SRI LANKA SRI LANKA - QVI Club

navigat r
ISSUE 01 MARCH 2011
SRI LANKA
Summer fun on the
emerald isle of the
Indian Ocean
Summer is here!
Drinks to cool down your day
TRY: Amezcua’s
Trilogy De-Stress
Ritual
PLUS
All you need to
know about tea

vegetarian with a difference
Greens freshly picked from our garden
Wholesome ingredients imaginatively combined
A magical profusion of Asian and western flavours
All enhanced by sublime sunsets and gentle sea breezes
Amala Restaurant, naturally
A whole new destination and experience for your senses.
16/8, 16/13-26 Moo 4, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320 Thailand
www.pranaresorts.com

FROM THE COCKPIT
MD’s Message
I’ve long enjoyed tea and often talk about how it
is a healthier choice of caffeine compared to coffee. Packed with
antioxidants and many other health benefits, this five thousandyear-old
discovery is indeed a great find for man. Choose to have
it white, black, green, hot or chilled - the options are plentiful and
equally refreshing.
What better way to enjoy the beverage than sipping iced tea on
the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, home to some of the best
tea plantations in the world? This exotic destination has much
to offer, yet is still unknown to many. Nestled in its lush depths
are three resorts from QVI Club’s Exclusive Boutique Collection.
These beautiful, elegant resorts are perfect getaways for romantic
celebrations or indulging in pampering luxury.
The summer season brings about a change in menu for Amala,
the acclaimed vegetarian restaurant of Prana Resorts & Spa.
From colourful appetizers, delicious main courses to lip smacking
desserts, your palate will be amazed. Try your hand at some of the
recipes we’ve provided in these pages. Prana also enjoyed a full
house during Valentine’s Day and has been busy with the island’s
charity scene.
Our event of the year, V-Malaysia is here again! The mega
convention is slated for 27 th to 31 st May at the Bukit Jalil Stadium
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hurry and register for the event;
you won’t want to miss it for sure! Bonvo Travel offers flight and
accommodation packages you should take advantage of.
I’ll leave you to read through this issue’s Navigator which is full of
exciting updates, recipes, destination stories, travel tips and much
more. Enjoy and have a good summer!
Joachim K Steffen
Managing Director

navigator
Editorial
Mayen Fok
Xanthe Chan
Sheena Tay
Design
Jay Valentine
Jeffrey Boyle
Navigator is published 4 times a year by
Q Lifestyle (S) Pte Ltd
15 Hoe Chiang Road, #08-01/02/03 Tower 15,
Singapore 089316
Tel: +65 6491 0900
Fax: +65 6491 0899
Email: customercare@qviclub.com
Website: www.qviclub.com
We welcome your feedback.
If there are topics you would like to see in the coming issues of Navigator or you
have suggestions or comments about the articles that you would like to share, talk
to us at customercare@qviclub.com
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Q Lifestyle (S) Pte Ltd 2011.
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04 Baggage Claim
06 Arrivals
08 Destination : Amezcua
Start the summer with
Amezcua’s Trilogy
De-Stress Ritual
09 Destination : QVI
Meet our Customer
Experience Ambassadors!
10 Destination : Prana
New at Amala Restaurant
11 Viewing Gallery
Tea Break
Contents
14 Destination : Bonvo
16 Passport
Vacationing in style in Sri Lanka
19 On The Runway
Summer fun on the emerald isle
of the Indian Ocean
22 Travel Guide
Summer Travel Tips
24 Transit Lounge
Holiday stories from
Perminderjit Singh
25 From the Galley
Summer drinks

