What was it like putting your first feature together?
I spent half a year writing and developing the film before pre-production and the entire film took two years of my life. Making a feature film takes so long that by the time you exhibit it, some of the ideas and sensibilities you had while making it have changed.

Is it hard to find a balance between a film that will be commercially successful and something that would be considered an art film?
The commercial aspect of filmmaking is important because you have to be sustainable so you can continue to make your next film. When I made Red Dragonflies, I wasn’t thinking about the box office or about audience reception, but more about preserving images of a place that is disappearing very quickly. I always make my film first, and then try to find an audience for it. Some people think of it as selfish, but I think that if everyone makes movies that everyone loves to watch, there’s really no meaning to it.

Why do you think it’s important to capture Singapore’s disappearing side?
It’s important on a personal level because those are my own memories, and there’s a desire to capture it before it’s gone. I wouldn’t deny that there’s an overwhelming sense of nostalgia—but I also want to think of the film as a way of looking forward. Old things will disappear, but at the same time, new things will become old—it’s a cyclical process, it’s just life, and in life, things have to go.

Tell us about your next project.
The working title is “There Was Once a Mountain.” It’s a period film stretching from the early 70s to present day. It’s a historical film documenting how Singapore has changed across 40 years of time through the eyes of a family.

Where do you see yourself in the Singapore film scene?
I see myself as just another independent filmmaker. I’m very fortunate that my first film had some degree of success, but I see myself as someone still developing his craft and still learning.

Watch Red Dragonflies at Filmgarde Iluma, 5/F Iluma, 201 Victoria St., 6835-9087.

Tell us about your experience during the 48HFP.
It was a crazy, mad rush from the offset. We were lucky we had a good team of actors (everyone was an actor) and we’d worked together before and therefore had great working chemistry.

How did your team come up with the concept for Cut?
We basically sat up till about 2am in the morning brainstorming various storyline scenarios, given the constraints we had, and some that we imposed on ourselves—keep locations to a minimum, keep dialogue to a minimum and maintain spontaneity in the performances using a lot of improvisation.

Tell us more about Cut.
A social gathering goes wrong and it turns into a bit of a horror movie! We had drawn the “horror” genre and that completely threw us off any other ideas we had explored prior to the briefing.

What factors do you think led to your team’s success?
Preparation, preparation, preparation! We’d hired our equipment for a full 48 hours only to find we simply didn’t have a good enough story until the second night. Given that our tale happens at night, that only left us with about six hours to shoot before daybreak! Giving ourselves, as actors, a creative challenge that was manageable and within our individual strengths as performers was key—we didn’t have time to rehearse.

How has the competition affected you as an actor/filmmaker?
Well it’s certainly shown us what we can achieve when push comes to shove, we burnt ourselves out totally and came up with a week or two’s worth of work virtually overnight thanks to an amazing team performance and inhuman effort from our team mate Waikit who had to continue his work as editor, right after having been Director of Photography through the night!

You can watch Cut at www.tinyurl.com/48HFPcut. The 48 Hour Film Project takes place Apr 29-May 1. $140. For more information and to sign up, visit www.48hourfilm.com/singapore.

It's an exciting time for Singaporean cinema. From Cannes to Jeonju and everywhere in between, Singaporean films have become a fixture. While Singapore's first Palme d'Or, Golden Bear or Golden Lion may still be some years away, it's a better time than ever to take a look back. What is our Citizen Kane, Casablanca or The Godfather? Has any one film characterized Singaporean cinema as Rashomon did for Japan and Infernal Affairs did for Hong Kong? Is there a definitive Singaporean film?

We spoke to the who’s who in the Singapore film scene—those who set the gears in motion and those who will shape the industry in years to come—and asked them to tell us about their favorite films. The result: Not one outright winner, but a pantheon of the best films this country has produced.

