December 2015 - January 2016

HONGKONG

December-January

INSURANCE, WILLS, SAVINGS & TRUSTS Learn Mandarin

Yunnan & Singapore Great Wine Regions

& Decorations Gifts

RESTAURANTS

Fashion

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Stylish Suits & Whiter Smiles

Claim your FREE 2016 Calendar on page 130

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NEWS

EDITOR’S NOTE

STAY UPDATED ONLINE NEWS – WHAT’S GOING ON? Read the latest Hong Kong happenings EVENTS CALENDAR – POST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE! Having a party or a promotional launch and want to get the word out about it on our website? Just head to www.expatliving.hk , click on “Post an event”, and fill in the details. We’ll do the rest! WHERE TO BUY A list of retail outlets where you can buy the latest copy of Expat Living DATES FOR YOUR DIARY! 1 DECEMBER Prestige Fairs Christmas Showcase at the Conrad Hotel, prestigefairs.hk 6 & 13 DECEMBER Classics for Kids Christmas Concert, hkapa.edu UNTIL 6 DECEMBER Hong Kong Squash Open, hksquashopen.com UNTIL 10 DECEMBER Hong Kong French Film Festival, hkfrenchfilmfestival.com 4 DEC – 14 FEB Udderbelly Festival, Central Harbourfront, udderbelly.asia 12 DECEMBER Hong Kong Women’s Choir, “Pop” Christmas For Children at Li Hall, stjohnscathedral.org.hk 14 DECEMBER Prestige Fairs Christmas Gift Festival at the Conrad Hotel, prestigefairs.hk 17 DEC – 21 FEB AIA The Great European Carnival, Central Harbourfront, tgec.asia 31 DECEMBER New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Victoria Harbour, discoverhongkong.com 16-17 JANUARY UCI Track Cycling World Cup at Hong Kong Velodrome Park, hkticketing.com 17 JANUARY Hong Kong Marathon, hkmarathon.com 24 JANUARY Diana Krall, Asia World Expo, ticketbis.com/en 30 JANUARY Picnic in the Park, Siena Park, Discovery Bay, picnicintheparkhk.com

I was recently going through all of our photos from the past year for a school project for one of my sons, and I came to realise two things. The first is that I have a lot of photos of my boys together, and most of the time they look like the best of friends (which is not an entirely accurate reflection of reality…). But it also brought on a realisation that we have had a truly amazing

year. In 2015, I put aside my fear of flying and travelled a lot. Since January, I’ve been to Singapore, France, Australia, Taiwan, Italy, and Macau – and as I write this the year is not yet done. We also moved this summer, from Lantau Island to Sai Kung, and with the boys in a new school, we felt like we had started all over again. It was definitely a leap out of our comfort zone and it sums up the whole year for us. We took chances and said “yes” to everything and every opportunity that came our way. It wasn’t without stress, or the occasional disaster, but that all just adds to the feeling of accomplishment. I’m terrible with New Year’s resolutions – my plan to exercise more didn’t really get off the ground until October – but I’m sitting here reflecting on a year that saw me tick quite a few items off the bucket list, so I’m not being too hard on myself! Sure, I’ve had moments where I’ve been exhausted, and have wished for life to be less busy or chaotic, but stepping back and looking at the bigger picture, I can see now that it was all worth it. Whether you love or loathe this time of year, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on what you’ve done and get some perspective. Despite growing to love Christmas in Hong Kong, I’m excited to be taking our boys home for their first Australian Christmas, and after a really wonderful 2015, I can’t wait to see what 2016 might bring. Whether you’re staying in town or heading away we wish you all the best for the season. If you are staying over the holidays, be sure to keep an eye on expatliving.hk for our guide to what’s on each week. It’s certainly been a great year here at Expat Living : we’ve showcased some stunning homes, met some amazing people, and had a lot of fun wining, dining and travelling around the region – and we’re looking forward to bringing you more inspirational stories in 2016.

BROOKE

Many thanks to Brooke for taking over the helm, and a Happy New Year to all of you from the team here. We’re looking forward to a great year!

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REBECCA

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NEWS

HONGKONG

December-January

INSURANCE, WILLS, SAVINGS & TRUSTS Learn Mandarin

Yunnan&Singapore GreatWineRegions

Editor-in-Chief REBECCA BISSET

& Decorations Gifts

Group Editor SHAMUS SILLAR Editor BROOKE CHENOWETH

RESTAURANTS

Fashion

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Stylish Suits & Whiter Smiles

Claimyour FREE 2016Calendar onpage10

Online Editor SARAH RICHARD Client Services & Production LEANDA RATHMELL | LIANA TALIB | NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN Senior Graphic Designers MICHAEL BERNABE | BEATRICE NG | JEANNE WONG Circulation ANNA TSERLINGAS Subscription & Administration VALMAI DHIR | GRACE BANTARAN Regional Business Development KATIE PEACE Sales & Marketing KATE WOODBURY | WENDY CHAN Partnerships & Events Manager NATALIE WHITTELL Marketing & Business Development Executive VEENA GILL Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE HR JULIET KEYS Contributors ORLA BREEZE | RUTH CAMPBELL | KATE FARR | ELLEN LOBLER NATASHA LLOYD | LARA SAGE | MELISSA STEVENS | AMELIA WILLIAMS Contributing Photographers HELEN JENKINS (HELENJENKINSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) SUZANNE GOODWIN Printed by LENG FUNG PRINTING LTD LFPRINTING.COM

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Front Cover: Lightfoot Travel (lightfoottravel.com) and Tourism Canada

