As published in International Living magazine’s 30th Quality of Life Index – surveyed almost 200 countries across nine categories, including cost of living, culture and leisure, environment, safety and risk and culture and leisure:

“For the fifth year running, France takes first in our annual Quality of Life Index. No surprise. Its tiresome bureaucracy and high taxes are outweighed by an unsurpassable quality of life, including the world’s best health care.

France always nets high scores in most categories. But you don’t need number-crunchers to tell you its bon vivant lifestyle is special. Step off a plane and you’ll experience it first-hand.

I always wish quality of life indicators could measure a country’s heart and soul. But it’s impossible to enumerate the joy of lingering for hours over dinner and a bottle of red wine in a Parisian brasserie. Or strolling beside the Seine on a spring morning, poking through the book vendors’ wares. Or buying buttery croissants in bohemian Montmartre…hearing Notre Dame’s bells…walking antique streets paved with poetry.

Romantic Paris offers the best of everything, but services don’t fall away in Alsace’s wine villages…in wild and lovely Corsica…in lavender-scented Provence. Or in the Languedoc of the troubadors, bathed in Mediterranean sunlight.

Provincial French properties are often keenly priced and lifestyles are less expensive than Paris. The Southwestern Midi-Pyrenees region is a particularly good hunting ground for village homes for less than $100,000—and classic three-course lunches for $14. Houses cascade with wisteria blossom; outdoor markets are everywhere. Foie gras, pink garlic, Armagnac, and crystallized violets aren’t gourmet fare for locals. Rather, just another day’s shopping.”

The Top Ten Best places to Live 2010
Data from International Living Magazine
1. France
2. Australia
3. Switzerland
4. Germany
5. New Zealand
6. Luxembourg
7. United States
8. Belgium
9. Canada
10. Italy

Hmm… no wonder I was living in Paris for 5 blissful years…

PZ.

Paris must have this! I am talking about the BEST cinema experience ever: Gold Class. What is it? Unlike the usual cinema seatings, where if you’re as short as me, then you start to groan when someone tall sits in the seat in front of you. The seats are not so comfortable and you’re all bunched up together.

But for a Gold Class ticket (priced 10 euros), there is a chic VIP seating area outside the screenings (for drinks, food); you get a huge comfy leather seat that reclines and you can put your feet up; the seats are in pairs so perfect for couples; a waiter serves you anything you want (proper meals) and brings it directly to your seat and lastly you have a comfy soft duvet to snuggle up in (don’t you find cinemas sometimes very cold?). Basically jut sit back and relax, it’s like being at home (maybe even better!).

Some recent movies for the ultimate cinematic experience where you can purely appreciate visual and sound effects :

2012

Avatar

The Legion

Ninja Assassin

The Book of Eli

Shutter Island

So once you’ve tried Gold Class cinema, forget about ever going back to normal screens. Trust me.

PZ.

To celebrate the 1 year anniversary of this blog, PZ and I got pampered (after 12 months of intense blogging) in a new wellness resort which just opened in Malaysia at the foothills of the legendary Tambun limestone hills and hot springs: The Banjaran.

Located near the city of Ipoh (Perak), 2 hours by car from Kuala Lumpur, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is the ultimate heaven for relaxation, offering lifestyle enhancement inspired by authentic Malaysian practices.

PZ by the hot springs

Surrounded by stunning mountains, caves and deep jungle, you can enjoy the natural hot springs with temperatures ranging between 35°C to 70°C (I was happily cooked like a lobster in the dipping pods), a thermal steam cave (if you want more heat), a fish spa, where hundreds of Garra Rufa fish will eat your dead skin (if you are not too ticklish) and of course a very good spa with a wild range of body treatments.

The natural hot springs

The meditation cave

The doctor fish

Designed specifically for short-terms stays, this unique place will surely become a landmark of healing hospitality in South-East Asia because of its natural resources from thousand of years, its 25 villas (each villa set within your own garden, private pool and Jacuzzi geothermal tub) and the magic of the mystic jungle of Malaysia (especially at night).

Lunch @ Juice bar in a natural cave

The Spa

A private villa

Enjoy this journey through tranquillity and relaxation and a big THANK YOU to all of you Frog and Princess blog followers: You are 15,000 every month and it keeps on growing, coming from all over the world. We hope to make you discover more amazing places, unique hotels, business tips and many more fun things to do!

Frog.

Published in THE EDGE Malaysia, January 2010:

To read this article, click this link: Working on work resolutions

PZ.

As “Le Centre Pompidou” in Paris is organizing for the first time in France until 1 March 2010 a Malaysian-Singaporian film festival, it is a great opportunity to discover the films of Malaysia’s greatest entertainer, actor, director, composer and singer: P.Ramlee.

Despite being unschooled in music and the performing arts, Ramlee attained the heights of a legend, with an impressive track record of having acted in 65 films and sung 390 songs.

Born in 1929, Ramlee directed his first film in 1955, Penarek Becha (Trishaw Man). Shot in Black and white, his movies are full of charm and for a Matsalleh (foreigner) like me it is a great way to catch the glimpse of old Melaya, to understand the Kampung life (village culture) and enjoy the touching humor of the stories.

