Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend ahead! In case you were wondering, this set of photos was taken at Marina Mirage in Gold Coast. I’ll also be sharing more about my Gold Coast trip soon, so do keep a lookout for more updates!

Review Australia

http://www.review-australia.sg

Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai Pudong is one of the most beautiful hotels in Shanghai in my opinion. It has the perfect combination of old-world charm with contemporary features and modern finishes, not to mention the killer view of Pudong’s iconic skyscrapers from its infinity pool, made world-famous by the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall 007.

Infinity Pool featured in Skyfall 007

During my recent trip to Shanghai, I had the privilege of dining at Shang-Xi, hosted by the lovely team from Four Seasons Pudong. Located on the second floor of the hotel, Shang-Xi offers fine Chinese cuisine in an exclusive and luxurious setting.

I found myself attracted to the
opulent decor reminiscent of old Shanghai and the intimate ambiance
resulting from just 22 seats for public dining, which affords a
wonderful balance of privacy and interaction.

The highlight of Shang-Xi lies in its five private rooms, each of which is designed to represent a semi-precious stone. The cozy yet elegant rooms are ideal for hosting VIPs or even just a private get-together with family and friends.

Ambience aside, I had one of my most enjoyable dining experiences in China to date. The food was exquisitely prepared and artfully plated, but what struck me most was how the restaurant gave iconic Shanghainese and Chinese dishes a unique twist.

One of the four appetizers that we had was the Pan-Fried Dough Cake with Spring Onion in Foie Gras, a popular Shanghainese delight that combined both eastern and western elements.

While you may be
able to find pan-fried dough cake with spring onion on the streets,
Shang-Xi’s Foie Gras version was a refreshing change. The smooth and
creamy foie gras was a wonderful accompaniment to the light and fluffy
dough cakes which were pan-fried to golden perfection.

Double-Boiled soup is a must-have for me at Chinese restaurants as it is both nutritious and very flavourful.  As I had just touched down from a long flight before the meal, a bowl of piping hot soup was a nourishing and comforting way to wind down after a long day. I could taste the savoury goodness of the fish maw and matustake mushrooms with every sip.

The Garoupa fillet, which was up next, was very fresh, tender and aromatic. The citrus notes from the preserved mandarin peel balanced out the fermented garlic flavour beautifully. I loved it as the beauty of this classic Chinese dish lies in its simplicity.

I would highly recommend the braised pork in brown sauce layered in crispy tofu sheet and if I had to choose my favourite dish for the night, this would probably be it. The braised pork was already delicious on its own, but that delightful crunch from the crispy tofu sheet was the icing on the cake and truly sealed the deal for me.

The last dish before dessert was fried rice, and if you are familiar with Chinese cuisine, I am sure you would have heard that fried rice is the true test of a chef’s culinary skills. I was feeling quite full by the end of the meal, but this bowl of fried rice was so addictive it took my breath away. Topped with a dash of flying fish roe, it was bursting with flavours and textures with every bite.

To cleanse the palate after my hearty meal, a light and refreshing dessert in the form of osmanthus jelly with chilled yogurt was served. I was told this dessert is wildly popular with ladies and health-conscious patrons due to the health benefits of osmanthus jelly (including beautiful skin!) and the creative pairing with chilled yogurt. It tastes sinfully delicious, but you can rest assured that this delicious concoction will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Looks like killing two birds with one stone isn’t that challenging a task after all!

I am always thrilled at the prospect of indulging in a pampering facial after a flight or a long day of meetings and travelling. After a quick change of clothes and a soothing foot bath, I settled comfortably under the covers and let my therapist work her magic as I drifted off to slumberland. What a wonderful way to recharge!

Guerlain’s Orchidee Imperiale range of products which contains orchid extracts to boost cell longevity were used during the facial, accompanied by a gentle massage to improve circulation and aid relaxation.

You can expect to wake up to a smoother, brighter complexion with redefined facial contours immediately after. I felt absolutely refreshed and all ready for my week-long meetings in Shanghai.

Refreshed after the relaxing facial

While I stayed in Puxi this time, I would definitely head back to Four Seasons Hotel Pudong on my next trip, be it for business or leisure, as I came to realize that it took me just under 10 minutes to get from Puxi to Pudong even in peak hour traffic.