CONTACT US General Enquiries +852 3480 7614 | +65 6259 0058

Expat Living Publications Pte. Ltd. has taken every reasonable care to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, but accepts no responsibility for the content of advertisements published, and no liability for mistake, misprint, omission, typographical error, loss or damage suffered as a result of relying wholly or in part on the content of advertising or editorial published herein. Expat Living Publications reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or advertorial for any reason. All artwork designed by Expat Living Publications or any part of this publication may not be reproduced in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by means - graphical, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording, taping, etc, without prior permission in writing from the Publishers. Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 18 Howard Road, #08-10 Novelty Bizcentre, Singapore 369585 info@expatliving.hk Advertising Sales advertising@expatliving.hk Subscription +65 6812 1783 | subscription@expatliving.hk Production +65 6812 1787 | production@expatliving.hk Editorial & Media Releases editor@expatliving.hk Calendar of Events calendar@expatliving.hk Events info@expatliving.hk Expat Living Hong Kong info@expatliving.hk | sales@expatliving.hk subscription@expatliving.hk Websites expatliving.sg | expatliving.hk I exmag.sg

e e e e e e e e C laim your FREE 2016 Calendar on our website or see page 130

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UPFRONT 12 What’s New 14 Social Pages: CONTENTS LIFE & FAMILY 68 News 69 Rated PG: New column – Orla Breeze on parenting 70 On The Page: Reviews of new books 72 On the Stage: Dance and theatre previews 74 Prestige Fairs at Conrad Hong Kong 76 Kids’ Gifts Galore 78 Petit Bateau: Warm wardrobes for your little ones Photos from recent events HOME 20 News 24 * Showcase: A townhouse retreat in Shouson Hill 34 Expert Voices: Make your home sparkle this holiday season

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MONEY MATTERS 82 Divorce and

Financial Planning 83 Maternity Insurance 84 Tips for Writing a Will 85 Appointing Guardians

44 Buying Guides: Christmas décor 49 * Showcase:

79 A New Online Bazaar 81 Buying Precious Metals

87 Pet Corner:

Tai Wai Small Animal & Exotic Hospital

Anita Beevers’ family home on Lantau

88 Language Tips: Mandarin at home 90 Charity Focus: A profile of Mother’s Choice 93 Christmas Gift Guide: For him and her, for home, and for the kids

56 On The Market: Places for sale and lease 60 Neighbourhoods: Ho Man Tin

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Showcase Features: Each issue, our home showcase features provide a through-the-keyhole look into some of our readers’ lifestyles and their interior design decisions. If you’d like us to profile your own home – whether it’s beautiful, quirky, historic or modern – and you’re willing to be interviewed and photographed, drop us a line at info@expatliving.hk.

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CONTENTS

BODY & MIND 112 News 114 Learning Challenges:

TRAVEL 142 News 146 China Escape:

115

How to help if your child has ADHD

The delights of the Banyan Tree Lijiang 152 One Week in Oman 155 Singapore Short Break: Reviewing some of the city’s great hotels REGULARS 121 Subscribe Now! 166 The Numbers that Matter 167 Our Advertisers 168 Parting Shot: Confessions of an Ageing Karaoke Queen

116 Expert Voices:

126

Mouth makeovers, from whitening to aligners

122 Style Hunter:

Behind the scenes of our Christmas shoot

123 Festive Makeup Tips 124 Menswear Focus:

Suits, sports jackets and more

126 Buying Guide:

Winter-wear for the family

WINE & DINE 132 News 134 Taste Test:

New restaurants reviewed

138 Wine Focus:

Three regions worth visiting in 2016

Expat Living Publications Pte. Ltd. has taken every reasonable care to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, but accepts no responsibility for the content of advertisements published, and no liability for mistake, misprint, omission, typographical error, loss or damage suffered as a result of relying wholly or in part on the content of advertising or editorial published herein. Expat Living Publications reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or advertorial for any reason. All artwork designed by Expat Living Publications or any part of this publication may not be reproduced in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by means - graphical, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording, taping, etc., without prior permission in writing from the Publishers.

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Dec15-Jan16

NEWS

WHAT’S NEW

Hot products, events, ideas & more

Candid Properties is a new service changing the real estate landscape in the city. Started by Alastair Hoyne in response to his frustration in dealing with real estate agencies, Candid Properties offers a tailored and personalised service for clients. The user-friendly website includes detailed property information and images, highly trained relationship managers, and zero commission to buyers and tenants. There are also plans to launch a Mobile App for quicker and easier searches for property needs, with the overall aim of being the primary source for locals and expats looking at renting or buying properties, and property owners looking to lease or sell. candid-homes.com

CONNECTING CREATIVITY Hong Kong’s annual art and design festival, deTour , is on until 6 December, with “Connection” as the key theme. The festival, held in association with Business of Design Week and other local design and technology projects, will showcase the diversity of local design and how much can be achieved by the integration of design, culture and technology. This year’s deTour is on at PMQ and offers loads of activities, including the first ever creative LEGO workshop in Hong Kong, an exhibition by the world-famous charity project #thepovertyline, and other exciting programs. Admission is free. PMQ 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. detour.hk Stazione Novella Bar Italiano is like a little piece of Florence in the heart of SoHo. In the spirit of the season, the outlet is embracing the theme of giving, with the launch of the caffè sospeso , or “suspended coffee”. Taking its cue from an old Italian tradition, patrons are invited to pay for an additional coffee in advance, as an anonymous act of kindness for another. 52-56 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central. 2559 0559