Baggage Claim 4
Patong Tower
Condominium –
Phuket, Thailand
I was delighted to be able to book my
stay in Patong Tower Condominium for
the third time! The resort is very unique
as it is the highest building in the area.
There are two terraces in each unit, one
overlooking the beach, the other to the
forest. The beach is a mere 100 metres
away and the shopping mall just a few
minutes’ walk away. Don’t forget to pop
by Banglad Street where the clubbing
scene is! Everything you need is
conveniently located near Patong Tower.
Remember to spend time on the white
sandy beach, engaging in the various
water sports activities such as parasailing,
jet skiing and ball games on the beach.
Thank you QVI for the great service and
especially Mr Aie who has become my
best friend in the last three years since I
became a member.
Special thanks to Ms Nasim for her help
in making my vacations memorable!
- Mohammad Heidrai
(Iran)
Club Olympus –
Tenerife Island,
Spain
It was truly a fantastic and memorable
trip for my guests and I at Club
Olympus in Garden City. The hotel staff
was excellent and assisted us with all our
requests. We especially enjoyed our time
at the nearby Aqua Park and Loro Park
where they had the most amazing water
sports facilities and water theme park.
Most of our time was spent swimming,
clubbing and indulging in scrumptious
Mexican food.
We would like to thank QVI Club
for helping us put together this dream
holiday. This was made possible by Ms
Nasim who was always available to
assist us whenever we needed help. We
had problems deciding on our preferred
dates and destinations and even had
last minute changes in check-in names.
However, Ms Nasim was very patient
and professional throughout all these.
She even called us several times to
follow up on our holiday plans despite
the time difference between London
and Singapore.
Most importantly, this has made me
trust QVI Club completely. Even my
friends are interested in becoming QVI
Club members after seeing the beautiful
pictures and videos taken during my
trip. I hope my photos and testimonial
will convince you to be a member too!
- Nader Sharafi (UK)
Club Paihia –
New Zealand and
Club Balai Isabel –
Philippines
Our trip to Paihia, the Bay of Islands
in New Zealand, was one of the most
unforgettable trips we ever had. We
chose to stay at Club Paihia, a resort
set on a hillside surrounded by native
flowers and nature. Our room was
spacious and everything was well in order
before our arrival. The staff was also very
professional and efficient, which made
our trip even more memorable.
The town centre is within walking
distance from Club Paihia where you
can find great selections of fine art
pieces, wines and souvenirs. The locals
were very friendly and we truly enjoyed
the beauty of New Zealand and the
warm hospitality of the Kiwis.

Our other trip to Club Balai Isabel,
Philippines was equally incredible.
The resort we stayed in was right on
the shores of Taal Lake, overlooking
the volcano. The trees and lush
vegetation around our resort made the
environment relaxing. The restaurant
staff at the resort also patiently served
our guests who were there to celebrate
my wife’s birthday. Although this was
our first visit to the resort, it certainly
will not be the last!
Special thanks to QVI Club’s
Roxane Cabaluna for her advice and
recommendations in making our
holidays extremely enjoyable!
- Efren Miranda
(Canada)
Prana Resorts &
Spa - Koh Samui,
Thailand
and Citadines
Bangkok - Bangkok
Sukhumvit 8,
Thailand
I am so proud and happy to be a QVI
vacation owner. I decided to redeem my
week in Thailand in November this year.
Unfortunately, due to an extremely erratic
schedule, I was unable to plan sufficiently
in advance. Despite the inconvenience
caused, the QVI team was extremely
helpful and prompt in arranging my
vacation for me in a turnaround time of
less than 2 weeks. They arranged for me
to stay in my choice resorts as per my
convenience. I stayed at Prana Resort in
Koh Samui and Citadines in Sukhamvit
Soi 8 in Bangkok.
I cannot express in words our experience
at Prana Resort. On an island packed
to the hilt with one resort after another,
Prana Resorts & Spa is a haven for
someone looking at taking a break from
the stresses of day-to-day life. Its biggest
strength is that it is not a large commercial
resort. It offered us a feeling of intimacy
and coziness that is sadly unavailable
these days. The staff and service there
were fantastic. Our every single need was
met and well attended to by the friendly
and courteous staff. From calling a taxi
for us to hooking us up with a vehicle to
get around the island, to recommending
superb restaurants to eat at, and where to
shop. The spa on the beach was deeply
relaxing with the amazing therapist and
the sound of the waves hitting the shore
as a very soothing background score for
our treatments. And as a vegetarian, it was
a pleasure to sample the exceptional food
that the resort has to offer.
Our experience in Bangkok was as
satisfying though in a different vein.
The property that we were offered was
very centrally located in the middle of
the city with superb connectivity to the
skytrain services, thereby allowing us
to get around the city with immense
ease. The hotel, though basic, provided
us with all the comforts that we could
possibly require for a fantastic trip in a
city that was new to us. The tourist help
desk was exceptional in helping us plan
our stay in Bangkok, providing us with
tips to help us enjoy the city’s shopping
and social scene.
All in all, it was a fantastic holiday
experience for both my husband and
myself. I cannot wait to plan my next
QVI vacation.
- Sonali Goenka
(INDIA)
Baggage Claim 5

