The Luxe Lens

 This holiday season, Bonia is proud to present the Sonia Bangle Watch BNB10792, a collection that embodies the beauty of strength and elegance in women. The new BNB10792 is more than just a timepiece, it’s a jewellery accessory that seamlessly combines functionality with fashion. This collection features five captivating dial colours, in green, blue, burgundy, white, and pink – with the white and pink options crafted in exquisite mother-of-pearl. Encased in an iconic horseshoe-shaped design adorned with 35 crystal stones, it’s the perfect companion for every occasion, from festive year-end celebrations to ushering in the new year in style. The collection is now available at Solar Time retail shops, online at www.solartime.com , and other premium watch retailers nationwide, ranging from RM698 to RM798. 

 The Japanese watch brand TACS, known for its minimalist design and unique craftsmanship, is once again collaborating with Robotoys Studio for their third collaboration model. I’m delighted to introduce the TACS ATL Gold x Robotoys, featuring a deep, luxurious gold finish. The design of the ATL Gold watch draws inspiration from the iconic Rolleiflex twin-lens camera. Celebrating the art of photography, the watch dial is crafted to resemble a camera lens, further enhanced by a sapphire crystal face that creates a captivating fish-eye effect, and a rotating bezel mimicking the focus ring. This stunning timepiece is presented alongside the handcrafted Robotoys figure, a signature art piece from the studio. Fully poseable and perfect as a collectable item, it mirrors the deep gold finish of the watch, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Limited to 150 sets with each piece paired to a matching serial number, this model is now available at Red Army Watches Malaysia boutique at Pavilion Kuala ...

 The Anam Group’s two beachfront resorts in Cam Ranh and Mui Ne will celebrate the most significant time in the Vietnamese calendar, Tet, with a broad spectrum of remarkable dining, entertainment, recreational, and spa experiences. In the lead-up to Tet on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne will each stage a ceremony on Jan. 22, 2025 to plant “Cay Neu”, a towering Lunar New Year bamboo pole to ward off evil spirits, followed by dragon dancing. Fronting Long Beach, one of Vietnam’s most stunning stretches of sand, The Anam Cam Ranh’s program from Jan. 28-Feb. 2, 2025 is filled with Tet festivities including: ●       Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar serving a special family reunion Tet set menu that celebrates authentic Vietnamese home-style cuisine as well as a la carte Tet dishes such as Hanoi deep-fried spring rolls, glutinous rice cake, braised catfish, pork belly with galangal, braised pork belly with egg, stir-fried bamboo shoots wit...

 As we approach 2025, the Year of the Snake, CIGA DESIGN introduces a masterpiece that transcends traditional zodiac-themed watches. Rooted in Eastern culture, this timepiece honors the snake not as a mere symbol but as a living embodiment of wisdom, vitality, and prosperity. At the heart of the watch lies its most striking feature: a golden, satin-textured snake crafted using sculptural techniques and symbolic abstraction. The snake's design is more than decorative—its head and tail indicate the hours and minutes, brought to life through CIGA’s innovative Non-Synchronous Follower Technology. This ingenious mechanism ensures precise timekeeping, with the hour dial remaining stationary as the minute dial moves dynamically, reflecting the snake's vitality. The dial is further enhanced with an abstract pattern reminiscent of snake scales, symbolizing fluidity and energy. Encasing this artful creation is a jadeite case, a nod to Eastern heritage. Its jade-like warmth exudes timeles...

 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the 123-year-old luxury icon in the Vietnamese capital, was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 72 best hotels and resorts in the world in the U.S. magazine’s prestigious Gold List 2025. Metropole Hanoi, the only hotel in Vietnam to win placement on this year’s list, was hailed by the magazine’s editors as “a dazzling destination that flashes back beautifully to a bygone age.” Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Gold List has been compiled for 31 years and serves as a benchmark for excellence in global hospitality. A total of 16 hotels and resorts in Asia were spotlighted in this year’s Gold List. The editors heaped high praise on Metropole Hanoi in their review of the hotel. “Behind its classical white façade, two buildings – the original and recently renovated Heritage Wing and the neoclassical Opera Wing, named for its proximity to the Hanoi Opera House – envelop a serene courtyard garden and sparkling pool flanked by a bar,” the editors wro...