Send Flowers Ordering fresh flowers to be delivered in Hong Kong can be both expensive and overwhelmingly complicated. After seeing a demand for more affordable and accessible floral solutions, new e-Florist The Flower Lady Hong Kong recently launched a user-friendly website offering bouquets of locally-sourced fresh flowers for HK$250, including an optional personal note and delivery. Each day, The Flower Lady sources the blooms from the Hong Kong Flower Market to design original floral arrangements, presented in the label’s signature black-and- white paper. Delivery is by foot and MTR, with stops along most districts on the Island Line, and the company’s eco-friendly ethos continues in the workshop, where no cellophane is used and waste is minimised. Same-day delivery for all orders placed by 4pm (and that doesn’t mean a courier; it means arrangements delivered in person, by hand, and with a smile). theflowerlady.com.hk

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AROUNDTOWN

Warm Welcome Greeting new members and those returning after summer break, the annual Ame r i c a n Wome n ’ s Association of Hong Kong Welcome Back Coffee was held at the American Club in Tai Tam in September.

Lunch for a Cause More than 60 Pink Ladies gathered at Jaspas Sai Kung on a Friday in October for the Ladies Long Lunch, with the theme, “A Splash of Pink”. Thanks to their support and generosity, what started as a small gathering to acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month ended up raising a total of $20,807 for the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. Images: Bold and Beautiful Photography

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SOCIAL PAGES

Perfect in Pink Conrad Macao, Cotai Central partnered with the International Ladies Club of Macau to host a charity lunch as part of the hotel’s 2015 Pink Inspired campaign, which raises money for Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s Pink Revolution. This is the fourth year the Conrad Macao has supported the event. The lunch raised over MOP 84,000 for the campaign thanks to the support of major sponsors such as T Galleria – DFS, Venetian Macao Open, Butani Jewellers, AntePrima, Furla, iiJin, Rockport and Shanghai Tang.

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Taste of Spain Foodie website Gormei.com recently partnered with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, hosting a media event at FoFo by El Willy to launch the first Spanish Food Festival . In celebration of the Spanish October, six renowned Spanish restaurants in Hong Kong – Catalunya, FoFo by el Willy, La Paloma, Quemo, Timon Seafood Bar & Kitchen and Plaza Mayor – served up authentic menus for a limited time to promote Spanish gastronomy and culture.

Street Scenes Hosted by Crafty Cow and Vo l t age PR , t he PoHo Street Fest set unprecedented records and lived up to its name as “September’s Biggest Event”. The all-day festival, held on Upper Station Street in Sheung Wan, brought together Crafty Cow, Coco Espresso, Nosh, Mitte, Little Burro, Upper Modern Bistro, Secret Ingredient, The Bottle Shop, Sibberi, Munchies and Nice Pops, to honour the district’s emerging street culture and its booming food, beverage, and art scenes.

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SOCIAL PAGES

Healthy & Happy Celebrating its entry to the Hong Kong market, GuavaPass held its official launch party recently. The event served as a showcase of the platform’s growing healthy-living community. Over 200 guests attended, and they were invited to take part in a series of fun fitness challenges to win prizes, including a holiday in Bali.

Newly Brewed Following their recent relocation in Central, popular Belgian beer house Frites opened a new venue in Causeway Bay with a massive launch party. The new 4,000-square-foot location features wood panelling, floor-to-ceiling windows, a long bar and wooden tables in the style of a traditional Belgian beer hall.

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Dec15-Jan16

Home & Pr operty

Heather & March

NEWS

WHAT’S NEW

Eye-catching designs & inspiring ideas

Fan-tastic Christmas Big Ass Fans , the leading fan company in the US, h s introduced two special Christmas-themed hardware finishes – oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel – for its line of Haiku residential ceiling fans this festive season. Oil-rubbed bronze adds a touch of old-world style with its appearance of aged bronze and copper undertones. Satin nickel, meanwhile, provides a classic, subtle elegance with an industrial flavour. The new hardware offers even more customisation options for the award-winning Haiku, which holds the top 14 places in the Energy Star efficiency rankings for ceiling fans. Silent operation, a gorgeous minimalist design and more finishes than ever make Haiku perfect for any space, from a modest mid-century living room to an ultra-modern office lobby. Room 808, 8/F, Tai Yau Building, 181 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. 2836 5808 | bigassfans.com/hk

WARM UP YOUR OUTDOORS With the temperatures dropping a little, you may be tempted to stay indoors, but if you have an outdoor area that you love, Lift Lifestyle has the perfect solution: a new range of outdoor gas and electric heaters to fit every space and budget. Perfect for those who want to do some outdoor entertaining or just sit and watch the kids play, the wide range of heaters at Lift is also reasonably priced. Don’t miss the vast array of hurricane lanterns in-store for the festive season while you’re there – they’ll not only light up your outdoor space, but make fantastic gifts too. Unit B, 2/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town. 3907 0386 | liftlifestyle.com

Arabian Nights There’s nothing like slipping into a bed made with the best quality sheets. Okooko has a gorgeous new range of bed linens in-store from Bedouin Societe. Renowned for its raw yet luxury textiles for sleeping and bathing, Bedouin Societe’s vintage-washed, pure linen sheeting reflects a relaxed and natural approach to bed linen; the sheet sets are made from flax sourced from Northern France. The range comes in natural colours of the earth and sea, and the smoky intimate palette layers well with neutrals or colours. Sounds like a good night’s sleep! 26/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau. 2870 1132 | okooko.com

