Thanksgiving is over, but all the hassles aren't.  
There is a certain thing about holidays that exhausts me (i.e. the socialising), and if you feel the same, you might want to consider taking a break to recover from holidays. #firstworldproblems

Macau makes a popular choice for a short trip from Hong Kong, its appeal usually lies with the proximity and flavourful Macanese cuisine, but its wellness offerings are known only to a few.   Of the numerous hotels in Macau, I have always found St. Regis to be one-of-a-kind in terms of its tradition of commitment to impeccable service.  Read about my last visit here (a previous stay at the Grand Deluxe Room, which is equipped with a separate dressing room).  For this visit, we stayed at the Cotai Deluxe Room.   

I was told that the Intraceuticals Oxygen Treatment is powered by its signature 3 Steps to address the most vexing skin concerns: dehydrated skin, premature ageing, sensitivity, sun damage, brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles and blemish-prone skin conditions.  You will also be asked to fill in a questionnaire before the treatment for the staff to understand your concerns and to customise the treatment to suit your needs.  

Developed in Australia and based on research from Australian universities, the Intraceuticals Oxygen Treatment is intended to bridge the gap between a traditional facial and the invasive chemical injectable or surgical procedure, and provides an instant and easily clearly improvement in skin firmness, brightening and hydration.​ 

Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central is now offering the Celebrity Red Carpet Treatments and Intraceuticals Oxygen Treatment until December 31, 2018, guests who book the packages will also receive exclusive gifts that provide continued improvement to the skin.

We then sampled the latest menu offered at the Manor, the St. Regis Macao's oyster bar and grill.  The Daniel Sorlut oysters and Australian Glacier 51 toothfish were in our opinion the highlights of the meal. 

Continuing on the tradition of champagne sabering to celebrate the transition from day to night rooted in the first St. Regis Hotel, St. Regis Macao also offers turndown service for guests at night. 

After a good night's sleep, our butler offered to draw up curtains, deliver coffee or tea together with the day's news paper and weather forecast.  Choose among continental, Japanese, or Chinese styled breakfast served with fresh juices and pastries to start off the day.  Though we were not quite ready to leave the comfortable room, a short getaway is better than none!

​Where to stay
As a self-proclaimed hotel aficionado, I stayed at two hotels just to get a more comprehensive experience of the Kaohsiung hospitality scene. The first was a more local establishment, Han Hsien International Hotel, in the Lingya district. ​

Han Hsien hotel is just a 15-minute ride away from the airport, and the location is great for exploring the city. There is also a small night market nearby that we visited on our first night - the extremely fresh fruit juices quench the worst thirst! The downside though, is that it looks slightly dated, and its size of 300+ rooms makes it harder to cater to each guest's needs. 

The second hotel, Silks Club, is also located in the Lingya District but is much more contemporary. Silks Club celebrates style and art, with carefully curated art pieces juxtaposed against the backdrop of a stunning city view over the administrative center.

Service was impeccable and we were carefully attended to. Breakfast is served daily at the lounge, with a choice of mains (ranging from local delicacies, eggs-any-style, to Japanese style bentos), fruits, and a pastries section. It also hosts michelin-starred U-kai tei teppanyaki, as well as the first Dassai sake bar outside Japan. 

Based on my research, Cozzi hotel also looked like another stylish and convenient option. 

Things to do
​Do pay a visit to the Heart of Love River for gorgeous harbour view, and the Dome of Light at the Formosa Boulevard Station to admire the largest glass work in the world.

I, however, enjoyed the Pier-2 Arts District the most. Founded and funded by the government's Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Pier-2 is unique in that it doesn't have to be commercialized to survive. Formerly a warehouse complex located near the harbor, it became home to ​local artsy shops, spaces housing different exhibitions (try taking the miniature train while you're at the railway museum!), trendy coffee shops, and theaters. 

One of the great finds was WuGuan (literally, "Unrelated") Books, an experimental bookstore that allows you to explore the darkest corners of our being.   