PZ’s favorite song.

Nowadays his films continue to be enjoyed on television, and his songs are still very popular in karaoke. If you want to impress a Malaysian, sing one of P.Ramlee’s song and you will be adopted for life!

What I sing every morning in my car

Many expressions in popular Malay culture either originate or were popularized by him, with lines from his films still being quoted today.

P.Ramlee died of a heart attack in 1973 at the age of 44 years. Today, fans continue to flock to Ramlee’s birthplace, where his memorabilia are on display.

Ramlee’s Films screenings @ le Centre Pompidou, not to be missed if you are in Paris:

- Warriors Do Re Mi (Turbulence):                                                                       Sunday 24 January 2010
- Curse of the Oil Man (La Malédiction de l’homme huile):                           Wednesdays 27 January 2010
- The Trishaw Man (Le Tireur de pousse-pousse):                                             Saturday 6 February 2010
- My Mother-In-Law (Ma belle-mère):                                                                 Friday 12 February 2010
- Three Over-age Bachelor Artistes (Trois célibataires font du cinema):     Thursday 18 February 2010.

To see the other screenings Click here.

Happy viewing!

Frog.

Paris – the capital of gastronomy and luxury combined gives us the ultimate gourmet shopping experience. It’s a true delight for any foodie that appreciates the art in food, a delicate presentation in a sublime ambiance. Who else but the French that can give us a dedicated gourmet specialty with such exotic variations? To show you exactly what I mean, my list of amazing gourmet boutiques that you can not miss when you’re next in Paris.

Laurent Dubois - fromagerie (cheese)

What better way to kick off my list with what the French love best: cheese. And lots of it. Laurent Dubois is the most famous fromagerie in Paris, he has hundreds of cheese variations from Epoisse to Reblochon to Chevrotin to Vacherin to Pont-l’Eveque, the list and aroma is breathtaking. Located in Boulevard Saint Germain.

Maison de la Truffe – truffles

La Maison de la Truffe has been the world’s reference for truffles since 1932. Truffle, a little black fungi that is as expensive as it’s delicious. Here you will find an assortiment of truffles, truffle oil, truffle sauce, truffle pasta… Located at the Place de la Madeleine.

Petrossian – caviar

It was in the 1920’s that two Armenian brothers–Melkoum and Mouchegh Petrossian–first introduced Paris to the magic of caviar and, in doing so, founded the company that today is the premier buyer and importer of Russian caviar worldwide. Add to the caviar, you’ll find the finest salmon and foie gras. Located Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg.

Pierre Hermé - macarons (macaroons)

The best macarons in Paris is found here, in this tiny patisserie created by the famous Pierre Hermé. Where else can you get white truffle hazelnut macarons or saffron-scented peach macarons? Be prepared to queue for a long time as queues wind outside! Located on Rue Bonaparte.

Maille – moutarde (mustard)

You’d think mustard was just mustard. What’s the fuss? You’d say that if you’re used to English mustard like Colman’s slapped onto your hot dog. But in France, moutarde is an essential condiment that enhances perfectly the flavour, with many variations of moutarde fit for a particular dish. So what better than Maille, founded in 1747 as the quintessential boutique for Dijon mustard, the variations of mustards will set your mind spinning. Located at Place de la Madeleine.

Poilâne – boulangerie (bakery)

The French love their bread. And they are also excellent at baking it. So it’s a must to visit Paris’ most famous bakery, Poilâne. In 1932, Pierre Poilâne, a young boulanger opened his first shop in Paris. A few years later, he invented a round loaf that revolutionised the industry. The bread stayed fresh longer and could be cut into large slices to make the famous ‘tartines’. Decades later, the poilane is still the best-seller. There are of course so many different kinds of bread from the classic baguette, to pain de campagne (countrybread), to pain d’epices (gingerbread). Located on rue du Cherche-midi.

Maison du Chocolat (chocolate)

The French also have the highest quality chocolate makers in the world. So look no further than the iconic La Maison du Chocolate for all things yummy, from hot chocolate drinks to chocolate truffles, pralines, ganaches, marrons glaces. Chocolat in France is a true art. Located rue du Faubourg Saint Honore.

Mariage Frères - maison de thé (tea house)

Variations of tea in a sublime setting in the heart of Paris, Mariage Frères was founded in 1854. Located Place de la Madeleine.

Fauchon

Fauchon, founded in 1886, is the referential luxury gourmet store where you can find delicate biscuits, madeleine cakes, jams, tea… Just the packaging and the shocking pink and black design of the store front is enough to send you in there dreaming… Located Place de la Madeleine.

Happy fooding and shopping!

PZ.

Published in THE SUN, Malaysia 15th January 2010:

To read this article, click here: The Sun, Abiding Times. Jan 2010

by PZ and Tunku ‘Abidin Muhriz (in his weekly column Abiding Times).

You’re back at the office. Holiday time was waaaaay too short. And you’re already exhausted.

Your other half is going to give you a treat. Yes, a trip to…..

Where would you most want to go?

Thanks for your time!

Frog and PZ.

