To celebrate summer in style, we’ve hand-selected a few of our fave essential products to get you summer-ready… and all at the best possible prices! These brands are personally tried and tested by Team Sassy, so you know you’re only getting the very best. Thanks to our fab deals, you can get your body bikini-ready with a fun exercise regime and delish detox program. Plus what’s better than lying next to the pool in your brand spanking new bikini while sipping a glass of bubbly? Ahhh…

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Lots of exciting things have been happening on the beauty scene in Hong Kong recently – so here’s a quick recap for any of my fellow make-up junkies…

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES OPENS IN HK

Much-loved UK skincare brand Neal’s Yard Remedies has finally opened a standalone store on Hollywood Road in Central.

Their products were previously available at the Eslite bookstore in Hysan Place (slightly random) but now you can get your mitts on near enough the full-range in their lovely, chilled out and actually rather spacious boutique. All of Neal’s Yards products are handmade with sustainably sourced natural and organic ingredients that are both environmentally friendly and 100% vegan… and they all smell absolutely delicious to boot! The store also sells their Herbal Tinctures, which you can dilute with water as a drink to reap all kinds of medical benefits, plus product ranges specifically for men and babies.

On my shopping list – their signature Frankincense range of moisturising lotions and potions, their super-sized bottles of yummy smelling shower gels and their Remedies To Roll set of essential oils that you can rub on your pulse points or pillow (uber relaxing Lavender for me please!). They also had some beautiful candles and gift sets that would make for great presents.

Prices aren’t too far off the UK originals (and bear in mind Neal’s Yard Remedies is definitely more on the premium skincare side of things, as opposed to stuff from your local chemist!), coming in at around $200-270 for cleansers, scrubs and hand cream, $400 for moisturisers, masks and facial oils and around $450-500 for candles and gift sets. They also have a HK specific online store, but so far it seems to be Chinese only. More goodies to add to my birthday wish list!

Neal’s Yard Remedies, 65 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2155 0508

www.nealsyardremedies.com.hk

INNISFREE OPENS IN HK TOO!

More new openings… more serious damage to my wallet!

Hot on the heels of fellow Korean beauty brand Etude House, Innisfree has just opened their first stores in Hong Kong in Causeway Bay and Mong Kok. I nipped into the Causeway Bay store (right next to Forever 21) the other day, and whilst it’s more postage-stamp sized than I would like, they had a great range of quirky and fun cosmetics and skincare.

Innisfree is Korea’s “first natural beauty brand”, with an emphasis on pure ingredients found in the volcanic island of Jeju (a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site doncha’know), such as green tea, volcanic spring water and Jeju tangerines. Their packaging is also eco-friendly, using recycled materials and even tangerine skin labels!

Innisfree’s bestsellers include their olive, green tea, soybean and Jeju volcanic pore ranges – many of which come in handy little starter kits for around $200-400, whilst individual items are around the $100-200 mark. As usual, I was most taken by the nail polish – a huge range of colours, including some absolutely covetable glitters (I’m a total magpie), and only $35 a bottle! The pick n’ mix range of sheet masks and “sleeping mask” capsules (for around $25) also proved too cute to resist.

After my purchase, I was also given a membership card, including a packet full of samples – gotta love some freebies, right! Just make sure you time your visit right as so far, there have been queues round the shop to get in at both evenings and weekends.

Innisfree, Shop A, G/F, 54 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay; Shop G07, G/F Ginza Plaza, 2A Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mong Kok, Hong Kong

www.facebook.com/HKinnisfree

COLLECTION COSMETICS NOW AVAILABLE IN HK

New to the HK make up scene is the UK brand, Collection Cosmetics (if you’re old like me, you might remember it as Collection 2000!). This super affordable brand makes indulging in beauty an accessible treat, as most items are under $100 (some are even around the $30 mark!).

My favourite products were the metallic cream eye shadows, which are easy to apply with just a pat of your finger and stay on all day. I have even taken on them on a beach trip and they stand up to the heat wonderfully! Try the gold shades for blue eyes and the green hue for brown eyes to really perk up your peepers! For a night on the town, swipe on a line of the glitter eyeliner just on the corner of your eyes for an instant party worthy look.