These bookstore rules got me very curious:

One thing I didn't know before I visited Taiwan is their artisan bread culture, there is no lack of award-winning bakeries across the city. We went to two of the three premier bakeries in Kaohsiung that serve the highest quality freshly baked breads and pastries daily.  Shakespeare & Co. Boulangerie and  LePain both won world championships and (instead of getting the classic pineapple cakes as souvenir) I got a few loafs back home to share with my family of bread-lovers.

Where to eat​
Sushi 27 is the finest sushi place in the city, 14-seat, serving omakase only. Sushi 27 specializes in dishes from the Edo era, the chef is friendly and knowledgable. Of the 15+ sushi, sashimi, and cooked dishes, I absolutely adored the maki of Tokishirazu Salmon（時不知鮭, one of the rarest among the Japanese family of salmons, meaning "salmon that does not know the time") and Oma chutoro nigiri. Their tamagoyaki came with a surprising touch as well - they added Chinese yam in the mixture, with a crystalised sugar layer on top, making the egg fluffy and slightly sweet like a sponge cake.

Chen Q Black Sugar Shaved Ice is a must-go, their signature black syrup poured on coarse chunky ice, topped with fresh hand-made assorted toppings totally won our hearts over. You can choose 5 toppings for each order - the black sugar mochi, taro chunks and grass jelly are totally recommended. We visited three times on our three-day trip, that's how good it is!

Other places worth trying include seafood restaurant Tai Nan Wang, Ya Rou Zhen (local's go-to for sliced duck with rice), and Kebuke for hand shaken tea.

HKG to KHH: more than 10 flights per day operated by different airlines including Cathay Dragon, duration of 1.5 hours. Visa required but can be obtained online, processed within an hour for Hong Kong and Macau citizens.
​
Getting around. KHH is the only city in Taiwan other than Taipei to have its own metro rail system. Taxis are easy to catch. It has all the conveniences of a modern metropolis minus the pace. Click here for a google map marked with the points of interest for a day of sample itinerary.

One of the things I loved most about Kaohsiung is its vibe. It may be cosmopolitan but it’s more laid back than its counterparts in the north, like Taipei or Taichung. Hope you will enjoy Kaohsiung as much as I did, happy to get in touch for more recommendations! ​​​

A post-flight massage is just priceless, it allows you to unwind and eases any jet bloat that one may experience. Equipped with a herbal steam room, four individual treatment space and two dual treatment areas, Chuan Spa offers a full range of holistic services, all designed to balance your mind, soul and body.

Chuan spa is located on level 2 of the hotel, next to the heated rooftop saltwater pool and Jacuzzi. It builds on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine that seek spiritual and physical harmony by balancing the five elements: metal, wood, fire, earth and water. 

The treatment started off with a personal consultation, where you get to state your preference and pick a oil suited to your needs. The 45-minute-massage was truly relaxing - with great pressure points and zen music, you'll fall asleep instantly.

Auckland's nightlife is clustered in a few neighbourhoods, the harbourside being one. Soul Bar & Bistro serves contemporary dishes in front of a great view of the Viaduct Harbour. The outdoor seating is warm and romantic, whereas a lively bar scene, live music and stylish décor is found inside the establishment, living up to its rare feat of "being all things to all people". The mouth-watering te matuku oysters are a must if you're there, other fish dishes including west coast whitebait fritters cooked with lemon butter, roasted hapuku and whole flounder are also fresh and flavourful. We also shared some crayfish toasts (topped with black garlic aioli and saffron) and the most perfect agria truffle mash among the group. When it came to dessert, it was all but tough decision-making, the icecream sandwich and vanilla bean crème brûlée were great to complete the meal. (The cheese with no name from New Zealand's central Hawkes bay was intense, unctuous and had a rich gamy taste - though I didn't enjoy it as much personally, I could imagine a sheep's milk cheese lover drooling all over.)

​I instantly spotted a sign saying “Food Garden” outside the hotel, which is one of the largest dining halls in SG designed in a relaxing green space, conveniently hosting a variety of international restaurants. Soup Stock Tokyo from Japan and Guzman y Gomez from Australia have opened their first-ever overseas outlets there. I however resisted the temptation and went on to my first stop.
 