12 STOREYS (1997)

Eric Khoo’s second feature revolves around the residents of an HDB block. Ah Gu (Jack Neo) copes with the expectations and discontent of his China bride (Quan Yifeng), San San (Lucilla Teoh) lives a sad, solo existence and Meng (Koh Boon Pin) tries to take control of his siblings’ lives while their parents are away. The Eric Khoo Box Set (Mee Pok Man and 12 Storeys) is available from the Sinema Online Store. A new box set which includes Khoo’s other features Be With Me and My Magic will be available soon.

Nicholas Chee
Founder and Managing Director of Sinema Media
My favorite Singaporean film so far has got to be Eric Khoo's 12 Storeys. It is probably the most important film piece for me and made me see Singapore from a different perspective; a view from the outside looking in.
Most memorable scene: There are too many great scenes but the most memorable one for me would have to be the one where the older brother, Gor (Koh Boon Pin), questions his sister Trixie’s (Lum May Yee) “ah beng” boyfriend Eddy at home while she is getting ready to go out. Both have very contrasting views of what defines success and morals. The scene clearly defines the contradictions of a nation in development.

Royston Tan
Director, Chuan Pictures
My favorite film has to be 12 Storeys by Eric Khoo. Being someone who lives in an HDB flat, I can feel the suppression of individuals living in pigeon holes. It was also the first time that HDB flats were captured so beautifully in a film.
Most memorable scene: I think it has to be the long take of the elderly woman scolding the fat girl—the monologue is intense and cleverly executed.

Wee Li Lin
Director, Bobbing Buoy Films
When I first watched 12 Storeys I was in a multi-narrative movie phase. Do the Right Thing and Short Cuts were films I was very inspired by and I thought 12 Storeys was right up there with them in terms of script, performances, editing and execution. I liked the pathos and tragi-comedy of the characters.
Most memorable scene: When Meng was quizzing Trixie's boyfriend on how many “O” Level passes he had. It's hilarious.

ZOMBIE DOGS (2004)

In this documentary (or mockumentary), the eccentric director and film enthusiast Toh Hai Leong laments Singapore’s “zombie-fied” nature before planning to make a snuff film. Watch it online at tcchew.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/zombie-dogs.

Tan Pin Pin
Director
Zombie Dogs is a portrait of film buff Toh Hai Leong, and how he juggles his daily job as a security guard and his diabetes with his desire to make a soft porn film with the help of a few friends. The tone switches from pathos to prurience to bittersweetness with a note of dark humor under it all. Sometimes it feels that Hai Leong is being taken advantage of too. The twists and turns kept me riveted; I had no idea where each cadence would end. The pacing and the control of tone are constructed in the edit (this film is edited by Chew Tze Chuan). Above all, Zombie Dogs feels genuine and it does not try too hard, or take itself too seriously. It just is.
Most memorable scene: The most memorable scene for me was where Toh Hai Leong was cooking another packet of instant noodles for himself because that was all he could afford. It was funny, yet incredibly sad too. The film often flip flops the fine line between humor and pain, between our discomfort and our empathy.

Red Dragonflies (2010)

In non-linear narratives, 17-year-old Rachel and her two friends follow an abandoned railway track while an older Rachel reconnects with one of them nine years later. A poignant study of youth and its waning, it documents a side of Singapore that will soon be lost. Red Dragonflies opens at Filmgarde Iluma on May 5.

Fran Borgia
Director and Producer, Akanga Film
My favorite Singapore film to date is Red Dragonflies by Liao Jiekai. I feel it captures a very important essence of Singapore’s transforming history, and it is a very personal film on our youth and our past.
Most memorable scene: Near the end of the film, the camera shows us, very innocently, a group of young students enjoying what will soon be only part of their memories. Those few beautifully shot frames transmitted so many feelings and emotions to me.

15 (2003)

Eight years have passed, but Royston Tan’s portrait of teenage gang culture is as powerful and influential as ever—if you’ve been able to see it in full, that is. It remains a symbol of censorship’s suffocating effect. Where to wa tch it: If previous un-bannings are anything to go by, we’re probably about 10 years away from being able to buy it on DVD. Until then, a DVD run to Australia or the US is your best bet.

