SRI LANKA SRI LANKA - QVI Club
SRI LANKA SRI LANKA - QVI Club
SRI LANKA SRI LANKA - QVI Club
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navigat r<br />
ISSUE 01 MARCH 2011<br />
<strong>SRI</strong> <strong>LANKA</strong><br />
Summer fun on the<br />
emerald isle of the<br />
Indian Ocean<br />
Summer is here!<br />
Drinks to cool down your day<br />
TRY: Amezcua’s<br />
Trilogy De-Stress<br />
Ritual<br />
PLUS<br />
All you need to<br />
know about tea
vegetarian with a difference<br />
Greens freshly picked from our garden<br />
Wholesome ingredients imaginatively combined<br />
A magical profusion of Asian and western flavours<br />
All enhanced by sublime sunsets and gentle sea breezes<br />
Amala Restaurant, naturally<br />
A whole new destination and experience for your senses.<br />
16/8, 16/13-26 Moo 4, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320 Thailand<br />
www.pranaresorts.com
FROM THE COCKPIT<br />
MD’s Message<br />
I’ve long enjoyed tea and often talk about how it<br />
is a healthier choice of caffeine compared to coffee. Packed with<br />
antioxidants and many other health benefits, this five thousandyear-old<br />
discovery is indeed a great find for man. Choose to have<br />
it white, black, green, hot or chilled - the options are plentiful and<br />
equally refreshing.<br />
What better way to enjoy the beverage than sipping iced tea on<br />
the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, home to some of the best<br />
tea plantations in the world? This exotic destination has much<br />
to offer, yet is still unknown to many. Nestled in its lush depths<br />
are three resorts from <strong>QVI</strong> <strong>Club</strong>’s Exclusive Boutique Collection.<br />
These beautiful, elegant resorts are perfect getaways for romantic<br />
celebrations or indulging in pampering luxury.<br />
The summer season brings about a change in menu for Amala,<br />
the acclaimed vegetarian restaurant of Prana Resorts & Spa.<br />
From colourful appetizers, delicious main courses to lip smacking<br />
desserts, your palate will be amazed. Try your hand at some of the<br />
recipes we’ve provided in these pages. Prana also enjoyed a full<br />
house during Valentine’s Day and has been busy with the island’s<br />
charity scene.<br />
Our event of the year, V-Malaysia is here again! The mega<br />
convention is slated for 27 th to 31 st May at the Bukit Jalil Stadium<br />
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hurry and register for the event;<br />
you won’t want to miss it for sure! Bonvo Travel offers flight and<br />
accommodation packages you should take advantage of.<br />
I’ll leave you to read through this issue’s Navigator which is full of<br />
exciting updates, recipes, destination stories, travel tips and much<br />
more. Enjoy and have a good summer!<br />
Joachim K Steffen<br />
Managing Director
navigator<br />
Editorial<br />
Mayen Fok<br />
Xanthe Chan<br />
Sheena Tay<br />
Design<br />
Jay Valentine<br />
Jeffrey Boyle<br />
Navigator is published 4 times a year by<br />
Q Lifestyle (S) Pte Ltd<br />
15 Hoe Chiang Road, #08-01/02/03 Tower 15,<br />
Singapore 089316<br />
Tel: +65 6491 0900<br />
Fax: +65 6491 0899<br />
Email: customercare@qviclub.com<br />
Website: www.qviclub.com<br />
We welcome your feedback.<br />
If there are topics you would like to see in the coming issues of Navigator or you<br />
have suggestions or comments about the articles that you would like to share, talk<br />
to us at customercare@qviclub.com<br />
Copyright ©<br />
Q Lifestyle (S) Pte Ltd 2011.<br />
All rights reserved.<br />
Copyrights and / or other intellectual property rights on all designs, products, logos,<br />
images, photos, texts, trade names, trademarks, etc., in this publication are reserved. The<br />
reproduction, transmission, or modification of any part of the contents of this publication<br />
is strictly prohibited.<br />
Any views or opinions presented in this magazine are solely those of the authors and do not<br />
necessarily represent those of Q Lifestyle (S) Pte Ltd.<br />
Any content published in this magazine should not be relied on for medical advices, personal,<br />
financial or business decisions.<br />
Q Lifestyle (S) Pte Ltd provides all content in this magazine as is without warranty of any kind<br />
to the extent allowed by applicable law, including without limitation, implied warranties of<br />
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non infringement of intellectual property.
04 Baggage Claim<br />
06 Arrivals<br />
08 Destination : Amezcua<br />
Start the summer with<br />
Amezcua’s Trilogy<br />
De-Stress Ritual<br />
09 Destination : <strong>QVI</strong><br />
Meet our Customer<br />
Experience Ambassadors!<br />
10 Destination : Prana<br />
New at Amala Restaurant<br />
11 Viewing Gallery<br />
Tea Break<br />
Contents<br />
14 Destination : Bonvo<br />
16 Passport<br />
Vacationing in style in Sri Lanka<br />
19 On The Runway<br />
Summer fun on the emerald isle<br />
of the Indian Ocean<br />
22 Travel Guide<br />
Summer Travel Tips<br />
24 Transit Lounge<br />
Holiday stories from<br />
Perminderjit Singh<br />
25 From the Galley<br />
Summer drinks
Baggage Claim 4<br />
Patong Tower<br />
Condominium –<br />
Phuket, Thailand<br />
I was delighted to be able to book my<br />
stay in Patong Tower Condominium for<br />
the third time! The resort is very unique<br />
as it is the highest building in the area.<br />
There are two terraces in each unit, one<br />
overlooking the beach, the other to the<br />
forest. The beach is a mere 100 metres<br />
away and the shopping mall just a few<br />
minutes’ walk away. Don’t forget to pop<br />
by Banglad Street where the clubbing<br />
scene is! Everything you need is<br />
conveniently located near Patong Tower.<br />
Remember to spend time on the white<br />
sandy beach, engaging in the various<br />
water sports activities such as parasailing,<br />
jet skiing and ball games on the beach.<br />
Thank you <strong>QVI</strong> for the great service and<br />
especially Mr Aie who has become my<br />
best friend in the last three years since I<br />
became a member.<br />
Special thanks to Ms Nasim for her help<br />
in making my vacations memorable!<br />
- Mohammad Heidrai<br />
(Iran)<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Olympus –<br />
Tenerife Island,<br />
Spain<br />
It was truly a fantastic and memorable<br />
trip for my guests and I at <strong>Club</strong><br />
Olympus in Garden City. The hotel staff<br />
was excellent and assisted us with all our<br />
requests. We especially enjoyed our time<br />
at the nearby Aqua Park and Loro Park<br />
where they had the most amazing water<br />
sports facilities and water theme park.<br />
Most of our time was spent swimming,<br />
clubbing and indulging in scrumptious<br />
Mexican food.<br />
We would like to thank <strong>QVI</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
for helping us put together this dream<br />
holiday. This was made possible by Ms<br />
Nasim who was always available to<br />
assist us whenever we needed help. We<br />
had problems deciding on our preferred<br />
dates and destinations and even had<br />
last minute changes in check-in names.<br />
However, Ms Nasim was very patient<br />
and professional throughout all these.<br />
She even called us several times to<br />
follow up on our holiday plans despite<br />
the time difference between London<br />
and Singapore.<br />
Most importantly, this has made me<br />
trust <strong>QVI</strong> <strong>Club</strong> completely. Even my<br />
friends are interested in becoming <strong>QVI</strong><br />
<strong>Club</strong> members after seeing the beautiful<br />
pictures and videos taken during my<br />
trip. I hope my photos and testimonial<br />
will convince you to be a member too!<br />
- Nader Sharafi (UK)<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Paihia –<br />
New Zealand and<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Balai Isabel –<br />
Philippines<br />
Our trip to Paihia, the Bay of Islands<br />
in New Zealand, was one of the most<br />
unforgettable trips we ever had. We<br />
chose to stay at <strong>Club</strong> Paihia, a resort<br />
set on a hillside surrounded by native<br />
flowers and nature. Our room was<br />
spacious and everything was well in order<br />
before our arrival. The staff was also very<br />
professional and efficient, which made<br />
our trip even more memorable.<br />
The town centre is within walking<br />
distance from <strong>Club</strong> Paihia where you<br />
can find great selections of fine art<br />
pieces, wines and souvenirs. The locals<br />
were very friendly and we truly enjoyed<br />
the beauty of New Zealand and the<br />
warm hospitality of the Kiwis.