With mascaras, lip glosses, foundations, blushes, eye shadow palettes and other make-up staples all available at extremely wallet friendly prices (the Cream Puff matte lip creams are a beauty blogger fave), you can load up with zero guilt!

Available in selected Maple and Watsons stores

www.facebook.com/CollectionHK

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It seems that in order to be considered ‘cool’ in the Hong Kong restaurant world these days, you need to serve small dishes, which will be known as ‘tapas’ no matter what their heritage! If we’re going by this theory, then Privé Group’s newest baby, Common Room, is as cool as they come.

Classing itself as a gastrobar, Common Room is a huge space located on Lan Kwai Fong’s Wo On Lane that boasts a sprawling 31-foot long glass and cast iron bar, referred to as its ‘liquor library’. Communal wooden tables fill the area, whilst an outdoor terrace, decorated with reclaimed ship wood, lies at the back. It was named to represent a shared casual lounge space, like the common rooms we all remember from our school and uni days.

Common Room’s main focus is on its classic and contemporary cocktails, shaken up late into the night by three top cocktail mixologists. It also offers a fairly comprehensive food menu, based on world-inspired dishes and served tapas-style.

Once cocktails were ordered (try the Zellweger if you don’t like your drinks too sweet), we tucked into a portion of the tastiest sweet potato fries I’ve had in a long while – perfectly crispy on the outside, lovely and fluffy on the inside. The homemade chipotle buttermilk aioli could have been a touch spicier, yet it was still dangerously addictive.

Little, beautifully presented bites of scallop ceviche followed. Marinated in lime and topped with chilli, coriander and red onions, these beauties melted in the mouth and were packed full of flavour.

As I’ve mentioned previously, foie gras burgers are all the rage these days (hello 22 Ships!), and quite rightly too. Common Room’s Wagyu foie gras burgers, laden with caramelised onions, rocket and a balsamic reduction, may just be the best I’ve had to date. The beef patty was clearly of the highest quality and was cooked to perfection, leaving it neither too dry nor still mooing.

The homemade chicken liver and foie gras pâté, spiked with peppercorn and brandy and served with homemade crostini, was heavenly rich and comforting, topped with a fruity layer to cut through the fat.

I’ve had tandoori fish, tandoori chicken and tandoori most things really, yet tandoori octopus was certainly a new one for me! These glorious little bites of bouncy smoky octopus, paired with fresh mango, sumac and raita were refreshingly delicious and definitely something I’d order again.

Ask anyone to name the ultimate comfort food and there is little doubt that a good mac n’ cheese will be high on the list. There is even less doubt that Common Room’s individual, adorably presented portions would jump straight to the top of this list. Packed full of buffalo mozzarella, Gruyere, Parmesan and Gouda, these little bowls are intensely cheesy and impossible to resist.

Opting for the most intriguing sounding of the two dessert options (from the fittingly named ‘heaven’ section of the menu), we tried the cryo-fried vanilla ice cream. Set alight with flaming brandy, then extinguished with strawberry maple syrup, this proved quite the spectacle to watch – yet the battered ice cream was a little too sweet for me to handle more than a couple of mouthfuls.

Overall, Common Room is a fun, exciting new place where I can definitely see myself spending leisurely evenings with a group of friends, whether for refreshing cocktails or scrummy foie gras burgers. Prices hover around the $100 mark for cocktails, whilst food prices range from $58 to $132 – not bad for delicious world-inspired ‘tapas’ you’re unlikely to find elsewhere… unless, of course, you feel the urge to order everything on the menu. Trust me, it’s a definite temptation!

Common Room, 1/F Wo On Building, 8-13 Wo On Lane, Central, Hong Kong, 2525 3599

www.facebook.com/commonroomhkg

Check out more from Ale on her fab blog, The Dim Sum Diaries!

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I’ve mentioned before (in my post about my top five wedding stationers in HK) that I love snail mail. You can call me old-fashioned but there’s just something so wonderful about finding a little bit of paper goodness in your mailbox that isn’t bill related!