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NEWS

OLD WORLD & NEW The team at Carpet Buyer has just received a huge shipment of beautiful carpets from a private collection that includes semi-antique Afghans from the Turkmen and Balouch tribal groups. The carpets dates to the 1950s to 1970s, and they have been treasured by the collector and released to Carpet Buyer after months and months of negotiations. The store also has new designer rugs and patchwork kilims made from old pieces that bring a modern twist to traditional styles. Special offer: Carpet Buyer is moving from the 17th floor to the 26th floor of Horizon Plaza from February 2016, and is therefore having a massive relocation sale, with an extra 10 to 20 percent discount on many red-dot items, until 6 February. 17/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau. 2580 5508 | carpetbuyer.com MADE for You

PET BEDS Dogs and cats spend a lot of time sleeping, and, just like humans, they love a comfortable spot to rest their weary heads. Silk Road Desire has designed the Ultimate Pet Duvet collection with the furry members of the family in mind. Unlike most pet bedding products, which are made from synthetic materials that can create breeding grounds for bugs and mites that are harmful to your pet, the Ultimate Pet Duvet is made from 100 percent AAA-grade mulberry silk housed in a durable, high-quality, 100 percent cotton shell that is moisture resistant. This provides your best friend with a luxurious and healthy environment to relax and sleep in. In addition, Silk Road Desire offers high-quality cotton duvet covers, in three designs, with a black backing. The best part? The Ultimate Pet Duvet and cover are machine washable and easy to maintain. silkroaddesire.com

The holidays are the perfect exc se to revamp your dining area and one piece that is essential in every home is a sideboard. This new solid wood sideboard from MADE is part of its SLAT Collection, and is perfect for storage or for use as a display cabinet in your living or dining room. The stripe detail in the sliding door showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and creativity of the in-house designers, while adjustable inner shelving makes the piece simple but versatile. The store also offers a “MADE to order” service that allows you to customise your design, size and style. Shop 1-2, 10/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau; Shop 1, G/F, 119 Caine Road, Central. 2518 0028, 2517 0722 | madehk.com

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HOME&PROPERTY

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SHOUSON SHOWCASE

An Eclectic Escape By Kate Farr; photography by Helen Jenkins A two-storey townhouse in leafy Shouson Hill makes for a comfortable and eclectic retreat for this busy family. P erched in the leafy Southside enclave of Shouson Hill, HEATHER THOMAS SHALABI’s tranquil home offers a family-focused haven from the stresses of city living. As co-founder of noted Pilates and yoga studio Flex, Heather – along with husband Hani, 13-year-old daughter Noor, nine-year-old twins Sami and Rafi, plus a second set of “twins”, rescue pups Jake and Okli – needed a space to accommodate the whole family’s diverse needs in style and comfort, alighting on this 3,300-square- foot townhouse as their perfect pad.

The house has a spacious and airy ambience that allows the family to accommodate their individual niches.

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HOME&PROPERTY

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SHOUSON SHOWCASE

Location, location, location Describing how the family ended up in their current space, Heather explains, “We’ve lived in Hong Kong since 2001, and we were previously in Tokyo for three years.” A long-time Southside- dweller, she says, “Prior to our move to Shouson Hill, I lived on South Bay Road and Repulse Bay Road – always within walking distance to the beach. My boys were really keen to have a dog, so when we saw our current home with its pet-friendly terrace, we made the move.” And it’s not just the furry family members that are well catered for, with the Shalabis’ location. “Shouson Hill is very convenient to all our places of work and study; it gives easy access to the Southside and Wong Chuk Hang (where Flex Studio is located at One Island South), as well as the Western Tunnel, which is key for my husband who works at the ICC and my daughter who commutes to Harrow.”

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HOME&PROPERTY

Flex it out With two floors plus that breezy outdoor terrace to play with, the house has a spacious and airy ambience that allows the family to accommodate their individual niches. The first floor houses the main living areas, including the bright and comfortable lounge, prominent raised dining area, spacious kitchen and office. Heading upstairs brings you to the second-level bedrooms, and a unique use of what could otherwise be dead space. “We’ve turned the top of the stairs into a reading space, homework area, and best of all, a music room where the kids play drums and guitar. My husband is an avid piano player and we keep a piano downstairs, so I would definitely say music is a huge influence in our house!” On the family’s need for a space that allows formultifunctional use, Heather elaborates, “I do most of the administrative work for Flex Studio from home and have my office right outside the bedroom. I also practice yoga in that space, and prepare for classes at home. I really enjoy working out in my space – it gives me a place to gather my thoughts and prepare my body for the day.” This smart allocation of living areas gives the family the freedom and space needed to pursue their own interests in comfort.

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HOME&PROPERTY

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SHOUSON SHOWCASE

Every picture tells a story When it comes to the Shalabi home’s interior design, Heather laughs, “My home décor is more accident than design!” before adding, “I worked with Camilla and Annabel Temple of Temple & Rose to help me with drapes and carpets, along with Bowerbird to source key pieces of furniture. The paint colours downstairs were largely chosen to highlight our pieces of art. We’ve mixed contemporary pieces and a few antiques with Asian and European influences.” The family’s art collection is clearly central to the look and feel of the home, playing a key role in the rooms’ layout and furniture placement. “When I’m away for the summer, I really miss the artwork! We’re particularly fond of contemporary Chinese art; each piece in our collection represents a different period of our time spent in China, making a statement about China’s evolving contemporary culture.” This eclectic taste extends beyond China, and has heavily influenced Heather’s sourcing of some of her favourite pieces; “We’ve sourced a few items on our travels in Southeast Asia and the States. We also have a few Japanese ukiyo-e woodprints purchased during our time living in Tokyo.” Another notable Japanese piece is the tansu – a traditional storage cabinet from Kyoto – that was gifted to the couple as a wedding present and now has pride of place in the entrance foyer. Dog days While the home shares access to a swimming pool and communal outdoor space as part of the complex, the Shalabi’s spacious private terrace provides an alfresco extension to their dining room, offering up

a peaceful – and yet again, multifunctional – spot to catch up on the day. “I have become a bit of a barbecue junkie, and I grill outside as often as possible. We also eat lunch and supper outside when weather allows; the kids do their homework, and we all try to find time to relax in the evening and listen to the sounds of night- time descending upon Shouson Hill.” But when it comes to who benefits most from their outdoor space, Heather concedes, “Most of the time, the terrace serves as a romping ground for the dogs who are still frisky and full of energy!” And while Jake and Okli rule the roost, their dog-loving humans clearly wouldn’t have it any other way. The family’s art collection is central to the look and feel of the home