Philip Cheah
Editor of BigO, critic, curator and festival director
This film is so real that you feel that you're being slapped in the face. No other Singaporean film portrays the youth of today so potently and exists as both fiction and documentary at the same time. Making this film happen was a miracle. The fact that the original cast failed to show up on the first day of shooting, meant that the project would collapse immediately. So 15 the feature was improvised by slapping 15, the original short, onto the front of the film, and then continuing with an improvised cast.
Most memorable scene: 15 has a scene where the boys are staring at well-known Singapore buildings and wondering which would provide the best suicide jump. The rapid cuts and fast music pump your adrenalin and when you catch your breath, you wonder for a split second what all Singapore's progress amounts to. Take note that the DVD is not for sale in Singapore and having it shown uncut in a Singaporean cinema is like taking a flying leap.

Jeremy Sing
Founder and Editor of local indie film blog SINdie
15 is an old film but it captured a fresh and raw voice before the avalanche of filmmaking caught on in Singapore. It spoke strongly to me because it disregarded conventional filmmaking structure and latched on the freewheeling adventures of three ah bengs in a deep and honest way. In 15, Royston has an unparalleled grasp of visuals and aesthetics that no other filmmaker comes close to. It is even funny, which is rare among independent filmmakers in Singapore—everyone is afraid of making mistakes and wants too badly to be taken seriously.
Most memorable scene: The one with the ear-piercing. One of the boys sheds some tears and his “brother” pats him on the shoulder and says it's alright to cry, because men's tears are more precious. It's a beautiful line.

Nobody’s Home (2010)

The man with no name strolls into the Queenstown wasteland. Think A Fistful of Dollars with ah bengs. Look out for it at The Substation’s next series of short film screenings. In the meantime, find out more about Nelson Yeo at nelsonyeo.wordpress.com.

Aishah Abu Bakar
Program Manager, Moving Images, The Substation
Who would have thought of making a minimalist Western in Singapore, filmed in empty and dilapidated spaces? The score is fantastic, the cinematography brings you to the space and the lack of dialogue works very well with the story-telling.
Most memorable scene: When the protagonist, Nobody, decides to treat himself to a feast after he's paid his dues. He meticulously aligns his plates of food across a table, only to pull them all towards him as he chows down without self restraint.

Careless Whisperer (2005)

In Royston Tan's short Careless Whisperer, a vocally inadequate man tries to win over the girl of his dreams. Locate the hard-to-find DVD Royston's Shorts or hold a Royston Tan retrospective. Objectifs Films is the film's distributor.

Leong Puiyee
Assistant Manager, Objectifs
This film never fails to make me laugh. It has a timeless and classic feel to it. With its simple story and comedic touch, Careless Whisperer still strikes a chord as nothing beats a film with a good, yet simple story.
Most memorable scene: The scene with the character, Patrick, practicing his singing skills to various people. It shows how earnest he is in wanting to sing to the girl he likes that it does not matter how silly he looks—or how people are judging him.

Singapore Dreaming (2006)

The second effort from husband and wife writer-director team Colin Goh and Yen Yen is a stirring take on the trials and tribulations faced by an average Singaporean family. The film is not readily available, but check out your local DVD store.

Adrian Pang
Actor and Artistic Director, Pangdemonium Productions
My favorite Singaporean film is probably Singapore Dreaming because it was well-written, well-directed and well-acted; it took common “Singapore” themes and put a fresh and evocative spin on them.
Most memorable scene: Probably the one where the father dies— very simply filmed but very effective and moving, and Richard Low is great in the role. He’s much too good for Channel 8.

