Aman debuts first Janu Tokyo; Deliveroo 100 Report for 2023; Sa Sa is back in Singapore
All the lifestyle news you need to know this week in Singapore.
New Things On The Block covers all the latest lifestyle news you need to know at the tip of your fingers.
Aman to debut Janu Tokyo in March 2024
Janu – meaning ‘soul’ in Sanskrit – marks an energising new era for hospitality with the opening of Janu Tokyo in March 2024. The highly anticipated sibling to the renowned Aman, Janu’s unveiling is the first in a 12-strong global pipeline of projects across city, country, and coastal destinations. Reservations can now be made for first access to Janu Tokyo in March.
A fitting flagship, Janu Tokyo is connected to the vibrant heart of Azabudai Hills – a city within a city, abundant in nature, culture and art – created and managed by Japan’s leading developer Mori Building Co. Ltd. A progressive new neighbourhood by architectural visionaries, Azabudai Hills features Japan’s tallest skyscraper and 24,000 sqm of lush green space designed by Thomas Heatherwick, alongside offices, residences, educational institutions, galleries and over 150 luxury retail and dining outlets including a world-class Japanese speciality food market.
The only hotel within the development – located in the Residence A Tower designed by esteemed architects, Pelli Clarke & Partners – Janu Tokyo introduces 122 light-filled rooms and suites, eight dining venues, two boutiques and a 4,000 sqm state-of-the-art Wellness Centre.
The hotel is also home to two Japanese restaurants. The first, Iigura, reinterprets the centuries old tradition of Edomae sushi in an intimate setting, offering a choice of exquisite à la carte sashimi and small plates, or omakase dining at the Hinoki wood counter. The second, Sumi, serves as a modern interpretation of the traditional sumibiyaki grill, with organic seasonal ingredients cooked over charcoal and paired with premium wine and sake.
Completing the restaurant repertoire are the Janu Grill, with its spectacular show kitchen, two large wine cellars, bar and counter-style seating, and Hu Jing, where guests can savour Cantonese signatures such as roast duck, contemporary dim sum and seafood specialties. Finally, in the Janu Lounge and on the Garden Terrace, afternoon tea and light snacks are served in a serene setting, while the Janu Bar presents an exclusive destination for inspired craft cocktails prepared by top tier mixologists.
Janu Tokyo hotel reservations are now open with stays commencing in March 2024. Nightly rates start from US$944 inclusive of taxes and service charges.
TIA Wellness invites you to their Body & Mind Cleanse wellness programme
Vietnamese beachfront escape, TIA Wellness Resort, is embracing nourishing raw food cuisine, detox therapies, and holistic well-being practices from sound healing to private yoga sessions in its new retreat package “Body & Mind Cleanse” launching this month.
The four-night or seven-night offering draws from different healing modalities so guests can detox and release toxins from the body, while also improving vitality through letting go of what’s holding them back on a mental level.
A key element of the new package is intermittent fasting, a practice where all the food consumed in a day is eaten during an eight-hour window. Giving the digestive system 16 hours of rest in a 24-hour cycle is associated with improved digestive health and overall well-being.
While the schedule varies each day, with new practices and treatments, a typical day on the program starts with a private yoga lesson at 7am to activate oxygen flow and heat in the body. This is followed by a treatment in the wellness center, such as a Lymphatic Detox session, Bamboo Rollout treatment, or Heart Stone Therapy. A private breathwork session, one of the most powerful yet easily accessible practices and a core of TIA’s overall offering, rounds out the morning before an 11am breakfast of a smoothie bowl, such as the Sunrise Smoothie Bowl, a refreshing blend of papaya, orange, mango, turmeric, banana, chia seeds, almonds, and coconut flakes.
The Body & Mind Cleanse is available year-round. Prices start at US$2,694++ per person for the four-night stay and US$4,221++ for the seven-night option. For more information, visit: https://tiawellnessresort.com/en/private-retreats
Prada presents Pradasphere II in Shanghai
Visiting Shanghai soon? Prada presents Pradasphere II, a public exhibition tracing the history and culture of Prada from its origins in 1913 to the present day, at the Start Museum in Shanghai, China. Told through a selection of stories curated by co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the exhibition is as rich as it is intimate. More than 400 artifacts — physical and digital — are on display, drawn from the fashion archive as well as decades-long engagements across art, architecture, culture, and sport. Building on the success of the first iteration in 2014, this exhibition follows the groundbreaking trajectory of Prada, exploring the indelible impact of its vision on luxury, beauty, and fashion as an intellectual act.