On 8 March, Prana Resorts & Spa hosted
the Women’s Business Network (WBN) of
Koh Samui to an ‘Evening of Cocktails
and Amuse-bouches’ to mark the 100th
anniversary of International Women’s Day.
This was the inaugural organized celebration
of International Women’s Day on the island,
and Prana is proud to have been part of it.
Prana plays host to
a good cause
News
Gallery
A R R I V A L S
/06
The enchanting evening saw a good crowd
of 50 women of different nationalities,
backgrounds and ages coming together to
acknowledge four very deserving women
who have contributed to the island and the
community. The evening ended with a grand
raffle, with prizes kindly donated by local
businesses, and included spa treatments,
dinners and some stunning artwork.
A total of THB 13,600 was raised from the
raffle ticket sales and a percentage of the
entrance fees. The amount was subsequently
donated to the Sisters on Samui Charity
Appeal. Kudos to all who played a part in
this worthy cause!
Start Holidaying Immediately!
Do you know that you need not wait for your membership kit to be delivered
to you before you start planning your vacation? Once your membership payment
has been received, a Welcome Letter, containing your QVI membership ID
number, will be emailed to you. With this ID number, you can start booking
your vacations. Browse through our websites to choose from over 2,000 resorts
worldwide - www.qviclub.com and www.xchangeworld.com - then contact
our Customer Experience Ambassadors at customercare@qviclub.com or
+65 6491 0900 to plan the holiday of your dreams!

Arrivals 7
Are you game for
an extraordinary
summer
experience?
The annual Samui Regatta is back in
action for its 10 th year! This international
yacht racing event is slated to take place
on the tropical island of Koh Samui from
30 May to 4 June 2011.
Let Bonvo Travel take you on an exciting
journey on an accompanying spectator
boat that puts you right in the middle of
the action! Besides witnessing the race
up close, you also get to island-hop,
and snorkel in the pristine waters while
indulging in the delectable food and
drinks served on board. Make it your most
memorable summer vacation with a truly
first class experience!
For more information and to book your
perfect summer treat at the Regatta,
contact us at +65 6491 0847 or email
mice@bonvo.com.
Do You Know?
Do you know that QVI Club is on Facebook?
‘Like’ our page to stay connected on
the new promotions and happenings in
QVI Club!
Romantic Valentine’s Day
dinner by the beach
Visit our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/qviclubofficial
and ‘Like’ us now!
Prana Resorts & Spa arranged a romantic
and intimate candlelight dinner on the
beach for many couples on 14 February.
After admiring the gorgeous sunset from
the poolside, the love birds made their way
down to their tables on the warm sand,
and thoroughly enjoyed the speciallydesigned
four-course dinner.
As night fell, each couple lit a kum loy, a
traditional Thai spirit lantern, before setting
it aloft to carry their personal wishes
heavenward. What a sweet and memorable
way to end the evening!

Start
the
with
Amezcua’s
Trilogy
De-Stress
Ritual
summer
Your revitalising treatment starts off with a therapeutic 30-minute
facial treatment. Then, succumb to a stress relieving body massage that promises
to alleviate any sore back muscles. For the finale, an aromatic moor mud will be
applied on your back to re-mineralize your skin, providing extra nourishment and
hydration. The end result? A totally refreshed, rejuvenated and glowing you!
Pamper yourself today at only Php 2500 for a 90 minute session.
Visit Amezcua Wellness Center at 122 Katipunan Avenue, White Plains, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines,
or call us at +632 913-1353 to 57 to make your reservation. Promotion is only valid till May 2011.
Destination 8

Destination 9
A new name,
but the same
warm friendly service!
Our Customer Care Representatives are now known as
Customer Experience Ambassadors (CEA)! They are,
after all, the ambassadors of our vacation club brand.
Need help with your resort bookings or require more
information on our properties? Feel free to contact
our Ambassadors at customercare@qviclub.com or
+65 6491 0900*.
*QVI Club Hotline Operating Hours:
Mondays to Fridays 9am to 8pm
(Singapore time: GMT +8)
Our dedicated team of CEAs is a fun and
passionate bunch of people! Navigator sat down
with Ahe (Global Head, Customer Experience),
and her team, and got them to share with us their
motivation and experiences at work.
Describe your job in one sentence.
Sherin: It is an adventure which is both thrilling
and fun!
Ahe: My job is exciting, rewarding and allows me to get
to know people from all over the world!
Tell us about your most memorable/
satisfying moment of your career as a CEA.
Mehmet: There are many memorable moments to name! One
was when one of our Nigerian members was unable to obtain a
visa for his trip to Turkey. We helped by issuing a visa assistance
letter and even got the resort to send a letter to the embassy, but to
no avail. In the end, I managed to speak to the Turkish embassy and
convinced them to approve the visa for our member. It makes me happy
to be able to serve our members and make a difference to their vacation.
Habibah: Recently, a member called us for a resort reservation in Dubai. As it was
the peak season, all units were fully booked. The member was at a loss as she had already
booked her air tickets and would not be able to cancel her flight without incurring a charge.
After much follow up and close monitoring, I finally managed to secure a unit for her and realise
her dream vacation. It is truly a joy to be able to help our members utilise their membership.
What do you enjoy most about your work in the CEA team?
Faye: Overcoming challenging situations at work!
Mehmet: I enjoy touching people’s lives with what I do and being part of their special moment. That is the best satisfaction ever.
What is your vision for the CEA team? How do you see it developing?
Ahe: I would like the CEA team to not only provide help to our members in terms of making reservations, but also to build long term
relationships with them, understanding their unique needs and wants so as to serve them more intuitively, and to become a vital part of
their travel experience.