Brunch at Common Man Coffee Roasters. The place looks like a super popular place for expats to me, and was packed even on a Friday afternoon.  Everything on the Menu looks super delicious and it certainly gave me a hard time in choosing between the Broche French Toast and all the egg dishes. According to owner Harry Grover, the name of the cafe is to pay tribute to the fact that coffee is grown and drank by the common men. If you want a café in Singapore that serves both good coffee and good food, this is the one. 

​Jalan Besar neibourhood. There’s plenty to do there, and it has a thriving culinary scene. Butter Studio (red velvet cupcakes) and Chye Seng Huat Hardware (coffee joint with its own roaster and private tasting room) are musts while you’re there!
 
I also visited Brawn & Brains which was further away. As instagrammable as it is, it’s probably not worth the travelling time if you’re just here for the weekend since it’s more detached from other points of interest. But if you have the time, it’s a really good place to bring a book and chill for the afternoon. The downside is that the washroom is a public one across a car park. Other places I recommend include: RONIN (best scrambled eggs) and Artistry Café. 

Since I’m meeting a friend after work hours, I visited the National Museum and National Gallery to experience the cultural side of SG while I wait.
 
Drinks with a view. Ce La Vi at SkyPark Observation Deck of Marina Bay Sands is super popular among first timers, but this time I went to Lantern at Fullerton Bay. They serve lovely happy hours drinks and bites with a side of the panoramic view of the Singapore skyline and waterfront; but wasn't crowded at all on a Friday night. My friend and I chatted the time away with the company of truffle fries, satay skewers, and glasses of wine. 

​For second round, my friend took me to Ang Siang Hill, which is near the Westin and just a little outside the main Chinatown area. There are plenty of trendy bars, intimate restaurants, and chic boutiques. You can find Operation Dagger, an underground secret bar with artistic interior, under Oxwell & Co. They serve omakase sets to go with their experimental cocktails too. For us, we went into Lolla, which caught our eyes because of a fully crowded chic dining bar. We were seated in a communal table underground and enjoyed their homemade ice cream a lot. Other places you might want to check out include Nutmeg and Clove, and Gem Bar. Back at the hotel satisfied and tired, I’m glad the Westin offers White Tea Aloe bath amenities, extra-large combed cotton bath sheets, custom-designed bathrobes, and their Signature Heavenly® Bed. Its well-being movement allows me to Sleep Well and Feel Well.

​Day 2 – Good eats and discovering charming neighbourhoods
 
I started my day with a buffet breakfast at the Westin’s Seasonal Tastes, the restaurant has panoramic views of Singapore’s garden city and it encompasses a generous selection of classic international dishes, local favorites and wholesome choices. What’s special is that it features revitalizing SuperFoodsRx™ items that are nutrient-rich and delicious. I enjoyed the homemade muesli and fresh fruits with dark chocolate sauce, as well as made-to-order poached eggs topped with smoked salmon.
 
First stop of the day is Pollen at Gardens by the Bay. Its famed flower dome is romantic and beautiful, but the food did not meet my expectations considering the price point (the bread was pretty good though). I’d totally recommend just grabbing a bite or tea on the terrace (which is walk-in only) instead of dining at the main seating area because the view is much better and the items on the menu are more reasonably priced.
 
Feeling somewhat unsatisfied, we continued to walk through the Helix Bridge to snap some shots before heading to the next spot. The Art Science Museum next to the bridge is currently showing an exhibition by Bulgari, curated by Lucia Boscaini, Bulgari Brand and Heritage Curator. 

​I ordered a cab through the Handy Phone to reach PUNCH, a café with modern interiors complemented by dashes of marble and wood. I opted for a seat in the open courtyard, but it started raining. Just as I was about to move, the staff saved my life by letting the motorized shade out so that I can continue to enjoy the greenery. I enjoyed their iced black in a hot afternoon; the bite-sized doughnuts looked amazing too, but I didn’t order because my dinner reservation is in an hour. (Please try them for me and let me know?)
 
To kill time (and to fulfill my duties as a sister and a daughter), I headed to get souvenirs for the family. The most sought after Singaporean items are the pandan cake from bengawansolo and the salted egg fish skin. Both of which can be purchased in the airport at a tax-free rate, but if you don’t want to be disappointed by a “Sold Out” sign, you better get them beforehand.
 
