Say 'I DO' On SAMUI

Inter Continental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort offers romantic options to couples wanting to do things differently. The 22-acre resort has recently opened following a 10 month multimillion dollar renovation and specializes in celebrations of every size and shape from elaborate Thai gatherings to private téte-a-tétes for two, with a personal wedding planner for every couple. Options for the ceremony itself include the resorts own 150-metre private pier for a romantic over-water ceremony and party beach-side, soirees in a luxury beachfront villa with an adjacent sprawling lawn. Or at the resorts signature Air bar with 360-degree views over the Gulf of Thailand in a relaxed alfresco lounge setting. Its 79 guest residences can be hired in their entirety. Or as a small cluster of accommodations with a range of tailored and off-the-peg wedding packages.

TEA-INFUSED Serenity

Fuchun Resort. Hangzhou China has launched Tea Retreat packages that include picking Longjing Tea and Tea spa treatments Set in over 150 acres of Tea plantations. The 4 award-winning resort. In the shadow of the Fuyang Mountain is combining picking the famous Longjing Tea that is local to the  area Tea-based massage treatments and Tea sets overlooking the Resorts peaceful if a lake, from April onwards The one and two-night stay packages encourage guests to spend over an hour in the plantations collecting the Tea leaves. You then get to join the Tea Master in pan-frying the leaves to halt the oxidization process so that the leaves maintain their natural flavor. The Tea Master then creates a packaged Fuchun Resort branded bag of Tea leaves for you to take home. Also on offer is a 60-minute Himalayan yoga session with Indian yoga master Yogacharya Gireesananda or the Dragon Well Foot Treatment at the award-winning Fuchun Spa using the Longjing Tea picked from within the vast resort.

Spiceroads Cycle Tours @BURMA

This leading bicycle tour operator in Asia, has launched new bicycle tours that highlight the best scenery, historic sites art and culture that distinguish Burma, Bhutan and Cambodia. By cycling short distances at a relaxed pace Over seven days there is time to leisurely take in UNESCO World Heritage sites, meet the locals, enjoy excellent food and soak up the atmosphere.

Burma

Bhutan - Paro to Punakha: The Bhutanese are proud of their heritage and Work hard to maintain it and this bicycle tour introduces an isolated country where Tibetan Buddhism is integral to the culture. The stunning mountains with dense forests teeming with birds compete with the historic dzongs (fortresses). Monasteries and temples and the charming locals vie for your attention on this tour. The April 22nd tour is set to go. Also scheduled are departures in June. 1 August September and October. Cost is US$2,100

Burma - Mandalay to Bayan: Burmas legacy of a proud and powerful former kingdom dates back 1,000 years and the temples that remain throughout the country are a testament to that era. From Kiplings Mandalay you will travel via the Irrawaddy River. To the temples at Bayan and end with a visit to the Shwedagon Pays in Yangon. Scheduled tours are set for July. October and November Tour cost is US$1,950.

Cambodia - Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: Cycling is the perfect Way to absorb the rich history left behind by the Khmers of Cambodia between the 9th and 14th century From the capital of Phnom Penh. A modern city that has retained its colonial charm. You will visit the ancient capital of Oudong and a complex of temples that are the oldest in Cambodia. In Siem Reap we explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat while also taking the in local lifestyles. Tours depart in May July September October November and December. Tour cost is US$1,250.

more : http://muka-1.weebly.com/about-us.html

GADGET WATCH

Imagine that half-way through the flight your iPad, iPod, BB dies.. There are no outlets on the plane. But if you get yourself an Inflight Power USB unit. You could save yourself from inflight boredom. The inflight Power USB Unit charges electronics via the headphone jack in the airline seat. The standard USB-capable version costs around US$34.99. But the $44.99 version comes with an iPod tip that supports the nano. The mini 4G SG And the iPhone There's even a bundle with mini USB chargers for BlackBerry. Motorola and Windows Mobile phones for the same price.

