> Letters from Readers
A matter of Image
I was pleased to see your coverage of Bali’s Bulgari Resort in the December/January issue [“Bali’s New Jewel”]. As a footnote, I attended the resort’s opening party last September, and was, given all the early media hype, sorely disappointed. There was no access to the villas and because the event took place at night, the property was in complete darkness, as was the view, which I believe is the
selling point. And just try walking on those stone paths in high heels! Still, what a difference some sunlight and a good photographer makes. Christian Lengelle has really captured the subtle nuances of design there. I wish there were more bedroom shots to look at, though, as I’m still in the dark about what the villas look like on the inside. I guess I’ll have to stay there myself one of these days—but not at those US$1,000-plus published rates! RINA EFFENDI - Jakarta
Facing up to Fugu
Kevin Pilley’s article on fugu [“A Dish to Die For,” December 2006/January 2007] was tantalizing, to say the least. I’ve always wanted to try puffer fish for myself, but have never been brave enough. With no plans to visit Tokyo any time soon, I was at least inspired enough to hunt down two Japanese restaurants in Singapore that serve the dish. They are Minoru and Aji by Hanabi at the new Vivo City complex (the latter apparently serves it grilled, which timid foodies like me may find a better place to start). I plan to check it out soon—but if you don’t hear back from me, you might just have lost a loyal reader. DAVEN CHEN - Singapore
Luxe in flux?
Compliments again on your Luxe List [October/November 2006], which seems a fine appraisal of the region’s newest hotels and resorts. Just one question: Did Singapore’s New Majestic Hotel really deserve to be singled out for the cover? I stayed there recently, and while the Chinatown location is great and the design concept original, I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. For what you pay, the rooms are far too small and cramped, even if I did get good use out of my terrace area. Call me old-fashioned, but I’m none too keen on having a bathroom in the bedroom, and closet space is virtually nil, at least in the room I stayed in. I could go on about the scatterbrained service, but why bother. I just hope the other places on your list “truly rise above the best.” JOHN L. GEORGE - Sydney
Au Chocolat
I am a big fan of DestinAsian, especially its beautiful photography, which is enough to transport one in an instant to all the places you explore. On a more minor note, I wanted to let you know that I have passed Jakarta’s Awfully Chocolate store many times since it opened, but never ventured inside until I read your recent news item on it. What a great place—they sell the most scrumptious chocolate cake in town, and proved to be an excellent source for gift items during the holiday season. Thanks for the tip! CECILIA DINA - Jakarta
Whale of a time
I’ve recently returned from Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island, a trip that was in no small part inspired by Adrienne Rewi’s write-up of the city [“Cool in Christchurch,” December 2004/January 2005]. The shops and restaurants described by Ms. Rewi were all good; but allow me to share another Christchurch highlight: whale watching at Kaikoura. After booking our seats with Whale Watch Kaikoura [www.whalewatch.co.nz], my family of five eagerly anticipated going out to sea in search of these mammoth creatures. My mother and sister were too seasick to appreciate the show as the water was rough that day, but the rest of us were lucky enough to see five whales, which I was told is very rare indeed. It was a fantastic experience and we have some great fluke photos to prove it.TUSSANEE NIRATPATTANASAI - Bangkok
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