Joanna Dong
Vocalist and Actress
Singapore Dreaming was a very familiar story. It had strong actors in the cast who pulled off the difficult feat of playing characters that are almost stereotypical with a great amount of authenticity and complexity.
Most memorable scene: The scene at the Father's funeral, where they were talking about the "Elite Package" paper offering which included many luxuries such as a Mercedes complete with chauffeur! I think it's marvelous how even though ancestral worship may be an age-old practice, the burnt offerings have always kept up with the times.

Forever Fever (1998)

Back in 1998, a young chap named Adrian Pang almost single-handedly made us all want to go back to 1977. Pang plays Hock, a kung fu-loving grocery store employee who wants a motorbike. The route to the bike? A disco contest. Where to wa tch it: A limited edition box set of Glen Goei’s Forever Fever and The Blue Mansion is available from www.thebluemansion.com.

Neo Swee Lin
Actress
Forever Fever is still my favorite Singaporean film. It was one that I watched in the cinema (I usually watch them on DVD on a small screen) so it's still very big in my memory.
Most memorable scene: I can never forget that one shot early in the film, of Hock riding his bicycle home at twilight, along a Chinatown street with The Majestic cinema in the background, with the poster of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. So beautiful; so evocative of old Singapore.

Michael Burke
Chair, Graduate Film Department, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts Asia
Forever Fever is uniquely Singaporean. It captures the dialects, the food, the culture and heritage. It’s a film that shows the conservative nature of the society but more importantly it shows the Singaporean sense of humor. A lighthearted comedy, it is at once entertaining and complex. Adrian Pang’s character is at first embarrassed by his social status and heritage but arcs to being proud of who he is.
Most memorable scene: The scene where the father discovers that the beautiful young woman in his kitchen is actually his son dressed in drag. The emotions are incredibly complex, moving from attraction to confusion, to disbelief and repulsion. It is a beautifully acted moment.

Sandcastle (2010)

Boo Junfeng’s debut feature follows En (Joshua Tan), an 18-year-old about to commence his National Service. It’s a tumultuous time during which he experiences love, illness, death and the inevitable passage of time. The film has just been released on DVD, so you should find it at any video store near you.

Lim Kay Siu
Actor
I just love Jun Feng's story-telling. True to himself, and beautifully told. Any story that shows the beauty of life through love, fragile though life is, gets my vote.
Most memorable scene: I don't really have a favorite scene. I love the whole, I guess.

The Reunion Dinner (回家过年) (2010)

Commissioned for the 2011 River Hongbao, Anthony Chen’s The Reunion Dinner is a heartwarming story about the continuing relevance of the traditional Chinese reunion dinner. Clips from the short are available at www.riverhongbao.sg.

Jack Neo
Director and Actor, J Team Productions
I fully understand kampong life, before HDBs, and I really like the way Anthony Chen portrayed it. When I see it, I really like it. It gives good feelings, and it brings back memories. The research is very well done; all the small details are there. Not just props but the language and mentality.
Most memorable scene: The firecracker scene. It's one of my childhood memories, and that's exactly how it happened.

Eating Air (1999)

Billed as a “motorcycle kungfu love story,” Eating Air is about Boy and Girl, two very different people who fall in love over high-speed motorbike rides. Long sold out, a re-release of the DVD can’t be too far away now that we all know who Kelvin Tong is.

Kelvin Tong
Director, Boku Films
We all can never forget our first times and Eating Air was my and Jasmine Ng's debut feature film. It was a totally rock 'n' roll experience. We were young, crazy and absolutely refused to take no for an answer. I think Eating Air captured a certain magic of freewheeling youth in Singapore.
Most memorable scene: The very last shot of the film—a long tracking shot of Ah Girl walking alone through the CTE tunnel. It's a simple and devastatingly tragic shot. When I watch the film now, I get a lump in my throat as the music begins. Maybe it's the breathtaking banality of the CTE tunnel. Maybe that shot was also the last frame me and Jasmine shot on the Eating Air shoot. Good old-fashioned nostalgia—never fails to work on me.