Whilst I’m more than happy to spend an arm and a leg on pretty wedding stationery, I understand that a lot of people don’t feel the same way. Many people are more than happy to opt for simple ready-to-order invitations or want an invitation printer that can help print their own designs rather than pricier bespoke sets. Everyone has different budgets and focuses when it comes to wedding planning, so who’s to judge right?

It can be difficult to sift through all the stationers in Hong Kong to find the more affordable ones that don’t skimp on quality and service, so I’m here to lend a helping hand and share with you a few of my favourites, some of which I’ve used myself. Whether you’re looking for ready-made save-the-dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards, place cards, programs, RSVP cards, simple wedding favours or just need some good stock card and printing services for your designs, pop into Sassy’s fave budget wedding stationers in HK and you’ll find yourselves faced with endless options.

Invitations can start as low as $15 depending on the design, quality of card stock, type of printing and quantities required.

• H2 Cards
www.h2cards.com.hk

- G12A Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2542 2880

• Joy’s Cards
www.joyscard.com

- Ground Floor, 29 Amoy Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2898 2850 or 2836 5023
- B21, Basement, Golden Plaza, 745 Nathan Road, Prince Edward, Hong Kong, 2789 3931

• Kamdo Wedding Card
http://www.kamdo.com.hk/en

- 1/F Main Pole House, 149-151 Hennessy Road, Hong Kong, 2838 1266
- Shop 38, 1/F Golden Shopping Centre, 745-747 Nathan Road, Prince Edward, Hong Kong, 2397 3872

• Kam Shing
www.kamshing.hk/en

- 1/F Main Pole House, 149-151 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2838 1221
- Shop 39, 1/F Golden Shopping Centre, 745-747 Nathan Road, Prince Edward, Hong Kong, 2397 3872

• Progressive Press
www.progressivepress.com.hk

- 174 Wellington Street, Upper Ground Floor, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 8778
- 4/F, 156 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 2766

Got any more recommendations for great affordable wedding stationers in Hong Kong? Let us know in the comments below!

Sandra is the editor of Simply Peachy, a Hong Kong wedding blog about all things bridal and beautiful! Dedicated to finding fun and fabulous wedding inspirations that will make your heart leap, Simply Peachy is a comprehensive wedding planning resource for the crafty modern bride.

Get in touch with Sandra for any wedding-related questions via Simply Peachy’s Facebook, Twitter or by emailing hello@simplypeachy.com.

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The elevator doors open and directly in front of me are six topless, sweaty, ripped guys doing burpees whilst times are yelled out by a trainer. I’m not going to lie… I couldn’t work out whether to run away or just stand and stare! As the session ends, it’s high fives all round as the guys hydrate and record their times into the computer system. The trainer and owner of the gym, Ed Haynes, then comes over, gives me a high five and says, “Are you ready for this?” The question is – am I?!

It’s 10am on a Saturday morning and I’m at the Coastal Fitness Performance Training Centre (CFPT), the hottest gym on the Hong Kong fitness scene right now. The space itself is cool, located in a North Point warehouse with a very raw vibe to it – there’s no elliptical machines, treadmills or Power Plates. “Earned Not Given” is emblazoned on the walls and the area is filled with weights, medicine balls and bars; it’s definitely not a space for posing in your Lululemon pants, but somewhere where hard work and dedication is required. I’m at the gym to take part in an On Ramp session, which is mandatory for all members before they can take part in classes. On Ramp is a three hour session that goes through exercise techniques, including how to squat properly, dead lifting, Kettle Bell swings, Mid Line Stabilization, Cleans, the importance of diet and nutrition and, of course, an introduction to CFPT and what they can do for you.

I originally started working out with the CFPT team at their outdoor bootcamp SMAC (strength, mobility and conditioning) sessions. I love High Intensity Interval Training and Crossfit Bootcamp style classes, and lift weights on a regular basis, but this type of exercise is definitely something that requires guidance and monitoring. Technique is crucial so that you don’t injure yourself. Ed and his team of uber fit trainers understand the importance of this, hence why all CFPT members have to take part in an On Ramp class before they are given access to the gym.

