Extreme Sailing Series 2014 Feb 21-23

It won't be all smooth sailing at this race, as some of the world's best teams will be fighting it out on the waters of Marina Bay Reservoir to emerge tops. 

HSBC Women's Champions 2014 Feb 27-Mar 2

You'll get to see some of the top names in women's golf, such as Suzann Petterson and Lydia Ko, battle it out for the whopping US$1.4milliion prize purse. 

KeepFit! 2014—Lights Edition Mar 1

Participants at this two-hour long session of Zumba and Sh'Bam will be decorating their faces and bodies with glow-in-the-dark paint—it'll look just like a scene out of an early 90s rave video. 

Men's Health Urbanathlon 2014 Mar 2

Watch disheveled urban warriors leap, dodge and crawl through various obstacles at this 14+km long race. It's almost like a Singaporean version of Wipeout, albeit slightly tamer.

Mission Foods Beach Netball Festival Mar 2

There'll be sun, surf, sand, and hot beach bods (or so we hope) at this netball festival...what's there not to like? 

Malaysia Super League 2014: LionsXII vs Kelantan FA Mar 8

It's high time that we show some support for our country's own soccer players, instead of always pledging our allegiance to the likes of Man U and Barcelona.

Altitude Gym

Take your fitness level up a notch at this dedicated altitude training facility, which is the first of its kind in Singapore. 

Anytime Fitness

This 24/7 neighborhood gym lets patrons work out at literally anytime of the day. 

Bikram Yoga Katong

Get your yoga fix at this new Bikram Yoga studio, helmed by instructors Maria and Jez. 

Fitness First Platinum, Market Street

This two-storey, 21,000 sq. ft. Fitness First branch offers a well-equipped gym area, a Mind and Body studio, and over 90 group exercise classes. 

Fitness First Platinum, Westgate

Westies rejoice: Fitness First has opened a 22,600 sq. ft. branch at Westgate Mall, with gorgeous floor to ceiling windows, and a swimming pool with a landscaped deck. 

Radiance PhysioFit

This boutique space, located in the heart of the Central Business District, is the first ever gym to combine both training and physiotherapy facilities. 

Kwankhao Sumalee

Facebook Name: The Pretty Potion by Kwankhao

Product: “For everyday use, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is a definite must-have. The lightweight texture makes it great for use under the eyes without creasing, but it’s pigmented enough to cover up very dark circles and acne scars. It can also be used to tidy up details under the eyebrows, around the nose and lips.”

How to use it: “For a very natural look, use this concealer over a primer or sun block. For a heavier look, use the concealer after applying foundation. My brush choice would be a fluffy brush, as it blends better under the eyes, but for pimples and detailed work always use a flat brush.” 

Where to get it: B1,200 at Nars at M/F Siam Paragon Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7736. BTS Siam.

David Docando 

Facebook Name: David Docando Make Up

Product: “Duo palettes combining cream blush and cream contour or cream contour and cream highlighter are a must this season. My favorite duo palette is the Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder by ELF Cosmetics for its buttery, easy-to-blend texture. Now more than ever, light textures and skin-like finishes are topping the market. Every girl and woman wants to pull out a defined bone structure, a healthy color on the cheeks without looking too made up or over-powdered.”

How to use it: “Use it for any occasion, night or day. Just apply it with your fingers and make sure you blend it without leaving any harsh edges. The creamy texture will allow you to use it on your eyes and lips as well. For a longer lasting effect, use a skin primer below or a mineral translucent powder on top.” 

Where to get it: visit facebook.com/elfcosmeticthailand or call 090-641-3165. 

Amata Pear Chittasenee

Facebook Name: Pearypie: Make-up Artist/Theatrical Artist

Product: “It has to be a gold eye shadow, namely Stila’s Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Kitten-nude pink sheen. It gives off a nude/golden color. It will be a new trend I plan to start. I think it brings out a spark in those who wear it. It has been around for many years but has not been picked up by the Thai community.”   