Invisible City (2007)

Tan Pin Pin's hour-long documentary about people who document things— journalists, photographers and archaeologists—explores the fragility of history through memories and aging images. You can buy a box set of Tan Pin Pin’s films from Objectifs Films or try your luck at Kinokuniya, HMV and Gramophone.

Boo Junfeng
Director
Invisible City is one of my favorites. Through the stories of different individuals who attempt to immortalize their memories, we discover a beautiful and poignant portrait of a Singapore that we don't often see. It is one of the most honest and reflective films about Singapore that I have seen.
Most memorable scene: The scene where Ivan Polunin's narration of his footage of the 1950s is placed over a black screen. We hear very clearly that his own memories are also fading, yet he desperately wants to document them before they disappear completely.

SuperDONG (2007)

In this four-minute semi-animated short film from Pok Yue Weng, a young man on the toilet draws a giant penis on the cubicle door which attacks other “dirty” drawings once he leaves. Watch the movie online at www.babelgum.com

Eric Khoo
Director and Producer, Zhao Wei Films
I can watch it over and over again and it still gets me cracking. It’s the most original thing I have ever watched and I told the director to send it to Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes. He did, and it was immediately selected. I recently saw a French commercial that stole his idea!
Most memorable scene: When Super Dong whacks about all the other smaller graffiti pricks on the walls of the toilet cubicle!

As the old saying goes, the thing you need most after a holiday is another holiday. Far from being a time for relaxation, the modern vacation too often works like this: Wake up earlier than normal; plough through a brutal sightseeing itinerary; allow your suppressed gluttony and alcoholism to run riot. Enough already—there are plenty of regional escapes that focus solely on your well-being. Whether you seek enlightenment, beauty treatments, or if you need to get back in shape, you can be certain you’ll return from these resorts reinvigorated.

Get Fit

Help is at hand in your battle against the bulge.

Sharing Bali at Ayung Sari Indah
Singaprang, Bali, +62 817-4705-579, www.sharingbali.com

Set amid lush hills, rainforest and sprawling farmland, and both laid back and affordable, everything about Ayung Sari Indah is distinctly Balinese, from the stone and timber bungalows with grass roofs to its statue-filled gardens. There is a calming, village feel to the place—there are no TVs and guests are encouraged to dine together. Both group and solo bookings are available.
Programs on offer:
Sharing Bali’s series of six-day “fit in Bali” programs are tailored to get your fitness back on track where 6am jogging alarms have failed. The flagship Boot Camp Bali Style conducted by personal trainers shapes both body and mind, promising to leave you energized and refreshed. Jungle treks, a volcano climb and backroad biking might sound intense, but all fitness levels are catered for. You can look forward to healthy local fare, massages, yoga and spa sessions that will ease those aching muscles.
You’ll remember it for:
The views of Bali from up in the mountains, and being able to wear the clothes you want to wear once again.
Prices start at:
AU$1,095 ($1,425), everything included.
You might also like:
Ayana Resort and Spa (Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Bali, +62 361-702-222. www.ayanaresort.com), the official sponsor of the 2011 Bali International Traithlon and home to an Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pool.

Rawai Muay Thai Camp
43/42 M.7 Soi Sai Yuan Rd., Rawai, Phuket +66 814-769-377, www.rawaimuaythai.com

If that beach training scene in Rocky III still plays in your head, you can finally act it out, Muay Thai style. Run by brothers Tuk, Li, Fin and Hehm, Rawai is one of southern Thailand’s most popular Muay Thai gyms. Known for its family atmosphere and dedicated coaching staff, Rawai opened its doors to foreign students in 2003.
Programs on offer:
A day here begins with a 7:30am run followed by Muay Thai training (sparring, pad work and technique development). The morning training session ends with weights, stretching or yoga and afternoon training follows lunch. Rawai recommends stays of between one and three months to get the best results, but as we aren’t all blessed with that much free time, they also offer daily training rates. However long you stay, you’ll not only leave with better fitness and combat skills; Rawai’s programs also help you detox and break bad habits like smoking.
You’ll remember it for:
Your own Rocky beach scene to boast about of course. And if anyone ever tries to cross you, they’re going down.
Prices start at:
Accommodation starts at B500 ($20) per night and training starts at B500 ($20) per day.
You might also like:
Tiger Muay Thai (7/6 Moo 5 Soi Tad-ied, Ao Chalong, Muang, Phuket, +66 (0)76-367-071, www.tigermuaythai.com), one of the biggest names in the Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts arenas. You might remember some of their fighters kicking ass at last year’s Martial Combat.