Our other trip to <strong>Club</strong> Balai Isabel,<br />
Philippines was equally incredible.<br />
The resort we stayed in was right on<br />
the shores of Taal Lake, overlooking<br />
the volcano. The trees and lush<br />
vegetation around our resort made the<br />
environment relaxing. The restaurant<br />
staff at the resort also patiently served<br />
our guests who were there to celebrate<br />
my wife’s birthday. Although this was<br />
our first visit to the resort, it certainly<br />
will not be the last!<br />
Special thanks to <strong>QVI</strong> <strong>Club</strong>’s<br />
Roxane Cabaluna for her advice and<br />
recommendations in making our<br />
holidays extremely enjoyable!<br />
- Efren Miranda<br />
(Canada)<br />
Prana Resorts &<br />
Spa - Koh Samui,<br />
Thailand<br />
and Citadines<br />
Bangkok - Bangkok<br />
Sukhumvit 8,<br />
Thailand<br />
I am so proud and happy to be a <strong>QVI</strong><br />
vacation owner. I decided to redeem my<br />
week in Thailand in November this year.<br />
Unfortunately, due to an extremely erratic<br />
schedule, I was unable to plan sufficiently<br />
in advance. Despite the inconvenience<br />
caused, the <strong>QVI</strong> team was extremely<br />
helpful and prompt in arranging my<br />
vacation for me in a turnaround time of<br />
less than 2 weeks. They arranged for me<br />
to stay in my choice resorts as per my<br />
convenience. I stayed at Prana Resort in<br />
Koh Samui and Citadines in Sukhamvit<br />
Soi 8 in Bangkok.<br />
I cannot express in words our experience<br />
at Prana Resort. On an island packed<br />
to the hilt with one resort after another,<br />
Prana Resorts & Spa is a haven for<br />
someone looking at taking a break from<br />
the stresses of day-to-day life. Its biggest<br />
strength is that it is not a large commercial<br />
resort. It offered us a feeling of intimacy<br />
and coziness that is sadly unavailable<br />
these days. The staff and service there<br />
were fantastic. Our every single need was<br />
met and well attended to by the friendly<br />
and courteous staff. From calling a taxi<br />
for us to hooking us up with a vehicle to<br />
get around the island, to recommending<br />
superb restaurants to eat at, and where to<br />
shop. The spa on the beach was deeply<br />
relaxing with the amazing therapist and<br />
the sound of the waves hitting the shore<br />
as a very soothing background score for<br />
our treatments. And as a vegetarian, it was<br />
a pleasure to sample the exceptional food<br />
that the resort has to offer.<br />
Our experience in Bangkok was as<br />
satisfying though in a different vein.<br />
The property that we were offered was<br />
very centrally located in the middle of<br />
the city with superb connectivity to the<br />
skytrain services, thereby allowing us<br />
to get around the city with immense<br />
ease. The hotel, though basic, provided<br />
us with all the comforts that we could<br />
possibly require for a fantastic trip in a<br />
city that was new to us. The tourist help<br />
desk was exceptional in helping us plan<br />
our stay in Bangkok, providing us with<br />
tips to help us enjoy the city’s shopping<br />
and social scene.<br />
All in all, it was a fantastic holiday<br />
experience for both my husband and<br />
myself. I cannot wait to plan my next<br />
<strong>QVI</strong> vacation.<br />
- Sonali Goenka<br />
(INDIA)<br />
Baggage Claim 5
On 8 March, Prana Resorts & Spa hosted<br />
the Women’s Business Network (WBN) of<br />
Koh Samui to an ‘Evening of Cocktails<br />
and Amuse-bouches’ to mark the 100th<br />
anniversary of International Women’s Day.<br />
This was the inaugural organized celebration<br />
of International Women’s Day on the island,<br />
and Prana is proud to have been part of it.<br />
Prana plays host to<br />
a good cause<br />
News<br />
Gallery<br />
A R R I V A L S<br />
/06<br />
The enchanting evening saw a good crowd<br />
of 50 women of different nationalities,<br />
backgrounds and ages coming together to<br />
acknowledge four very deserving women<br />
who have contributed to the island and the<br />
community. The evening ended with a grand<br />
raffle, with prizes kindly donated by local<br />
businesses, and included spa treatments,<br />
dinners and some stunning artwork.<br />
A total of THB 13,600 was raised from the<br />
raffle ticket sales and a percentage of the<br />
entrance fees. The amount was subsequently<br />
donated to the Sisters on Samui Charity<br />
Appeal. Kudos to all who played a part in<br />
this worthy cause!<br />
Start Holidaying Immediately!<br />
Do you know that you need not wait for your membership kit to be delivered<br />
to you before you start planning your vacation? Once your membership payment<br />
has been received, a Welcome Letter, containing your <strong>QVI</strong> membership ID<br />
number, will be emailed to you. With this ID number, you can start booking<br />
your vacations. Browse through our websites to choose from over 2,000 resorts<br />
worldwide - www.qviclub.com and www.xchangeworld.com - then contact<br />
our Customer Experience Ambassadors at customercare@qviclub.com or<br />
+65 6491 0900 to plan the holiday of your dreams!
Arrivals 7<br />
Are you game for<br />
an extraordinary<br />
summer<br />
experience?<br />
The annual Samui Regatta is back in<br />
action for its 10 th year! This international<br />
yacht racing event is slated to take place<br />
on the tropical island of Koh Samui from<br />
30 May to 4 June 2011.<br />
Let Bonvo Travel take you on an exciting<br />
journey on an accompanying spectator<br />
boat that puts you right in the middle of<br />
the action! Besides witnessing the race<br />
up close, you also get to island-hop,<br />
and snorkel in the pristine waters while<br />
indulging in the delectable food and<br />
drinks served on board. Make it your most<br />
memorable summer vacation with a truly<br />
first class experience!<br />
For more information and to book your<br />
perfect summer treat at the Regatta,<br />
contact us at +65 6491 0847 or email<br />
mice@bonvo.com.<br />
Do You Know?<br />
Do you know that <strong>QVI</strong> <strong>Club</strong> is on Facebook?<br />
‘Like’ our page to stay connected on<br />
the new promotions and happenings in<br />
<strong>QVI</strong> <strong>Club</strong>!<br />
Romantic Valentine’s Day<br />
dinner by the beach<br />
Visit our Facebook page at<br />
www.facebook.com/qviclubofficial<br />
and ‘Like’ us now!<br />
Prana Resorts & Spa arranged a romantic<br />
and intimate candlelight dinner on the<br />
beach for many couples on 14 February.<br />
After admiring the gorgeous sunset from<br />
the poolside, the love birds made their way<br />
down to their tables on the warm sand,<br />
and thoroughly enjoyed the speciallydesigned<br />
four-course dinner.<br />
As night fell, each couple lit a kum loy, a<br />
traditional Thai spirit lantern, before setting<br />
it aloft to carry their personal wishes<br />
heavenward. What a sweet and memorable<br />
way to end the evening!