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Recommendations

Home and Garden Andante

Shop D, G/F, The Design Showcase, Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell Street, Central 2537 9688 | andante.com.hk Bowerbird Unit 5, 2/F, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau 2552 2727 | bowerbird-home.com Bricks and Stones G/F, 97 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai 2520 0577 | bands-co.com

Patio Mart 1601, 16/F, Horizon Plaza,

2 Wing Lee Street, Ap Lei Chau 2555 8988 | patiomart.com.hk

Tung Wai Garden Horticulture Lot 903, 217 Tai Chung Hau, Sai Kung 2792 3389 | tungwaigarden.com Art Galleries Connoisseur Contemporary Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1 Hollywood Road, Central 3521 0300 connoisseurcontemporary.com Long March Space 798 Middle 1st Street, Chaoyang, Beijing +86 10 5978 9768 longmarchspace.com

Carpet Buyer Unit 1718, 17/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2850 5508 | carpetbuyer.com

Choi Designs – Cotton Tree Interiors Room 408 – 410, 4/F Dominion Centre, 43-59 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai 2866 0781 | choidesigns.com

Life’s A Breeze 1602, 16/F, Horizon Plaza,

Picture This 2525 2820 picturethiscollection.com

2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2572 4000 | lifesabreezehk.com

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HOME&PROPERTY

Home There’s nothing quite like decking the halls to get you in the mood for Christmas. This year, we’ve asked some interiors experts from our favourite brands for the scoop on how to really make our homes sparkle this holiday season. for the Holidays

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CHRISTMAS DECOR

INSIDE Director, Catherine Trotman

How do you make sure you feel Christmassy here in Hong Kong?

Christmas is all about family and home, so that’s where you want to create the magic. I have a few special decorations that I always bring out, but it’s fun to create new “looks” from year to year. You have to try a little harder in Hong Kong to create a festive Christmas atmosphere, so I think it works to appeal to all the senses; I fill the house with decorations but also bring in some fragrance with scented candles and freshly cut eucalyptus, which I add into faux displays for both the aroma and the look. I get my children to make bundles of cinnamon sticks and pomanders – oranges tied with ribbon to hang them, and then stuck with cloves – as they smell great, and there is nothing like a vat of warming mulled wine infused with orange and spice to get the mood going. Then, of course, the carols; I like the good old fashioned ones from English cathedral choirs. On the 30th of November, we hang our enchanting felt Christmas stocking garland (we sell them at INSIDE, by the way!). It’s a very spoiling advent calendar for the children but I think that so much of Christmas is about the anticipation, and this charming garland, stuffed with a treat each day for the countdown to Christmas, certainly builds the excitement. I missed a trick, though, by not using it as a bribe; in my friends’ houses the elves only come each day for 24 days if the children are good ! With all the commercialisation of Christmas, I also like to think of those less fortunate, so we select a charity. We have many special recipes that we cook only at Christmas, mostly from my mother who was an outstanding chef. Do you have any family Christmas traditions you still follow?

Other than INSIDE, where else do you pick up Christmas decorations and ornaments here?

I buy ribbon in Sham Shui Po and flowers from the Flower Market, and Ikea has great battery-operated string lights that I use extensively.

231 Landmark Prince’s Building, Central | 2537 6298 1201 Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau | 2873 1795 G104, The Repulse Bay | 2812 6685 inside.com.hk

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BOWERBIRD Designer, Jamie Wilkie

What are your top Christmas styling tips?

a more modern twist, or be layered on a mantleor ona table as a centrepiece. Toadd to the sparkle, fill large glass vases with extra Christmas decorations or glass baubles that complement your colour theme. This will make the room sparkle day and night! Don’t only decorate table-tops and mantels: hang ornaments and decorations from tall house plants, chandeliers, even mirrors. If you have ornaments too delicate or precious to risk, display them on a high shelf.

gold; however, if you favour more of a traditional Christmas, classic colours of green and red are always festive. Christmas is the perfect excuse to be more dramatic while showcasing your home. A very easy trick to achieve this without changing your entire aesthetic is lighting. I like having lamps on and lots of candles lit around the room. We carry a range of mercury lamps, which shimmer beautifully beside candlelight. Candles can be put into a large glass vase for

It’s all in the detail. It’s the thoughtful finishing touches that make a lasting impression and give a professional edge when styling your space. The best Christmas interiors combine drama with good planning to help make the festive season run smoothly. Choose a theme – this is the starting point. If you’re going for a contemporary look, Bowerbird loves silver and white or

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CHRISTMAS DECOR

At home, do you go all out and decorate the whole house or just one room? I concentrate on two areas: the front door and the living room. The front door is adorned with a lovely wreath and a sea of poinsettias inviting you in. The living room gets the Full Monty – best to be bold and dramatic in the high traffic areas than spread the cheer too thin, I say! What decorating traditions have you brought from your home country? I like to ensure that the key senses of sight, sound and smell are all accounted for inmy theme, especiallywhenguests come over.

