Note from the editor, Diana Khoo:
It is always a pleasure preparing each and every issue of Haven. 2019 has been particularly eventful. Spring saw us travelling to the Maldives to profile the luxury destination’s most design-conscious resort to date, The Joali, which seems as much an island art gallery and museum as it is a world-class billionaire’s playground. We were also entertained at the RM12 million, 10,000 sq ft KL outpost of international bar chain Iron Fairies, which has to be seen to be believed, what with its Fairy Dust Factory and Butterfly Room, complete with 50,000 fluttering plastic butterflies.
Summer proved to be no less memorable, with an interview by British decorating supremo Kelly Hoppen and design-centric travels that took us from villas just a short drive from the Klang Valley, to the Neri & Hu Design-ed Kimpton Da An hotel in Taipei, and a beautiful private villa by the Indian Ocean, in Sri Lanka, that sets the benchmark for all beach holidays.
Prep for our autumn issue has been equally eventful, but with a decidedly more nature-focused approach. There are, for example, features on how to make the most of Mother Nature’s beauty in the house — be it simple potted plants or vases of phalaenopsis orchids — as well as homes that combine comfort with an eco-conscious slant.
Assistant editor Anandhi Gopinath also took the opportunity to squeeze in some quality time at beautiful new Peranakan-style boutique hotel, the Liu Men, in historical Melaka. The Baba-Nyonya are famous for their unique architecture and home design, as can be seen in our travel feature on Page 74, which gives you the big picture as well as all the gorgeous, little details.
Our entertaining section goes haute but hip this issue, with Singapore’s celebrated and Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Stroobant whipping up an easy, elegant vegetarian spread that is perfect for the next time you have guests over. Be inspired on Page 84. September 16 marks Malaysia Day and we could not resist putting together some of the cutest and most covetable locally made decorative items for your viewing (and buying) pleasure. As we said earlier, putting each issue together is our pleasure. We hope reading it is yours.
Haven is complimentary with every copy of The Edge Malaysia (Sept 2 issue). Get the Autumn 2019 edition at your nearest newsstands now.
