprawling pool at W Taipei

This shocking pink notebook

from British leather-goods

house Mulberry. With its soft leather

and vivid hue, this classic ensures that all your travel

notes are kept up to date.

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The view of the circuit from Ritz-Carlton’s F1 Suite Experience

The Bay Suite at the Mandarin Oriental

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DOUBLE

YOU

LIFELIFE

BAZAAR LOVES...Notebook, Mulberry

The pristine beach at Club Med Kabira Bay

Blouse, Max & Co.

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RPER’S BAZAAR SEPTEMBER 2012

Shoe, Roger Vivier

PACKING TIPS

Bag, Max Mara

while keeping a focus on sustainability through state-of-the-art laundry care appliances. The new W 1945 EcoComfort washing machine is a testament to Miele’s watchful eye on the environment. Here are some of its features:

“Immer Besser, Forever Better,” Miele’s philosophy since 1899 echoes its continuous dedication towards ensuring optimal fabric care

Luxury appliance brand Miele, known for its dedication to caring for fashion, always remains a step ahead in preserving the environment

1 SPECIAL ECO PROGRAMS These signifi cantly reduce electricity consumption by up to 20 per cent as compared to A-rated energy-saving washing machines.

2 THE ECO FEEDBACK FUNCTION This function forecasts energy consumption before the launch of a laundry program, the actual consumption during the cycle and after it is fi nished, making you aware of the full extent of your carbon footprint.

3 INNOVATIVE WATER PROCESSESThe water-level processing is based on load size so that even half-load washes have A-rated energy effi ciency.

4 PROFESSIONAL BALANCE SYSTEMThe stable machine stand ensures low energy consumption with guaranteed best spin performance and smooth running properties during drying cycles even with imbalances of up to 2 kg.

For more details visit the Miele Gallery at #B1-01 Winsland House II, 167 Penang Road or www.webshop.miele.sg

GreenfffffMIELE,

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

IN SINGAPORE!