An ultra-minimalist refuge overlooking Goodwood Hill, Singapore

“A home should have a strong sense of comfort and a calming quality to it,” says Ethan Lin, principal of Singapore interior design studio Te-El. These qualities are certainly present in his residential projects. How to go about creating such spaces takes a sensitive eye, as well as attention to not just the practical parts but also the visceral aspects affected by proportion, materiality, framing, light and shadow. 

For Lin, a reductive approach is important in making a space inviting and peaceful. “We generally avoid overdesigning spaces. This helps to prevent over-stimulating the senses. Natural materials also play a key role in our work as we believe they enhance the well-being of the inhabitants,” he remarks. This apartment in the central part of Singapore is a good case study. The palette is genteel, gestures are intentional, and the furniture prioritises timelessness and comfort.

He describes the original space as “quite dated”, with a configuration that did not work for the owners’ way of living. “We [simplified] the spaces and [reworked] the M&E systems, moving most of them to the foyer, which allowed for a more intimate volume at the entrance and a heightened living and dining area overlooking Goodwood Hill,” Lin describes.

The door of the formerly enclosed kitchen was widened, opening it up more to the adjacent dining area. A new counter separate from the cooking area now serves as an alternative breakfast spot and provides more counter space for food preparation. Lin highlights that removing the walls also enhances cross-ventilation and light. 

Oak was chosen for the flooring and wardrobes, while the living room console was finished in smoked oak. Lin included many open shelves to house the homeowners’ growing collection of paraphernalia that they collect on their frequent travels.

These complement the tasteful furniture collection and lighting, which Lin describes as a mixture from different periods “to achieve a look that could be layered on in the future, and that reflects the owners’ personality.” 

The bedrooms and bathrooms feature equally composed forms. Patterning comes subtly through the lines and curves in the materials. The overall effect is elegant but not staid. The only deference in the muted palette is found in the power room.

This tonality adds a touch of theatricality to what is conventionally a utilitarian space and speaks of Lin’s thoughtful approach to the design of a home that is as comforting as it is inspiring. 

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Eating is fundamentally a social act. Be it intricate meals or hearty plates designed to be eaten with hands, our instinct for companionship as we eat is probably as old as our ancestors who sat by woodfire and made simple meals out of game. At Tribal, the newest grill concept at the Mondrian Singapore Duxton opening tomorrow January 16, it is this ethos of communal dining that shapes its creative dishes, which are nevertheless grounded in the millennia-old tradition of woodfire grilling. 

Tribal is the first of three upcoming concepts by F&B group Ebb & Flow at the Mondrian Singapore Duxton, which will be powered by online grocer Modern Provision. As unassuming as its dark storefront is, step through and you’ll find yourself in a different world accented by rattan walls and ceilings draped with rattan macramé, hand-woven by Indonesian weaving atelier BYO Living. The restaurant is renowned architecture firm Andra Matin Studio’s first retail project in Singapore, meant to mimic the warmth and glow of traditional houses in Southeast Asia. But make no mistake—with its cut-work light fixtures, counter seats and a large communal table for bigger gatherings, there is an undeniable seductiveness to the space.

Helmed by executive chef Keith Wan, the food carries distinctive inspirations all across Asia, including the rich culinary cultures of the Chinese, Filipino, Indonesian, Japanese, and more. Sustainability informs Wan’s approach, alongside ethically sourced produce, free-range meat, and support for small-scale farmers. The result? Surprising dishes that still retain a touch of familiarity. Take the yellowtail umai, where South American ceviche meets Sarawakian spice with kaffir lime, chilli and garlic perfuming yellowtail slices. Or the duck neck, an oft-unused part of the duck that’s deep-fried to a perfect crisp and coated in an addictive house spice blend. (The rest of the duck is then dry-aged for 14 days for a main course.)

Elsewhere, the Santori organic kampung chickens are sourced from Malaysia, where they are fed MD2 pineapple enzymes to imbue their meat with a natural sweetness. Glazed in gai yang (a traditional Thai marinade) and slow-roasted over coals, this dish is made for sharing. An entire octopus tentacle is also ideal for gatherings, which is gently cooked sous-vide before charring over coals for ideal texture and flavour. And for those who love their rice, the rice pots are not to be missed. Blending styles of Indonesian-Malaysian claypot rice and Japanese donabe, the rice pots come in versions of wild mushroom, Wagyu, and seafood, each coming with premium ingredients; the mushroom version comes with confit and pickled mushrooms and topped with black truffle gratings.

Sustainability runs through the wine programme too, with a range of biodynamic and organic wines amongst its extensive list of over 160 labels. Imbibers keen on pairing their woodfire dishes with bold cocktails will find what they are looking for with head bartender Lafiama B Wright’s succinct drinks menu. The “Sugar and Spice”, for instance, sees dark rum infused with Sichuan peppercorns mixed with bitters and a homemade mace and cinnamon syrup for a drink that punches above its weight. But for something more refreshing, opt for the “You’re Pretty Cuke”, a clean libation that stars Hendricks gin with homemade cucumber and lime oleo and topped up with prosecco. For the sober-curious crowd, sip on the zero-proof cocktails which are just as thoughtfully curated as their alcoholic counterparts, such as the preserved plum Earl Grey drink. 

