Note from the editor, Diana Khoo:
The end of a year and the beginning of another afford us all the unique chance to take stock yet plan — and hope — for better, more productive and fulfilling days to come. For many among us, even with Covid-19 still casting a pall off and on, year-end is a time to regroup with family and friends while spending a few quiet days somewhere wonderful. In this light, we have put together three bijou but lovely places that might just fit the bill. Turn to Pages 60, 72 and 76 to read all about Tiarasa Luxe, Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas and S’ekar Pinang respectively. The first is just a short drive from Kuala Lumpur; the latter two are on idyllic Langkawi. All may not fit the bill of a traditional luxury hotel, but the owners have infused them with art, style and so much heart.
Our talented stylist Joanne Lim has conjured up delightful spreads to inspire us to go all out when decorating for the upcoming Christmas and Chinese New Year festive seasons. Feliz Navidad, on Page 54, shows us how to decorate the dining table in the season’s brightest and boldest colours, while her entertaining spread for the Lunar New Year, which falls earlier than usual, is inspired by the sacrosanct ritual of coming together for the all-important reunion dinner. It’s on Page 88.
No issue of Haven is quite complete without gorgeous homes and interiors. On Page 32, we feature the newly renovated home of interior design consultant Jennifer Ker. Cleverly combining two semi-detached houses to form an expansive new home, the contemporary façade gives way to interiors that are unabashedly loaded with objets d’art, Asian touches and Malaysian artworks. For those who do not quite have the luxury of space, sometimes all you need is the sharp eye and design skill of a fantastic design studio. Enter Tony Heneberry, whose forte lies in transforming conventional link houses into top-spec abodes. His latest terraced conversion project — which he and his property partner co-own — is on Page 24.
This season also gives rise to one of my favourite times — the quiet days after Christmas and before the New Year. In fact, the Germans have a specific name for it: Zwischen den Jahren, which can be taken to mean “between the years”. These short few days always make me reflect on the goodness and good times of the year that was while also making me hopeful for even better things to come. May we see through this season with grace, gratitude and mindfulness. 2022, here we come.
Haven is complimentary with every copy of The Edge Malaysia (Dec 6 issue). Get the Winter 2021 edition at your nearest newsstands now.