Staged as a lush magazzino, the Italian word for warehouse, Pradasphere II is a cross-section of the multivalent Prada universe. Created in collaboration with 2x4, the New York City and Beijing-based design studio, the exhibition juxtaposes the rough and refined: constructed of industrial warehouse shelving lined with precious pink silk velvet. Together, the exhibition puts forward a way of thinking about luxury: fashion intersects with life — history, art, sport, architecture, and sound.
Not a spectacle, but an in-depth experience of astonishing variety, the exhibition depicts Prada through accumulation, close looking, and hospitality. Diverse elements reveal the themes and ideas core to Prada. Some explore deep craft and skilled making, others reveal the manifold aesthetic contradictions at the heart of the brand, while others explore Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’s ongoing quest to challenge traditional notions of luxury. Sharing new perspectives on 110 years of history, the exhibition grants unparalleled, firsthand access into the brand’s past, present, and future.
Pradasphere II is free and open to the public from 7 December to 21 January 2024 at the Start Museum, 111 Ruining Road, Xuhui District.
For the wrist: the Bulgari Aluminium x Gran Turismo Special Edition
At the Gran Turismo World Series Finals in Barcelona, Bulgari made not one but two spectacular reveals. For the wrist: the Bulgari Aluminium x Gran Turismo Special Edition, a stunning collaboration that reinterprets the iconic watch with the dynamic dimension of the gaming phenomenon. For the racetrack: the all-new Bulgari Aluminium Vision GT concept car in full scale, a spectacular hypercar designed for racing in the Gran Turismo game.
Marking a first since the collection's relaunch in 2020, the Bulgari Aluminium moreover pays homage to speed with an integrated tachymetric scale. Designed, developed, and built by Bulgari's integrated Manufacture, its engine, the automatic Calibre B381 with chronograph, is perfect for timing thrilling races.
Shop on Bulgari Shop Bulgari on Vestiaire Collective
Nars opens a new free-standing boutique at Bugis Junction
Nars Cosmetics opened its third free-standing boutique in Singapore, located in Bugis Junction on 5 December. The 42-square-meter boutique features sharp lines with a luxuriously sleek design by Founder and Creative Director François Nars in collaboration with Fabien Baron of New York design firm Baron & Baron.
Boasting an innovative and immersive concept, the boutique seamlessly merges a bold and inclusive atmosphere and stands as an expressive reflection of the diverse tastes and independent spirit of the Nars consumer. The storefront includes striking media with content directed by Mr. Nars and modern amenities including exclusive customization options.
New in-store and online are the ten new shades for the PowerMatte Lip Pencils which are so creamy, you could even wear them alone.
Beauty retailer Sa Sa returns to Singapore, opens at Jurong Point
Sa Sa's newest contemporary retail space at Jurong Point spans an expansive 882.64 square feet, seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with practical functionality to offer a world-class shopping experience for beauty aficionados. Sa Sa is set to unveil an enticing array of exclusive beauty products in Singapore, cementing its status as the ultimate destination for beauty enthusiasts.
Committed to presenting a thoughtfully curated selection of both locally grown and new-to-market products, customers can anticipate cult favourite brands like Suisse Programme, Cyber Colours, Collistar and Tous Fragrance. The brand also remains resolute in staying attuned to the latest beauty trends, as exemplified by the introduction of Suiskin, a renowned Korean skincare line celebrated for its excellence in the beauty industry.
In addition to its in-store initiatives, Sa Sa is actively expanding its online presence to reach a broader customer base. Fans can explore the brand’s extensive product range, access product information, and conveniently purchase through e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Lazada.
Shop Sa Sa's 12.12 sale on Shopee now
The Kettle Gourmet launches Christmas packs
The Kettle Gourmet's mixed box of corn sticks (Original, Cheese, and BBQ Chicken flavours) and popcorn with iconic local flavours (think Nasi Lemak, Chill Crab, Pulut Hitam, and more) now comes in massive Christmas-designed packs that are perfect for sharing during gatherings or even gifting.
Fun designs aside, it's genuinely a crowd-please and one of the best snacks to have at home.