Amala, our gourmet vegetarian restaurant at Prana Resorts &
Spa, focuses on health inspired cuisine. Every few months, Chef
Jonny comes up with a whole new menu to take advantage of
seasonal ingredients or to introduce interesting new dishes
guaranteed to tickle your palate and expand your appreciation
of vegetarian cuisine. Now you can please your taste buds with
the colourful Rice Paper Rolls stuffed with assorted vegetables;
tangy Orange & Almond Torte served with icy sorbet and fruits;
aromatic Seared Goat’s Cheese salad and lots more!
If you are visiting Prana, do save space in your tummy to try as
many new dishes as possible!
New at
Amala Restaurant
Rice Paper Roll (makes 4 rolls)
Ingredients
4 sheets of Vietnamese rice paper
8 asparagus spears
3 tomatoes (peeled & deseeded,
cut into 4 petals each)
1 red pepper (roasted and skinned)
1 yellow pepper (roasted and
skinned)
16 carrot ribbons
16 cucumber ribbons
400g bean shoots
100g red cabbage (chopped)
8 basil leaves
16 coriander leaves
8 dill leaves
4 Sarawak long pepper (crushed)
2 tsp Malden salt
2 tsp crushed black peppercorns
Red Pepper sauce
1 red pepper (roasted and skinned)
100ml soya oil
20ml rice vinegar
Malden salt
Crushed black peppercorns
Method
Blend ingredients together till it
forms a smooth sauce.
Plum Ginger Sauce
50g ginger (grate finely and
squeeze to obtain ginger juice)
250ml plum sauce
Sesame oil
Method
Mix ingredients together.
Sesame Salad
Mixed lettuce
16 carrot ribbons
16 cucumber ribbons
Black sesame seeds
Method
Mix ingredients together.
Method
1. Warm some water in a flat pan
and remove from heat. Gently
and carefully slide the rice
paper through the warm water
to soften the rice paper. Then
lay the softened rice paper
on a wet board or stainless
steel table.
2. Alternate the carrot and
cucumber ribbons on the
rice paper.
3. Place 3 tomato petals in a line
at the end of the rice paper
nearest to you.
4. Top with bean shoots, red
cabbage, asparagus, red and
yellow peppers, and herbs.
5. Sprinkle with the long pepper,
black pepper and salt.
6. Moisten the rice paper with
some plum sauce.
7. Roll the ingredients up gently
but tightly to form a rice
paper roll.
8. Trim the ends and slice into
5 mini rolls.
9. Place the rolls in a line on a
plate. Make a thin line of red
pepper sauce next to the rolls
and sprinkle with some black
sesame seeds.
10. Garnish with salad and a small
bowl or shot glass of the Plum
Ginger sauce.
11. Repeat the steps for the other
3 sheets of rice paper.
Tip: Long pepper can be purchased
from your local spice shops.
New Recipes
Make time for an
afternoon tea of colourful
and easy to put together
snacks. Let our Chef
Jonny from Prana Resorts
& Spa share with you two
healthy vegetarian dishes
which are simple to make
and easily achievable! Try
them and treat yourselves
to some tea time delight.
Greek Salad
80g feta cheese (sliced)
50g tomatoes (peeled)
40g cucumber
40g Kalamata olives
20g red pepper
20g yellow pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
5 leaves of basil (fried)
30g red onions
5g salad leaves
5g rocket leaves
5ml olive oil
1 tsp balsamic syrup
1g Malden salt
1g black peppercorns
1/2 lemon (juiced)
Method
1. Heat some oil in a fryer and fry
the basil leaves until crispy.
2. Cut all the vegetables into 1cm
squares. Deseed the olives and
cut them in halves (keep half
an olive and a piece of tomato
for garnish).
3. Put all vegetables and olives
in a bowl and season with
salt, pepper, oregano and
lemon juice.
4. Add in the olive oil and
balsamic syrup. Mix well.
5. In a large bowl, place the
lettuce leaves on one side
and dress it with a little
olive oil and season with salt
and pepper.
6. Spoon the vegetable mix into
the bowl and place 2 slices of
feta cheese on top.
7. Top the feta with the half olive
and tomato, diced small.
8. Drizzle with olive oil, black
peppercorns and top with the
fried basil leaves.
Destination 10

