The Luxe Lens

  Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Raffles Makati are coming together for a special two-part bar takeover series, ‘Philippines to Cambodia x Cambodia to Philippines’. The exclusive events are being held in collaboration with Maison Ferrand, Moonshine Cambodia, Citadelle and Planteray. On July 18, Kristian Torres, head bartender at the legendary Long Bar at Raffles Makati, will take over Siem Reap’s iconic Elephant Bar at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Renowned for his technical precision and narrative-driven cocktails, Torres will reimagine classic drinks using vibrant Filipino flavours and Philippine-inspired ingredients. The exchange continues on Aug. 14 in Manila, where the Elephant Bar team will take over Long Bar at Raffles Makati. Leading the evening is Nisha, the dedicated Raffles Gin Butler at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor whose deep expertise in gin, creative mixology and passion for Cambodian heritage have earned her national recognition, including a finalist placement in t...

 Every remarkable chocolate begins with a story of Cacao. This July, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur invites guests to discover that story through The Journey of Malaysian Cacao, an exclusive five course pairing experience presented at Cacao Mixology & Chocolate. The evening explores Malaysian cacao beyond its familiar form, revealing the ingredient through contemporary pastry, thoughtfully curated wines and signature cocktails. While Malaysia has long been recognised for producing exceptional cacao, its story remains largely untold. Grown across regions including Sabah, Sarawak and Pahang, Malaysian cacao reflects the country’s diverse landscapes and growing craftsmanship. The Journey of Malaysian Cacao brings these origins into focus, celebrating one of the nation’s finest ingredients through an immersive dining experience that places cacao at the centre of every course. Guided by Executive Pastry Chef Holger Deh and the culinary team at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, the experience unfold...

 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a rich and varied programme of immersive experiences throughout 2026. The milestone honours a timeless heritage while embracing the future, reflecting the hotel’s enduring elegance, French art de vivre, and its iconic status as a living legend of Hanoi. Under the theme “125 Years of a Legend,” these celebrations blend culture, artistry, entertainment, gastronomy and hospitality to elevate experiential luxury in the capital. The Metropole’s “Live the Legend” experience features a series of curated stays, along with inspired gastronomic and wellness journeys, designed to immerse guests in the heritage and glamour of Hanoi’s Grande Dame. “We are thrilled to open a new chapter in the Metropole’s legendary story,” said George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. “For 125 years this hotel has been the beating heart of Hanoi — witnessing history, welcoming the world, and setting the standa...

 Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, is continuing its strategic expansion in Japan with the opening of WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection, a serene lakeside retreat in Hokkaido designed by internationally acclaimed architecture studio Kengo Kuma & Associates. Each guestroom offers approximately 37 sq m of living space with sweeping views of Lake Tōya. Officially joining the Dusit Collection brand on 1 July 2026, WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection marks the first Dusit Collection hotel in Japan and Dusit's third hotel in the country, building on the momentum established by ASAI Kyoto Shijo, a neighbourhood-inspired lifestyle hotel, and Dusit Thani Kyoto, a Michelin-Key recognised luxury hotel inspired by Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. Dusit Collection is Dusit International's upper-upscale and luxury brand designed for distinctive hotels and resorts that celebrate individuality, local culture, thoughtful design, and a ...

 The House of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese whisky, officially launches Toki Suntory Whisky in Malaysia. A modern expression of Suntory’s house style, the  award-winning authentic Japanese whisky brings together Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita, into a harmonious whisky experience that emphasises approachability without compromise.  A VIVID BLEND, TIMELESSLY MADE  “Toki,” the Japanese word for “time,” reflects a cultural philosophy deeply rooted in Japan, a respect for heritage alongside a continuous drive for reinvention. This duality of tradition and innovation defines the House of Suntory’s approach to whisky making. WITH SIGNATURE BALANCE OF 50% MALT AND 50% GRAIN At its core, Toki is a refined expression of Suntory’s blending philosophy, crafted as a sipping whisky that reflects balance, precision, and accessibility. Rather than following conventional blending structures, it innovatively showcases a deliberate rethinking of hierarchy led by House of Suntor...

 The line separating high-fashion statement jewelry from high-utility consumer electronics has officially dissolved, and the transition is taking place right on your ring finger. Following the immense global success of their 2025 'Ma G' collaboration, Casio has once again aligned with international reggaeton icon and cultural trendsetter J Balvin to launch the limited-edition CRW001JB-9 Ring Watch. While the casual observer might easily write this release off as another flashy, music-backed streetwear accessory, a deeper analysis of the hardware reveals a profound masterclass in component density, structural restraint, and micro-engineering that only Casio could pull off Shrinking the Heritage: The Engineering Challenge To truly appreciate the technical achievement of the CRW001JB-9, one must understand its horological origin. The aesthetic and design blueprint is heavily inspired by Casio’s legendary, blocky digital silhouettes—most notably the iconic square cases that defined...