Andy, one of CFPT’s five trainers, explains to us that the classes at CFPT are designed to develop all aspects of one’s fitness – strength, stamina and endurance. There are two sessions at CFPT: Fitness and Performance. Fitness is great for anyone new to mixed modal fitness who is looking to improve lifestyle/fitness, whereas Performance is designed more for people who have experienced strength training, Olympic lifting and gymnastics, and want to take it ‘to the next level’. Each class has a maximum of six people to ensure that everyone is receiving the highest standard of training and guidance, which is music to my ears (there’s nothing worse than over-populated classes)!

Following the introduction to CFPT, we had two hours of exercise technique, which was amazing as you could really feel the difference; Ed and Andy were adamant that everyone mastered the moves, so there was no slacking! All our learning was put into practice with an exhausting 20 minute workout at the end of the session, a taster of what CFPT do in their hour training sessions; I left with legs like jelly, beetroot red and sweating profusely (great look)!

The nutrition aspect of the class was also fascinating. As CFPTs approach is similar to Crossfit, they endorse the Paleo lifestyle (note: it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle!), which I try and live by, although it’s slightly harder as a vegetarian. To help gym members with their nutrition, CFPT have an online portal where you can track your meals. At the end of the week, you can submit your meal diary to be reviewed by one of the team and they will provide you with direction on good alternatives and options. It’s such an important part of fitness and reaching goals, so I was thrilled to hear that Ed and his team help with nutrition in such a tailored way. It’s also worth noting that this system also tracks your times and development, so you can watch yourself progress.

The On Ramp session ends and it’s high fives all around again. Would I be back? Absolutely!

A few days later I entered the gym again, this time for an hour’s Fitness session – and I wasn’t disappointed. The workout was fantastic, I pushed myself to my limits and my technique was corrected when needed. I achieved things I would never normally manage when working out alone and Andy motivated me throughout. I’ve tried to stick to Paleo as much as possible, and I’m already feeling much more toned and energetic.

If this all sounds intense and quite scary, it’s really isn’t! It’s not just for fitness fanatics and gym junkies – it’s for anyone looking to improve, progress and better their fitness and lifestyle. Just like CFPT’s boot camp SMAC, members in the gym range from teenagers to ladies in their 50s (so you won’t be constantly surrounded by shirtless sweaty men) – there’s a real feel of community spirit.

In order to give a tailored experience and reach your goals, Ed recommends 2-3 sessions per week. Monthly membership at CFPT starts at $1700, which is expensive; however, when you consider that there will only ever be six people in a class, that you have personal trainers on hand to talk to whenever you want and that you can also make the most of the nutritional advice the team are happy to provide, I reckon it’s pretty damn good!

For class schedules, costing info and more information about Coastal Fitness Performance Training, check out www.coastalfitnesshk.com.

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Despite there being Italian restaurants practically on every street corner, the opening of a new one will always excite me. Needless to say that the first whispers I heard of brand new Il Milione Bar & Ristorante had me waiting impatiently to put it to the test!

Il Milione, named after Marco Polo’s travelogue, exudes elegance the moment you walk in. The first thing you see is its grand vintage-style bar stacked high with an insane selection of spirits. The bar, which is manned by “Bar Maestro” Giancarlo Mancino (formerly of Otto e Mezzo), serves a vast selection of drinks from its 13^th century style ‘giornale’ (newspaper menu). Giancarlo has his own brand of vermouth, Mancino Vermouth, which he uses to prepare his signature negronis and only one litre of the secret recipe house negroni is prepared each night – so when it’s gone, it’s gone!

Whilst a regular negroni is a little too strong for me, the ‘washed negroni’, made with elderflower and pink grapefruit zest, was a refreshing start to a great evening. If negronis really aren’t for you, the apple martinis are also amongst the best I’ve ever tasted. The bar does not stop at delicious drinks, however; every evening between 6.30 and 8.30pm, Il Milione serves traditional Italian aperitivo to snack whilst you sip.

Moving further into the restaurant is a casual lounge area, followed by a glitzy dining room, which again instantly radiates elegance and class, where crisp white tablecloths are set against a dark ceiling lined with gold circular mirrors.

What truly stands Il Milione apart from any other Italian restaurant around town is its focus on Umbrian cuisine, led by Michelin-starred Umbrian chef Marco Gubbiotti. The amuse bouche of young cherries with chicken liver pate and anchovies was an indication of the level of quality we could expect for the rest of the meal. The flavours were bold and fresh, leaving us in eager anticipation of what was to come.

