The month of June brought with it culturally significant moments in the name of Pride alongside highly-anticipated film releases such as the stellar sequel of Top Gun: Maverick and Baz Luhrmann’s distinguished biopic Elvis. Travel is unmistakably back for good, and the local dining scene is robust with both fresh names and respectable monikers alike. Aman New York finally gets to open its doors for bookings while Banyan Tree debuts its nature-laden escape in Bali. Something closer to home? Michelin-standard names are returning to the scene with new table fare in the vein of Fiamma at Capella Singapore. Read on for the full lowdown.
Mirazur chef Mauro Colagreco returns to Singapore with Fiamma
Nostalgic joy takes precedence in Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco’s newly opened Italian restaurant, Fiamma, housed in Capella Singapore. Fiamma translates to ‘flame’: an embodiment of the humble warmth and simple comfort his traditional dishes bring to the soul. “Fiamma has been imaged by my life’s influences, from being inspired by the nature in life to my joy of sharing what makes the essence of the restaurant: bringing the flame of people together, generosity and the simple joys of providing authentic hospitality.” says Colagreco of the restaurant’s offerings. The table menu is poignantly led by the chef’s memories of his grandmother’s cooking and childhood, reflected in dishes such as a tomato and peach carpaccio and lobster tagliatelle reminiscent of him picking sun-kissed tomatoes straight from the vine. The collaborative move comes after the inspiring success of Mirazur’s pop-up concept at Mandala Club back in 2021.
Fiamma, Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls. Make a reservation here.
Aman New York officially opens in August
Aman—the prestigious lifestyle and hospitality label—will officially open its New York post on 2 August 2022. Inviting a new age of urban luxury into the heart of the Big Apple, the 83-suite hotel is a stellar result of restoration and transformation of the historic Crown Building that had been originally built back in 1921. Noted by a pleasing tranquillity that weaves in the original grandeur of the once-storied architecture, the intimate space offers seamless spaces for connection, relaxation as well as necessary rejuvenation, with the opening of its flagship Aman Spa that spans across three storeys. Away from the hubbub of the NYC life, this luxury property promises a sense of quietude and calm that city-dwellers will surely take to. This opening in America will be followed by Aman Miami Beach and Aman Beverly Hills in 2024 and 2026 respectively.
Aman New York opens for reservations on 25 July here.
Gucci Giardino 25 celebrates its opening with a bespoke cocktail blend
As part of Gucci Giardino 25’s inaugural celebrations in Florence, the maison’s latest cafe and cocktail bar introduced Elisir d’Elicriso, a bespoke new cocktail blend that has been created with Giorgio Bargiani, the assistant director of mixology at The Connaught Bar in London. Encapsulating the aromatic gardens of Tuscany, the rich cocktail draws its inspiration from local botanicals and natural herbs: offering a fresh, complex and romantic flavour profile, fortified with a touch of floral exuberance in its aroma. It joins the drink list at the bar and is also introduced in a premixed version nestled in a distinctive bottle design that mirrors the elegant allure of the House. Easily customised to suit one’s taste, the bottled form of the Elisir d’Elicriso can be purchased at the Gucci Giardino in the Piazza della Signoria.
Find out more about ‘Elisir d’Elicriso’ here.
Banyan Tree debuts Buahan—its first Banyan Tree Escape in Bali
Offering a remote escape is Buahan, the latest opening by Banyan Tree is nestled in an untouched plot of land in northern Ubud. Located in Buahan Kaja Village, Banyan Tree pioneers a “no walls, no doors” concept with its 16-villa Balinese property: immersing its guests in deep nature for the ultimate disconnect. An adults-only premise, communal spaces include the Open Kitchen and Living Room, both as open concept spaces for dining, socialising and lounging. A zero-waste farm to table means of deriving the table menu is adhered to, whilst the Botanist Bar utilises locally-sourced botanicals and ingredients for their beverages. Sprawled through the sanctuary are undisclosed Hideaway Spots that provide guests with pockets for solitude. A true commitment to sustainable design: its architectural approach ensures the natural surroundings of the land are preserved, via environmentally-friendly methods of design and a clear respect for the local communities that surround the property.
Buahan Banyan Tree Escape is open for reservations here.
R&B artist, Yuna, releases Y2 with her latest single “Make A Move”
For her latest single “Make A Move”, alternative R&B artist Yuna is captured in a dreamy mise-en-scene of deeply saturated hues, exquisite shimmers and a cosmic garden landscape. The dazzling soloist presents her silky, melodic vocals and carefree mood in the music video directed by Adam Sinclair, describing the feeling of meeting someone and making the first move to not let the moment pass you by. “Make A Move” is the most recent in a slew of instalments promised by the artist and packaged as Y5—a series of five projects set for release over the course of 2022. Her innovative release approach is just part of her strategy as an independent artist, allowing her fans to enjoy her soundscape in a more digestible manner. The Malaysian artist has also further established her global mark earlier this year—guest performing with Tokimonsta for Coachella.