Start<br />
the<br />
with<br />
Amezcua’s<br />
Trilogy<br />
De-Stress<br />
Ritual<br />
summer<br />
Your revitalising treatment starts off with a therapeutic 30-minute<br />
facial treatment. Then, succumb to a stress relieving body massage that promises<br />
to alleviate any sore back muscles. For the finale, an aromatic moor mud will be<br />
applied on your back to re-mineralize your skin, providing extra nourishment and<br />
hydration. The end result? A totally refreshed, rejuvenated and glowing you!<br />
Pamper yourself today at only Php 2500 for a 90 minute session.<br />
Visit Amezcua Wellness Center at 122 Katipunan Avenue, White Plains, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines,<br />
or call us at +632 913-1353 to 57 to make your reservation. Promotion is only valid till May 2011.<br />
Destination 8
Destination 9<br />
A new name,<br />
but the same<br />
warm friendly service!<br />
Our Customer Care Representatives are now known as<br />
Customer Experience Ambassadors (CEA)! They are,<br />
after all, the ambassadors of our vacation club brand.<br />
Need help with your resort bookings or require more<br />
information on our properties? Feel free to contact<br />
our Ambassadors at customercare@qviclub.com or<br />
+65 6491 0900*.<br />
*<strong>QVI</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Hotline Operating Hours:<br />
Mondays to Fridays 9am to 8pm<br />
(Singapore time: GMT +8)<br />
Our dedicated team of CEAs is a fun and<br />
passionate bunch of people! Navigator sat down<br />
with Ahe (Global Head, Customer Experience),<br />
and her team, and got them to share with us their<br />
motivation and experiences at work.<br />
Describe your job in one sentence.<br />
Sherin: It is an adventure which is both thrilling<br />
and fun!<br />
Ahe: My job is exciting, rewarding and allows me to get<br />
to know people from all over the world!<br />
Tell us about your most memorable/<br />
satisfying moment of your career as a CEA.<br />
Mehmet: There are many memorable moments to name! One<br />
was when one of our Nigerian members was unable to obtain a<br />
visa for his trip to Turkey. We helped by issuing a visa assistance<br />
letter and even got the resort to send a letter to the embassy, but to<br />
no avail. In the end, I managed to speak to the Turkish embassy and<br />
convinced them to approve the visa for our member. It makes me happy<br />
to be able to serve our members and make a difference to their vacation.<br />
Habibah: Recently, a member called us for a resort reservation in Dubai. As it was<br />
the peak season, all units were fully booked. The member was at a loss as she had already<br />
booked her air tickets and would not be able to cancel her flight without incurring a charge.<br />
After much follow up and close monitoring, I finally managed to secure a unit for her and realise<br />
her dream vacation. It is truly a joy to be able to help our members utilise their membership.<br />
What do you enjoy most about your work in the CEA team?<br />
Faye: Overcoming challenging situations at work!<br />
Mehmet: I enjoy touching people’s lives with what I do and being part of their special moment. That is the best satisfaction ever.<br />
What is your vision for the CEA team? How do you see it developing?<br />
Ahe: I would like the CEA team to not only provide help to our members in terms of making reservations, but also to build long term<br />
relationships with them, understanding their unique needs and wants so as to serve them more intuitively, and to become a vital part of<br />
their travel experience.