I couldn’t be more grateful for the warm reception and hospitality at Four Seasons Hotel Pudong. The immaculate service and attention to detail and aesthetics only made my dining and spa experience all the more memorable. I can’t wait for my next trip to Shanghai, but till then, I thought I’d leave you with a breathtaking view of Pudong from Four Seasons Hotel Pudong’s infinity pool. Isn’t it beautiful?

210 Century Avenue

200120, Pudong District

Shanghai

86 21 2036 8888

http://www.fourseasons.com/pudong/

Skills and experience aside, good manicurists have a keen eye for detail and aesthetics. I sent Koji a couple of photos before my manicure to give her an idea of the design that I desired, but instead of replicating it, she gave it a fresh spin with her own interpretation based on my preferences and personal style. The results? Nothing short of fabulous. 

  

I couldn’t stop marveling at how intricate the details were. The inlay method was used to encase the gems and seashells to prevent them from falling out easily. Don’t my nails resemble a work of art? Even JW and my parents, who usually do not pay any attention to my nails, gave the nod of approval.

 

I love that Dazzlette Nails is centrally located at Bras Brasah Complex, so if you work around the area, you can always pop in for a pampering session during lunch or after work and then bounce back into your schedules.

 

To give you an even better excuse to pamper your nails, quote my name “REGINA” and  you’ll receive a 20% discount on nail art services from now till 30th June!

Dazzlette Nails

Address:

231 Bain Street 

Bras Brasah Complex 

#01-71

Singapore 180231 

Tel:

9099 9928/ 6333 4221

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/dazzlette 

Instagram:

@dazzlette_nails

[This post was written by Isabelle, a permanent writer on Shopping Queen’s Haven.]

Isn’t it true that hair completes a look? Perhaps that’s why we always bemoan bad hair days, as we instinctively feel the difference that great hair makes us look and feel.

It was therefore a pleasure to learn more about hair care and hair health from Svenson, the leading expert in solutions in hair and scalp problems with over 40 years of trichological expertise and knowledge. The scalp is actually an extension of our skin, so just as we spend lots of time and effort on our facial care and body care, we should not neglect our scalp. And indeed we’ll be thankful for it later when we do not need to battle hair loss problems, but enjoy the benefits of luscious, healthy, shiny hair!

Debunking Hair Myths

During the Svenson expert talk, they did a careful analysis of my hair and scalp, and also shared many professional tips that debunk hair myths we might have believed in.

Did you know that it is recommended to use combs with wooden bristles, as plastic bristles cause greater static and frizz? When applying styling products, you should also avoid getting them onto the scalp. Also, always wash your hair daily, especially in our hot and humid weather.

I have to admit that many years of hair dye and perms have inevitably caused damage to my hair. More importantly, I also need to continue to take care of my scalp to ensure my hair follicles can grow healthily.

That explained why I was really excited to try the treatments and shampoos, and immediately tried the entire regime as soon as I got home after the Svenson event.

Svenson Trichology Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Firstly, I applied the Svenson Trichology Pre-Shampoo Treatment to unwashed scalp, section by section. Then I used my fingertips to gently massage it into my scalp, left it for 2 minutes, and rinsed it off. So simple!

During the 2 minutes, what did I do? I was reading the label (I really like reading up on products): Svenson products are a concentrated blend of carefully selected botanicals and protective herbs combined with advanced bio-chemical technology, designed to help you achieve healthy scalp and strong beautiful hair. Sounds promising.

Svenson Volumizing Shampoo

Next, I started my hair wash. All it took was a small amount (around 50 cent size) of the Volumizing Shampoo rubbed in palm to create a very nice lather that I massaged through from scalp to ends, then washed.

I loved how the rich lather thoroughly cleansed my hair and scalp without stripping my hair of its natural oils.

Svenson PLGA Total Solution

And finally, the crowning jewel : Svenson’s PLGA Total Solution!

It is one of Svenson’s best-selling hair care treatments, and is a breakthrough Do-It-Yourself home treatment that combines remarkable properties of the rare Loquat leaf and nanotechnology to produce noticeably thicker, fuller-looking hair for those suffering from thinning hair. 