How to use it: “Use it when you want to enhance your tanned skin or your bronzer. It brings a glow to the face, and I think it’ll look great on Thai girls, especially those who are more tanned than others.” 

Where to get it: B1,070 at Sephora, 1/F Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam. 

Swanti Suwanee Sethi

Facebook Name: Make Up by Swaness

Product: “The Sigma Brush set is a great kit to invest in. It comes with 10 different brushes, and each gives you amazing quality soft bristles which are sure to last a long time—definitely bang for your buck.”

How to use it: “Take the F40 (Large Angled Contour Brush); it’s a great contouring brush. The F40 can be used with cream or powder contouring products/bronzers. Place the angled blush under the cheekbones and blend upwards towards your cheek. The fluffiness of the brush helps to blend the product with ease. It also works well for applying powder blush to the top of the cheekbones.”

Where to get it: B4,950 at Lashes, G/F Silom Complex, Silom Rd., BTS Sala Daeng. 

Dating Events 

Instagram fanatics can find some #love this #valentinesday at China One's Insta-Love event. There will be live beats from DJ Timo and DJ Bay, as well as rock band Tabula. Follow China One on Instagram (@chinaonesg) to book a spot. February 12

Show up at Lovestruck.com Does Loof, order a drink, and ask for a red straw—you may well find yourself going home with someone at the end of the party. February 12

One for the guys: Head to Tailor Me Online's Singles' Day for beer, sympathy and... a free suit consultation. February 14

Try your hand at some speed dating at Complete Me, featuring a six-course fusion lunch at Tsao's Restaurant Group, as well as interesting (with any luck) conversations with the opposite sex. February 15

Get all hot and sweaty (for more reasons than one) at the LOLA 'Couples Yoga' Singles Meetup, where participants are encouraged to socialize and seek potential partners. February 15

Go back in time and snag a high-school sweetheart at the school-themed Dating Fest, which will feature a slew of entertainment and speed dating activities, such as a "school production" and "orientation games". February 16

Parties

As Beyonce sings, "all the single ladies / now put your hands up", you girls have another reason to rejoice, as you get to enter Applebottom's gig for free. February 14

Go absolutely loco at Lucha Loco's Anti-Valentine's Day Party, and participate in cheeky games and dance all night to anti-love ballads. You are even encouraged to bring a photo of your ex for some piñata bashing—it's time to take revenge. February 14

Party away any Valentine's blues with Singapore Island Culture Club, and fall in love instead with the sounds of DJ Aldrin's nu music. February 14

Attend the fourth edition of Valentine Vendetta for a night of mingling and saucy games that involve lots of drinking and french kissing. February 14

For all you day drinkers, there's Bacchanalia's V-day brunch complete with an outfit color code (like a much less discreet version of the hanky code or jelly sex bands). February 15

Capella Singapore

For the true romantics Capella Singapore is offering the Be My Valentine two-night package for $3,500 in a Garden Villa, which includes in-room flowers, Champagne and chocolates, breakfast at The Knolls on one morning with an in-room Champagne breakfast on the other, a spa treatment in your villa, a one-hour photo shoot by Limitedpixel and a Valentine's dinner at The Knolls Restaurant. This offer is available from 13 to 16 February.

Over at Days Singapore at Zhongshan Park, foodies can spend their Valentine's staycation indulging in the hotel's Mediterranean-Japanese Valentine's set dinner at 21 on Rajah, with dishes like soy marinated beef carpaccio and miso-coated halibut. The staycation, which costs $268, also includes chocolate coated strawberries and a Dilmah gift set, along with breakfast for two and check-out at 3pm.

The Fullerton Hotel

If you want to spend Valentine's on Marina Bay take note of The Fullerton Hotel's My Sweet Valentine room package. The offer includes a four-course dinner in the privacy of your own room, a bottle of wine, a romantic butler drawn candle-lit bath and an American buffet breakfast at Town Restaurant. Rates are from $478 per night for a Quay Room.