Amala, our gourmet vegetarian restaurant at Prana Resorts &<br />
Spa, focuses on health inspired cuisine. Every few months, Chef<br />
Jonny comes up with a whole new menu to take advantage of<br />
seasonal ingredients or to introduce interesting new dishes<br />
guaranteed to tickle your palate and expand your appreciation<br />
of vegetarian cuisine. Now you can please your taste buds with<br />
the colourful Rice Paper Rolls stuffed with assorted vegetables;<br />
tangy Orange & Almond Torte served with icy sorbet and fruits;<br />
aromatic Seared Goat’s Cheese salad and lots more!<br />
If you are visiting Prana, do save space in your tummy to try as<br />
many new dishes as possible!<br />
New at<br />
Amala Restaurant<br />
Rice Paper Roll (makes 4 rolls)<br />
Ingredients<br />
4 sheets of Vietnamese rice paper<br />
8 asparagus spears<br />
3 tomatoes (peeled & deseeded,<br />
cut into 4 petals each)<br />
1 red pepper (roasted and skinned)<br />
1 yellow pepper (roasted and<br />
skinned)<br />
16 carrot ribbons<br />
16 cucumber ribbons<br />
400g bean shoots<br />
100g red cabbage (chopped)<br />
8 basil leaves<br />
16 coriander leaves<br />
8 dill leaves<br />
4 Sarawak long pepper (crushed)<br />
2 tsp Malden salt<br />
2 tsp crushed black peppercorns<br />
Red Pepper sauce<br />
1 red pepper (roasted and skinned)<br />
100ml soya oil<br />
20ml rice vinegar<br />
Malden salt<br />
Crushed black peppercorns<br />
Method<br />
Blend ingredients together till it<br />
forms a smooth sauce.<br />
Plum Ginger Sauce<br />
50g ginger (grate finely and<br />
squeeze to obtain ginger juice)<br />
250ml plum sauce<br />
Sesame oil<br />
Method<br />
Mix ingredients together.<br />
Sesame Salad<br />
Mixed lettuce<br />
16 carrot ribbons<br />
16 cucumber ribbons<br />
Black sesame seeds<br />
Method<br />
Mix ingredients together.<br />
Method<br />
1. Warm some water in a flat pan<br />
and remove from heat. Gently<br />
and carefully slide the rice<br />
paper through the warm water<br />
to soften the rice paper. Then<br />
lay the softened rice paper<br />
on a wet board or stainless<br />
steel table.<br />
2. Alternate the carrot and<br />
cucumber ribbons on the<br />
rice paper.<br />
3. Place 3 tomato petals in a line<br />
at the end of the rice paper<br />
nearest to you.<br />
4. Top with bean shoots, red<br />
cabbage, asparagus, red and<br />
yellow peppers, and herbs.<br />
5. Sprinkle with the long pepper,<br />
black pepper and salt.<br />
6. Moisten the rice paper with<br />
some plum sauce.<br />
7. Roll the ingredients up gently<br />
but tightly to form a rice<br />
paper roll.<br />
8. Trim the ends and slice into<br />
5 mini rolls.<br />
9. Place the rolls in a line on a<br />
plate. Make a thin line of red<br />
pepper sauce next to the rolls<br />
and sprinkle with some black<br />
sesame seeds.<br />
10. Garnish with salad and a small<br />
bowl or shot glass of the Plum<br />
Ginger sauce.<br />
11. Repeat the steps for the other<br />
3 sheets of rice paper.<br />
Tip: Long pepper can be purchased<br />
from your local spice shops.<br />
New Recipes<br />
Make time for an<br />
afternoon tea of colourful<br />
and easy to put together<br />
snacks. Let our Chef<br />
Jonny from Prana Resorts<br />
& Spa share with you two<br />
healthy vegetarian dishes<br />
which are simple to make<br />
and easily achievable! Try<br />
them and treat yourselves<br />
to some tea time delight.<br />
Greek Salad<br />
80g feta cheese (sliced)<br />
50g tomatoes (peeled)<br />
40g cucumber<br />
40g Kalamata olives<br />
20g red pepper<br />
20g yellow pepper<br />
1 tsp dried oregano<br />
5 leaves of basil (fried)<br />
30g red onions<br />
5g salad leaves<br />
5g rocket leaves<br />
5ml olive oil<br />
1 tsp balsamic syrup<br />
1g Malden salt<br />
1g black peppercorns<br />
1/2 lemon (juiced)<br />
Method<br />
1. Heat some oil in a fryer and fry<br />
the basil leaves until crispy.<br />
2. Cut all the vegetables into 1cm<br />
squares. Deseed the olives and<br />
cut them in halves (keep half<br />
an olive and a piece of tomato<br />
for garnish).<br />
3. Put all vegetables and olives<br />
in a bowl and season with<br />
salt, pepper, oregano and<br />
lemon juice.<br />
4. Add in the olive oil and<br />
balsamic syrup. Mix well.<br />
5. In a large bowl, place the<br />
lettuce leaves on one side<br />
and dress it with a little<br />
olive oil and season with salt<br />
and pepper.<br />
6. Spoon the vegetable mix into<br />
the bowl and place 2 slices of<br />
feta cheese on top.<br />
7. Top the feta with the half olive<br />
and tomato, diced small.<br />
8. Drizzle with olive oil, black<br />
peppercorns and top with the<br />
fried basil leaves.<br />
Destination 10
After water, tea is the second most consumed<br />
beverage in the world and has a long history, coupled<br />
with interesting facts, types, blends and preparation<br />
rituals. Tea has been in existence as a beverage for<br />
over 5,000 years and is native to most of Southeast<br />
Asia. In some countries, its importance is sealed<br />
in the country’s culture. China is the birthplace of<br />
tea, but India is the world’s largest producer of tea,<br />
averaging 850,000 tons of processed tea annually.<br />
Packed with antioxidants, this beverage of choice<br />
carries many health benefits too – like reducing<br />
cholesterol levels, improving cardiovascular health,<br />
and boosting immunity against common ailments<br />
like the cold.<br />
This drink can be enjoyed hot or cold, and prepared<br />
in any way that one prefers. So take a sip, while we<br />
delve into these facts about tea:<br />
Tea<br />
All tea is made from the same plant<br />
Black tea, green tea, white tea, red tea, oolong tea…<br />
some people have the misconception that these tea<br />
varieties are from different plants. These tea types are<br />
actually from the same plant – Camellia Sinensis.<br />
The only difference lies in the amount of oxidation<br />
and processes that the teas underwent.<br />
Break!<br />
Enjoy a cup of tea<br />
while you sit back<br />
and read all about<br />
this drink<br />
Viewing Gallery 11
The robust flavour and reddish colour of black tea makes it<br />
the most popular choice among tea drinkers. This tea variety<br />
undergoes an extensive fermentation process – crushed tea<br />
leaves are exposed to the air for a set amount of time until they<br />
are fully oxidized and dried.<br />
10% of the world’s tea production comprises of green tea, which<br />
is a milder brew with an appealing taste and green appearance.<br />
This variety of tea does not undergo any oxidation process, but<br />
simply withered before roasting or drying.<br />
Oolong tea is a cross between black and green tea, distinguishable<br />
by its taste and colour. Oolong leaves undergo a moderate<br />
fermentation process, where they are withered, partially<br />
fermented, then dried. This tea variety is recognised for its<br />
distinctive fruity flavor.<br />
The rarest tea variety, white tea, is made from young tea leaves that<br />
are picked before the buds have fully opened. The leaves are then<br />
steamed and dried, keeping them close to their natural state. This<br />
tea type emits a soft, delicate taste with light coloration.<br />
Tea processing<br />
After the leaves from Camellia Sinensis are plucked, they undergo<br />
processing into the dried leaves for brewing tea. The various tea<br />
varieties are distinguished by the level of oxidation and processing<br />
that they undergo. The following are some of the main processes:<br />
Withering - In this process, freshly harvested tea leaves are spread<br />
out onto tables or trays to dry. As moisture is removed, the leaves<br />
become soft, preparing them for rolling.<br />
Rolling - After withering, tea leaves are put through machines<br />
which break up the cells in the leaves. This releases tea leaf juices<br />
and enzymes before exposing them to the air to enhance oxidation.<br />
Oxidation - Also known as fermentation, this begins during the<br />
rolling process. The rolled leaves are spread out in a room with<br />
controlled temperature and humidity. Through oxidation, the<br />
leaves darken in colour, from green to reddish brown, then black.<br />
Firing - Tea leaves are fired (dried) through a slow heating process<br />