The key active compound extracted from the Loquat leaf is Corosolic acid, traditionally used as a herbal medicine. It encourages better blood circulation and manages testosterone level, often the primary cause of hair loss.

The PLGA Total Solution is to be applied daily after hair wash using a light head massage on problem areas, and a typical complete treatment process will take six months of consistent application. But the great news is, from as early as two months, a gradual increase in fine hair growth at alopecia neurotic areas might start to appear.

Do the products work?

Every time after I wash my hair, I experience a huge amount of hair fall. When I shared my concerns with the Svenson Expert, I was assured that hair fall after each hair wash is normal. We should not be afraid to wash our hair daily simply because we are worried about the amount of hair fall each time. After all, as they shared, the hair would fall, regardless of wash or not. Instead, washing daily and then applying the treatment is the proper way to treat and regain healthy scalp and hair. This was indeed reassuring to hear!

And the results speak for themselves. After I finished washing my hair and treating my scalp that night, I did my daily blow dry (remember not to sleep with a wet scalp), and I was so excited with the results that I immediately texted my friend to say it was amazing how my hair felt so light and bouncy. I could truly feel the difference. It was such a pity that night to sleep with my happy-looking hair (or rather, I was happy, haha!). I have been faithfully using the products these 3 weeks, and I can attest to the great results.

Besides using these products, I have been religiously following the Svenson 5-Step Massage to increase circulation, facilitate absorption and release tension.

Remember, do not hesitate to kick-start a good hair and scalp regime. You will certainly reap the benefits for a long time to come!

****

About the writer Isabelle:

An MBTI personality profile that believes in making the world a better place (one starfish at a time), Isabelle is a communications professional who enjoys creating good memories for others, and balances realism with a healthy dose of joie de vivre and can-do positivity. 

****

Located in the heart of town in Orchard Central, Skin Shape Club was established in April 2015 as a boutique wellness club to allow members to learn more about beauty and wellness, as well as to receive clinically-proven skin and slimming treatments to keep you looking great all year round.

Skin Shape Club has an in-house R&D team that works with doctors and dermal experts both locally and overseas to design treatments and programs that can be done daily, weekly and monthly. Skin Shape Club is also acutely aware that most ladies already have a basic skincare routine, hence a range of skincare boosters was exclusively developed to suit your lifestyle and complement your existing skincare products. This series of skin essence is able to address any skin issues (e.g. clogged pores, pigmentation, wrinkles and dark eye circles) that you currently encounter and can be easily incorporated into your regular skincare regimen.

The Skin Shaper Plus Facial combines light and heat energy with Skin Shape Club’s signature serum-infused facial massage to achieve younger looking skin. 

LHE technology (Light & Heat Energy) helps to promote skin rejuvenation, collagen regeneration and combat acne conditions. The diagrams below show how it works:

  

I had just returned from a week-long work trip on my first visit to Skin Shape Club and I desperately needed to revive my dull-looking skin. In the photo below, you can tell that my skin was really dull, which makes me look much darker than I usually am. 

It may not be very apparent from this photo but I have rather severe pigmentation on my upper cheeks as well, hence I was also hoping that the LHE Technology would be able to lighten these marks.

 How does LHE differ from similar light based treatments such as IPL? 

Unlike IPL, which can burn the skin and thus requires the use of cooling gel, LHE uses lower energy frequency as it combines two energies (light and heat) to give you optimal results with greater comfort and safety. It is suitable for most skin types and skin tones, but those with very dark skin would need to undergo a consultation process prior to the treatment so that the therapist can adjust the settings of the machine to suit your skin tone.

 Cleansing and exfoliating are integral steps before treatment begins as impurities are removed to allow the light heat energy to better penetrate into your skin. The LHE applicator is then placed onto your skin (including your eye area) where pulses of light will be administered. A slightly warm sensation is felt as the pulses of light and heat penetrate deep into your skin. The treatment is very gentle and comfortable, without the shocking rubber-snapping sensation that you would expect from a typical IPL treatment. 

After the LHE treatment, your skin is all prepared to absorb skin-loving nutrients. This is the best time for Skin Shape Club’s signature facial massage followed by a mask. 