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

Over by Robertson Quay Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel is offering the Italian-style Valentine's stay package Ti Amo in an Executive Suite ($460) or Waterfront Suite ($560), with stretch limousine pick-up, a bottle of prosecco on arrival, an epicurean three-course Italian meal in the hotel's Pontini restaurant and two Gold Class movie tickets, as well as access to the Executive Club Lounge for afternoon tea, sunset cocktails and breakfast. The offer is valid until the end of February, except on Sundays.

Hotel Clover 769 North Bridge Road

In Kampong Glam, the boutique property Hotel Clover 769 North Bridge Road, is offering A Magical Escape Valentine's package, available from 1 to 15 February for $428, in which couples stay in a stylish Clover Lavish suite, with indulgent extras like a pair of Plain Vanilla Bakery's red velvet cupcakes, an assortment of chocolates and sparkling wine. In the Lavish suite guests can lie back in the their own private jacuzzi, scented with Harnn's bath oil.

Naumi Hotel

The recently re-vamped boutique luxury hotel Naumi is enticing loved-up guests with their Valentine Escapade stay package. While staying in a Habitat room, the couple will be treated to dinner for two at Table by Rang Mahal with a bottle of sparkling wine, as well as a buffet breakfast. The offer is valid on February 14 for $508.

Oasia Hotel Singapore

Recently opened Oasia Hotel Singapore, located in Novena, is offering guests the Valentine's Day Indulgent Retreat. This weekend of pampering includes a night's stay in the designer Club Room, a bottle of Pinot Noir, a super indulgent (as the name suggests) five-course dinner at The Living Room, access to the club lounge and to top it off, a 45-minute couple's spa massage. The package, which is available from 13 to 17 February, costs $588 per night.

Pan Pacific Orchard

To really treat that special someone, check in at Pan Pacific Orchard, where you can go on A Whirlwind Romance with two-way limousine transfers, couple's massage indulgence, a romantic poolside dinner with a private butler and a 99 rose bouquet. Available from 14 to 16 February, this package costs $2,288. A slightly less pricey option is Romance in the City, which includes welcome Champagne, handmade chocolates and a rose bouquet. This package costs $520 per night based on a two-night stay, or $850 for one night; it's available from February 14.

PARKROYAL on Pickering

To arrive in style PARKROYAL on Pickering will arrange a limousine pick-up from anywhere in Singapore when booking their Valentines The Suite Life package, plus guests are treated to Champagne and strawberries on arrival. The package also includes afternoon tea, sunset cocktails, a buffet dinner for two at LIME, a Champagne breakfast and a 60-minute massage at St. Gregory Spa, as well as access to the Orchid Club Lounge on level 16 and check-out at 6pm. This ultra indulgent package starts from $688.

The Quincy Hotel

At The Quincy Hotel, an uber cool boutique design property close to Orchard Road, couples can check-in for a Valentine's staycation with the hotel's In the Mood for Love package. For $368 (or $338 if booked before February 7) you'll be entitled to one night in a studio room, a bottle of Bottega's Il vino della amore sparkling moscato, a Moltan Brown traveler gift set and a romantic dinner for two. The offer is valid for stays between February 13 and 17.

Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park

In Novena Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park is offering gastronomic Valentine's staycation packages. For $328 the stay includes the Cupid, Chandon & Chocolates Valentine's buffet at Flavours, with free flow of Chandon sparkling wine and dishes like pan-seared foie gras with caramelised onions and a port wine reduction. You'll also get Chandon and chocolate covered strawberries in-room, breakfast for two and check-out at 3pm. The Dine under the Stars staycation for $348 includes a four-course dinner by the terrace's pool and overlooking Zhongshan Park, with mains like slow braised beef cheek. This package also includes Chandon and chocolate covered strawberries in-room and breakfast for two, as well as check-out at 3pm.

