Weekendin Singapore Dec '14 | Issue 09 | Page 20

intheBUZZ New Member To The Family Angsana Laguna Phuket recently welcomed a little one into its team. Following in the footsteps of Chokdee, the previous resident elephant, baby Namchok is now the new centre of attraction, with its primary role of brightening up the lives of every guest and associate during their stay at the resort. Though elephants are a local icon in Thailand, many of them are not as fortunate as Namchok and Chokdee. More often than not, they are forced to walk the streets of Bangkok to perform circus acts for tourists. Unlike the rest, Namchok was spared as he was born in a safe home in the Ta Klang Elephant Village which resides in the Surin province. For more information, visit www.angsana.com/en/phuket Celebrating Japan’s New Year Traditions If you plan to experience New Year’s in Japan this year, get the full experience with Palace Hotel Tokyo which combines tradition with sophistication and fun. Just across the moat from Japan’s Imperial Palace Gardens, this new luxury hotel plans to fascinate travellers by synthesising time-honoured ceremonies, renowned arts and distinctive experiences. Essential culinary customs and their origins—such as eating toshikoshi soba noodles and feasting on osechi-ryori (foods specially prepared for the holiday) —will be presented by the hotel’s expert Japanese chefs, while a skilled iwaigumi will be on hand to demonstrate the tradition of mochi-making. Guests also get to observe and participate inhatsugama, the first tea ceremony of the new year. To find out about their 2- and 3-night stay packages or the New Year Countdown Cocktail Party, visit www.en.palacehoteltokyo.com Summer Beach Package in Sydney Four Seasons Hotel Sydney offers a summer vacation made for exploring Sydney’s beautiful beaches. A complimentary beach bag filled with all the essentials for a day by the ocean comes with the deal. You can enjoy the city’s best spots like the iconic Bondi Beach or the family-friendly Manly Beach and over 40 others. From surfing, sunbathing or building sandcas F