Although the entire process took only about 50 minutes, it was truly a relaxing and pampering experience as the therapist gently soothed my tense facial muscles. Before long, I was lulled into a deep slumber.

I wasn’t expecting immediate results as 6-12 weekly sessions are usually required, hence I was pleasantly surprised to see a significant difference in my skin tone after just one session. Can you tell that my skin is more radiant and much brighter than before? I literally woke up to beautiful skin.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of my skin before treatment, after my first session and after my second session at Skin Shape Club, taken in the same treatment room under the same lighting. To say that I was amazed by the results is an understatement. I could hardly believe my eyes, but pictures don’t lie. I became two shades fairer, my pores have become more refined and the pigmentation on my upper cheek has lightened tremendously.  The treatment does work wonders!

I was advised to avoid sun exposure and oily/alcohol based products for 48 hours after treatment. It is important to apply sunblock religiously too.

 

And if you were wondering if there are any side-effects, the answer is no, so you can head back to office or even go to a party right after. A small percentage of individuals may experience slight redness immediately after the treatment but this would only last for a couple of hours. 

Beyond its effective treatments, what I really love about Skin Shape Club is that its services extend beyond just facial or slimming treatments. If you have some time to spare, you can always feel free to have a snack, sip some tea or simply relax and read a magazine in their exclusive members-only lounge. 

Healthy light snacks are specially prepared for you in the lounge after each treatment. I have been there twice thus far and on both occasions, the food was so delicious I had to have two servings.

I don’t usually find myself looking forward to facial treatments but as I am writing this, I am eagerly anticipating my next treatment session at Skin Shape Club.

If you are concerned about wrinkles, dull skin, enlarged pores, pigmentation or all of the above, perhaps you could consider the Skin Shaper Plus Facial at Skin Shape Club too. 

4 Complimentary weekly sessions of Skin Shaper Facial worth S$480

For busy professionals like you and me who are always in a rush for time, you might want to try out Skin Shaper Facial instead. This is a 30 minute facial that includes LHE treatment without Skin Shape Club’s signature massage. And honestly, there’s no better time than now to try out this facial because you can click here to redeem a package of 4 Skin Shaper Facial sessions absolutely free from SampleStore! 

Upgrade to Skin Shaper Plus Facial (includes signature serum-infused massage) – worth S$680

For a more indulgent and pampering experience, you can also upgrade all 4 complimentary sessions to Skin Shaper Plus facials at a flat-fee of S$28!  

Skin Shaper Plus facials include Skin Shape Club’s signature massage (i.e. the same treatment that I did). The duration of this treatment is 50 minutes. 

To upgrade your redemption, simply quote “RC-SSC” when you book your appointment with Skin Shape Club.

Cities such as London, Rome, Venice and Paris immediately come to mind when we plan our holidays in Europe, but if you prefer to take the road less travelled, here are 6 other breathtakingly beautiful places that you could visit based on my personal experience.

1. HUESCA, SPAIN

The province of Huesca located in northeast Spain is home to beautiful mountains, verdant valleys and pristine rivers. All natural and virtually untainted by commercialism, this is a dream come true for adventure seekers and nature lovers. You can easily drive there from Barcelona Airport.

Check out the
Sierra de Guara region if you enjoy activities such as rockclimbing,
canyoning, caving, hiking or wildlife watching.

During our last visit, we stayed at Rodellar, a quaint village situated above the Muscan gorge in the Sierra de Guara National Park. Rodellar is also one of the most famous places for rockclimbing in Europe. 

You can read more about JW’s rockclimbing experience in Rodellar below:

Climbing Natural Beyond Singapore

For a change of scenery, you can also head to a medieval city called Alquezar (30km from Rodellar by car). You can read more about our visit to Alquezar below:

A Day in Alquezar, Spain

2. BARCELONA, SPAIN

 I hesitated about placing Barcelona on this list as it is after all the most popular tourist destination in Spain, but when I speak to people around me about their travel plans in Europe, this city hardly ever seems to be on their radar. 

If you love beautiful yet distinctive architecture, Barcelona is the city to go. The fantastical buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi are exactly what fairy-tales are made of and you will never see architectural marvels of this nature anywhere else in Europe, or in the world for that matter. 