Dinner was at Candlenut, the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant located at COMO Dempsey. It’s a lovely secluded area with an old world charm, also having Dover Street Market as a tenant.  Their menu is always changing, and it’s also very intriguing, as I was unable to comprehend most of the words. Instead of having to resort to google, I was so glad the informed and friendly staff explained each item on the menu and recommended us some of their signatures. They also have an “ah-ma-kase” menu to save you the trouble where the team selects assorted canapés, soups, main courses, and dessert for the table. Since we wanted to sample more of the dessert and had a rough idea of what we wanted to try from the menu, we ordered a la carte.

​For starters, we ordered the homemade Kueh Pie Tee Shell stuffed with curried Crab Meat and Wing Bean Salad. The first “pastry cup” did not win my heart over but I really liked the refreshing salad served with lemongrass and calamasi lime dressing, especially after a long summer day.
 
The Bakwan Kepiting Soup is more than just a bowl of clear chicken broth, it’s light but not bland, with a hint of bamboo shoot aroma and served with crab pork balls.
 
While all the dishes are authentic, the Buah Keluak of braised local chicken introduced me to a whole new flavour, which I believe came from the Peranakan signature black nut sambal. The black sauce is thick and tasted like a mix of spices with nuts, also with an aftertaste similar to soysauce. It’s definitely one of those dishes you should try, but I personally would not order it again on a second visit. The Blue Swimmer Crab Curry was also recommended to us, and even though we did not order it, it was certainly a tough decision eliminating it. Lastly also tried the local Red Lion Snapper from the grill section, the chilli sambal served with it is pretty spicy but not so overpowering that I can’t taste the fish.
 
Coming to dessert, we got the Buah Keluak Ice Cream made with Valrhona Chocolate and chilli, served with warm chocolate espuma. If you remember “Buah Keluak” from the chicken dish above, it’s a black nut that’s used in Peranakan cooking. Here, it’s sweetened and mixed with chocolate and made into ice cream. It tastes like 99% cocoa that’s bitter with a sour note which I surprisingly enjoyed. I also ordered Candlenut’s Ice Kachang, which is something like Japanese shaved ice where there are toppings and sauces. Here, the shaved ice is rose and pandan flavoured, topped with azuki red beans. I thought I was going to like it but it was too sweet for my liking, the mix of favours was also a bit puzzling.  The third and last dessert we sampled was the homemade kueh salat served with bankit crumble and young coconut sorbet that tasted rich and condensed.

The night isn’t complete without a trip to Whiterabbit, a restaurant housed in a beautifully restored chapel nested in the lush foliage of Dempsey Hill. It’s only a 5-minute walk away from Candlenut. But no, of course we did not come here for another dinner (even though I heard a lot of good things about it), we headed straight down the Rabbit Hole, a whimsical gin garden bar. Girls would enjoy the Hendrick’s Gin that’s mixed with house tonic, beautifully presented with cucumber ribbon and rose petals.

 Day 3 – Late check out and chill 

Morning Swim at Westin's Infinity pool with the view of Marina Bay, Art Science Museum and Singapore Flyer is a must. I thoroughly enjoyed Westin Weekends with late checkout and extended breakfast hours so that I don't have to rush on my last day.

Before heading to the airport, I got my daily coffee from Botanist, and stopped by for an icecream on the way. 

E-mail: westin.singapore@westin.com
Website: www.TheWestinSingapore.com
Address: The Westin Singapore 12 Marina View Asia Square Tower 2 Singapore 018961
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4:30 p.m. Cocktails – A date with Eight @ St. Regis Bar
Quick fact: The first ever Bloody Mary in the world was born in 1934 at St. Regis New York’s King Cole Bar, created by bartender Fernand Petiot.
 
Since then, each of its sister hotels has their own version of the signature drink that incorporates the rich heritage of its locale. If you’re in for a little quiz – you can guess where are these versions from: 

• Shogun Mary, fused with spicy wasabi, fresh yuzu and dry gin [Osaka, Japan]
• Mary Terranean, Mediterranean inspired [Rome, Italy]
• Chili Padi Mary, lemongrass, chilli padi and gingerroot [Singapore] 

The “Maria Do Leste” (Mary of the East) is then St. Regis Macao’s Macanese interpretation of the iconic Bloody Mary, where the ingredients added to the original mix of vodka and tomato juice were indigenous to the many shores the Portugese ship landed on.
 