The meal proper began with ‘Baccalà su Baccalà’, or ‘cod on cod’. Given Umbria’s landlocked location, cod was apparently one of the only seafood items that could be preserved for transportation. Here it is cooked three ways: poached cod filet, crispy cod skin and creamed cod, served with Umbrian chickpeas and candied orange – delicate yet delicious.

Following this came lobster tail in lobster soup with homemade cappelletti pasta and green peas. The lobster had a good bite to it and paired perfectly with the delicate parcels of chicken, pork, beef and prosciutto. For me, the green peas were a little undercooked and seemed out of place here, although they did add a touch of freshness to the dish.

The pan-fried pigeon breast that followed was utterly divine, served on an open ravioli of minced pigeon laced with typically Umbrian spices. The lingering notes of cocoa powder, cinnamon and honey gave this dish a deliciously sweet versus savoury contrast.

Although on paper, the lentil cannolo with pistachio mousse did not overly excite me, on plate and in mouth, it most certainly did. The crispy cannolo was made with crushed brown lentils, giving it an unusual texture compared to its classic counterpart. Instead of the usual ricotta with pistachios, the cannolo came stuffed with silky smooth pistachio mousse, which was neither too heavy nor too sweet and balanced nicely with the slightly sharp blackberry sorbet.

We also loved the platter of piccolo cose dolci – bite-sized pastries that proved the perfect ending to the meal. And this was all, of course, paired with some truly excellent Italian wines, which the restaurant’s passionate sommeliers picked out for us.

Service is thankfully reflective of the overall standard of the restaurant, but this does also mean that you can expect to pay for the luxury, with starters from $200 and mains from around $300. A tasting menu, without drinks, will cost you $990. Bear in mind, however, that authentic, high quality ingredients are flown in from Umbria twice weekly and this might make the bill slightly less painful. Will we be back? Did I mention how good the apple martinis are, made the more so by those free bar snacks?!

Il Milione, G/F Hutchison House, 10 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2481 1120

www.il-milione.com

Check out more from Ale on her fab blog, The Dim Sum Diaries!

The post Il Milione – Italian refinement and killer cocktails in Central appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

We’ve given up predicting the weather… but what we can be sure of is that you’ll be looking hot to trot this season with a brand new summer wardrobe! So may we present you with the perfect shopportunity for one of our absolute fave fashion brands – the Reiss Spirit of Summer shopping night on 30 May from 6-9pm at their IFC store!

You’ll get the chance to check out Reiss’ gorgeous new collection – think stunning summer dresses, colour pop mix-and-match separates and seriously covetable accessories – with expert fashion stylists on hand to advise you how to perfect your summer look!

There will also be fab goodies bags with gifts from Shower Steamers, FANCL, ManiPedi, Lola, Fekkai and QueenBEE for the first 50 guests to make a purchase at the event (and with a special 10% discount running all night, there’s no excuse not to indulge in a little retail therapy!), free-flow cocktails from Bulldog Gin, hair styling master-classes by Frederic Fekkai, and the chance to win a luxury holiday and a HK$12,000 new Reiss wardrobe thanks to their fab Spirit Of Summer competition (check out all the event details here).

Want in on the action? RSVP below to bag your place!

So even if the weather’s not always playing ball, let’s make sure this summer’s a scorcher in the style stakes at least, thanks to Reiss!

All the details…

When: Thursday 30 May 2013, 6-9pm
Where: Reiss, Shop 1098A, Podium Level One, IFC, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry!
More info: 10% shopping discount and goodie bags for the first 50 guests who make a purchase on the night
RSVP: On the banner above or click here – not necessary but highly recommended!

Goodie bags and drinks made possible by the following sponsors:

www.reiss.com 

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For a night of Peruvian fare and wicked cocktails, step into Mayta, the latest venture from Dining Concepts that takes over the space formerly occupied by Blue Smoke BBQ. Located in the heart of LKF, the space is huge (including a separate bar area) with a mysterious yet laidback décor; with funky music playing in the background and splashes of colour on the walls here and there, this is a great place to kick-start a fun night out.