  In honour of its 200th anniversary, The Macallan unveils Harmony Vibrant Oak - a whisky that blends tradition with forward-thinking creativity. This fourth release symbolises The Macallan’s commitment to embracing the future while celebrating its rich legacy and craftsmanship. This unique whisky, designed with an eye on the future, is available exclusively at select bars in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur. The following venues will offer Harmony Vibrant Oak as part of an immersive cocktail experience: Jao Tim (Launch Venue) Wildflowers Penrose PS150 Cabinet 8 KL Additionally, the Astor Bar at St. Regis Kuala Lumpur will also offer the Harmony Vibrant Oak experience. Each of these distinguished bars will craft exclusive cocktails inspired by The Macallan’s versatility and craftsmanship, inviting guests to explore the whisky’s rich complexity through innovative mixology. The collaborative represents a new wave of whisky tasting, blending the past with the future in every sip. Matured prima...

  Casio Computer Co., Ltd. has raised the bar once again with the introduction of the MRG-B2000JS, the newest addition to the MR-G series of G-SHOCK watches. This exclusive timepiece, limited to just 800 pieces worldwide, is a testament to Japanese craftsmanship, blending the strength and elegance of the traditional katana sword with cutting-edge watchmaking technology. The Legacy of the MR-G Line The MR-G collection represents the pinnacle of G-SHOCK’s toughness and precision. Designed for those who demand durability and elegance, each watch in this flagship line is a masterpiece, merging modern innovation with traditional artistry. The MRG-B2000JS draws inspiration from the Juryoku-Maru: San, a one-of-a-kind katana sword commissioned by Casio. Forged by master swordsmith Kamiyama Teruhira and adorned by lacquer artisan Nomura Mamoru, the sword epitomizes the fusion of strength and beauty that the MR-G line seeks to emulate. Design Details Rooted in Tradition The MRG-B2000JS is mo...

Suunto is revolutionizing underwater audio and performance tracking with the launch of the Suunto Aqua, a groundbreaking bone-conduction headset designed specifically for water sports enthusiasts and athletes. This strategic product launch marks Suunto's bold entry into a new market segment, combining cutting-edge audio technology with advanced performance monitoring. The launch of the Suunto Aqua represents a significant milestone in the company's innovation journey. Developed through extensive research and collaboration with professional athletes, these headphones are not just a product, but a comprehensive solution that addresses the unique needs of water sports professionals and enthusiasts. Add Music to Your Swim The Suunto Aqua is more than just a pair of waterproof headphones. It's an entertainment solution, training tool, and communication device. And at 35 grams, they're light enough that you'll forget you're even wearing them. The Suunto Aqua offers a ...

  Samsung Malaysia is thrilled to announce the official availability of its cutting-edge gaming monitors—the Odyssey OLED G9 and Odyssey OLED G6. Designed for gamers who demand unparalleled performance and immersive visuals, these state-of-the-art monitors redefine the gaming experience with innovative features and stunning display technology. To celebrate their launch, Samsung is offering an exclusive promotion today , where you can enjoy up to RM2,000 off  from the recommended retail price. Gamers, gear up and take advantage of this limited-time deal to upgrade your setup with Samsung’s latest gaming powerhouses! Please refer to the table below for more details:  Model Recommended Retail Price (RM) Launch Promo Price (RM) [1] 49” Odyssey OLED G9 144Hz Gaming Monitor 6,999 4,999 27” Odyssey OLED G6 240Hz Gaming Monitor 4,999 3,499 [1] While stocks last. Terms and cond...