The Fitness Holiday Bootcamp
The Spa Resort Chiang Mai, 165 Moo 4 Huaysai, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, www.fitnessholiday.net

The last time you were guaranteed eight to 16 pounds of weight-loss, it either involved pills, liposuction or compulsory military service. Founded by Louise and Richard Thomas, The Fitness Holiday promises to help you shed that weight amid the natural beauty and cultural wealth of northern Thailand.
Programs on offer:
The Fitness Holiday’s week-long Bootcamp is a morning-toevening holistic weight loss program. On top of the prerequisite physical activity (cardio, combat, cycling and Pilates), your journey will be aided by a delicious, low calorie menu, fat-burning sauna treatment, massage sessions and nutritional advice.
You’ll remember it for:
The sights, sounds and people of Chiang Mai (tours to the surrounding attractions are available), and the joy of not having to suck in your stomach anymore.
Prices start at:
B38,270 ($1,595), everything included.
You might also like:
Lamai Muay Thai Camp (82/2 Moo 3, Lamai Beach, Maret, Koh Samui, +66 (0)77-418-430, www.lamaimuaythaicamp.com), a dedicated Muay Thai gym with a just-opened cardio and weights facility.

Get Soul

Look after your mind and it'll look after you.

The Kandy Samadhi Centre
Kukul Oya Rd., Sri Lanka, +94 81-447-0925, www.thekandysamadhicentre.com

Samadhi—a Sanskrit term referring to a state of total meditation. A 50-minute drive from Kandy, this lush hideaway is nestled high up in the hills and offers almost total seclusion from the rest of the world; you won’t get a mobile signal up here. This isn’t a five-star retreat but a tranquil, templelike sanctuary with spacious verandahs, lotus ponds, herb gardens and artistic fixtures, with breathtaking views of the nearby hills and paddy fields.
Programs on offer:
The Centre specializes in ayurvedic treatment, particularly the Sherodhara Oil drip. Its ayurvedic consultant can also recommend the right diet and treatment for whatever ails you, be it an everyday condition, a disorder or a serious illness. Tours and nature walks to surrounding areas are available, as are barefoot shiatsu massage sessions. And we wager you’ll rethink your attitude towards vegetables after a meal here, as the ingredients for the exclusively vegetarian fare are picked fresh before each meal.
You’ll remember it for:
The morning mists, the tasty organic food, the stunning greenery and the feeling of absolute rejuvenation upon leaving the place.
Prices start at:
US$45 ($57) a night.
You might also like:
Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort (Samanthara Rd., Pothupitiya, +94 38 428-4996, www.ayurvedaresort.com)—yet another serene, lush niche on the south-western coast of this teardrop isle. The sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean are postcard perfect. Further afield and higher up in Bhutan, Uma Paro (Paro, +975 (8) 271-597, www.uma.paro.como.bz) is an incredible blend of luxury, nature and Himalayan Zen.