Sight is the easy one, as the front door and living room should set the scene. Sound is also quite easy: there are fabulous Christmas tracks from the likes of Rod Stewart (a fellow Scot) to bagpipes playing festive favourites that really set the mood. For smell, I use cinnamon oil on my light bulbs for an immediate impact, and cinnamon candles.

Unit 5, Level 2, Oceanic Harbour Centre 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau 2552 2727 | bowerbird-home.com

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HOME&PROPERTY

T REE Managing Director, Kate Babington

How do you create that Christmas feeling in your home? Christmas is all about that that warm, festive feeling – no matter whether your style is chic, rustic or whimsical, it’s easy to create some cosy cheer in your own home as you share the best of the season with your family and friends. When I think about Christmas, I think about winter nights spent curled up indoors with family and friends. While we may not get snow in Hong Kong, it doesn’t mean our décor should be any less merry! Not everyone has room for a real Christmas tree in their Hong Kong flat, but you can still get that festive feeling with some creative arrangements. I love clustering some of TREE’s white-tipped pinecone trees together in a corner – they make me feel like I’m walking through a winter wonderland in my own home. For a touch of luxury, I scatter some gorgeous three-dimensional gold and white stars, made from recycled kraft paper, around my house. They look amazing piled into a glass bowl as a Christmas centrepiece, but I especially love them arranged inside one of our bamboo birdcages with a festoon of fairy-lights strung around for added sparkle. What’s in store for Christmas this year at TREE? If you have kids, they’re going to love our new festive Christmas characters, handmade from recycled cloth and newspaper. Scatter these adorable reindeer, Santa Claus and snowmen around your rooms to add some festive Christmas cheer. When I haveguests over, I like to use them as name-card props for each guest to brighten up my table – and they make great parting gifts as well! Wood décor is wonder ful for Christmas – and I just can’t resist TREE’s cheeky driftwood reindeer, made from natural driftwood that washes ashore. They are wonderful on their own, but

even better paired with our natural wood-chip and driftwood trees to create an arrangement that would make Santa smile. And I love that they are eco- friendly and reusable so I can keep them year after year.

28/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau | 2870 1582/3 22 Elgin Street, Soho | 2841 8844 116 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung | 2791 2802 tree.com.hk

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CHRISTMAS DECOR

TEQUILA KOLA Founder, Michelle Koller

What’s on trend this year for holiday decorating? I recommend adding a bit of glam to your holiday table with metallic or mirrored accessories and rich, berry- coloured accent pieces and flowers (raspberry, blueberry and cranberry). How do you celebrate the festive season at home? In my home, the festive season starts with the huge turkey dinner to celebrate American thanksgiving with dear Hong Kong friends. It then carries on in Australia w i t h ba r be c u e s a nd summer drinks parties for Christmas, and culminates with fireworks on a South Australia beach for New Year’s Eve. What are must-haves when decorating your own home over the holidays? Lots of candles, flowers and plants – I love a traditional pine Christmas tree with ornaments, as well as bright red poinsettias. But one year while travelling in Oz, I couldn’t get a tree so I bought a gorgeous fuchsia bougainvillea plant and put lights and tinsel on to adorn. It looked fresh and festive.

Flagship Designer Showroom 1/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau 2877 3295 tequilakola.com

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INDIGO LIVING The team’s tips for creating the perfect Christmas tree

When decorating a tree, where’s the best place to start? Before you add any decorations, hang white lights on green or white wire to your tree. Don’t skimp on lights: we recommend using a strand of 100 lights for every vertical foot of tree. The best-dressed trees tend to have a theme or colour palette, so decide what yours is going to be before you start. Even Christmas decorations are subject to annual trends. Metallics are popular again this year; gold looks great when used exclusively but is an ideal choice if you wish to mix and match with other colours. Try gold glitter leaf baubles and silver and gold 3D stars interspersed with a splash of rich colour from red-beaded holly baubles or purple and gold striped baubles. Hang larger ornaments or those with unique shapes or colours first as these are the ones that will stand out. For more understated elegance, try pairing snowy silvers and whites with clear glass for a delicate, almost ethereal look. Crystal-drop tree decorations, diamante swag teardrop baubles, and matt white snowflake balls will quietly steal the show. But remember to hang fragile or treasured ornaments on the upper branches of your tree where they are out of reach of pets and small children and less likely to get knocked (or pulled!) off. I want something really special at the top of my tree; what do you suggest? The crowning glory of any tree is its topper but perhaps the most elegant ones come in the form of a star. Indigo Living has plenty to choose from – check out the silver or gold Starburst tree toppers. Finish off your tree with a light dusting of a big box of Indigo Living “snow”, then scatter your presents around. Bring on Santa! Is it possible to create a tree that’s classic but also on trend?