If you’re a pisco fan, you’ll be in pisco-paradiso with a loooong list of pisco cocktails for you to try. Since it was still only midday for us, we opted for two non-alcoholic Refrescos. The cholo virgin passion fruit was a tad too sweet and would have benefited from a touch of sourness, but the lemongrass lemonade was cool and thirst quenching – perfect for anyone who’s just walked up that LKF hill to get here!

You can’t come to Mayta without ordering something from the ceviche station, so we started our meal with the Clasico – a ceviche of sea bass, marinated in lime leche de tigre. The marinade was mild and sweet, and the crunch from the choclo (corn) and cancha (corn nuts) added just the right amount of texture and saltiness to the dish.

The chicken anticuchos (translation: skewers) came next. These smelled heavenly with a drizzle of rocoto pepper sauce, but sadly when I cut into a piece, it revealed the soft pink texture of waaaay undercooked chicken. With H7N9 on the loose, I decided not to risk it, so left this sitting on my plate.

The pork and shrimp spring rolls were a rather unexpected dish for a Peruvian restaurant, and they looked exactly like those you’d get in a dim sum restaurant – and they come out mighty fresh and hot, so be careful with this one! Rather than being chunks of meat, the filling had all been mashed together (reminiscent of a sausage roll); this definitely needed the sauce, a sweet and sour rocoto chilli number, to give it a bit more of a flavour hit.

As for my favourite little snack at Mayta… without a doubt, it’s got to be the pan con chicharron. Who knew these steamed buns filled with crispy pork, aioli, pickles and a sweet potato chip would be so delicious? Again, there was a hint of Asian influence thanks to the bao-style light fluffy buns, which flawlessly soaked up all the wonderful fattiness of the crispy pork belly and yummy aioli sauce, whilst the sweet potato chip provided a good crunch with each bite. Total must-orders.

Our one big sharing dish was the arroz con mariscos – a yellow chilli curry rice that had a fabulous mix of fragrant flavours and just a hint of heat. This seafood rice was filled with fried squid, scallops and prawns galore and had been seasoned to perfection; we kept finding yummy bits of seafood and cashew nuts hidden within the juicy rice and just couldn’t stop going back for seconds (…and thirds… and fourths!).

Our last bite at Mayta was of course, dessert. The suspiro de limena was full of surprises – we were slightly confused by the olive oil ice cream, which didn’t have the cold icy feel of ice cream, instead sort of reminding me of cookie dough gone bad. However, we loved the crunchy quinoa cookie, which complemented the soft indulgent dulce de leche (a gift from the gods!) so well, and the chunks of grilled pineapple were a refreshing unexpected touch.

Being in such a convenient location and having just opened for lunch, don’t forget to come by for some Peruvian food to fill your mid-day break – lunch sets range from $100-130 for a variety of items from Mayta’s a la carte menu (extremely affordable for the Central area), which would be great for gathering a bunch of friends to taste and try different things. On the a la carte menu, small shares come to around $100 whilst the ceviches and bigger sharing dishes are around the $150-250 mark.

There were a few misses at Mayta, but the hits here really shone oh-so-brightly. I’d go back for that pan con chicharron and the arroz con mariscos in a heartbeat – and if you’re willing to give them a try, I reckon you’ll be a fan too!

Mayta, 3/F, Grand Progress Building, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, 2790 0928

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There is something utterly unmissable about sunsets. Unfortunately, catching a breath-taking one can prove difficult in muggy Hong Kong… but not so at The Intercontinental Koh Samui. Perched on the hillside of an isolated stretch of coastline, the glorious sunset plays out daily, showcasing a rainbow of colours descending into the sea beyond. Even better – this magnificent spectacle can be viewed, uninterrupted, from almost every point in the hotel.

We escaped to Koh Samui seeking rest and relaxation. A short three-hour flight with Bangkok Air transports you directly to this tropical paradise, whilst a 45-minute taxi whisks you to the isolated West coast. No crowded beaches, no pumping nightclubs, no cheesy tourist shops – this is the sort of place to head to for a long weekend of pure escapism.