As the New Year begins, I had a sudden reminiscence of the good old days in the Hamptons (watching too much Gossip Girl) – New York’s summer playground for the rich, the famous, the fabulous and well, trendy New Yorkers.  Having spent so much time there as Mother had a beautiful home near the beach of Southampton – 1 and 1/2 hours away from NYC, I decided why not share my trip down memory lane of what must be one of the most exciting places to live in. See why the Hamptons is the home for the likes of Steven Spielberg, Billy Joel, Russell Simmons, P.Diddy, Martha Stewart, Denise Rich, Calvin Klein, Kim Cattrall, Alec Baldwin, Tom Hanks. So here is to all things typical of the Hamptons!

Home is where the heart is – Southampton, featured in AD

Mustn’t forget to pick up the essential free weekly lifestyle magazine Hamptons and Dan’s Papers!

Best breakfast diner in the world, Candy Kitchen in Bridgehampton (best chocolate malt milkshake!)

Sunbathing on Cooper’s Beach, Southampton – 5 mins away from house

Taking the Hampton Jitney from NYC

Typical stores on the Main Street in the Hamptons

Ralph Lauren, iconic store in East Hampton

Della Femina restaurant, East Hampton

The Palm, East Hampton – best steak and grill

Nick&Toni’s, East Hampton

Pink Elephant @ Capri Hotel, Southampton – nightlife

The Cabana Club, Southampton

Robert’s restaurant in Water Mill

Rowdy Hall, yummy burgers in East Hampton

World Pie, Bridgehampton – best pizzas, great lunch place

Sushi Sen, Sag Harbour

Savanna’s, Southampton

What can I say about the Hamptons except for brilliant memories, great friends (you know who you are!), yummy restaurants and a fun time. So when the next time you get a chance to head to the Hamptons, don’t forget to check out my favorite places!

PZ.

You may have heard of Bon Ton Langkawi – a charming resort of Malay antique houses – often quoted in Conde Nast Traveler and Tatler Travel Guide magazines as a true gem. But Frog and I recently visited a new extension to the Bon Ton family, Temple Tree, Langkawi and found it a breathtaking resort.

A collection of 8 authentic, colonial, antique houses from all over Malaysia (between 70 and 110 years old), of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and Eurasian origin, converted into 14 luxury suites. The villas were sourced, photographed, dismantled, transported, re-erected and re-painted and restored to its former glory. It took 2 and half years for completion but the passion to conserve these beautiful structures can now be yours to enjoy.

Straits Club House: ~ This house originally called “ Bahagia” was from York Road in Penang. Built in 1920s by a Eurasian family, it was then sold to a Malay family in the 1960s. It resembles an old colonial building with verandahs and beautiful carvings on the high end of the walls to let the air flow through. It now houses the resort reception, restaurant, bar, library and pool table.

COLONIAL HOUSE: ~ This large stately house came from Georgetown, Penang. Built by Arabs in the ‘20s who were goldsmith traders. They would have been rich and had a western style which shows with the architectural touches such as the cornices, floor tiles and fishscale design canopy over the porch. It is now the ultimate party house for five sets of friends or a large family. Large living space with bar, dining table and lots of lounge spaces, combined with 2 bedrooms downstairs and 3 upstairs, making it a perfect space for a private venue.

CHINESE HOUSE: ~ Viewed from the 110 ft pool, this house is magnificent. Built by a Chinese family in Batu Pahat, Johor and located close to Singapore, this house has been relocated from the furthest distance. This was originally a farmhouse and built approximately 100 yrs ago. Some of the design is thought to have Taiwanese influence. Upstairs is one suite and downstairs is another. Both have large verandahs on 3 sides and wonderful views of the mountains.The decoration of both is very opulent and in Chinese colours of red and black which contrasts with the simple wood walls.

PENANG HOUSE: ~ Originally situated next to busy Guerney drive in Penang. This house was built in the early 1930s by a Chinese contractor and was very typical of its time. The original exterior colour has been kept as with the two entrances.  The interiors are painted white with turquoise shutters and touches of raspberry & lime green. This house is perfect for a family, as the 2 suites connect with double doors, yet both have separate entrances & living spaces.

BLACK & WHITE HOUSE: ~ This beautiful Malay House was built in the ‘40s in Negri Sembilan, south of Kuala Lumpur. It’s a complete house with a living / dining area, and a great outdoor porch. A huge bedroom with wooden bathtub, separate bathroom and adjoining mini gym.The coloured glass windows in the living room really make this house very special when contrasted with its original black and white colour scheme.

ESTATE: ~ Originally situated 25 minutes from Ipoh in Pasah Puteh, which would have placed it half way between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Built in 1940s this building was a long house for Indian workers on a rubber estate. The style is very typical of Estate workers housing throughout Malaysia. It has converted superbly into 5 hotel rooms. All have terracotta-tiled floors, bedroom/ living space and separate bathrooms, with a verandah at the front. The all-white painted interiors contrast with the thick wooden beams of the roof. Each room is totally different in furniture, antiques and decoration.

So the next time you’re looking for some old style charm, look no further than Temple Tree, on the sunny island of Langkawi.

PZ.