[ CHINA ] Le Passage Moganshan Luxury French Country House Hotel
Surrounded by tea fields, producing black, green and yellow tea, this French country home is decked out in an entirely European style, a nod to the foreign missionaries and expats who visited these hills in the 1800s. The hotel has antique wood floors, vintage rugs, brass fixtures and clawfoot tubs. There’s also Gallic country food made with seasonal produce, a fine collection of bio-dynamic wines and pear brandy (distilled on-site from pears grown at their farm).

[ CHINA ] Sun Island Club
Set on the only natural island in Shanghai, upstream of the Huangpu River, this wellness resort features 453 villas, two 18-hole golf courses and a spa. The place gets its food from the nearby Mahota Farm, a 33 hectare field located on Chong Ming Island. The fresh produce is utilized at the resort’s many F&B establishments including Italian restaurant Mama Mia, Peacock Palace, serving TCM-influenced meals, and hotpot eatery Zen Den Table.

[ INDONESIA ] Jeeva Beloam
Facilities include Tenda Restaurant a communal setup with fresh fish sourced daily from local fishermen, poultry (raised by local farmers) and vegetables grown on-site. Rooms are rustic (though bedrooms have air conditioning) and direct beach access. While you’re not lazing on the beach, there’s also swimming, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking and fishing on offer.

[ THAILAND ] Thanyamundra Organic Resort
This resort boasts an on-site farm, set on rolling terraces at Khao Sok National Park in the Surat Thani Province. Everything’s organic and the produce (indigenous fruit, vegetables and herbs) is used in traditional Thai recipes. Guests can also walk around the farm via scenic paths and trails.

[ THE PHILIPPINES ] The Farm at San Benito
Raw and live cuisine is the order of the day at this holistic retreat. Find vegan granola, nut butters, bread, salads, chutney and even desserts made from fresh ingredients picked right from the hotel’s own farm. All meals are designed to be high in fibre, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

Why was the break important to you?
After five years of constant touring, it’s inevitable that spending that so much time with the same people will create tension. It was important to take some time off to tend to the other matters in our lives. For me it was a nice opportunity to work with other artists, and rediscover my passion for playing the guitar.

Do you prefer recording in a studio or performing live?
Definitely performing live. I never tire of the energy that our fans give us. Recording is often frustrating, hours of sitting around waiting for equipment to be set up. I’m very impatient and usually get my parts done quickly.

The new album has a raw sound, without digital and studio effects. Why did you decide to record it that way?
To create contrast with the last album we made. It appealed to everyone creatively. We always want to try different things.

How long do you see the group staying together?
It depends what day of the week you ask me. Sometimes I can see us doing this forever; other times, I doubt we’ll be doing it for another month.

Other than performing, what are you going to do in Singapore?
Singapore’s actually one of my favorite places. I’ll be enjoying the warm weather and amazing food. Maybe a trip to the Night Safari?

Touring schedules can be rough. What do you do to relax?
I go swimming when I can. Singapore is good for that!  

Bloc Party performs March 18, 8pm at Fort Canning Park.