Here are some of his signature works that you have to visit:

For more photos and information on the places to visit, read my previous posts below:

Palau Guell & Park Guell

 Casa Mila

Casa Batllo

Sagrada Familia

If you are a history buff or if bullfighting is your cup of tea, you could also visit the Monumental Arena and Museo Taurino (bullfighting museum). Bullfighting may be banned in Barcelona (since 2012), but this slice of history serves a reminder of the arena’s past glory and provides great photo opportunities.

For more information, read my post below:

Bullfighting in Barcelona: Monumental Arena & Museo Taurino

 3.  CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC

Everyone
talks about Prague and how gorgeous it is as a city, but did you know
that there is an equally picturesque (if not more) by the name of Cesky
Krumlov in the South Bohemian Region of Czech Republic?

 Both Prague’s Castle District and Cesky Krumlov are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Everything seems to come to a standstill at Cesky Krumlov as you are instantly transported back in time. The little town looks just a medieval town complete with locals dressed in medieval costumes. A day-trip to Cesky Krumlov is usually recommended but personally, I would recommend staying a day or two just to soak in the beauty and to take time to explore its breathtaking surroundings. 

For more information on places to visit in Cesky Krumlov, do read my posts below:

Curious Sights in Cesky Krumlov

I Left My Heart in Cesky Krumlov

4. EAGLE’S NEST, BERCHTESGADEN (GERMANY)

For more photos and information, you can read my post below:

Eagle’s Nest

5. INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA

Innsbruck is known for being a winter sports center and the city has hosted the Winter Olympics on several occasions. If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, this is the place to be in winter, but even if these activities are not the least enticing to you, the panoramic scenery is bound to set your heart aflutter. Here’s a short video clip that I took when I was there some years ago:

 For more photos and information on places to visit, do read my posts below:

Innsbruck Mountains

Innsbruck Alpen Zoo

 6. SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

 Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is renowned for its baroque architecture, set against the backdrop of alpine surroundings.

Classical music lovers would also know that Salzburg was the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I can still recall how I excited I was just before I stepped into Mozart’s home, also known as Mozart’s Geburthaus.

For more photos and information, you can read my post below:

Salzburg’s Old Town & Mozart’s Geburthaus

 If you are a fan of popular movie musical The Sound of Music, you can also book a day trip to visit all the filming spots. It was also here where I discovered the very scenic Mondsee Lake, a beautifully serene lake overlooking lush rolling hills.

For more photos and information, read my post below:

The Sound of Music Tour 
  
It has been a while since I last visited Europe and it is high time that I revisited this continent to explore other cities that I have yet to tick off my bucket list. 

Meanwhile, I hope that my personal experiences detailed in this post would provide you with some useful tips and inspiration if you are planning a trip there. 

Have a great week ahead!

I have a soft spot for lace dresses, especially lace dresses with scallop trims and asymmetrical hemlines. Little wonder why Australian label Keepsake’s I Will Wait dress caught my eye. 

The silhouette makes it appropriate for work, but if you work in a more conservative environment, I would suggest throwing on a blazer to add structure. For events and functions, all you have to do is take off the blazer, slip into a pair of glamorous open-toe heels and you’re all set to steal the limelight.

The amazing thing about Australian fashion labels is that you never have to worry about quality. By and large, I have always been more than satisfied with my purchases because the material and workmanship never disappoint. Oh and did I mention that their smallest size usually fits me to a T? I have a couple of pieces from Keepsake in XXS and most require no alteration work, or in the worst case scenario, very minor nips and tucks. 

You can find Keepsake and other popular Aussie labels online, but personally, I like to shop from The Bird Cage Boutique as there are occasions (like now!!) when they offer an additional 40% off sale items! There’s also free shipping on orders above A$200!

Dress from Keepsake (here)

Shoes from Miu Miu

Clutch from YSL

Bangle from Hermes

If you were wondering, this set of photos was taken along one of the back alleys in Little India. Can you believe that these beautiful spiral staircases were built as an escape route in times of emergency?