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Picture this: A pristine island oasis where azure waters gently lap against ivory shores, and the verdant canopy of coconut palms sways in harmony with the gentle breeze. Sounds amazing, right? Well, that’s what you’ll get at Anantara Koh Yao Yai, a quaint sanctuary situated on a secluded hideaway in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay.

Opened in August last year, Anantara Koh Yao Yai is the hospitality marvel’s latest offshoot in Thailand. For nature dwellers who love great scenery, this retreat is for you. Reason: This tropical haven has 148 suites, villas, and penthouses that offer picturesque views of the crystal clear Andaman Sea.

To satiate our withdrawals from the year-end festivities (because the holiday in December was not enough), we took the opportunity to explore the paradisiacal Anantara Koh Yao Yai for a luxurious tropical escapade.

Stepping foot onto the island was like entering into a whole new realm where pristine waters and thriving jungles are the norm. Think White Lotus’ second season but in Thailand instead of Taormina. A buggy ferried us to the lobby of Anantara Koh Yao Yai, where we were welcomed by an infinity pond (yup, you read that right) with scintillating waters that overlooked the resort's pool and the beach. The 11-hectare landscape is clad with thriving greens, like five-year-old coconut trees, imported from different parts of Southern Thailand.

We were greeted with warm hospitality by its staff (be prepared to be met with more than one ‘sawadee krub/ka’ by all of its crew). We were then introduced to our personal butler and warmly ushered into our room—one of the eight majestic Sea View Pool Penthouses.

If we could only use a word to describe the Sea View Pool Penthouse, it’d be “wow”. Located within the four buildings nearer to the beach, the expansive suite spans over 3,938 sq ft across two stories. The lower level houses the living quarters—a spacious living room, a dining table that sits four (although we believe it can sit eight), a kitchenette with a separate entrance for the butler, the main suite that’s coupled with a huge walk-in wardrobe, and a colossal bathroom that stretches across the width of the space.

You’ll never be bored at Anantara Koh Yao Yai. It’s packed with amenities and activities for you to maximise your stay. Hit the pool for a swim or bask under the sun on its golden beach. Gym-goers, continue your routine at its fitness centre that’s filled with the latest Technogym machines. The resort also provides Muay Thai lessons at the gym.

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The traditional Chinese cheongsam has been around since the 1920s. It’s most often seen as a sleek, figure-hugging garment with side slits and a Mandarin collar. Originally popularised by high society women in Shanghai, the traditional cheongsam has evolved over the years to adapt to contemporary times, and boutiques now offer the garment in a range of modern materials and cuts.

With Chinese New Year a little less than a month away, it’s time to start shopping for your reunion dinner outfits. While traditional cheongsams are a classic, check out some modern options too. A wide variety of stylish boutiques can be found around Singapore offering pieces that go beyond your traditional red qi pao—think batik prints, bold prints and jumpsuits.

For example, YeoMama Batik puts the spotlight on stunning batik prints. If you’re looking for a full dress, check out the Kai Cheongsam Dress, an elegant maxi-length piece that blends batik and qi pao elements. For something a little more unique, the Rei Cheongsam Playsuit is complete with a mandarin collar, ribbon side details and side pockets. For nostalgic and sustainable pieces, head to Dear Samfu. Here, cheongsams draw inspiration from styles from the 50s and 60s. Its latest collection features pieces like the timeless Little Sister cheongsam dress in terracotta. A spin on the classic Chinese dress, this piece has a flared tiered skirt, mandarin collar and traditional buttons.

Look out for striking cheongsams with a contemporary twist at local atelier Ong Shunmugam. Known for its innovative takes on the traditional cheongsam, you’ll find the familiar silhouette in a range of bold prints and jacquard fabrics. Speaking of striking dresses, Dotted Line’s latest Chinese New Year 2024 collection features pieces with a pop of colour. Its Grace Cheongsam reimagines the traditional dress with a chic twist, boasting cap sleeves and a slender silhouette. Striking stripe details along the side of the dress further add a contemporary touch. Not a fan of bright colours? Check out the Rachel Cheongsam instead, a simple yet timeless ensemble in classic tweed.

Don’t let Singapore’s sweltering heat deter you from purchasing a cheongsam as The Missing Piece’s interpretation of the Chinese dress is made with soft breathable fabric, perfect for our weather. Pieces put the spotlight on comfort and elegance—for example, the Tammie Flutter Sleeves Shift Cheongsam is adorned with gorgeous floral prints and complete with flutter sleeves and a traditional Chinese knot mandarin collar detail. If you prefer a jumpsuit, shop its signatures. The Athena Cut Out Maxi Jumpsuit is a flattering piece with angular shoulders, side cut-outs and a gold brooch.

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