After water, tea is the second most consumed
beverage in the world and has a long history, coupled
with interesting facts, types, blends and preparation
rituals. Tea has been in existence as a beverage for
over 5,000 years and is native to most of Southeast
Asia. In some countries, its importance is sealed
in the country’s culture. China is the birthplace of
tea, but India is the world’s largest producer of tea,
averaging 850,000 tons of processed tea annually.
Packed with antioxidants, this beverage of choice
carries many health benefits too – like reducing
cholesterol levels, improving cardiovascular health,
and boosting immunity against common ailments
like the cold.
This drink can be enjoyed hot or cold, and prepared
in any way that one prefers. So take a sip, while we
delve into these facts about tea:
Tea
All tea is made from the same plant
Black tea, green tea, white tea, red tea, oolong tea…
some people have the misconception that these tea
varieties are from different plants. These tea types are
actually from the same plant – Camellia Sinensis.
The only difference lies in the amount of oxidation
and processes that the teas underwent.
Break!
Enjoy a cup of tea
while you sit back
and read all about
this drink
Viewing Gallery 11

The robust flavour and reddish colour of black tea makes it
the most popular choice among tea drinkers. This tea variety
undergoes an extensive fermentation process – crushed tea
leaves are exposed to the air for a set amount of time until they
are fully oxidized and dried.
10% of the world’s tea production comprises of green tea, which
is a milder brew with an appealing taste and green appearance.
This variety of tea does not undergo any oxidation process, but
simply withered before roasting or drying.
Oolong tea is a cross between black and green tea, distinguishable
by its taste and colour. Oolong leaves undergo a moderate
fermentation process, where they are withered, partially
fermented, then dried. This tea variety is recognised for its
distinctive fruity flavor.
The rarest tea variety, white tea, is made from young tea leaves that
are picked before the buds have fully opened. The leaves are then
steamed and dried, keeping them close to their natural state. This
tea type emits a soft, delicate taste with light coloration.
Tea processing
After the leaves from Camellia Sinensis are plucked, they undergo
processing into the dried leaves for brewing tea. The various tea
varieties are distinguished by the level of oxidation and processing
that they undergo. The following are some of the main processes:
Withering - In this process, freshly harvested tea leaves are spread
out onto tables or trays to dry. As moisture is removed, the leaves
become soft, preparing them for rolling.
Rolling - After withering, tea leaves are put through machines
which break up the cells in the leaves. This releases tea leaf juices
and enzymes before exposing them to the air to enhance oxidation.
Oxidation - Also known as fermentation, this begins during the
rolling process. The rolled leaves are spread out in a room with
controlled temperature and humidity. Through oxidation, the
leaves darken in colour, from green to reddish brown, then black.
Firing - Tea leaves are fired (dried) through a slow heating process
in a drying chamber. This stops the oxidation process before the
leaves are prepared for storage.
The natural chemicals in tea
Tea leaves contain natural substances like caffeine, polyphenols
and essential plant oils.
Do You Know?
You should warm your teapot before
steeping your tea
Tea experts advise against putting
tea leaves into a cold teapot, as this
prevents them from opening quickly
and fully. Hence, the proper way to
enjoy the full flavour of tea would
be to “prep” your teapot. Here are
the steps:
1. Pour some boiling water into your
teapot.
2. Swirl the water around your teapot
until it turns warm, then pour out
the contents.
3. Add your tea to the teapot.

