Designed by internationally acclaimed designer Celia Chu and her visionary team at Celia Chu Design & Associates (CCDA), “The Artful Essence” is a remarkable 265-square-meter high-end apartment in Taipei that stands as a testament to their extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment to creating breathtaking designs. Surrounded amidst mesmerizing natural landscapes, this interior design masterpiece reflects Celia and her team’s innate ability to seamlessly integrate art, culture, and innovation, leaving a profound and enduring impact on all who have the privilege to experience their creations. Within this exquisite interior space, the homeowner’s love for artistic aesthetics harmoniously intertwines with thoughtful design elements carefully curated by Celia, resulting in a living environment that exudes a passion for the finer things in life. From the intricately inlaid walls and luxurious gold-leaf glass fireplace in the living room to the seemingly casual yet thought-provoking art installations strategically placed throughout, every detail reflects the extraordinary vision and talent of Celia and her team. “Art has the incredible power to transcend boundaries and touch the deepest parts of our soul. In ‘The Artful Essence’ apartment, we have curated a space where artistic splendour intertwines with unwavering elegance, creating an environment that nurtures and inspires. Each carefully chosen detail evokes a sense of tranquillity and invites contemplation. I believe that art should not only be admired but also experienced, and this apartment is a testament to that philosophy, ” shares Celia. A Symphony of Elegance and Artistic Splendor “The Artful Essence” apartment embodies artistic splendor, unwavering elegance, and sophistication in every aspect. The meticulous integration of the luxurious Tiffany Blue marble throughout the entire space effortlessly captivates the eye, bestowing a timeless elegance that permeates from exquisitely crafted living room cabinets to delicate tea table edges and artfully adorned corners of the guest powder room. This serene color hue evokes tranquility, refinement, and a touch of opulence, infusing every detail with beauty. Celia’s design seamlessly incorporates natural elements indoors, exemplified by the organic shapes of Preciosa’s bespoke “Garden Metamorphosis” chandelier in the dining room and kitchen. This concept extends to the walk-in closet and master bathroom, establishing a harmonious connection between the interior and exterior. As homeowners and guests’ journey through the apartment, strategically placed installation art sparks contemplation and evokes a range of emotions. Savouring Art and Tranquility Stepping into the living room, guests will be immediately captivated by the homeowner’s fervent passion for art, which takes centre stage in this heartwarming space. The focal point of the living room is an intricately crafted marquetry wall, painstakingly composed of dyed straw, showcasing mesmerizing patterns and textures that make a bold artistic statement. This remarkable feature sets the tone for the entire space, seamlessly merging with the opulent gold leaf glass-crafted fireplace. The tearoom in the apartment stands as a testament to the homeowner’s deep love for tea, transforming it into a remarkable artistic expression. It serves as a serene oasis where tea ceremonies become artistic performances, with the interplay of light, colour, and texture creating an ambience that elevates the tea-drinking experience. A hidden wine cellar within the apartment offers a sophisticated sanctuary for fine wine collectors, featuring an artfully designed bar table that enhances the wine-tasting experience. Adorned with an art piece of vibrant red lollipops, the bar adds a whimsical yet profound touch of artistry, inviting guests to savour both the wines and the exquisite interior design. The powder room features a meticulously designed Tiffany Blue marble wall adorned with intricate patterns and textures, thoughtfully arranged to create a visually captivating display, complemented by a green leather panel. Each piece of marble is carefully selected, enhancing the depth and intricacy of the composition. The leather panel provides a striking visual contrast against the organic patterns of the stone wall, exuding contemporary sophistication. When the door opens, the powder room reveals itself as an enchanting art room, inviting guests to immerse themselves in its captivating marvels. Where Artistry Meets Elegance in Every Detail At the pinnacle of grace and sophistication, the master bedroom seamlessly blends modern and classical design elements. Intricately designed wall panelling intertwines contemporary lines with timeless motifs, resulting in a visual masterpiece. Taking its rightful place at the heart of the room, an exquisite silver and gold leaf glass radiates nobility, gracefully welcoming the morning daylight. The shoe room and walk-in closet in the apartment embody the homeowner’s pursuit of practicality and elegance. Resembling the designed jewelry boxes, these spaces showcase accessory collections and garments, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. The bathroom exemplifies the apartment’s meticulous attention