The Sentosa

Sophisticated lovers might want to check in at The Sentosa for their Exquisite Valentine's Retreat. The two-night package in a deluxe garden-view suite includes a special seven-course Valentine's dinner at The Cliff with two glasses of Champagne and a rose for the lady, a three-hour Rose Paradise spa treatment for two, a bottle of Champagne and a selection of gourmet chocolates. The package runs from 13 to 14 February for $2,100.

Swissôtel Merchant Court

Meanwhile, over at Swissôtel Merchant Court, couple's can check in for the hotel's romantic staycation package A Valentine's Rendezvous. The staycation includes a four-course set dinner at alfresco poolside restaurant Blue Potato with two glasses of Champagne, access to the Swiss Executive Club Lounge for evening drinks and finger food, and a Champagne breakfast that's served to you in your premier room overlooking Clarke Quay. The Valentine's staycation is available on February 14 and 15 for $488 per night.

W Singapore Sentosa Cove

To make this Valentine's one to never forget, book in at W Singapore Sentosa Cove for their Extreme Love for 2 decadent weekend package. As well as staying in the Extreme WOW suite, guests are entitled to two-way limo transfers, an Away Spa couple's treatment, a sunset cruise, dinner at The Lighthouse, plus Champagne, a romantic bubble bath and breakfast in bed. The package costs from $10,000 per room, valid on 14 February.

Fitfac Muay Thai Academy

243/2 Soi Atsawa Pichet, Boromratchonanee Rd. 089-890-5995. Open Mon-Fri 1-10pm and Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. www.fitfacmuaythai.com

This newest Thai boxing studio just opened its doors a week ago. The fitness center offers classes designed by professional boxers and professors from the Faculty of Sport Science at Mahidol University. The courses are slightly different from other boxing places, as they put the focus on exercising and body firming purposes based on your body mass index. Programs span from the basic aerobic kickboxing class up to the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and emotional involvement training (EIT). Day passes start from B490/day (training gear included). 

Jaroenthong Muay Thai

581 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 39. Pracha-Uthit Rd. 02-539-3867, 082-658-6097. Open daily 10am-noon and 2-8:30pm. www.jaroenthonggym.com 

Jaroenthong Muay Thai sits somewhere between a traditional boxing camp and a new-age boxing-for-exercise center. Founded by professional fighter Jaroen Choomanee, who went by the stage name Charoenthong Kiatbanchong, the classes here cover a variety of levels—starters, serious exercising and potential pros—all of which involve training one-on-one with an instructor. A day pass is B500/day (2 hours) while courses are priced at B6,000/month.  

JittiGym The International Muay Thai Training Gym

12 Soi Chokchairuammit Yak 29, Viphavadee Rangsit, Ratchadapisek Rd., 089-069-5026. www.jittigym.com

Jitti Gym started as a proper Muay Thai camp, but once boxing gained more popularity among ladies it started offering up firming and exercising classes as well. The atmosphere is very traditional compared to the others on this list—ideal for keeping concentrated. Among the trainers are many ex-pros from the Ratchadamnoen and Lumpini rings, so you can rest assured you’ll be treated like a real fighter, too. Day passes start from B300/day (2 hours) to B5,000/30days (2 hours a day). 

Ratchadamnoen Singha Muay Thai Academy (RSM)

3/F SeenSpace, Thonglor Soi 13. 02-185-2384. www.rsm-academy.com

RSM is another place pushing Muay Thai as an exercise in Bangkok. Located in the middle of town in Thonglor, it offers a wide range of courses designed especially for each different age ranges. The classes combine traditional martial arts with modern professional fitness routines, with all trainers also lead coaches at Ratchadamnoen stadium. An introduction to Muay Thai trial starts at B550/day up to B6,000/month for unlimited participation. They also cater for private groups and pro-pratic as well. 

BK asks

Why go boxing? 

Varlynphat Pawanantheerakul, 27, business owner 

“I hate the idea of fitness, it’s boring and uninspiring. But when you’re getting older you can’t stay skinny without it. One of my model friends told me to try boxing, saying it really burns calories. I thought, she’s a model, so why not?” 