ONEWORLD retreats Kumara
Jl. Suweta, Banjar Sambahan, Ubud, Bali, +62 361-972-685, www.oneworldretreats.com/ubud_resort.php

Perched high above slopes of beautiful paddy fields, Bali’s artistic and cultural nerve center is a refreshing antithesis to the backpacker-laden towns to the south. The Kumara, as it’s fondly known, has 10 sophisticated rooms, verdant gardens, two pools and lots of nature-based fixtures, from gorges to a small river.
Programs on offer:
You can opt for packages that include yoga lessons for beginners, spa treatments ranging from massages to facials, and meditation classes. Meals are clean, fresh, organic and utterly delicious. Regulars who flock here annually describe this place as heaven on earth.
You’ll remember it for:
The ultimate detox, de-stress and rehab holiday. We’re not for flippant marketing catchphrases, but you’ll definitely leave this place “a new you.”
Prices start at:
US$117.60 ($148) per night.
You might also like:
Zen Resort Bali (Ds. Ume Anyar Seririt, Singaraja, +62 3629-3578)— away from the crowded southern parts of the island, it’s situated on the laidback northern coast. Zen touts itself as Bali’s “first integrated ayurveda, yoga and nature resort.”

Get Better

The path to wellness involves lots of lying back, soaking, sinking into things and being kneaded.

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, Ipoh, Perak, +60 (5) 210-7777, www.thebanjaran.com

This eco-friendly retreat spreads traditional Chinese, Malay and Indianesque treatments across its extensive menu. Just a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, within the Tambun mountain range, it’s surrounded by natural wonders. Banjaran’s villas offer three different bathing options—the rainforest shower, geothermal hot dipping pools and ice baths.
Programs on offer:
Programs last from three to 21 nights and include accommodation. Targeting those battling their biological clocks, the Longevity program features organic anti-ageing facials and body polishes, antioxidant restoration and a Pranayama Breathing session. The Rejuvenation program lets you enjoy organic rejuvenation facials, traditional Malay and Warm River Stone massages and a Reiki or Chakra Balancing treatment. For those who need inner and outer cleansing, the Detox program comes with organic detox facials, a nutrition consultation, a colonic hydrotherapy session and Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massages.
You’ll remember it for:
The KuuSh 24 Carat Gold Facial. Touted as the most powerful antiaging element, this ayurvedic treatment promises healthier, refreshed, more elastic skin through the removal of toxins. Gold diggers take note.
Prices start at:
RM1,800 ($750) a night.
You might also like:
The Datai, Langkawi (Jalan Teluk Datai, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, +60 (4) 959-2500, www.ghmluxuryhotels.com) is another rainforest retreat specializing in massages, body polishes and bathing ceremonies with Balinese, Indian and Tibetan themes. Across in East Malaysia, Borneo Highlands Resort (Jalan Borneo Heights, Padawan, Kuching, Sarawak +60 (8) 257-7930, www.borneohighlands.com.my) is known for its treatments inspired by the native Bidayuh tribe.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa
102/9 Moo 3, Laem Set Rd., Na-Muang, Koh Samui, Suratthani, +66 (0)77-429-800, www.kamalaya.com

Away from the tourist bustle of Koh Samui and atop a secluded hill, accommodation options include rooms, suites and villas with private pools overlooking the open sea. The resort’s ethnic and rustic furnishings and statues of deities give it a real spiritual vibe.
Programs on offer:
Detox, yoga, stress and burnout management, fitness and weight control. The Kamalaya Personal Yoga Synergy program, a private session for both beginners and experts, is an obvious choice—it helps you master asana (physical posture), pranayama (breathing) and meditation. The three- to seven-night packages include accommodation, airport transfers, meals, usage of fitness facilities, a wellness consultation, Body Bio-Impedance Analysis, and Vital Essential Oil ayurvedic and Indian massages.
You’ll remember it for:
The Monks’ Cave. Contemplate on your boo-hoos and midlife crises in these silent chambers, where the monk Arjan Daeng, renowned for his ability to communicate with other life forms, once resided.
Prices start at:
B6,500 ($270) a night.
You might also like:
The Spa Resort Koh Samui (Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Suratthani, +66 (0)77-230-855, www.thesparesorts.net), a rustic beachfront retreat hosting themed yoga programs.

