Changi Airport

January 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Changi Airport

As I settle back into the swing of work in the New Year, I can’t help thinking back on my travel adventures of 2012 as I start planning for the ones to come.   For me the adventure begins in the airport.  And lucky enough, Singapore’s Changi Airport is truly one of the best.

With the increasing demand in international flights, Changi Airport was first opened in the 1980s with only one terminal. Since then, Changi Airport has grown to become an award-winning hub featuring three beautifully designed terminals.  A fourth terminal is slated to open in 2017 and I am excited to find out what that new terminal will have in store.

Changi Airport

Changi Airport’s three terminals are connected by sky train, which makes it easy to hop between them.  I always believe that the vacation really starts at the airport and I have to say that Singapore’s Changi Airport really is a retreat, simply because there are just so many things to do!

To begin with there is a wide assortment of restaurants throughout the airport.  Singapore is a foodie haven and Changi is no exception.  Everything from local fare to Western cuisine can be found throughout the terminals.  You can experience the world’s flavors without ever getting on a plane!

Changi Airport 2

But it isn’t just the food that makes Changi Airport special.   It also features a whole array of lifestyle and leisure activities.  There is a salon, a spa, a swimming pool and so much more.  There’s even a nature trail!  Could you imagine going for a hike then getting your hair done during a layover?!

Clearly Changi Airport is not your average travel hub.   It really is a great introduction to Singapore and hopefully a destination you will have the chance to visit.

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Floral Arrangement With Harijanto Setiawan

January 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Arranging Flowers With Harijanto Setiawan

One of my favourite aspects of Capella Singapore’s extended-stay residence, The Club, is the monthly recreational workshops.  Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending the floral arrangement workshop held by Harijanto Setiawan, Principal Florist and owner of Boenga.  Hari, as he is affectionately known, is the talent and creative genius behind the magical setups at many of the events at Capella Singapore.

Floral Arrangement With Harijanto Setiawan

As he demonstrated how to weave the plants to create a floral masterpiece, Hari gave the residents seven useful tips on how to prolong the life of fresh cut flowers:

1.  Before getting started, clean your vase thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. Use white vinegar or bleach to wipe the insides.

2. Add a teaspoon or two of sugar and bleach into your vase before adding water.  Make sure the water is room temperature. The sugar’s carbohydrates will help to feed the stems, while the bleach helps to keep the water bacteria-free.

3. Remove any foliage from the stem to avoid submerging any leaves in the water. Leaves in the water will break down and cause bacteria to form.

4. Trim the end of each stem at a 45-degree angle and submerge immediately in water.

5. Do not include too many flowers in the vase. Overcrowded stems will wilt more quickly and release more bacteria into the water.

6. Keep your floral arrangements out of direct sunlight if possible. Always pluck out any wilted stems to keep the rest of the flowers looking fresh.

7. Change the water in your bouquet and give the stems a fresh angled cut at least every other day.

With regards to creating the perfect floral arrangement, Hari likes to practice the “Less is more” concept.  He explained, “There is no wrong or right way of creating your own floral masterpiece. The most important thing is that you need to feel good when you look at it.”

I really enjoyed the class and will be sure to include the advice when I buy flowers for my own home.  The class was so fantastic, that I am looking forward to the next course offered at The Club.

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Christmas In The Tropics

December 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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As the year draws to a close, my favorite season is just beckoning round the corner – Christmas. I always feel like there is something indescribably festive in the air during Christmas.

Unlike what we often see in movies, here in Singapore, white Christmases are only made possible in our imagination. However, I assure you that a tropical Christmas has its own charms.

Each year, Singapore’s major shopping belt – Orchard Road is decked out in a special festive theme. I particularly love the nostalgia of the glittering lights which adorn the roads, the shopping malls with their larger than life seasonal decorations, and of course the delectable aroma of all the Christmas treats, reminding me of all the presents and parties each year.  While Christmas is largely a western tradition, Singapore still celebrates it with much fervor and gusto. Families and friends get together to share good cheer over a sumptuous festive spread and being Singaporean, there is one thing we know: how to have a fantastic feast!

Most locals embrace Western traditional foods such as a big roast turkey, a good leg of ham and of course the Christmas log cakes and candy. This year, I have decided that my roast turkey will be served with a twist.  Instead of the usual roast turkey, I will be serving a Tandoori turkey.  I have gone down to Little India to buy traditional Indian Tandoori spices and herbs such as cumin and garam masala.  I can’t wait to serve this turkey dish with a twist!

Of course, there is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with a group of carolers belting out all the festive favorites in local shopping malls and hotels. The sounds of the angelic choruses never fail to hit the right chord and send me sailing home in a seasonal mood.