in a drying chamber. This stops the oxidation process before the<br />
leaves are prepared for storage.<br />
The natural chemicals in tea<br />
Tea leaves contain natural substances like caffeine, polyphenols<br />
and essential plant oils.<br />
Do You Know?<br />
You should warm your teapot before<br />
steeping your tea<br />
Tea experts advise against putting<br />
tea leaves into a cold teapot, as this<br />
prevents them from opening quickly<br />
and fully. Hence, the proper way to<br />
enjoy the full flavour of tea would<br />
be to “prep” your teapot. Here are<br />
the steps:<br />
1. Pour some boiling water into your<br />
teapot.<br />
2. Swirl the water around your teapot<br />
until it turns warm, then pour out<br />
the contents.<br />
3. Add your tea to the teapot.
Caffeine acts as a stimulant, polyphenols contribute to the tea’s<br />
anti-oxidant properties, and the oils give the tea its aroma.<br />
The level and impact of chemicals found in the various tea types<br />
are determined by the fermentation process that they undergo.<br />
Black tea is processed with a more complex fermentation process,<br />
which gives it its robust flavor and its concentrated caffeine<br />
content. Conversely, white tea undergoes minimal processing,<br />
thus resulting in preservation of its polyphenols. This is why the<br />
tea is favoured for its healing and protective properties. Green and<br />
oolong teas are partially fermented, thus featuring moderate levels<br />
of caffeine, aroma, and antioxidant properties.<br />
Tea drinking and its health benefits<br />
Many scientific researches and reports point to healthier statistics<br />
from tea-drinking.<br />
Scientific reports have shown that men in Asian countries who<br />
drink green tea have very low rates of contracting prostate cancer.<br />
Many prominent researchers believe that this could be attributed<br />
to the fact that green tea contains many powerful antioxidants<br />
and preventative anti-cancer agents.<br />
Recent Australian studies conducted by scientists found that the<br />
occurrence of skin cancer in laboratory mice was greatly reduced<br />
when they were given black tea. A possible reason for this is that<br />
polyphenols - the very strong antioxidants in tea - resulted in this.<br />
Studies in the Netherlands have shown that men who drink black<br />
tea (which contains catechins) are 50% less likely to die from<br />
ischemic heart disease. This disease is caused by clogged arteries<br />
which result in constriction of the heart.<br />
Other studies conducted have shown that drinking one to two<br />
cups of tea daily may promote fertility by stopping abnormalities<br />
in our chromosomes. In a recent test, 250 women who drank as<br />
little as half a cup of tea per day experienced pregnancy rates that<br />
were twice as high as those who did not.<br />
Home-made remedies<br />
Besides being a drink packed with health benefits, tea can be<br />
handy as a home-made remedy too.<br />
Don’t discard your tea bag after brewing your cup of tea! Keep<br />
them in the refrigerator for days when you suffer from puffy<br />
eyes. Place a moist teabag over both eyes and leave for about<br />
20 minutes. This mini eye-treatment works wonders to reduce<br />
the swelling.<br />
Tea can also be used to soothe minor burns and sunburn. Simply<br />
place wet tea bags onto the affected areas, or put some tea in<br />
the bathwater.<br />
To treat planter warts, leave a cooled black tea bag on the wart for<br />
15 minutes three times daily. The tannin in the black tea, which is<br />
acidic, is effective in shrinking the wart.<br />
Tea absorbs odours well and is a handy household deodorant.<br />
Remove odours from your refrigerator by keeping a bag of tea<br />
in it. Hate the fishy smell on your hand that lingers long after<br />
you’ve prepared fish for dinner? Pour some tea over your hands.<br />
The odour will miraculously disappear!<br />
Tea Trivia<br />
G The Camellia Sinensis tea plant can produce tea for 50<br />
years, and those grown in the wild can reach heights<br />
of over 30 feet!<br />
G A cup of black tea contains half the amount of caffeine<br />
found in a cup of coffee, and a cup of white tea<br />
contains the same amount of antioxidants as 10 cups<br />
of apple juice.<br />
G An experienced tea picker can collect around 70 pounds<br />
of tea each day - enough to make 14,000 cups.<br />
G Loose leaf tea can be kept for about a year if properly<br />
stored and sealed, and one pound of loose tea leaves<br />
can make about 200 cups.<br />
G The tea bag was invented in the early 20th century by<br />
a tea merchant named Thomas Sullivan.<br />
G To maintain the most health benefits, the recommended<br />
daily intake of tea is at least three cups.<br />
G It takes only 3 minutes of brewing time for the<br />
antioxidants in tea to be released in your cup.<br />
G Tea is categorized into 7 grades, according to leaf size.<br />
Whole leaf teas are of the highest quality, followed by<br />
broken leaves, fannings, and dusts.<br />
G Fannings are used in most tea bags.<br />
G Herbal tea is not from the leaves of the tea bush<br />
Camellia Sinensis. Such teas are known as ‘tisanes’ in<br />
the tea industry, simply meaning a herbal infusion of<br />
anything other than the leaves of the tea bush.<br />
G Despite its name, Orange Pekoe tea is neither<br />
orange-flavored, nor is it orange-coloured. In the tea<br />
industry, ‘Orange Pekoe’ refers to a basic, mediumgrade<br />
black tea comprising many whole tea leaves of<br />
a specific size.<br />
G Not all tea should be prepared with boiling water. If<br />
prepared with water of the wrong temperature, some<br />
tea would develop bitter flavours. Green and white tea<br />
should be prepared with boiled water that is cooled to<br />
between 65°C and 82°C (150°F to 180°F).<br />
Viewing Gallery 13
The<br />
biggest,<br />
most exciting event of the year -<br />
the convention<br />
that we’ve all been anticipating....<br />
– is right around the<br />
corner!<br />
Have you registered for V-Malaysia 2011 and<br />
booked your accommodations?<br />
Make your V-Malaysia 2011 experience<br />
even better this year by booking a hotel with<br />
Bonvo at extra special rates! Enjoy your time<br />
in Kuala Lumpur from 27-31 May 2011, as<br />
you experience the exhilaration and excitement<br />
of V-Malaysia at the Putra Indoor Stadium in<br />
Kuala Lumpur (National Sports Complex, Bukit Jalil).<br />
Make a group booking of<br />
a minimum of 40 rooms<br />
and get an exclusive<br />
group rate!<br />
Terms and conditions apply<br />
We’ve got a wide selection of wonderful hotels just for you!<br />
Hurry and make your reservations with Bonvo today!<br />
Location<br />
Approximate<br />
distance to<br />
Bukit Jalil<br />
Stadium<br />
Hotel<br />
Star rating<br />
Room category<br />
Cash<br />
Price in USD<br />
eCard/Credit Card<br />
Price in USD<br />
No. of<br />
eVouchers<br />
Per room/nt 6 nts Per room/nt 6 nts 6 nts<br />
Putrajaya<br />
10km<br />
Pullman<br />
Putrajaya<br />
5 Superior 70 420 72 432 7<br />
KL Sentral 15km Hotel Sentral 3 ROH 64 384 66 396 7<br />
KL City<br />
20km<br />
Citrus Kuala<br />
Lumpur Hotel<br />
3 ROH 56 336 58 348 6<br />
Extra Bed<br />
Star rating<br />
Cash<br />
Price in USD<br />
eCard/Credit Card<br />
Price in USD<br />
No. of<br />
eVouchers<br />
Per room/nt 6 nts Per room/nt 6 nts 6 nts<br />
Hotel Sentral 3 22 132 23 138 2<br />
Citrus Kuala<br />
Lumpur Hotel<br />
3 22 132 23 138 2<br />
For more information, kindly contact our friendly Travel Consultants:<br />
Mehdi • mehdi@bonvo.com • + 65 64910923<br />
Jerry • jerry.esleta@bonvo.com • + 65 64910881<br />
Destination 14<br />
Note:<br />
• All rates quoted are in US dollars and are inclusive of 10% service charge and 6% government tax.<br />
• All room rates quoted are inclusive of daily breakfast for up to 2 people.<br />
• Extra bed rates quoted are inclusive of daily breakfast.<br />
• Above rates do not include any form of transportation.<br />
• Rates are based on minimum stay of 6 nights from 26th May till 1st Jun 2011. Any additional night is subject to availability.<br />
• Please note that all rates are correct as of time of printing and are subject to change without prior notice.