to detail. With an artful bathtub as its centerpiece, crafted from the finest materials, the homeowner is enticed to immerse themselves in a world of splendor. The marble mosaic floors exude grandeur, while the mother-of-pearl wall mosaics add elegance and sophistication, completing the extraordinary ambiance of this opulent space. With Celia’s visionary touch, “The Artful Essence” project showcases unparalleled creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and a seamless integration of artistic elements. She not only enhances the living experience but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the environment and its purpose. Celia’s influence is woven intricately throughout, resulting in a project that is truly a testament to her artistic vision and expertise. https://www.celiachu.com/en/project/clients/artful-essence/taipei 

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Every year a prestigious publication takes out the list of some of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world and this year a few spots in Asia have also found their place in the 51 coolest neighbourhoods. Let’s check out which ones you know have made the list. Quick spoiler alert: one fancy Bangkok neighbourhood makes the cut, too. The list of neighbourhoods was the outcome of the combination of places picked by travellers from all around the world and experts’ inputs which makes the list something to look forward to. The top spot went to Colonia Americana in Guadalajara, Mexico. The world’s coolest Asian neighbourhoods in 2022 Wat Bo Village in Siem Reap, Cambodia Taking the number three spot in the world and the top most spot in Asia is Wat Bo Village in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This neighbourhood came into the limelight after Siem Reap went under an intense makeover in 2021. Its riverside location and the fact that it houses some of the chicest bars around the area play a major role in Wat Boa village taking such a top spot. Shimokitazawa in Tokyo, Japan Image Credit: Matt Hanns Schroeter/Unsplash Taking the seventh spot on the list is the Shimokitazawa neighbourhood in Tokyo, Japan. With Japan recently removing all the COVID-19-related travel restrictions, it is the perfect time to visit Shimokitazawa which is known to be a haven for all types of food lovers. Little India in Singapore Image Credit: Charles Postiaux/Unsplash Another entry in the list from Asia is a quite famous one! Little India from Singapore grabbed the 19th spot on the coolest neighbourhood list. Little India has an entirely different vibe when compared to the other streets of Singapore such as Orchard Road or Marina Bay. It is a must-visit for everyone planning a holiday in Singapore. Wan Chai in Hong Kong Image Credit: Alison Pang/Unsplash Standing strong at the 22nd spot is Wan Chai in Hong Kong which was a famous red-light district a long time ago. After the makeover, Wan Chai became a hub for anyone and everyone who is looking for some delicious meals, a refreshing cocktail and art hubs, which makes it one of the best spots to visit for everyone. Ximending in Taipei, Taiwan Image Credit: Supasit Chantranon/Unsplash The colourful neighbourhood of Ximending in Taipei, Taiwan took 37th place in the coolest list. One of the most LGBTQ+friendly spots has alleys full of graffiti, cocktails bars and pocket-friendly street food. This is also the go-to place for cinema lovers. Ubud in Bali, Indonesia Image Credit: Anastasia Pelikh/Shutterstock At the 42nd spot was Ubud in Bali, Indonesia. The list would have been incomplete without this tourist magnet. Full of expat crowds, surreal temples, beautiful gardens, art galleries, craft shops and this is the main hangout spot for the tourists as well. Bandra West in Mumbai, India Image Credit: arun sambhu mishra/unsplash Another extremely famous entry to the list at the 45th spot is Bandra West in Mumbai, India. The neighbourhood in the city that never sleeps is a dream for any lover of shopping. And if you get tired of trying on clothes, there are ample restaurants and bars that serve decadent food. Thonglor in Bangkok, Thailand Image Credit: Tanawat Chantradilokrat/Shutterstock Completing the Asian entries in the coolest neighbourhood list is Thonglor in Bangkok, Thailand at 46th place. If you want a day out, this neighbourhood is where you should be. From yoga studios and organic stores to some of the best bars, cafes and nightclubs in the area, you will find everything you are looking for and more. Here’s the complete list Colonia Americana in Guadalajara, Mexico Cais do Sodré in Lisbon, Portugal Wat Bo Village in Siem Reap, Cambodia Ridgewood in New York City, USA Mile End in Montreal, Canada Barrio Logan in San Diego, USA Shimokitazawa in Tokyo, Japan Cliftonville in Margate, UK Barrio Yungay in Santiago, Chile Cours Julien in Marseille, France Shawlands in Glasgow, UK Dundas West in Toronto, Canada Vila Madalena in São Paulo, Brazil San Isidro in Havana, Cuba Neukölln in Berlin, Germany Avondale in Chicago, USA Walthamstow in London, UK Sants in Barcelona, Spain Little India in Singapore Riona Sanità in Naples, Italy Silver Lake in Los Angeles, USA Wan Chai in Hong Kong Barrio de las Letras in Madrid, Spain Vesterbro in