Mayticha Kaensa, 25, producer

“A friend of mine had been asking me to box with her for a while. But once she showed me her topless boxing instructor, complete with six-pack, tan skin and skinhead, and all sweaty, like he was Bua Khao’s twin brother, I had no hesitation at all.” 

Wanutcha Sriphotongnak, 26, finance

“I used to be twice the size I am now and it was hard to go shopping as even XL was still very small. I’d tried yoga, but it was too laidback, so I came to the boxing gym with my friends. Here it makes you feel like you’re dancing in the club, even at 10am.” 

Kanchanaburi is back in the headlines again with the recent Hollywood release of The Railway Man, a film based on the bestselling autobiography by Eric Lomax, a British POW who was put to work on the infamous death railway during WWII. The town hosted its annual River Kwai Bridge Festival last month, but there are many other ways you can explore Kanchanaburi’s fascinating past.

War Memorials

Upon arriving in Kanchanaburi, you will be confronted with many reminders of World War II. Firstly, there are several museums you can visit. Start with the JEATH War Museum (Chaichumphol Alley, open daily 8:30am-4:30pm, B10 for Thais and B30 for foreigners) at Wat Chaichumpolchanasongkhram, or Wat Tai as locals call it. Founded by the abbot of the temple, this u-shaped one-storey bamboo shack is intended to resemble the shelters where prisoners of war (POW) from England, Australia and Holland were forced to live while building the Thai-Burma railway for the Japanese Army. Inside are various photos and paintings detailing their plight, as well as everyday items. JEATH takes its name from each of the countries involved in the construction of the death railway: Japan, England, Australia, Thailand and Holland.

Another similar exhibition can be found at the World War II & JEATH War Museum (Maenamkwai Road, open daily 8am-5pm, B40, 034-512-596, 034-513-478), which is near the River Kwai Bridge. Here things go into considerably more detail with quite eerie touches like an old Japanese army locomotive, old guns, sculptures of WWII world leaders and skeletons believed to be POWs’ displayed in a dark room of a temple-like building. In the next wall, it is home to Japanese cemetary which is always visited by Japanese families and officials annually. 

Perhaps the most informative museum, the Thai-Burma Railway Centre (next to Don Rak Cemetery on Saeng-Chuto Road, open daily 9am-5pm, B120, 034 512-721, www.tbrconline.com) offers well-designed exhibitions covering the construction of the railway as well as the post-war situation, including models, video and dioramas.

Another option is Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum (open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, free), which specifically explores the brutal conditions of the eponymous railway cutting here. Apart from the exhibition, you can also take a 15-minute trek down to Chong Khao Khad, aka Hellfire Pass.

One other famous stop is Don Rak Cemetery or Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery on Saeng-Chuto Road. You can also visit Chungkai War Cemetery, the site of the original POW camp and hospital during WWII. Though the war has been over for more than 60 years, these two cemeteries are still often visited and not just by surviving POWs. “I recently met a family from the UK who came to visit Don Rak cemetery as their relative was buried there. During their stay, the grandson visited the cemetery to lay flowers and sat next to his grandfather’s grave for 30 minutes every day. He never met his granddad but the connection is still strong,” says Michael Newbatt, Manager of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Thailand. 

Historic Road

Apart from all the museums, there are more lively ways to dive head-first into Kanchanaburi’s history, like heading to Pakprak Road to visit the 170-year-old community there. Once you reach this road, the first thing you will notice are the beautiful century-old buildings. Each building has a sign detailing its special history and unique design. This road was once a dense commercial area, so the Japanese army came here to do business during their occupation. Here, you can learn about the extraordinary story of a merchant named Boonpong Sirivejjabhandu, who risked his life to secretly help POWs stationed in the area. “He joined with Sir Ernest Edward Dunlop, a POW at the camp, to smuggle in medicines and food, and lend money without knowing whether he would ever get it back. His wife was totally against these actions as she feared what would happen if the authorities found out. But then she saw how bad the POWs had it,” Boonpong’s sister-in-law Lamyai Sirivejjabhandu explains. “His courage has been widely honored by POWs, especially the Australians and English, but sadly very few Thais know his story.” Today, there is a small exhibition devoted to the heroic acts of Boonpong in an old building named Siri Osot (สิริโอสถ).