Passport 16<br />
Vacationing in style<br />
in Sri Lanka<br />
XchangeWorld introduces a new level of vacation experience through the<br />
launch of the Exclusive Boutique Collection, a class of smaller, more intimate<br />
resorts that focuses on personalised service, exclusivity and privacy.<br />
Here, we take you on a tour of three gorgeous resorts in Sri Lanka.<br />
The River House<br />
Balapitiya<br />
Picturesquely ensconced in seven acres<br />
of carefully-tended tropical gardens is<br />
this very exclusive 5-room resort, close to<br />
the town of Balapitiya and 500m inland<br />
from the sea. The setting is peaceful and<br />
idyllic, on gently rolling grounds by the<br />
Madhu Ganga river that give you space to<br />
breathe, unwind, and immerse yourself in<br />
restorative tranquillity.<br />
The River House is the perfect escape for<br />
a romantic getaway, or for an anniversary<br />
celebration with family or friends for which<br />
you could book the whole resort. The main<br />
building houses the lounge, dining terrace,<br />
and four very spacious suites with their<br />
own plunge pools. Further down the hill<br />
beside the river is a very private, standalone<br />
villa which houses the fifth suite.<br />
Each suite has been designed with a<br />
different look; all are exquisite, and all<br />
come with enormous bathrooms.<br />
Space is the ultimate luxury here, which<br />
guests can appreciate in the high ceilings,<br />
sweeping verandahs and generouslysized<br />
rooms. The use of natural materials<br />
such as native wood and stone is evident<br />
throughout, blending beautifully with the<br />
wealth of vibrant flora outside. Graceful<br />
antiques and paintings, and vividlycoloured<br />
Indian bedspreads, tapestries,<br />
carpets and drapes light up the interiors<br />
with style and warmth.<br />
In a sun-dappled corner of the grounds<br />
lies the swimming pool, surrounded by<br />
rustling palms and flanked on one side by a<br />
pavilion with comfy loungers in which you<br />
can relax all day with a book and tall, cool<br />
drink. If you fancy a swim in the sea, the<br />
resort has its own private stretch of beach.<br />
The staff will be more than delighted to<br />
pack you a delectable picnic to enjoy on<br />
the warm sands.
The Park Street Hotel<br />
Colombo<br />
On a quiet tree-shaded street sheltered<br />
from the noise and bustle of Colombo<br />
is this beautifully-restored 250-year-old<br />
colonial bungalow, once the home of Sheik<br />
Salehbhoy Moosajee, an entrepreneur,<br />
and his second wife Begum Zarina, a<br />
flamboyant artist, and fashion and social<br />
icon of the time. It was she who oversaw<br />
the restoration of the building, preserving<br />
its elegant colonial ambience by gracing<br />
it with carefully chosen antiques and<br />
paintings, Dutch period furniture, and<br />
sparkling chandeliers.<br />
Set around the languid pool in the sunny,<br />
peaceful inner courtyard, are the brilliantly<br />
white, porticoed buildings housing<br />
two stunning suites, and ten stylishly<br />
contemporary rooms in a converted<br />
warehouse. Each spacious suite is fitted<br />
with all modern conveniences such as flat<br />
screen TV, DVD player, music system and<br />
Wi-Fi. Not that you’ll be spending much<br />
time in your room as the sparkling pool,<br />
sunlit verandahs and pretty gardens will<br />
surely beckon you outdoors.<br />
Although you’re right in the centre of a<br />
wealth of attractions, shopping and dining,<br />
you need not leave the resort for a good<br />
meal. The kitchen is helmed by a Chef with<br />
experience working in the Middle East<br />
and China, and the tantalizing menu of<br />
Mediterranean, Oriental and fusion dishes<br />
will leave your palate more than sated. The<br />
dining experience is enhanced by being<br />
able to choose your preferred meal times<br />
and location – in the main dining room,<br />
on the terrace under fragrant frangipani<br />
trees, by the pool, on the grassy lawn – the<br />
staff will gladly accede to your requests.<br />
Evenings bring on a new vibe as the sounds<br />
of smooth jazz create the perfect mood for<br />
sipping on sophisticated cocktails while<br />
watching the sunset colour the waters of<br />
the pool all shades of vermillion and gold.<br />
“the<br />
perfect<br />
escape<br />
for a<br />
getaway ”<br />
Passport 17
Passport 18<br />
Tamarind Hill<br />
Galle<br />
Tamarind Hill is a beautiful, sprawling<br />
manor set in three acres of exquisitely<br />
manicured grounds, just 4km from the<br />
historic town of Galle, a UNESCO<br />
World Heritage Site well known for its<br />
magnificent Dutch Fort and other edifices<br />
from its colonial past. The charm of<br />
this bygone era is clearly evident in this<br />
boutique hotel, which before its recent<br />
refurbishment and extension, was home to<br />
a British admiral and High Court judge in<br />
its illustrious past. It now consists of ten<br />
attractively designed rooms with private<br />
terraces, and two large and exquisitely<br />
furnished, second-level suites with grand<br />
balconies affording ocean views. The latter<br />
two can be joined to form one enormous<br />
suite for that ultra-luxurious holiday.<br />
Four-poster beds, writing desks, wardrobes<br />
and tables in dark native woods are offset<br />
by earth-toned fabrics and soft furnishings<br />
to create soothing interiors. Antiques,<br />
paintings and objets d’art abound, lending<br />
a welcoming residential air to this lovely<br />
property. Outside, huge glazed pots of<br />
palms line the verandahs that wrap around<br />
the buildings and bring focus to the central<br />
courtyard in which stands a Tamarind<br />
tree from which the resort takes its name.<br />
Stroll through the rich foliage of the<br />
tropical gardens down a gentle slope, and<br />
you’ll encounter the sparkling blue of the<br />
infinity-edged pool whose waters seem to<br />
merge into the river below.<br />
Relaxation is the order of the day, with<br />
numerous comfortable lounge areas<br />
throughout the hotel and grounds in which<br />
to hide away with a good book, have a cozy<br />
chat, or simply to contemplate the natural<br />
beauty around you. The warm but discreet<br />
staff will see to your needs, bringing you a<br />
refreshing iced tea just when you need it.<br />
As the afternoon stretches into dusk, make<br />
your way to the bar for a pick-me-up before<br />
adjourning to the restaurant where you<br />
can spend an absorbing evening deciding<br />
which of the various delectable inspired<br />
dishes you would like to try.<br />
For more details on the<br />
Exclusive Boutique Collection,<br />
visit www.xchangeworld.com<br />
call +65 6491 0900, or<br />
email customercare@qviclub.com.<br />
In India, call +91 22 2640 5850, or<br />
email customercare@vanamala-india.com
Bestowed with fringes of<br />
coastal areas that run over<br />
1,000 kilometres, Sri Lanka<br />
is a paradise for adventurers.<br />
You can surf waves that<br />
reach as high as two metres,<br />
scuba dive among a diverse<br />
marine eco-system or through<br />
the underwater graves of<br />
shipwrecks, snorkel in the clear<br />
blue waters, water-ski or<br />
wind-surf - the choices are<br />
unlimited for water sports fans.<br />
On The Runway 19
On The Runway 20<br />
Holidaymakers all over the world have<br />
recently discovered a sparkling emerald set in the indigo<br />
waters of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Blessed<br />
with natural beauty - over a thousand miles of pristine golden<br />
beaches with swaying palms that run around the perimeter of<br />
the island, a tropical climate with average mean temperature<br />
of 270C, and a rich history and cultural heritage - this gem is<br />
none other than Sri Lanka.<br />
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural<br />
society, with a population of more than 18 million. The main<br />
ethnic groups are Sinhalese and Tamils, both hailing from the<br />
Indian subcontinent. Moors, Malays and Burghers (descendants<br />
of the Portuguese and Dutch) make up the rest of the population.<br />
Buddhists make up the religious majority at close to 70%,<br />
followed by Hindus, Muslims and Christians.<br />