 Samsung is expanding its partnership with Art Basel to Art Basel Miami Beach. Following the debut as Art Basel’s first-ever Official Visual Display partner in Basel, Switzerland earlier this year, complete with an immersive Collectors Lounge experience. Through this unique partnership, Samsung is also launching a new initiative with Art Basel to bring curated collections of contemporary artworks from Art Basel’s renowned exhibiting galleries exclusively to the Samsung Art Store. A new collection will be shared once a quarter with the first collection launching today.   Fred Tomaselli’s Irwin’s Garden (detail) (2023) shown on The Frame by Samsung. Photo: Samsung The Samsung Art Store is available on The Frame, the best-selling lifestyle TV from Samsung that doubles as a piece of art. Subscribers around the world can experience gallery highlights from Art Basel, which joins other renowned collections such as those from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art an...

 Meliá Chiang Mai is showcasing a broad spectrum of charming decorations, made from natural and recycled materials, this festive season to support the livelihoods and cultural traditions of Northern Thailand’s vibrant hill tribes. For generations hill tribes including the Akha, Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lawa, Lisu, and Mien practiced slash-and-burn agriculture as part of a semi-nomadic lifestyle. However, ecological concerns and government restrictions on land clearing and tree felling have rendered their way of life unsustainable. With limited agricultural opportunities, these communities have turned to handicrafts as a means of supporting their families – and preserving cultural traditions. From handwoven textiles to intricately carved ornaments, a diverse selection of handicrafts crafted from eco-friendly materials are available to purchase at the hotel, making for thoughtful gifts and directly supporting the artisans who have crafted them. “This collaboration is more than just a cele...

  Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the 123-year-old luxury icon in the Vietnamese capital, was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 72 best hotels and resorts in the world in the U.S. magazine’s prestigious Gold List 2025. Metropole Hanoi, the only hotel in Vietnam to win placement on this year’s list, was hailed by the magazine’s editors as “a dazzling destination that flashes back beautifully to a bygone age.” Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Gold List has been compiled for 31 years and serves as a benchmark for excellence in global hospitality. A total of 16 hotels and resorts in Asia were spotlighted in this year’s Gold List. The editors heaped high praise on Metropole Hanoi in their review of the hotel. “Behind its classical white façade, two buildings – the original and recently renovated Heritage Wing and the neoclassical Opera Wing, named for its proximity to the Hanoi Opera House – envelop a serene courtyard garden and sparkling pool flanked by a bar,” the editors wr...

 With the season to be merry rapidly approaching, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is gearing up with exquisite Spanish menus, buffet feasts and a sky-high countdown party, all accompanied by panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline. The 208-room urban lifestyle hotel, which debuted in July last year in Bangkok’s lively On Nut neighbourhood with a transparent infinity pool, an authentic Spanish tapas bar and integrated co-working spaces, will stage its “Feliz Festiva” program from Dec. 24, 2024 to Jan. 1, 2025. Perched on the hotel’s uppermost floors – the 33rd and 34th floors – LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar will take diners on a culinary pilgrimage of Spain with delectable set menus crafted by Madrid-born chef Juan Ignacio García Racionero. The menus will be served in two sessions per night from 6-8pm and 9pm-11pm on Dec. 24 and 31. Wine pairing is optional. LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar’s Christmas Eve set menu kicks off with ‘scallops with caramelised onion and Iberian ham’ and ‘crab cannelloni’ ...

  Alma Resort Cam Ranh has taken out first place in three global categories of this year’s UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards, named “Best Beach/Coastal Hotel”, “Best Hotel for Families” and “Best Hotel for Sustainability”. In the readers’ choice contest, Alma Resort was also voted runner-up in the worldwide “Best Hotel for Food” award. “Luxury hotels, destinations, cruise lines, airlines and travel companies across the world have been competing to be crowned the very best in the seventh annual LLM Readers’ Travel Awards,” said Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. “Our awards recognise and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the luxury travel and tourism industry, and we were pleased to be able to shine a light on those making waves in the UK and all across the globe. After months of deliberation and votes from our discerning readers – with a record number of voters this year at 32,405 – the votes have been counted and the results are in.” The full list of 2024 ...