I absolutely love how piquant, spicy and tangy it is. It seemed to cure all headaches and kicked away any tiredness to get you ready for the night. The rich texture and smoky touch to the concoction was also perfect for my taste – nothing sweet, fresh and straight on spiced.
 
The bartender delightedly explained how it was created and it was nothing like I imagined. The perfect combination was made from the seductive hinds of Oriental flavours and robust Iberian components across the seven seas: chourico from Portugal, pink peppercorn and limes from Brazil, Piri Piri from Africa, Cinnamon and paprika from India, Lobster and seasalt, and even a hint of egg tart, black vinegar, and black peppercorn from China.
 
As you can see here, the glass rim is covered with salt and adorned with a skewer of celery leaf, cherry tomato, lime wedge, and roasted red bell pepper julienned. On the side, they serve the blend with a warm lobster egg tart, sautéed chourico cooked over medium fire, a miniature bottle of vodka and Tabasco (yes, you heard me right!).
 
A date with eight (which my boyfriend is disallowed) is a set of perfume-like bottles were filled specially designed cocktails that come in unorthodox flavours like truffle, matcha, and jasmine.

​6:00 p.m. Spa – Signature gemstone treatment @ Irdium Spa
The chic and contemporary Irdium spa is the highest spa in Macau, offering captivating views of the Cotai Strip. The rare and refined of gemstone therapy is also exclusive to the hotel. 

To ensure the experience is truly tailored, there is a little digital programme that determines your needs and goals based on your feelings. After filling it in, I got this pretty yellow gem, citrine, that will be used in my treatment.
 
The welcome ritual started in the treatment room that has its own Jacuzzi tub, my therapist talked me through the spa services while serving a warm water foot bath, enjoyed with hot floral tea.
 
The spa uses products rich in minerals from the gemstone to ensure total well-being to the body and the mind. The customized massage oil was very tranquilizing, and the elements of the treatment are tailored around my gemstone. The pressure was spot-on and I completely relaxed in the urban oasis. I felt instantly energized and rebalanced afterwards.

8 p.m. till late 
After going out for some portugese treat, I managed to crawl to the The St. Regis Athletic Club for a quick jog. The floor-to-floor ceiling windows offer scenic views for guests while they work out. The club is well-equipped, and provides a variety of classes. Sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi are also offered. And because Suits is finally back, I emailed my butler for some mid-night comfort snacks while I watch the show. 

8:00 a.m. Morning swim and in-room breakfast
I brought along a silk dress, and a silk shirt - tricky items to pack as they get wrinkled so easily. But I'm lucky that the hotel got me covered. I put the items in a mini cabinet that can only be accessed by my butler, and when I came back from the swim, my nicely pressed clothes await. Time to get ready for the brunch!

 12:30 p.m. Lavish Sunday Brunch @ The Manor  
A place to satiate your palate. The buffet features an extensive spread of the freshest seafood, prime meat, and gourmet delicacies.
 
Brunch starts with cold poached Alaskan crab legs, Boston lobsters, blue mussels and razor clams at the Verandah. Then the Oyster Bar serves a variety of oysters including Gillardeau, Fine de Claire, Daniel Sorlut, and Kumamoto. At the antipasti table there is a spread of cold cuts, cheese, and cured fished served with mini toasted bagels. There was also a series of lobster dishes showcasing a rich-flavour. Of course, you'll also find the hot plates, including grilled beef, tepanyaki and foie gras. 

Finishing off on a sweet note, the Manor also serves a medley of desserts such as Croquebouche and creme brûlée with cinnamon and caramel. Enciting desserts like miso ice-cream was also passed around the tables. 
The Sunday brunch is priced at MOP 488pp with free-flow alcohol. 

Saying good bye to the stay and back to the busy city life. I genuinely appreciated the unparalleled service and would go back anytime!