The hospitable and friendly nature of the Sri Lankans will make<br />
any visitor feel right at home. At 88%, the country’s literacy rate<br />
is one of the highest in Asia, with English being widely-spoken, so<br />
it is fairly easy for most tourists to get around.<br />
In recent years, Sri Lanka has become an increasingly popular<br />
holiday destination, offering everything from high-octane<br />
adventures, historical and cultural journeys, eco conservation<br />
activities, to sightseeing and wildlife explorations. Its tropical<br />
climate makes it a year-round destination for holidaymakers.<br />
November to April sees the driest season on the southwest coast<br />
and in the hills, where some of the best beaches and popular<br />
tourist attractions are located. The east coast experiences dry<br />
weather from May to September.<br />
Beach vacations<br />
What’s a summer holiday without a trip to the beach? Wellendowed<br />
with over a thousand miles of sandy beaches and a<br />
climate that is relatively mild for a beach vacation, any time is a<br />
good time to visit the many beaches of Sri Lanka.<br />
Arugam Bay, on the southeast coast, rated one of the top 10 surf<br />
points in the world by the international surfing community and<br />
touted as the 4 th best in Southeast Asia, sees its peak surfing season<br />
from May to September. Seasoned surfers from around the world<br />
flock to this bay to ride on waves that reach as high as two metres,<br />
offering a 400 metre long ride.<br />
The resort area of Bentota, with its tranquil waters and idyllic<br />
beaches, won a spot on Forbes Magazine’s list of Best Beaches in<br />
Asia 2010. Many places in Bentota offer a myriad of water sports<br />
such as water skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and wind surfing.<br />
The less adventurous can swim, take a leisurely stroll on the beach,<br />
or unwind and relax with spa treatments widely available at the<br />
resorts. The area is also home to many restaurants and bars, with a<br />
variety of culinary choices to indulge the most discerning palates.<br />
On the southwest beaches, marine turtles come ashore in<br />
the night to lay their eggs before heading back to the sea. In<br />
on-going efforts to conserve the sea turtle population, several<br />
private turtle hatcheries have been set up along the coast, with<br />
the most renowned being Kosgoda, located a little to the south of<br />
Bentota. Many tourists have visited these turtle hatcheries to do<br />
their part in conserving this endangered species by releasing baby<br />
sea turtles into the sea.<br />
The relatively untouched eastern beaches of Pasikuda and Kalkuda<br />
are up and coming international hotspots, coveted for their ivory<br />
sands, calm waters, and sheer beauty.<br />
A rich and colourful past<br />
Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage that dates back more than<br />
2000 years, influenced by centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and<br />
colonial rule.<br />
Six archaeological sites in the country have been named UNESCO<br />
World Heritage sites – the sacred cities of Anuradhapura and<br />
Kandy, the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, the<br />
golden temple of Dambulla, and the old town of Galle and its<br />
fortifications. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka has also<br />
been given this recognition as an ecological world heritage site.
On The Runway 21<br />
The hospitable and friendly nature of<br />
the Sri Lankans will make any visitor<br />
feel right at home.<br />
An area called the Cultural Triangle is home to several world<br />
heritage sites. Tread through dagobas (dome-shaped structures)<br />
and remains of ancient buildings in the ruined cities of<br />
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Admire the beautiful stairway<br />
to the temple at Dambulla and the sensual murals of heavenly<br />
maidens at the palace at the rock of Sigiriya.<br />
Kandy, the former royal capital, resides in the tranquil hill country.<br />
It is popular amongst visitors as it is home to the sacred tooth<br />
relic of the Buddha, which is housed at the Dalada Maligawa<br />
(Sacred Temple of the Tooth). For the cultural explorer, Kandy’s<br />
architecture, music and art beckon with their distinctive charm.<br />
Head south to Galle to experience the country’s colonial heritage.<br />
This was Sri Lanka’s main port and a Dutch fort in the 17th<br />
century. With a grid system of streets, original Dutch bungalows<br />
and 14 massive bastions, a tour of this area leaves an everlasting<br />
impression unique only to this country.<br />
Go Wild<br />
Sri Lanka is home to over 90 species of mammals, more than<br />
440 bird species, over 240 butterfly and 117 dragonfly species,<br />
190 reptile species, 102 amphibian species, 107 fish species, and<br />
over 3000 species of flowering plants! This diversity makes it a<br />
wonderland for wildlife appreciation.<br />
The best places to get up close and personal to nature are the<br />
Yala National Park – Sri Lanka’s largest national park; Corbett’s<br />
Gap – a large forested split in the Kandy hills; and the Knuckles<br />
Mountain range – an awe-inspiring natural landscape that houses<br />
a unique ecosystem.<br />
Sinharaja Forest Reserve, one of the last remaining rainforests<br />
of Sri Lanka, is home to endemic wildlife, especially birds. Over<br />
50% of Sri Lanka’s species of mammals and butterflies, insects,<br />
reptiles and rare amphibians are native to this region, while more<br />
than 60% of the trees are endemic , including many rare varieties.<br />
A kaleidoscope of adventures<br />
Bestowed with fringes of coastal areas that run over 1,000<br />
kilometres, Sri Lanka is a paradise for adventurers. You can surf<br />
waves that reach as high as two metres, scuba dive among a<br />
diverse marine eco-system or through the underwater graves of<br />
shipwrecks, snorkel in the clear blue waters, water-ski or windsurf<br />
- the choices are unlimited for water sports fans. Prime<br />
sites are situated in the Negombo region on the west coast;<br />
Wadduwa, Kalutara and Beruwela on the south-western coast;<br />
and Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Tangalle<br />
and Hambantota on the southern and south-eastern coasts.<br />
Water sports providers are run by local and foreign professionals<br />
(including PADI-qualified instructors), who also provide rental of<br />
state-of-the-art equipment.<br />
Sri Lanka has more than a hundred rivers, lagoons and irrigation<br />
lakes, so there are abundant opportunities for year-round<br />
kayaking and canoeing, best combined with a camping trip. The<br />
Kalu Ganga and the Kelani Ganga rivers are prime spots for these<br />
activities. The fast headwaters and rapids of the Kelani Ganga also<br />
offer numerous challenges for white-water rafting.<br />
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace of adventures, varied<br />
landscape, wildlife reserves, and archaeological sites offer excellent<br />
opportunities for trekking. The Sinharaja rainforest, cloud-forests<br />
of Horton Plains, Knuckles mountain range, and Hakgala Strict<br />
Natural Reserve are popular trekking routes for nature lovers.<br />
With so much to offer, Sri Lanka has captivated the hearts of<br />
many who have stepped foot on it. So go on, make a date with<br />
this enchanting land for your next vacation!<br />
The Exclusive Boutique Collection - XchangeWorld’s new premium<br />
category - offers three gorgeous Sri Lankan resorts perfect for a<br />
pampering getaway. Check them out at www.xchangeworld.com.
Travel Guide 22<br />
Summer<br />
travel<br />
tips<br />
With schools winding down soon for vacation, summer is the perfect<br />
season for some family get-together and bonding. Travelling in summer provides<br />
the best opportunity to take advantage of longer daylight hours in many temperate<br />
countries, and the later closing times for many shops, restaurants and attractions.<br />
Summer travel also means it would be a peak season, so make sure you are well<br />
prepared in order to enjoy yourselves fully. Here are some nifty tips we have<br />
compiled to help you through your summertime adventure!