The hotel covers the whole hillside, providing a wonderful choice of places to do nothing. We started off spending most of our time down by the beach pool, thanks to its proximity to the sea, the hotel’s beach restaurant Flames, and the range of water sports and other fun pursuits. However, as we were staying over Easter, the sun loungers soon started to feel cramped and a bit too busy, whilst the pool quickly filled with splash-happy kids.

To find some quiet, we wandered down the jetty; kayaking proved a mildly energetic activity but the almost fish-free snorkelling disappointed, as did the slightly rocky beaches that looked deceptively more appealing than they actually were. That said, Koh Samui isn’t famed for great beaches and this is definitely one of the best; despite one neighbouring small hotel, it is pretty much deserted and unspoilt, perfect for holiday seclusion. We treated ourselves to daily homemade ice creams from the charming ice cream shack and lingered over shady lunches in Flames. The food, a selection of Western and Thai dishes, was perfect poolside fare, although the service struggled with the weight of guests.

Unfortunately, Amber, the hotel’s main restaurant, was less impressive. We ate dinner here twice and whilst the setting is serene, the Thai cuisine catered more for a Western palate and lacked the flair and excitement we were looking for. Service was again slow and overstretched, becoming frustrating at times.

However, this was all redeemed by our impossibly perfect daily pre-dinner sundowners at Air Bar. High up on the hillside near the lobby, Air blasts hip music to guests as they recline on day beds, sip fantastic cocktails, munch on sushi dishes and delight in those majestic sunsets. It became clear why watching the sunset from here has made it onto the New York Times’ ‘1000 Things to do Before You Die’ list.

Our days were otherwise spent in a medley of lethargic activities. We borrowed the complimentary bicycles for a burst of peddling energy, dabbled with playing tennis on the hotels’ private courts, dawdled in the gym watching the tide roll in and watched other guests bravely taking out the sailing boat. The spa, even higher up the hillside and located amongst the private villas, offered an oasis of calm and wonderful treatments.

For the latter half of our escape, we spent the days bedded down at the lobby’s infinity pool. The lobby itself offers panoramic views over the sea and into the mountains, whilst the infinity pool faces over the hills and their rolling greenery – offering a more peaceful and tranquil place to spend the day lounging than by the beach pool.

The sheer size of the hotel (golf buggies drive you around!) mean that once you’ve settled by a pool, you tend to stay put. The hotel boasts a further five pools sprinkled amongst the private villas but they’re not really worth heading to unless you’re staying in a villa. We, however, were in a wonderful Ocean View Room; nestled under the main building, it was spacious, cooling and relaxing with tranquil colours, deep giant baths, engulfing beds and best of all, large terraces providing an alternate space to watch the glorious sunsets from the privacy of your own room. There were some beach villas with appealing private mini pools but due to the crowds at the beach area, they felt somewhat lacking in privacy.

The Intercontinental definitely has the most unique location in the whole of Koh Samui and boasts unparalleled views. Having only been open for a year, the hotel also offers five-star luxury at far lower prices than their competitors. I would advise going for a long weekend, not in peak season; not only will you avoid the crowds and the resulting poor service we experienced, but you’ll also get access to the best rates, meaning you can have your own ocean view room from just $2000 per night.

The problems with crowding and service seemed like seasonal blunders that need ironing out, but if you’re looking for an isolated beach break, with breath-taking daily sunsets at fantastic prices all a stone’s throw from the 852 – look no further. And if you can’t make it to stay there, just be sure to pop over for a drink at Air at least.

The Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, 295 Moo 3, Taling Ngam Beach, Suratthani, Koh Samui, 84140, Thailand, +66 77429 100

http://samui.intercontinental.com/

The post Intercontinental Koh Samui – a long weekend of pure escapism appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

We’ve given up keeping track of the weather, but come rain or shine, we’re here to give you that special dose of weekend inspiration! Enjoy the long weekend, girls!

Splish splash!
Ladies, it’s time to break out those bikinis! Hong Kong’s amazing summer season is FINALLY upon us and this Saturday, the seriously cool W Hong Kong is hosting its first pool party of year, as part of their famous GET WET Summer Series. Get ready to sip stylishly on a glass of Veuve Clicquot while taking in AH-MAH-ZING views of our city’s picture perfect skyline from their fabulous rooftop swimming pool, before heading to the uber-cool after-party at WOOBAR to carry on the fun until the midnight hours! This extravagant pool party is guaranteed to be far cooler than any you’ve been to before – we’re talking international DJs, celebrity guests, free-flow drinks… oh, and did we mention you’ll be partying at the highest outdoor pool in Hong Kong?! So go on, it’s time to have a truly incredibly night!