HK DINING Scene

Mario Batali sets up shop: Mario Batali one of the most recognized and respected chefs and his business partner Joe Bastianich have launched their initial foray into Hong Kong with the opening of LUPA. Celebrated for their excellence in Italian cuisine and hospitality, Mario and Joe will introduce a sensational new level of Italian dining to the restaurant landscape and diners in Central, Hong Kong. LUPA promises superb Italian dining in exquisite surroundings in over 5,500 square feet of spacious dining for 130 guests indoors. The restaurant also features a 2,500 square foot terrace that can accommodate an additional 80 guests for al fresco dining. Making a total guest capacity of 210. Leading the kitchen team at LUPA is Executive Chef Zach Allen, a protégé of Mario who has been working with the company for over 10 years. 3/F, LHT Tower 31 Queen Road, Central, Hong Kong. For reservations: +852 2796 6500

Bib Gourmand for La Marmite: Aqua Restaurant Group's modern take on the traditional Parisian bistros, La Marmite has been awarded a 'Bib Gourmand' in the latest Michelin guide. The "Bib Gourmand" is awarded to the Michelin critics' favorite restaurants with great cuisine. At affordable prices. These restaurant are often neighborhood favorites.

La Marmite

La Marmite is the only French bistros to receive a Michelin award in this years Hong Kong guide. Guests to La Marmite, located an Staunton Street in the heart of Soho, can expect a host of brand-new delectable dishes to celebrate the awards: Coq de Bressc au vin de Bordeaux a coq au vin dish prepared with a specially selected, seasonal wine and St Pierre poché dans sa sauce aux moules, servi avec. seiches et pommel vapeurs a la moutarde` (John Dory poached in a mussel sauce, cuttlefish, roasted pistachio and Steamed mustard potatoes).

The brain behind the menu at La Marmite is Executive Philippine Orrico a Michelin-star chef in his own right. (Soho at 46 Staunton Street, Central. Hong Kong)

Cannes Film Festival

The annual Cannes Film Festival scheduled from May 16-27 Will once again transform this charming town on the French Riviera into a bustling hot-spot of celebrities collecting to celebrate cinema. Ever since its creation, the Festival de Cannes has remained faithful to its founding purpose: to draw attention to and raise the profile of films with the aim of contributing towards the development of cinema, boosting the film industry worldwide and celebrating cinema at an international level. The official poster of the feats 65th edition features the iconic actress Marilyn Monroe in tribute to the 50th anniversary of her death. The poster captures the glamour and magic of Cannes perfectly.

Moonrise Kingdom, the new film by American Wes Anderson, will open the 65th Festival de Cannes on Wednesday, 16 May in the Grand theatre Lumiere of the Palais des Festivals, with the Jury presided over by Italian filmmaker Nanni Moretti in attendance. Moonrise Kingdom was filmed on an island in New England and recounts a tormented and surprising story of
children and adults during the stormy days of the summer of 1965.

The entire town gets into the act with bistros, restaurants and bars keeping the party going. The atmosphere is heady and the great thing is that the star-parade is not off-limits to the average tourist. If you plan to head to Cannes for some celluloid magic, we urge you to make your bookings now.

AFTERNOON TEA

The UK is celebrating 60 years of Queen Elizabeth is reign this year. The Berkeley a luxury London hotel located in fashionable Knightsbridge, is paying homage to the Diamond Jubilee in true majestic style With the launch of `Prét-a-Portea - The Royal Collection. From 29th May to 9th June 2012, biscuits, fancies and choux buns Will be transformed to resemble the most memorable hats worn by the Royal Family, marking The Queens 60th anniversary on the throne. The Royal Collection includes praline profiterole inspired by the much-talked-about Philip Treacy fascinator worn by Princess Beatrice at the Royal Wedding, as Well as Queen Elizabeths legendary crown, Worn for her coronation in 1953, recreated as a vanilla biscuit with intricate icing and sugar diamonds.

Afternoon Tea

Angela Kellys Canadian maple leaf hat, Worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, during her visit to Canada, has been carefully prepared in the form of a bright red strawbeny panda cotta macaroon, whilst a stately blueberry hat cake with sugar roses and green leaves is inspired by a Rachel Trevor-Morgan design, one of Queen Elizabeths favourite British milliners.

Other royal show-Stoppers making an appearance on The Berkeleys tea stand include: Gina Fosters memorable fascinator Worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, at Zara Phillips wedding, a light pink floral hat, recently worn by Queen Elizabeth in Canada, and of course a Launer London handbag cake, as carried by Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Wedding.