If you still cannot decide how to spend this Christmas, come and join me in Singapore for a tropical Christmas and experience the kaleidoscope of celebrations in this cosmopolitan little island.

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Behind The Weddings At Capella Singapore

December 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Interview

My team and I are working on a social media video project to showcase the excitement that takes place behind the scenes at Capella Singapore.  In this reality mini-series, the camera follows the staff from five departments closely to allow viewers to experience a day in their shoes.

One of the five episodes will feature Weddings Manager Charlene Hendricks to find out the tricks of her trade and in the process I learned just how passionate she is about her job.

I followed Charlene to her meetings to discuss the wedding menus, cake and decoration. There is an overwhelming number of details to coordinate!  Everything from choosing the table linens to bridal march rehearsals and wine selections and much, much more.

As no two love stories will never be the same, no two weddings are alike at Capella Singapore.  Charlene uses each couples suggestions as a jumping off point and then helps to articulate them in a way that captures the couple’s uniqueness.

As the sun set against the glorious backdrop of violet and orange hues, I filmed on as Charlene, filled with emotion, watched one of her brides walk down the aisle.  It is apparent to me that Charlene has become more than just a wedding planner to the couple; they have formed a friendship that will add a special chapter to Charlene’s love for her craft.

I am so excited to share my day with Charlene, so that you can get to know more about her and team behind the weddings at Capella Singapore.  In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed the sneak peek!

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The Vintners’ Tour 2012

November 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Capella Nature Day 2-16s

These few weeks have been very exciting for me as we head into the yearend and prepare for the much-anticipated Vintners’ Tour 2012.  I’m thrilled because Capella Singapore will be hosting this huge event showcasing more than 20 winemakers.

Needless to say, over the course of these few weeks, I’ve been learning much about wines that I had not known before.

What is interesting about The Vintners’ Tour 2012 is that all the visiting winemakers are all old world winemakers.  Old world wine regions include Italy, France and Spain.  Such winemakers focus on traditional winemaking techniques and the wines created in these regions are generally earthier and more tannic.  New world wine regions include countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States.  Such wines are made with new technology and usually tend to be fruiter.

Another area that I learned about is the growing attention to the term “biodynamic wines” by wine enthusiasts.  Loosely defined, the term “biodynamic” refers to an agricultural philosophy, which focuses on creating a balanced ecosystem in the vineyard.  This practice combines well with the traditions of old world wines and in fact, many of the winemakers attending the Vintners’ Tour are employing biodynamic practices.  In this spirit, there will be a master class on biodynamic wines at Capella Singapore during the Vintner’s Tour 2012.

The Vintners’ Tour 2012 begins today, November 22nd and runs through the 25th.  In addition to the class on biodynamic wines, there will be other several other master classes as well as a series of dinners with Two Michelin Starred Chef Jean Andre Charial from the very famous l’Oustau de Baumanière in Provence, France.  I am also looking forward to the wine treasure hunt, which takes place on the 24th and is sure to be loads of fun!

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Halloween At Capella Singapore

November 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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Halloween is typically an American holiday trandition.  Also known as All Hallows’ Eve, it is a yearly celebration observed on the 31st October on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows.  Recently however, Singapore has embraced the day with open arms.  Halloween at Capella Singapore has also begun to take off.  After all, who doesn’t like to dress up!

This year, a number of tourist attractions througout Singapore transformed into haunted destinations, perfect for the ghoulish at heart.  Universal Studios Singapore presented Halloween Horror Nights 2.  Spooktacular, hosted by Sentosa Island, resurrected history by converting Images of Singapore museum into a haunted house plagued with ghastly delights and iconic Asian ghosts.  And the Singapore Flyer, which presented FrightFest 2012, created a route where guests had to wander through The Undead Forest populated by scary characters inspired by popular horror movies.

We also celebrated Halloween at Capella Singapore by creating a special experience for the children staying on property.  The event was so much fun, that I had to share some of the highlights with you.

The tour began with a bit of trick-or-treating throughout The Club community.  Children were escorted by member of the staff who had dressed as iconic Halloween characters, including vampires, pirates, ghost and witches.  Many of our residents, who were excited to partake, also dressed up in costume.  The children squealed with delight as their baskets were filled with a variety of different sweets and candies.

From there we moved onto the haunted house.  Illuminated by candlelight, The Club lounge exuded an eerie vibe, creating the perfect Halloween setting.  A collection of Styrofoam eyeballs, wounded hands, fake spider webs and tombstones splashed with fake blood contributed to an even spookier  atmosphere for all to enjoy. There were even traditional jack-o’-lanterns, which members of the staff had voluntarily carved.

It was great to be apart of an event that really brought our community together.  I look forward to Halloween at Capella Singapore next year and what we will come up with!

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