Copenhagen, Denmark West End in Vancouver, Canada Levinsky in Tel Aviv, Israel Fitzroy in Melbourne, Australia Kilimani in Nairobi, Kenya Coconut Grove in Miami, USA Northern Quarter in Manchester, UK Letná in Prague, Czech Republic Noord in Amsterdam, Netherlands Marrickville in Sydney, Australia Chacarita in Buenos Aires, Argentina Kelham Island in Sheffield, UK Dogpatch in San Francisco, USA Ximending in Taipei, Taiwan Sea Point in Cape Town, South Africa Pagrati in Athens, Greece Santurce in San Juan, Puerto Rico Barrio Escalante in San José, Costa Rica Ubud in Bali, Indonesia Kingsland in Auckland, New Zealand Haut-Marais in Paris, France Bandra West in Mumbai, India Thonglor in Bangkok, Thailand Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, Australia Moda in Istanbul, Turkey Stoneybatter in Dublin, Ireland FESTAC Town in Lagos, Nigeria Versalles in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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Famous for hot springs and stunning scenery along the extensive coastline, Yilan County will introduce a new level of well-being with the opening of the The Westin Yilan Resort. Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, announced the opening of The Westin Yilan Resort, marking the brand’s first hot spring resort in Taiwan situated in the island’s northeast. Owned by Yilan Lealea Development Holdings Co., Ltd, The Westin Yilan Resort joins The Westin Tashee Resort, as the brand’s second hotel in Taiwan. “The opening of The Westin Yilan Resort not only expands the Westin brand’s footprint in the Greater China region, but also underscores the increasing demand among travelers to regain control of their well-being while on the road in line the brand’s new Let’s Rise campaign,” said Josef Dolp, Area Vice President, Greater China, Marriott International. “The Westin brand is on track to open another 12 hotels in the Greater China region in the next few years, joining the existing portfolio of 23 hotels in the region; and we are thrilled with the momentum.” The Westin Yilan Resort features 85 guest rooms and 6 luxurious pool villas, which are equipped with fresh, natural hot spring water giving guests the pleasure of enjoying private pool experience without leaving their room. The thoughtfully-designed resort feels residential and intimate, yet open and airy: designed with a biophilic-focus, suggesting that a connection to nature enhances well-being. Colors found in nature inspired the sophisticated palette coupled with natural materials and patterns that add textural layers to the interior design. “Only an hour drive from the Taipei metropolitan area, guests at The Westin Yilan Resort can have the best of both worlds – shopping and exploring the city and rejuvenating in nature, in one of the many hot springs in town,” said Tina Tang, General Manager of The Westin Yilan Resort.  “We look forward to introducing travelers to Westin’s signature wellness programs and amenities, created to empower our guests to rise and be their best selves on the road.” The Westin Yilan Resort’s lush landscaping and natural décor surrounds guests, whether they are indulging at the Heavenly Spa by Westin™, swimming laps in the pool, or powering up in the hotel’s expansive WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio.  For travelers who wish to take their fitness routines outdoors, the hotel features the brand’s signature RunWESTINTM program, offering guests a guided run – led by the hotel’s Run Concierge – through Yilan’s picturesque running trails.  The hotel also offers the Westin brand’s Gear Lending program in partnership with New Balance® – providing workout gear for guests so they can pack light and stay fit on the road. The Westin Yilan Resort features three dining venues that feature dishes from the SuperFoodsRx™ menu. The hotel’s signature all day dining restaurant Seasonal Tastes features a menu of fresh and healthy creations, as well as energizing fresh juices and smoothies. Celebrating Japanese cuisine through seafood, Mai presents a seasonal menu with fresh locally-sourced as well as imported produce in both its main dining area and private dining rooms. A more casual option, the Cafe Lounge offers innovative cocktails, afternoon tea and light snacks. The idyllic resort also features the Westin Family program, designed to cater to the way modern families travel: with a reinvented Kids Club concept, reimagined family experiences and more meaningful branded amenities for young travelers. Westin Family draws inspiration from nature to promote a sense of well-being, from interactive programming and thoughtful amenities to physical play spaces. Easily accessible, The Westin Yilan Resort is conveniently located just a 1.5hr drive from the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), an hour from the Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), or 20 minutes from the Yilan Railway Station. The Westin Yilan is offering an opening package at NT$9,500 net during weekdays and NT$11,500 net during weekends per night for a Deluxe Room, including breakfast and dinner for two, until June 30, 2017. For more information, please visit www.westin.com/yilan.

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