Christmas Mini Pack Popcorn Bundles 1 Box - 5 Boxes (Assortment of 8 Packs x 30g)
YUMI Christmas Gift Box [Bundle of 4 POP Boxes x 20 sticks] (1 Gift Box / 5 Gift Boxes)
Food delivery company Deliveroo unveils its Top 100 dishes
It's that time of the year again when food delivery company Deliveroo looks back at the top 100 trending dishes across ten market platforms around the world. The Deliveroo 100 Report for 2023 reveals a new global takeaway food trend for 2023: mix-and-match bowl food. Full of colourful, fresh, healthy ingredients, this trend proves a firm favourite across seven different countries, making up 40% of the global top ten list and a fifth (20%) of the top 100 global list.
In the context of Singapore's dynamic culinary landscape, a notable trend that underscores customers' need for personalization is exemplified prominently by The Daily Cut's Build Your Bowl, which claims the prime position in Singapore.
Here’s a taster of this year’s top ten trending dishes on Deliveroo around the world:
1. 墨丸腩肉米線 (Mixian (noodle soup) with Cuttlefish Ball and Pork Belly) from TamJai Yunnan
Mixian, Hong Kong
2. Linguine Carbonara à la Parisienne (Linguine Carbonara, Parisian Style) from Livio Più, Paris,
France
3. Build Your Own Poké Bowl from Poké Shack, London, UK
4. Gran Crispy McBacon from McDonald's, Milan, Italy
5. Original (Burger), from SALT, Dubai, UAE
6. Burrito Bowl from Boojum, Dublin, Ireland
7. Salmon Style Poké Bowl from Hawaiian Poké Bowl, Ghent, Belgium
8. Build Your Salad Bowl from atis, London, UK
9. Sausage McMuffin with Egg Combo for 1, from McDonald's, Hong Kong
10. Burrito from Fresh Mex, Aberdeen, UK
Order your favourite Deliveroo meal today!
The Soup Restaurant’s 7-course Family Celebration is available online and for takeaways
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Soup Restaurant’s homemade dishes curated to warm not just the stomach but familial ties as well. Its 7-course Family Celebration Meal (S$148nett, U.P S$222.80) comprises seven courses of delicious nourishment. Perfect to be shared among five people, the 7-course Family Celebration Meal includes Crab Meat Fish Maw Soup, Samsui Ginger Chicken, Honey Truffle Pork Chop, Teochew Olive Rice, Claypot Tofu, Seasonal Vegetables and Dessert of the Day.
Now, Soup Restaurant is offering an additional 30% off any order of its five best dishes from 2023 below, with a minimum spend of S$150 from now till 10 Jan 2024:
· Hometown Fried Fish Belly
· Hometown Tofu
· French Beans with Minced Pork
· Traditional Boiled Soup of the Day
· Stewed Chicken Breast with Roasted Pork and Tofu
Available exclusively online for delivery & takeaway from now till 10 Jan 2024. Please order here.
Visit Origin + Bloom at Marina Bay Sands – A new dining experience
Your favourite patisserie Origin + Bloom treats await at the newly opened 22-seater café at Hotel Tower 2. Sit down to a leisurely lunch over mouth-watering gourmet sandwiches or catch up with a friend over the café’s signature brews, fresh bakes, and artisanal desserts. In line with the festive season, the cafe also offers Taste the season's best with Christmas hampers and handcrafted sweet treats such as Christmas Merry-Go-Round, Whimsical Gingerbread Cottage and Shooting Star made for sharing at your holiday table.
And while you are there, be sure to check out the ongoing Mars: The Red Mirror, Future World, and New Eden at the ArtScience Museum.
Origin + Bloom is at Marina Bay Sands, Hotel Tower 2, and opens 7am – 6pm daily.
The One-Gulp Quick-Fix bestselling Solmack 5 from Japan is finally here in Singapore
Get rid of that unpleasant afterparty bloated feeling in your belly with the bestselling Made in Japan Taiho Farma’s Solmack 5. Solmack 5 by TAIHO Pharma from Japan – a Health Science Authority-classified digestive elixir combines the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, licorice, ginseng, and clove oil to banish bloating, and boost digestion. What's more, it helps improve alcohol metabolism to kick hangover nausea to the curb. There’s more, Solmack 5 works to aid and protect digestive health and combats symptoms after heavy food or alcohol consumption. Backed by 3 years of research and development by Taiho’s team of scientists and researchers, the iconic Solmack5 has already sold 16 million bottles in Japan since 2015 and is launching here in Singapore for the first time.