This nostalgic road is also home to beautiful cafés sat in century-old structures. First stop is Baan Sitthisang (141 Sitthisan House, Pakprak Road, open daily 8am-6pm, 034-514-514), a colonial-style house turned retro café that occasionally hosts small art workshops at the weekend. Another worth a visit is Hua Hong Coffee (154 Pakprak Road, open daily 8am-6pm, 034-511-577), which is decorated in a colorful Chinese-Viet style including vibrant flower-print chairs. Their treats include homemade brownies and banana chocolate chip muffins. The best way to take in this street is by cycling, easily done by renting a ride at one of the many neighborhood bike shops.

Train Hopping

One image forever associated with Kanchanaburi is of a train on a wooden bridge right by the River Kwai. In order to capture that iconic moment yourself, you’ll have to plan your trip carefully to reach to the scenic spot of Krasae Cave. You can start by catching a train at Thonburi Station in Bangkok at either 7:45am (train No. 257) or 1:55pm (train No.259). Last stop is Nam Tok Station at Sai Yok Noi Waterfall but you need to hop out at Tham Krasae Bridge Station to take the famous shot of the train running along the cliff and the river. Travel is free for Thai citizens and B100 for foreigners. If you go by car, you can simply drive to Krasae Cave—just make sure to time your arrival to coincide with the train’s.

Essentials 

Memorial Services

There are two annual memorial services at Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery, the Remembrance Service held by the Royal British Legion on Nov 11 and Anzac Day held by the Australian Embassy on April 25. The Anzac event also includes a moving dawn service at Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.

Where to Stay

U Inchantree Kanchanaburi Hotel (443 Mae Nam Kwai Road, 034-521-584, 086-368-7014, http://bit.ly/1dxN8Ge). Room rates start at B3,000 for a superior room.

Dheva Mantra Resort and Spa (9/99, Tha Makham district, 034 527-666, www.dhevamantra.com) at B4,500 for superior room. 

How to get there

By car

From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Phetkasem Road) before turning onto Highway 323 at Ban Pong district and then drive until you reach Kanchanaburi.

By train

From Thonburi Station catch train No. 257 at 7:45am or train No. 259 at 1:55pm. Return trains from Kanchanaburi Station leave at 7:11am and 2:37pm.

Faria

In a soi dedicated to Middle Eastern restaurants, this restaurant serves up Thai options during the day and a brief list of African dishes at night. This spot is perhaps best suited for those newly interested in pan-African cooking and who need a friendly auntie to guide them. The food is adapted to the Thai palate with local ingredients and spices. If you can handle the low-key ambience of the canteen and the dodgy soi, go for the sosatie (grilled lamb), which we saw at quite a few tables, or a Ghanaian dish like fufu (dough-like ball) served with a stew made with peanut and fish, plus a meat of your choice at B100. Feeling adventurous? Check their list of specials which includes the Senegalese dish yassa (spicy chicken with onion and lemon, B180).

Sukhumvit Soi 3 (Nana), 02-253-4741. Open daily 12pm-midnight

A Taste of Africa

If you don’t want to go to the salubrious Soi Nana, A Taste of African will suit you just fine. They’re currently busy constructing a restaurant (in Soi Samakkhi, Nonthaburi) focusing on the food of Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria, but for now they offer delivery to the downtown area (though there’s no guarantee of when it will be delivered). The set lunch menu (B400) is proving popular, featuring the Nigerian dish egussi (thick stew with ground seeds) with chicken and served with plantains and rice or chapatti (flat bread). Otherwise, you can opt for an Ethiopian dish like impressive doro wat (stew) with chicken and served with plantains, homemade injera (sour flatbread) or rice (B400). Do check their Facebook page as they sometimes hold wine dinners in Nonthaburi.