Book ahead<br />
As summer is the peak season in many countries, be sure to book ahead to ensure you get the<br />
best deals for hotels, air fares or even tourist attractions. You’ll also be able to secure preferred<br />
seats on airlines, hotel room types of your choice, or even tickets to popular performances and<br />
stage shows that sell out quickly.<br />
Arrive early<br />
Airports are usually very packed during the summer season. Try to arrive at the airport earlier,<br />
before the majority of the travellers get there. Shorter queues for eateries, bathrooms, check-in<br />
etc, means beating the long lines and keeping you in a lighter mood.<br />
Be vigilant<br />
Remember to always keep an eye on your personal belongings. As the airport, shopping centre<br />
or tourist areas get more crowded, it also increases the chance of petty theft. Be sure to hold<br />
on to your baggage at all times or at least keep watch over it. Avoid putting wallets and money<br />
in your trouser pockets or jacket pockets as they are prime targets for skilled pickpockets. Use<br />
a traveller’s pouch that can be slung around your neck and worn under your clothes. If you’re<br />
carrying a sling bag, have it slung across your chest, with the opening flaps or zippers turned<br />
toward your body to prevent access by thieves.<br />
Stay informed<br />
Be updated on the latest flight regulations, visa requirements of the country you are travelling to,<br />
and customs restrictions. Being stopped by the authorities for something unintended could be<br />
a frustrating and time-consuming experience. The tourism authority websites of most countries<br />
will have a lot of useful information.<br />
Pack light<br />
Summer holidays call for a pair of surf shorts, flip-flops, straw bags and tee shirts! Temperatures<br />
during this season could soar up to 45°C, depending on where you travel to. Other than the<br />
casual outfits, remember to pack along some semi-casual attire such as slacks, dresses or polo<br />
tee shirts. You never know when you might need it for a dinner in a restaurant or visiting an<br />
attraction (museums, temples etc) that requires you to be more formally dressed or covered up.<br />
Certain conservative countries frown on women in shorts, spaghetti-strapped tops, and clothing<br />
that bares a lot of skin, so do check ahead on such religious taboos, and pack accordingly.<br />
Bringing along a light shawl or scarf is always useful.<br />
Protection is important!<br />
A good sunscreen is vital to protect you against the harsh ultra-violet rays during summer, and<br />
to prevent sunburns that can easily happen when you don’t realise how many hours you’ve spent<br />
walking around outdoors sightseeing. Don’t forget to pack your cap and sunglasses as well! Face<br />
mist and wet wipes come in handy in dry and warm climates to hydrate and freshen up.<br />
Make use of technology<br />
Online check-in is the best way to confirm your flight. Most airlines allow you to do that up to<br />
24 hours before the flight time. You can select your seat, print out your boarding pass or even<br />
have it sent to your mobile device while on the go. Not only does it guarantee you your seat, it<br />
also gives you more time for last minute shopping!<br />
Now that you’re well-armed with all these handy tips, get ready and<br />
start booking your next trip!<br />
Travel Guide 23
Holiday Stories<br />
In this issue,<br />
Navigator speaks to<br />
V Council member,<br />
Perminderjit Singh,<br />
and asks him to share<br />
with us his travel<br />
experiences.<br />
TRANSIT<br />
LOUNGE<br />
/24<br />
Tell us about your most memorable holiday experience. My most<br />
unforgettable vacation was my stay at Prana Resorts & Spa in Koh Samui,<br />
Thailand. I stayed in the Prana Suite which has its own private pool,<br />
private sun-deck and an amazing view of the sea.<br />
How about your worst holiday experience? The worst holiday experience I<br />
had was when I fell sick in Dubai, on my way home… I threw up 5 times in<br />
the Dubai International Airport!<br />
What do you like to do most when on vacation? Relaxing is a top priority;<br />
it gives me the chance to think calmly.<br />
What are your favourite destinations? Any big city with huge shopping<br />
malls and good food.<br />
Amongst all the countries you’ve visited, which one has left the deepest<br />
impression on you? That would have to be Indonesia and Uganda.<br />
Travelling to Indonesia was a heart-warming experience full of love and<br />
joy. And Uganda…. that was my African business adventure!<br />
Name 3 essential items you can’t live without on your vacation. My<br />
BlackBerry phone, Communicator phone and a local SIM card.<br />
What do you<br />
think makes a<br />
perfect holiday?<br />
Being able to<br />
enjoy myself,<br />
without having<br />
to worry about<br />
anything.<br />
What was your experience like at the last V-Malaysia you attended? It<br />
was lovely! I was the Head of Department for the V-Kids and the whole<br />
experience was so exciting! It was an amazing event.<br />
What would you like to share with people who are attending this year’s<br />
V-Malaysia? Come with an open mind and be prepared to enjoy yourselves<br />
thoroughly! Apply what you’ve learned from the conference to your<br />
business. Because you can, and you should, become a multi-millionaire!
From the Galley 25<br />
Summer is here! Fix up a nice refreshing drink to cool down your day.<br />
What better alternative than an icy black tea brew? Black tea is well known for<br />
its health benefits as a virus fighter, cholesterol detoxifier and fat buster.<br />
Prana Resorts & Spa has come up with two black tea-based summer drinks,<br />
with zesty, fruity flavours that are sure to go down a treat!<br />
Tamarind Kiwi Iced Tea<br />
Ingredients<br />
110 ml strong black tea<br />
55 ml tamarind juice<br />
2 slices fresh kiwi<br />
2 tbsp brown sugar<br />
Method<br />
1. Make 110 ml of hot tea with your favourite flavour<br />
of black tea. Common black tea varieties are Assam,<br />
Ceylon, Earl Grey, English Breakfast Tea and Darjeeling.<br />
2. Combine tamarind juice, fresh kiwi and brown sugar in<br />
a blender.<br />
3. Add in the tea, some ice and blend ingredients together.<br />
4. Garnish with a slice of kiwi. Serve chilled.<br />
Do you know?<br />
Not only does tamarind have culinary uses, you can also<br />
turn it into a natural brass and copper polish. Take a slab of<br />
tamarind, sprinkle some salt on it, wet it and rub it directly<br />
on the object to be polished.<br />
Beetroot Mango Iced Tea Smoothie<br />
Ingredients<br />
110ml strong black tea<br />
100gm beetroot<br />
2 slices mango<br />
85 ml mango juice<br />
2 tbsp honey<br />
Method<br />
1. Make 110 ml of hot tea with your favourite<br />
flavour of black tea. Common black tea varieties<br />
are Assam, Ceylon, Earl Grey, English Breakfast<br />
Tea and Darjeeling.<br />
2. Combine beetroot, mango, mango juice and<br />
honey in a blender.<br />
3. Add in the tea, some ice and blend ingredients<br />
together.<br />
4. Garnish with beetroot and mango. Serve chilled.
Introducing a new level of vacation experience<br />
The Exclusive Boutique Collection, a class of smaller, more intimate resorts<br />
that focuses on personalised service, exclusivity and privacy.<br />
For more details on the Exclusive Boutique Collection, visit www.xchangeworld.com, call +65 6491 0900, or email customercare@qviclub.com<br />
In India, call +91 22 2640 5850, or email customercare@vanamala-india.com