6/F, Horizon Plaza 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau indigo-living.com

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HOME&PROPERTY

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1 Heather & March , 2116 0839, heatherandmarch.com 2 INSIDE , 2873 1795, inside.com.hk 3 Heather & March 4 TREE , 2870 1582/83, tree.com.hk 5 Tequila Kola , 2877 3295, tequilakola.com 6 INSIDE 7 & 8 Heather & March 9 Lift Lifestyle , 3907 0386, liftlifestyle.com CHRISTMAS DECOR

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10 INSIDE 11 Tequila Kola 12 Indigo Living , 2555 0540, indigo-living.com 13 TREE 14 Heather & March 15 Altfield Interiors , 2526 8681, altfield.com.hk 16 Altfield Interiors 17 Mirth , 2553 9811, mirthhome.com 18 i.d. Stores , 2523 3006, idstores.com.hk 19 i.d. Stores 20 Indigo Living 21 INSIDE 22 Stuck on You , 2549 2245, stuckonyou.hk

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23 Heather & March , 2116 0839, heatherandmarch.com 24 Indigo Living , 2555 0540, indigo-living. com 25 i.d. Stores , 2523 3006, idstores.com.hk 26 Mirth , 2553 9811, mirthhome.com 27 Tequila Kola , 2877 3295, tequilakola.com 28 Stuck On You , 2549 2245, stuckonyou.hk 29 Heather & March 30 i.d. Stores 31 Stuck On You

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LANTAU SHOWCASE

Lantau living doesn’t come much better than this fashionable family home close to Cheung Sha Beach. An Open Approach By Brooke Chenoweth; photography by Suzanne Goodwin

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W hen Anita Beevers and her husband James first bought their freestanding village house on Lantau, it was divided into six units over three floors, and in need of a lot of work. But there was just something about it that made themsee the potential. “We loved the position of the home, with it being at the back of the village with the surrounding trees behind and beside us,” says Anita. Despite the obstacles, the condition of the building meant that a complete renovation was needed, giving the couple a blank slate to work with. The family moved in four years ago after the massive reno, and the end result is a three-bedroom, three-storey home that they are all very proud of. The front door opens onto the main living area, with a set of stairs off to the right. The position of the stairs at the back of the house means there is plenty of room to play with on each floor. While James and Anita were designing their home they made a lot of changes, but one thing that was consistently a priority for them was an open plan. “This was especially the case on the ground floor, with the living, dining and kitchen areas, as this is where we spend the majority of our time,” says Anita. She adds that a spacious kitchen was also important – “I love to cook!” Indeed, the all-white and stainless-steel kitchen is a home cook’s dream-come-true. It’s light and

offers plenty of bench space, and starting from scratch gave Anita free rein to install some enviable appliances. It also faces the dining area, which opens up on both sides to a patio. Anita has used the same colour scheme outside, and with the doors open it feels like one large room. The ability to be in the kitchen and not be removed from the family at the dinner table, or the guests sitting on the patio outside, is really appealing. Anita says, “We love to entertain, so the way the space flows from inside to out is one of our favourite aspects of the house.” Unlike many village houses, this one doesn’t feel closed in, despite the fact that the village itself is quite densely populated. Downstairs, the couple used sliding doors and large windows to further open up the house. They also used glass panes as stair rails and added two huge panes of frosted glass at the back of the house to provide a lot of extra light, while still maintaining privacy. The clever use of windows continues throughout the house, and the position of the property has been optimised by the placement of the bedrooms at the front where there is more light and a view, and the less important rooms, like bathrooms and storage, at the back. On the second floor are the girls’ bedrooms – mirror images of each other in shades of pink and purple, with simple white furniture. The rooms are coordinated and bright, yet each room, filled with

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LANTAU SHOWCASE

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LANTAU SHOWCASE

blue tones throughout the house, but the blue taxi pictured gives a nod to Lantau and the Beevers’ island home. The top floor is a lovely haven for adults, with the master bedroom, a large bathroom, an office and a spectacular walk-in wardrobe, which you would expect from someone who knows fashion like Anita does. Much like the clothing she works with, Anita’s choice of fabrics and textures in her home is both stylish and subtle. Throughout the whole property, Anita has kept the colour scheme simple, with dark woods and natural textures, mixed in with neutrals and splashes of turquoise. This creates a feeling of harmony across the three floors, and the effect is quite calming. The overall style is modern but Anita says, “I’ve loved being able to incorporate select Asian pieces. I’ve got more of a mix of styles here than I would have if I was living back home in Australia.” The Cheung Sha area is a great place for families, so it’s no surprise that Anita and James love the area. “We have an amazing community and great friends here. We also love being so close to Cheung Sha Beach with all its fabulous restaurants.” It would seem that this home offers a lot for its inhabitants, both inside and out.

all the girls’ most prized possessions, shows their personalities and love of colour. The third room on the second floor is Anita’s other “baby”, her shop. ZenvarA HK is a women’s clothing business that Anita started after her twins were born. Motivated by a lack of stylish resort-wear, Anita started importing clothing from Indonesia and Australia, where the fabrics are more appropriate for our climate. “The ladies of Lantau love that the shop is at my house, and so do I, as it means I’m still around for my daughters.” It’s difficult to spend any time at Anita’s and walk away without buying anything! Anita has added small pieces of furniture and accessories to each landing, delivering a nice decorative touch to some otherwise vacant spaces. A custom-made Chinese-style cabinet topped with photo frames and flowers sits on one floor, while another floor has a silver lantern, candle holders and a clock. Similar decorative details are found throughout the house, and rather than making the space feel cluttered, they act like stylish little surprises around each corner. The highlight is a made-to-order photo montage of Hong Kong scenes from Nitty Gritty Images that hangs on the stair wall on the ground floor. Not only do the colours complement the

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Anita’s Recommendations

Furniture and art Indigo Living 6/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2555 0540 | indigo-living.com Mirth The Mezzanine Floor 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang mirthhome.com Nitty Gritty Images nitty.gritty.images.hk@gmail.com OVO

G/F, 16 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai 2526 7226, 2529 6060 | ovo.com.hk Picture This 2525 2820 | picturethiscollection.com Zara Home Harbour City, 25 Canton Road zarahome.com/hk Restaurants Lantana 40 Cheung Sha Lower Village, Lantau Mavericks Pui O Beach | mavericks.hk

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MARKET UPDATE A fter a tumultuous year of warning bells regarding Hong Kong residential prices, and more than a decade of consistent growth, the question is, “Will the market finally soften?”