Delivery only. 083-438-5075. www.facebook.com/africainthailand

Ethiopian Restaurant

Run by Ethiopian natives, from the owner to the cooks, this restaurant does exactly what the name says—classic Ethiopian dishes. Dining here, you’ll feel like you’re no longer in Thailand with the eclectic crowds conversing in multiple crowds and languages. Try the popular doro wat platter that comes with stew, vegetables and flatbread or a wide range selections of grilled meat. Bring some friends as portions are quite big and note that it’s located right next to an African pub where things can get pretty rowdy later on in the evenings.

Sukhumvit Soi 3 (Nana), 084-930-3250, 085-440-5428. Open daily 11am-10pm.

Habesha

Stepping into Habesha is an otherworldly experience, with its low ceiling adorned with baubles and tinsel, vintage-patterned wallpaper and dimly-lit corners. Hookah smoke fills the air and Ethiopian music blares at all hours, with a stage hosting live music every night from about 11:30pm. It also serves up large portions of authentic Ethiopian food. In keeping with tradition, it’s all about eating with your hands, here. Wat (stew) is served on a plate of injera, a fermented bread that resembles a large pancake. Slightly sour, the bread is great for soaking up the rich, spicy flavors. Dishes come with beef, chicken and lamb, while there are also plenty of vegetarian options, with prices around the B200-400 mark. Try them all as part of the Ultimate Combination (B1,000, serves 2-3 people). And don’t leave without ordering a strong Ethiopian coffee (B100). 

1/26 Sukhumvit Soi 3 (Nana), 085-016-0353. Open daily 11am-late (food finishes 10pm). www.ethiopianrestaurantbangkok.com

The Fullerton is offering a Limited Edition Chocolate Bouquet that is handcrafted with premium chocolates from renowned Florentine chocolatier, Pistocchi. The edible calla lilies are painstakingly shaped from white chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate ganache, passion fruit crisps and pistachios. The bouquet looks (almost) too gorgeous to eat—we don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing. $88 from The Fullerton Cake Boutique, 1 Fullerton Square, Fullerton Hotel, 6877-8943, www.fullertonhotel.com.

Give your other half some sweet lovin’ with Tiong Bahru Bakery’s Valentine’s Day tarts. The Vanilla Raspberry Almond Heart is made of almond sponge, raspberry jelly and vanilla mousse, while the Caramel Chocolate Hazelnut Heart is crafted from hazelnut sponge, dark chocolate ganache and caramel mousse. $10 each from Tiong Bahru Bakery, #01-70 Blk. 56, Eng Hoon St., 6220-3430, www.tiongbahrubakery.com. Available from February 3-14.

Have a romantic cuppa this Valentine’s Day with TWG’s new Follow Me Tea, which is part of its exclusive Haute Couture line. The alluring tea, which is inspired by the flowering affection of a courtesan for her lover, blends ginseng root with fresh pineapple. Oh, and the collectible tin is gorgeous, too. $38 from TWG Tea Salon & Boutique, #02-21 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6735-1837, www.twgtea.com.

On the subject of teas, luxury tea specialist Betjeman & Barton have also launched really good looking Love Caddies filled with their Des Amour Tea, which is a delicious blend of mango, pineapple, orange and jasmine petals. $38 from Betjeman & Barton, #B1-33 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., www.betjemanandbarton.com.sg.

Raise a toast to everlasting love this Valentine’s season. Moët & Chandon’s Rosé Impérial Tie Suit is a luxurious treat for even the fussiest boyfriend/girlfriend. A bottle of premium Rosé Impérial is enrobed in a stylish isothermal suit, which maintains the champagne at the ideal temperature of 7-10 degrees for two hours. $120 upwards from various retailers, including Tangs Orchard, 310 Orchard Rd., 6737-5500, www.tangs.com.sg.