The Farm at San Benito
119 Barangay Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas, +63 2884- 8074, www.thefarm.com.ph

If you’re after the charm of a kampong stay, The Farm at San Benito won’t disappoint. Set against misty mountains, its suites and villas resemble the traditional rice barns and thatched-roof houses of the Philippines with a muster of roaming peacocks sealing the deal.
Programs on offer:
The prevention program promises better health, vitality, energy and longevity for guests. This four-night stint offers nutritional microscopy, colon hydrotherapy sessions, wheatgrass infusion therapy and kidney cleansing, coupled with spa treatments such as Hampol, Hilot massage, skin kayud and kawalag body detox—all of which utilize local herbs and methods. The package includes return airport transfers, accommodation, meals, holistic health consultation and activities such as yoga, meditation and Mandala flower arranging. Their vegan restaurant Alive! prepares food using dehydrators which lock in nutrients and enzymes usually destroyed by cooking.
You’ll remember it for:
The Chlorophyll Body Wrap. That green pigment is a powerful antioxidant which cleanses your lymphatic system and alkalinizes your body. It’s also an excuse to look like The Hulk.
Prices start at:
PHP7,000 ($200) a night.
You might also like:
Mandala Spa and Villas (Boracay Island, Malay Aklan, +63 362-885-858, www.mandalaspa.com)—situated on a private beach on Boracay Island, they offer three- to 14-day detox programs.

Chiva-Som
73/4 Petchkasem Rd., Hua Hin, Prachuab Khirikhan, +66 (0) 3253- 6536, www.chivasom.com

This retreat bagged six major industry awards in 2010 alone. Located on the Thai royals’ favorite beach Hua Hin, accommodation options include ocean view rooms, traditional pavilions and suites. It brings in renowned practitioners to conduct wellness classes and programs. The usage of cameras and other electronic devices outside the rooms isn’t allowed, so don’t even think of “checking in” on Facebook.
Programs on offer:
Their three- to 28-night packages feature holistic therapies, beauty services from the Niranlada Cosmetic Beauty center and the usage of water therapy suites on top of an impressive list of massages, facials and manipedis. If you stay longer, you’ll benefit from their crystal therapy, incorporating ancient art and modern energy techniques to balance the body’s chakra system.
You’ll remember it for:
Its exclusive treatments for men, such as the Volcanic Pumice Polish that revitalizes and hydrates tired skin. We’re glad someone finally got round to addressing men’s spa needs.
Prices start at:
B44,550 ($1,850), everything included.
You might also like:
Six Senses Sanctuary (32 Moo 5, Tambol Paklok, Amphur Thalang, Phuket, +66 76-371-400, www.sixsenses.com), another beachfront retreat featuring oriental spa services such as Chinese acupuncture, Taoist Chi Nei Tsang detox, full-body Shiatsu and foot acupressure.

COMO Shambhala Estate
Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Gianyar, Bali, +62 361- 978-888, www.cse.como.bz

Sitting on the pristine hills of Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate impresses guests with its dramatic surrounds of rice fields and the Ayung River Gorge. Rooms and suites echo elements of Javanese and Balinese tradition, each with a distinct personality.
Programs on offer:
Customized packages running the gamut of therapies, fitness, retreats and wellness, as well as tai chi, trekking and yoga. The estate’s Cleansing program incorporates good nutrition and daily elimination to keep the liver, bowels, kidney and skin in top-notch condition. Its three to seven-night packages include accommodation, meals, return airport transfers, wellness consultation, massages and cleansing treatments. Another favorite is the Javanese Royal Lulur Bath, a beauty ritual from the Royal Palaces of central Java.
You’ll remember it for:
Guinot Hydradermie Facial. Promising cell-repair and a radiant glow, it penetrates the skin with an electric current. One can only hope that the people who operate this thing know what they’re doing.
Prices start at:
US$535 ($675) a night.
You might also like:
The Golden Rock Retreat (Dusun Aas, Desa Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem, Bali, +62 828-9700-8592, www. theretreatbali.com) sits on Bali’s east coast and offers cleansing programs like Bio-Magnetic Resonance which realigns the body’s energy field