Harking back

Savour Japanese craftsmanship at Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

The latest addition to Kyoto’s hotel scene, the Ritz-Carlton pays homage to the ancient capital of Japan with its tatami suites and a zen garden built within the grounds. Many of the hotel’s soft furnishings were also sourced from local artisans and the hotel provides tours to these studios should you be interested in purchasing them. For those who want complete cultural immersion, there are free origami lessons on site as well as kimono, wagashi (Japanese sweet) and samurai experiences you can sign up for.

Seek nourishment from China’s ancient beauties at Four Seasons Singapore

As part of Jiang-Nan Chun’s annual Food in Literature series, this year’s menu finds inspiration in Chinese history’s renowned Four Beauties of Yang Gui Fei, Diao Chan, Xi Shi and Wang Zhaojun. Each dish is specially created with the stories of each of these ladies in mind — including a double-boiled soup using lychees (Yang was known for her obsession with the fruit) and pipa chicken (Wang played the pipa). And yes, all the offerings in this five-course menu contain ingredients such as orchid root and morel mushroom — known for their fortifying and beautifying properties. The Four Beauties menu is available till Jan 31.

Restore your senses with herbs at Movenpick Resort Laem Yai Beach

Located in Koh Samui, this newly opened hotel (formerly the highly rated Passage Boutique Resort) boasts a herbal spa. At Chaba, guests can look forward to treatments that combine traditional Asian herbal medicine with massage such as Royal Thai Silk Mask and Thai Herb Purifying Facial.