Solmack 5 is currently available at Lazada and Shopee.
Glico brings you on a nostalgic journey with your favourite childhood snacks and more
Most of us probably grew up with Glico snacks which added to our happy childhood memories. At least I did, watching the cheery Japanese ads with pretty Japanese models smiling and tucking into the delish Glico Pocky and Collon. A few decades on, Glico is still standing strong with an even wider array of tidbits and flavours that are as tasty as ever. Looking for Christmas gifts or party ideas? Build your own Glico hamper with a trip to FairPrice or trusty online retailer Lazada.
Cleaner Hydration & Purification with AmGlow’s Water Filtration System Contour 7
It's still not too late to jump on the purified water trend. Filtered water ensures clean, safe, and convenient hydration, and reduces the reliance on outdated heating systems. Traditionally, people have been using kettles to boil water. But why settle for an ordinary home experience when you can upgrade to an extraordinary home experience with AmGlow’s water filtration system? AmGlow’s Contour 7 Home Water Dispenser dispenses water at 5 different temperature ranges, and takes away the hassle of using a kettle to boil drinking water. Featuring a sleek design with minimal tabletop space required, it makes for a perfect gift for close family and friends.
Contour 7 is designed for home use, with the ability to dispense hot, chilled, and ambient temperature water. Retailing at S$1890, it is one of the cheaper options currently on the market, suitable for homeowners looking for their first water dispensing system.
Some key features of the Contour 7 include:
· ECO mode: Automatically activated to promote energy saving
· Hot Temp: 45, 60, 70, 85, 100 degree Celsius
· The faucet is made of 100% galvanized stainless steel, with total insulation when taking hot water
· Requires minimal tabletop space, the machine is concealed below the tabletop
· Able to accommodate both tall bottles and standard glasses.
· German heating & cooling technology
· Faucet designed by Italian designers
Get the Amglow Contour 7 or the AmGlow Touchscreen Hot & Cold Tabletop Dispenser from Lazada.
Geneco's 'Magic of Hope' Pops Up On Christmas On A Great Street
From 7 to 17 December, Geneco, the local electricity retailer recognised for its commitment to sustainability efforts, brings you the 40th Christmas On A Great Street celebration organised by Orchard Road Business Association. With the intention to rally community support and to give second chances to ex-inmates in life, “The Magic of Hope” campaign showcases its Inspirational Quote of Hope, where visitors can vote for their favourite quotes at the pop-up store, and walk away with a complimentary bag of exclusive Geneco X Yellow Ribbon Red Velvet & Almonds cookies across two weekends: 9 to 10, and 16 to 17 December 2023.
Over 3,000 bags of specially crafted Red Velvet & Almonds cookies produced exclusively for this collaboration have been thoughtfully researched and developed, and are being meticulously handcrafted by inmates, providing them with valuable skills as they work towards their successful reintegration into society. With each sale seen as an act of encouragement that reaffirms their worth, this experience will further bolster their confidence, and aid in their paths towards a brighter future.
Here's what you can expect:
Between December 7th and 17th, join Geneco at our first ever net zero pop-up café along Orchard Road to further raise funds with Huggs Coffee, and receive freebies when you vote for your favourite Inspirational Quote of Hope.
Through engaging celebrities like Joakim Gomez and Kelly Latimer to voice the Inspirational Quotes of Hope and ex-offenders-turned-TikTok stars, Simon Khung and Luke Chan to show their support at the pop-up café, Geneco hopes to rally the public and encourage further sharing to amplify the message of the campaign.
Visitors will find a delightful array of festive treats and coffee at the pop-up store. With every purchase made, a portion goes directly toward supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration efforts of inmates and ex-offenders.
These Inspirational Quotes of Hope will be readily accessible to the public for voting and sharing on Geneco's dedicated campaign site, www.themagicofhope.sg. After every vote, their quote of choice can also be downloaded and sent to their friends and families. Five lucky voters stand a chance to win $100 worth of eCapitaVouchers each.
Geneco's first-ever net zero pop-up café is along the Orchard Road shopping belt outside Orchard ION and will be open from 10am to 10pm.