 I love venturing into back alleys, away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. It is such a therapeutic yet educational experience. You’ll see a different side of Singapore’s urban landscape and catch a glimpse of history too as many of these shop houses have their own stories to tell. 

The beauty lies in the tiniest of details, and all you need to do is keep your eyes peeled as every corner brings new surprises.

Buffets are usually known for quantity instead of quality, but in this day and age, discerning consumers value both qualities equally and Four Seasons Hotel’s One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks and Seafood is one of the few places in Singapore that lets you have your cake and eat it. 

I first had a taste of their Mezze Dinner Buffet (S$58++ including appetizer and dessert buffet spreads and one main course) earlier this year and I enjoyed it so much that I had to take JW there on a separate occasion. 

Appetizer & Dessert Buffet

What I love about the appetizer and dessert buffet is that the extensive selection caters to all your whims and fancies. There is also an element of surprise as items are refreshed daily based on the freshest catch and produce, so you can expect nothing but the very best culinary offerings ranging from organic salads, cured meat, cheese, succulent seafood and exquisite desserts that promise to tantalize your taste buds. 

I was blown away by the wide variety of seafood and organic vegetables.The prawns were very fresh and came with a hint of sweetness while the sweet cherry tomatoes oozed juicy goodness with every bite.

If you have a sweet tooth, you will be in for a treat at the dessert buffet which boasts a delectable array of cakes, bread and butter pudding (my personal favourite!), cookies and fresh fruits.

  
Main Courses

The main course menu features a sumptuous spread of cuisine wood-fired over the sweet aroma of apple wood.  

Here’s what you can expect:

If you are a meat lover, I would highly recommend the steaks here.I tried both the Wagyu Rump and Black Angus Prime on my first visit and I have to say they were well worth the top-up and calories. The Black Angus Prime was more tender, but both were equally succulent and tasty, with a delightful tinge of wood-fired flavour.

Some of the other ala-carte items that you have to try include the very fragrant truffle foccocia which was previously only reserved for VIPs. 

Before the start of the meal, pamper yourself with Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s signature Singapore Sangria, a cocktail that infuses flavours from Asian fruits such as dragonfruit, starfruit and lychee liquer. This delicious concoction was exclusively created for Four Seasons Hotel Singapore by Javier de las Muelas and can only be found on our sunny island. You could also pop by on Fridays for Happy Hour between 6-8pm and enjoy 1-for-1 on cocktails of your choice.

Aside from the delectable food and drinks, I truly appreciate the cozy and intimate ambience at One-Ninety, where you can catch glimpses of Executive Chef Giovanni Speciale, Senior Sous Chef Nicolas Owen and the team working their culinary magic as you just sit back, relax and indulge in the freshest and finest gastronomical fare. Definitely what I would consider as one of life’s greatest pleasures.

 
One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks and Seafood, 

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

 

 Reservations:

Call (65) 6831 7250 or email one-ninety.sin@fourseasons.com

Address:

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

190 Orchard Boulevard S’pore 248646

6.30pm-10.30pm 

Website:

http://www.fourseasons.com/singapore/dining/restaurants/one_ninety/

 Did you know that my very first sunblock was from Neutrogena? I used to be rather dark-skinned during my teenage years as a result of constant sun exposure from physical education classes. Believe it or not, nobody believed that I was Chinese then. Out of vanity (I had no concept of sun protection or skin cancer then), I turned to Neutrogena’s whitening suncare. I remember it was slightly greasy but still relatively lightweight compared to its contemporaries, hence I started using it religiously on my face. Looking back, it was one of the best things that I did for my skin because not only was I able to protect my skin from harmful UV rays that could have resulted in premature ageing, it also helped my skin to regain its fairness.

Fast forward to about two decades later, Neutrogena has made remarkable improvements to its suncare range to cater to our humid climate and skin concerns. For instance, its Ultra Sheer Sunblock range has everything that I wish for in a sunscreen:
 

• Non-greasy, matte finish  

• Doesn’t clog pores as it is PABA free and non-comedogenic 

• Superior broad spectrum protection against skin-aging UVA and skin-burning UVB rays thanks to its Helioplex Technology.  Here’s why it is important to have protection against both UVA & UVB rays:

  
  
  Helioplex® Technology