When: 18 May, 8pm
Where: WET DECK & WOOBAR, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: $300 (includes one complimentary standard drink at both pool and after-party), $850 (includes free-flow standard drinks and Veuve Clicquot, plus one drink at after-party); buy tickets here

Bunheads
Have you ever seen a group of grown men (and some seriously strong women!) scramble to the top of a bamboo tower covered in buns? Yep, we didn’t think so! Voted one of the world’s “Top 10 Quirky Festivals”, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival includes a huge parade of multi-coloured paper mache Taoist deities, lion dances, traditional music and, of course, the unique Bun Scrambling Competition at midnight! Make sure you check out our full article about Cheng Chau Island here to make the most of your adventure to one of Hong Kong’s real cultural treasures.

When: 17 May, 10.30am-midnight; see full schedule here
Where: Cheung Chau Island; ferries leave from Central Pier 5, more info here
How much: Free entry

Bring on the bling
Need to add some more sparkle to your life? Custom fine-jewellery designer Plukka is hosting a fabulous trunk show featuring some of their most luxurious made-to-order pieces this weekend! With a mix of stunning statement necklaces, divine cocktail rings and dream-worthy diamonds on offer, this is a must for all you jewellery lovers out there – so check out what will be on show in advance here. And just in case you needed a further incentive to spend, we’ve heard that there will be a cheeky VIP discount on all purchases made on the day too.

When: 18 May, 1-5.30 pm
Where: The Principal, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry; RSVPs required to rsvp@plukka.com

State of the art
For those of you who can’t make it to Basel in Switzerland, have no fear - Art Basel is here! Come scope out the “Olympics of the Art World” for amazing works from galleries all over the world, plus loads of expert talks, special presentations and panel discussions! So whether you’re an art collector, artist, critic or just want to see some beautiful pieces of work, this is one of the must-visit events of the year… And don’t forget to enjoy some prime people-spotting opportunities at the swanky Le Vernissage opening night too!

When: Vernissage 22 May, 5-9pm; 23-25 May, 12-7pm; 26 May, 12-5pm
Where: Hall 1 & 3, HKCEC, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $250 (one day ticket), $750 (four day ticket), Vernissage $750. Available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288, or purchase at the door.

Art attack
With Art Basel in town, don’t forget that art isn’t just fun to look at – it’s also fun to eat! The Mandarin Grill + Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong have come up with an incredible ART menu featuring a crazy-creative three-course lunch and five-course dinner that’s set to amaze, delight and stimulate all your senses; we’re talking dishes inspired by Andy Warhol, Van Gough and Damien Hirst, plus chef Uwe’s trademark spectacular dessert (served ON the table!). All diners enjoying this special feast will also receive a complimentary ticket to Art Basel too. Now that really is art that looks good enough to eat!

When: Until 26 May
Where: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Three-course lunch $708, five-course dinner $1588 (including ticket to Art Basel, plus 10% service charge); call 2825 4004 to book.

A very Sassy party!
You’re all invited to the Sassiest shindig of the year – our Sassy Awards Party! Come celebrate our fabulous awards winners and our brand spanking new City Guide at hip alfresco lounge bar, Vibes, at The Mira in TST. There will be a complimentary welcome drink, scrummy canapés, happy hour prices and amazing raffle prizes up for grabs (check out the full list of goodies here… we just wish we could win them ourselves!) – who could say no to that?!

When: 22 May, 7-9pm
Where: Vibes Bar, The Mira Hotel, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How much: Free! Complimentary welcome drinks to the first 300 guests to arrive. RSVP on the form here

Got an event you’d like us to feature in The Weekender, or have a top tip for us? Email us the deets at weekender@sassyhongkong.com.

The post WEEKENDER: W Hong Kong pool party, Cheung Chau Bun Festival, Art Basel and more appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.