  Imagine being able to step into any world in an instant — from the bustling streets of New York City to the snowy mountain tops of the Alps. These worlds are no longer merely places to observe from afar. They can now be explored and interacted with simply through a gaze, a gesture or your voice. What once seemed like science fiction has become a reality as eXtended reality (XR) transforms how we engage with the world around us. XR is an umbrella term for technologies that use digital elements to extend or alter reality by merging the physical and digital worlds together. This includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) as well as other similar technologies yet to be developed. XR offers infinite possibilities, creating a dynamic spatial canvas where users’ sight, sound and motion combine to interact with the outside world. A world that will unlock unprecedented experiences across core areas of life, from working and learning to entertainment, gaming ...

 Azerai La Residence, Hue, the elegant 122-room heritage hotel overlooking the fabled Perfume River in central Vietnam, has introduced new spa and dining menus, along with specially tailored culinary experiences. Le Spa The hotel’s award-winning Le Spa has unveiled a range of distinctive new treatments, including Tibetan singing bowls, Reiki healing and moxibustion therapy. The Tibetan bowls, which combine the seven metal elements (gold, silver, iron, mercury, zinc, copper and lead), produce sound waves that promote harmony between the universe, objects and humans, helping to lighten body and mind, and return one’s soul to a more pristine state. Moxibustion is a traditional therapy that involves burning a dried herb called “moxa” on or near the skin to stimulate acupuncture points. This is believed to stimulate blood flow, boost the immune system and help treat various conditions, including arthritis, digestive issues and more. Reiki healing originated in Japan and seeks to channel...

  This festive season, The St. Regis Langkawi invites guests to celebrate the joy of the season in tropical luxury. With seasonal delights from December 6, 2024, to January 1, 2025, The House of Celebration invites guests to revel in cherished St. Regis traditions and an array of exclusive unique holiday experiences, blending Malaysian warm hospitality and St. Regis’ renowned elegance. A Grand Entrance: Christmas Tree Lighting Soirée Beginning December 6, 2024, guests arriving at The St. Regis Langkawi will be welcomed by a stunning festive display in the resort’s grand lobby, featuring a breathtaking Christmas tree adorned in rich reds, greens, and golds. At 7:30 PM, the Tree Lighting Soirée will mark the beginning of festive celebration in the resort. Guests can enjoy gourmet holiday bites and festive cocktails, perfect for embracing the spirit of the season. Indulgent Afternoon Tea From December 1, 2024, through January 8, 2025, indulge in the holiday-themed Afternoon Tea at the...

This year, The Macallan proudly celebrates 200 Years Young, a journey defined by unwavering craftsmanship, visionary innovation, and a commitment to excellence. From its pioneering roots in 1824 to becoming a global leader in whisky making, The Macallan’s legacy is built on the rich heritage of its founders and continues to evolve through new ideas, bold collaborations and unparalleled whisky mastery. To mark this milestone, The Macallan unveils three extraordinary releases: the TIME : SPACE Collection, Harmony Vibrant Oak, and A Night on Earth in Jerez de la Frontera. Each release tells a unique story, blending the past, present, and future while embodying the brand’s fusion of time-honoured tradition and cutting-edge innovation, ensuring a continued legacy of exceptional whisky craftsmanship. The Macallan TIME : SPACE Collection In celebration of its 200th anniversary, The Macallan introduces the TIME : SPACE Collection—a tribute to the brand’s unique interpretation of time travel th...

  As 2024 gracefully comes to a close, step into the warmth of the Christmas festive season and prepare to usher in 2025 with laughter, joy, and blessings. Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur invites you to indulge in an extraordinary collection of holiday experiences filled with sumptuous feasts, bespoke cocktails, and heartwarming gatherings that embody the spirit of the season. Festive Dining at The Courtyard Celebrate the season with a lavish spread of festive delights, curated by The Courtyard’s talented chefs. Whether it’s a grand buffet or takeaway roasts for home celebrations, The Courtyard offers a feast for every occasion. Buffet Experiences Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet Begin your adventure with the Seafood Extravaganza, a vibrant station that brings the freshness of the ocean straight to your plate. Here, guests are invited to select their favorite catches, which are then grilled to perfection by skilled chefs. The sizzling aroma and the mouthwatering taste o...