The long-awaited sale of large first-hand market units has begun. Mid-Levels and Lantau Island have proven especially attractive locations for larger properties. The luxury tier has limited stock and enjoys a strong demand as buyers are interested not only in investments but also for large families’ own use. Even if prices are falling as forecast, there are always plenty of well-lined purses waiting for this kind of property to procure. The rental market has seen only a slight readjustment of price in some areas but is still expected to decrease further. However, the reality may yet prove contrary to speculation; a slowdown was predicted on 2014-2015 prices and has yet to convincingly materialise. Also, units in major developments that were sold earlier in the year were put on the rental market even before they were finished in order to keep the momentum. All this taken into account the true effect remains to be seen.

Surprisingly, the first-hand sales market has recorded significantly higher prices as compared to the secondary market. This is a rare occurrence. This result can be attributed to the need for owners to accept lower prices to quickly sell their property. Selling prices are still fairly lucrative for owners but skyrocketing transactions have become rare. Mass residential market prices are forecast todeclineby 5percent and will remain rather flat next year, but as long as the demand remains solid, the price may be kept steady. The luxury sales tier seems to be welcoming discounted prices, however, as long as owners keep their power in line, discounted sales will seldom be made.

Letizia Casalino, Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty

HOT PROPERTIES

BEAUTIFUL RENOVATION DISTRICT: Mid-Levels West RENTAL PRICE: HK$69,000 SIZE: 1,117 sq. ft BEDROOMS: 3 (1 ensuite) BATHROOMS: 2

A rare apartment in a family- friendly building with an open aspect. It’s beautifully renovated, and features matte wooden floors, large bay windows with double- glazing, and a very smart open-plan kitchen.

56 Aug-Sep15 ust15 To view properties, call Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty at +852 3108 2108

FOR SALE & LEASE

COLONIAL CHARM DISTRICT: Happy Valley SALE PRICE: HK$23.8M

Not only has this colonial apartment had a total makeover, but it’s also located in a quiet and g reen env i ronmen t along Blue Pool Road. Vacant possession and close to bank valuation.

SIZE: 1,131 sq. ft BEDROOMS: 2 (2) BATHROOMS: 2

MODERN & UNIQUE

DISTRICT: Chung Hom Kok RENTAL PRICE: HK$72,000 (excl.)

SIZE: 1,450 sq. ft BEDROOMS: 3 (1) BATHROOMS: 2

This low-rise apartment features a spacious living and dining room with balcony, storage space in all three bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen and renovated bathrooms.

Aug-Sep15 August To view properties, call Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty at +852 3108 2108

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M i n u t e s f r om t h e beach, this home’s e x p a n s i v e g r o u n d floor accommodates a combined living and dining room with large, built-in dining table, while the sleek open kitchen has top-of-the- line appliances.

COUNTRY LIVING

DISTRICT: South Lantau SALE PRICE: HK$16M

SIZE: 1,500 sq. ft BEDROOMS: 3 (1) BATHROOMS: 2

With breath-taking views across the Mid-Levels area to the harbour, this is a bright, high-floor apartment with neutral décor, spacious living and dining room, and a marble internal staircase.

DUPLEX PENTHOUSE

DISTRICT: Mid-Levels West RENTAL PRICE: HK$90,000 (incl.) SALE PRICE: HK$48M

SIZE: 1,226 sq. ft BEDROOMS: 3 (1) BATHROOMS: 2.5

58 Aug-Sep15 ust15 To view properties, call Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty at +852 3108 2108

HOME&PROPERTY

HO MAN TIN

TALK

An insider’s guide to life in their ’hood.

STREET

THE SPECIFICS What street do you live on? Sheung Shing Street.

THE SCENE When you walk out of your place, the first thing you see is: Green space! We havemany recreational areas within walking distance, including public tennis courts on the hill just behind our complex, commanding an excellent view of the whole area. The closest store to your front door is: We have a very well equipped Taste supermarket underneath our complex. Particularly handy when the heavens erupt and you forgot you ran out of milk. We’re very blessedwith great neighbours and have been lucky throughout our three years here. We had a vacant apartment next to us for over one year and a lovely young Chinese couple have just recently moved in. They speak no English and we rarely see or hear them. Our other neighbours are a professional Hong Kong couple whose son is studying at a university in Canada. They travel regularly to see him and rarely make noise either. They are very generous, giving the children red lai see packets every year. The vibe of your street is: Withmany wealthy Hong Kong residents, the dress code in the street is rather upmarket/high end, however there is the usual mix of casual and school uniforms as well! If a celebrity moves in next door, it will most likely be: Someone who is looking for security and luxury combined. The security at our complex is high, with staff at the entrance gates, podium, all external entrances and exits and each tower. Not even Jackie Chan could get in here unless he was a resident! Your neighbours are great, but you wouldn’t mind a little less:

What’s the name of your neighbourhood? Closest MTR? Ho Man Tin. Yau Ma Tei MTR Station is our closest, but Ho Man Tin station is currently being built. How long have you lived here, and why did you choose the area? Almost three years. It’s an eclectic mix of expat, urban and local environments, which we fell in love with. It’s also close to the children’s school, meaning they don’t have long periods of travel time (handy when typhoon signals are hoisted)!

Name: Catherine McGrory Originally from: Sydney, Australia Occupation: Actress/ Interior Design Student

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