Caffeine acts as a stimulant, polyphenols contribute to the tea’s
anti-oxidant properties, and the oils give the tea its aroma.
The level and impact of chemicals found in the various tea types
are determined by the fermentation process that they undergo.
Black tea is processed with a more complex fermentation process,
which gives it its robust flavor and its concentrated caffeine
content. Conversely, white tea undergoes minimal processing,
thus resulting in preservation of its polyphenols. This is why the
tea is favoured for its healing and protective properties. Green and
oolong teas are partially fermented, thus featuring moderate levels
of caffeine, aroma, and antioxidant properties.
Tea drinking and its health benefits
Many scientific researches and reports point to healthier statistics
from tea-drinking.
Scientific reports have shown that men in Asian countries who
drink green tea have very low rates of contracting prostate cancer.
Many prominent researchers believe that this could be attributed
to the fact that green tea contains many powerful antioxidants
and preventative anti-cancer agents.
Recent Australian studies conducted by scientists found that the
occurrence of skin cancer in laboratory mice was greatly reduced
when they were given black tea. A possible reason for this is that
polyphenols - the very strong antioxidants in tea - resulted in this.
Studies in the Netherlands have shown that men who drink black
tea (which contains catechins) are 50% less likely to die from
ischemic heart disease. This disease is caused by clogged arteries
which result in constriction of the heart.
Other studies conducted have shown that drinking one to two
cups of tea daily may promote fertility by stopping abnormalities
in our chromosomes. In a recent test, 250 women who drank as
little as half a cup of tea per day experienced pregnancy rates that
were twice as high as those who did not.
Home-made remedies
Besides being a drink packed with health benefits, tea can be
handy as a home-made remedy too.
Don’t discard your tea bag after brewing your cup of tea! Keep
them in the refrigerator for days when you suffer from puffy
eyes. Place a moist teabag over both eyes and leave for about
20 minutes. This mini eye-treatment works wonders to reduce
the swelling.
Tea can also be used to soothe minor burns and sunburn. Simply
place wet tea bags onto the affected areas, or put some tea in
the bathwater.
To treat planter warts, leave a cooled black tea bag on the wart for
15 minutes three times daily. The tannin in the black tea, which is
acidic, is effective in shrinking the wart.
Tea absorbs odours well and is a handy household deodorant.
Remove odours from your refrigerator by keeping a bag of tea
in it. Hate the fishy smell on your hand that lingers long after
you’ve prepared fish for dinner? Pour some tea over your hands.
The odour will miraculously disappear!
Tea Trivia
G The Camellia Sinensis tea plant can produce tea for 50
years, and those grown in the wild can reach heights
of over 30 feet!
G A cup of black tea contains half the amount of caffeine
found in a cup of coffee, and a cup of white tea
contains the same amount of antioxidants as 10 cups
of apple juice.
G An experienced tea picker can collect around 70 pounds
of tea each day - enough to make 14,000 cups.
G Loose leaf tea can be kept for about a year if properly
stored and sealed, and one pound of loose tea leaves
can make about 200 cups.
G The tea bag was invented in the early 20th century by
a tea merchant named Thomas Sullivan.
G To maintain the most health benefits, the recommended
daily intake of tea is at least three cups.
G It takes only 3 minutes of brewing time for the
antioxidants in tea to be released in your cup.
G Tea is categorized into 7 grades, according to leaf size.
Whole leaf teas are of the highest quality, followed by
broken leaves, fannings, and dusts.
G Fannings are used in most tea bags.
G Herbal tea is not from the leaves of the tea bush
Camellia Sinensis. Such teas are known as ‘tisanes’ in
the tea industry, simply meaning a herbal infusion of
anything other than the leaves of the tea bush.
G Despite its name, Orange Pekoe tea is neither
orange-flavored, nor is it orange-coloured. In the tea
industry, ‘Orange Pekoe’ refers to a basic, mediumgrade
black tea comprising many whole tea leaves of
a specific size.
G Not all tea should be prepared with boiling water. If
prepared with water of the wrong temperature, some
tea would develop bitter flavours. Green and white tea
should be prepared with boiled water that is cooled to
between 65°C and 82°C (150°F to 180°F).
Viewing Gallery 13

The
biggest,
most exciting event of the year -
the convention
that we’ve all been anticipating....
– is right around the
corner!
Have you registered for V-Malaysia 2011 and
booked your accommodations?
Make your V-Malaysia 2011 experience
even better this year by booking a hotel with
Bonvo at extra special rates! Enjoy your time
in Kuala Lumpur from 27-31 May 2011, as
you experience the exhilaration and excitement
of V-Malaysia at the Putra Indoor Stadium in
Kuala Lumpur (National Sports Complex, Bukit Jalil).
Make a group booking of
a minimum of 40 rooms
and get an exclusive
group rate!
Terms and conditions apply
We’ve got a wide selection of wonderful hotels just for you!
Hurry and make your reservations with Bonvo today!
Location
Approximate
distance to
Bukit Jalil
Stadium
Hotel
Star rating
Room category
Cash
Price in USD
eCard/Credit Card
Price in USD
No. of
eVouchers
Per room/nt 6 nts Per room/nt 6 nts 6 nts
Putrajaya
10km
Pullman
Putrajaya
5 Superior 70 420 72 432 7
KL Sentral 15km Hotel Sentral 3 ROH 64 384 66 396 7
KL City
20km
Citrus Kuala
Lumpur Hotel
3 ROH 56 336 58 348 6
Extra Bed
Star rating
Cash
Price in USD
eCard/Credit Card
Price in USD
No. of
eVouchers
Per room/nt 6 nts Per room/nt 6 nts 6 nts
Hotel Sentral 3 22 132 23 138 2
Citrus Kuala
Lumpur Hotel
3 22 132 23 138 2
For more information, kindly contact our friendly Travel Consultants:
Mehdi • mehdi@bonvo.com • + 65 64910923
Jerry • jerry.esleta@bonvo.com • + 65 64910881
Destination 14
Note:
• All rates quoted are in US dollars and are inclusive of 10% service charge and 6% government tax.
• All room rates quoted are inclusive of daily breakfast for up to 2 people.
• Extra bed rates quoted are inclusive of daily breakfast.
• Above rates do not include any form of transportation.
• Rates are based on minimum stay of 6 nights from 26th May till 1st Jun 2011. Any additional night is subject to availability.
• Please note that all rates are correct as of time of printing and are subject to change without prior notice.

Passport 16
Vacationing in style
in Sri Lanka
XchangeWorld introduces a new level of vacation experience through the
launch of the Exclusive Boutique Collection, a class of smaller, more intimate
resorts that focuses on personalised service, exclusivity and privacy.
Here, we take you on a tour of three gorgeous resorts in Sri Lanka.
The River House
Balapitiya
Picturesquely ensconced in seven acres
of carefully-tended tropical gardens is
this very exclusive 5-room resort, close to
the town of Balapitiya and 500m inland
from the sea. The setting is peaceful and
idyllic, on gently rolling grounds by the
Madhu Ganga river that give you space to
breathe, unwind, and immerse yourself in
restorative tranquillity.
The River House is the perfect escape for
a romantic getaway, or for an anniversary
celebration with family or friends for which
you could book the whole resort. The main
building houses the lounge, dining terrace,
and four very spacious suites with their
own plunge pools. Further down the hill
beside the river is a very private, standalone
villa which houses the fifth suite.
Each suite has been designed with a
different look; all are exquisite, and all
come with enormous bathrooms.
Space is the ultimate luxury here, which
guests can appreciate in the high ceilings,
sweeping verandahs and generouslysized
rooms. The use of natural materials
such as native wood and stone is evident
throughout, blending beautifully with the
wealth of vibrant flora outside. Graceful
antiques and paintings, and vividlycoloured
Indian bedspreads, tapestries,
carpets and drapes light up the interiors
with style and warmth.
In a sun-dappled corner of the grounds
lies the swimming pool, surrounded by
rustling palms and flanked on one side by a
pavilion with comfy loungers in which you
can relax all day with a book and tall, cool
drink. If you fancy a swim in the sea, the
resort has its own private stretch of beach.
The staff will be more than delighted to
pack you a delectable picnic to enjoy on
the warm sands.

The Park Street Hotel
Colombo
On a quiet tree-shaded street sheltered
from the noise and bustle of Colombo
is this beautifully-restored 250-year-old
colonial bungalow, once the home of Sheik
Salehbhoy Moosajee, an entrepreneur,
and his second wife Begum Zarina, a
flamboyant artist, and fashion and social
icon of the time. It was she who oversaw
the restoration of the building, preserving
its elegant colonial ambience by gracing
it with carefully chosen antiques and
paintings, Dutch period furniture, and
sparkling chandeliers.
Set around the languid pool in the sunny,
peaceful inner courtyard, are the brilliantly
white, porticoed buildings housing
two stunning suites, and ten stylishly
contemporary rooms in a converted
warehouse. Each spacious suite is fitted
with all modern conveniences such as flat
screen TV, DVD player, music system and
Wi-Fi. Not that you’ll be spending much
time in your room as the sparkling pool,
sunlit verandahs and pretty gardens will
surely beckon you outdoors.
Although you’re right in the centre of a
wealth of attractions, shopping and dining,
you need not leave the resort for a good
meal. The kitchen is helmed by a Chef with
experience working in the Middle East
and China, and the tantalizing menu of
Mediterranean, Oriental and fusion dishes
will leave your palate more than sated. The
dining experience is enhanced by being
able to choose your preferred meal times
and location – in the main dining room,
on the terrace under fragrant frangipani
trees, by the pool, on the grassy lawn – the
staff will gladly accede to your requests.
Evenings bring on a new vibe as the sounds
of smooth jazz create the perfect mood for
sipping on sophisticated cocktails while
watching the sunset colour the waters of
the pool all shades of vermillion and gold.
“the
perfect
escape
for a
getaway ”
Passport 17

Passport 18
Tamarind Hill
Galle
Tamarind Hill is a beautiful, sprawling
manor set in three acres of exquisitely
manicured grounds, just 4km from the
historic town of Galle, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site well known for its
magnificent Dutch Fort and other edifices
from its colonial past. The charm of
this bygone era is clearly evident in this
boutique hotel, which before its recent
refurbishment and extension, was home to
a British admiral and High Court judge in
its illustrious past. It now consists of ten
attractively designed rooms with private
terraces, and two large and exquisitely
furnished, second-level suites with grand
balconies affording ocean views. The latter
two can be joined to form one enormous
suite for that ultra-luxurious holiday.
Four-poster beds, writing desks, wardrobes
and tables in dark native woods are offset
by earth-toned fabrics and soft furnishings
to create soothing interiors. Antiques,
paintings and objets d’art abound, lending
a welcoming residential air to this lovely
property. Outside, huge glazed pots of
palms line the verandahs that wrap around
the buildings and bring focus to the central
courtyard in which stands a Tamarind
tree from which the resort takes its name.
Stroll through the rich foliage of the
tropical gardens down a gentle slope, and
you’ll encounter the sparkling blue of the
infinity-edged pool whose waters seem to
merge into the river below.
Relaxation is the order of the day, with
numerous comfortable lounge areas
throughout the hotel and grounds in which
to hide away with a good book, have a cozy
chat, or simply to contemplate the natural
beauty around you. The warm but discreet
staff will see to your needs, bringing you a
refreshing iced tea just when you need it.
As the afternoon stretches into dusk, make
your way to the bar for a pick-me-up before
adjourning to the restaurant where you
can spend an absorbing evening deciding
which of the various delectable inspired
dishes you would like to try.
For more details on the
Exclusive Boutique Collection,
visit www.xchangeworld.com
call +65 6491 0900, or
email customercare@qviclub.com.
In India, call +91 22 2640 5850, or
email customercare@vanamala-india.com

Bestowed with fringes of
coastal areas that run over
1,000 kilometres, Sri Lanka
is a paradise for adventurers.
You can surf waves that
reach as high as two metres,
scuba dive among a diverse
marine eco-system or through
the underwater graves of
shipwrecks, snorkel in the clear
blue waters, water-ski or
wind-surf - the choices are
unlimited for water sports fans.
On The Runway 19

On The Runway 20
Holidaymakers all over the world have
recently discovered a sparkling emerald set in the indigo
waters of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Blessed
with natural beauty - over a thousand miles of pristine golden
beaches with swaying palms that run around the perimeter of
the island, a tropical climate with average mean temperature
of 270C, and a rich history and cultural heritage - this gem is
none other than Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural
society, with a population of more than 18 million. The main
ethnic groups are Sinhalese and Tamils, both hailing from the
Indian subcontinent. Moors, Malays and Burghers (descendants
of the Portuguese and Dutch) make up the rest of the population.
Buddhists make up the religious majority at close to 70%,
followed by Hindus, Muslims and Christians.
The hospitable and friendly nature of the Sri Lankans will make
any visitor feel right at home. At 88%, the country’s literacy rate
is one of the highest in Asia, with English being widely-spoken, so
it is fairly easy for most tourists to get around.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has become an increasingly popular
holiday destination, offering everything from high-octane
adventures, historical and cultural journeys, eco conservation
activities, to sightseeing and wildlife explorations. Its tropical
climate makes it a year-round destination for holidaymakers.
November to April sees the driest season on the southwest coast
and in the hills, where some of the best beaches and popular
tourist attractions are located. The east coast experiences dry
weather from May to September.
Beach vacations
What’s a summer holiday without a trip to the beach? Wellendowed
with over a thousand miles of sandy beaches and a
climate that is relatively mild for a beach vacation, any time is a
good time to visit the many beaches of Sri Lanka.
Arugam Bay, on the southeast coast, rated one of the top 10 surf
points in the world by the international surfing community and
touted as the 4 th best in Southeast Asia, sees its peak surfing season
from May to September. Seasoned surfers from around the world
flock to this bay to ride on waves that reach as high as two metres,
offering a 400 metre long ride.
The resort area of Bentota, with its tranquil waters and idyllic
beaches, won a spot on Forbes Magazine’s list of Best Beaches in
Asia 2010. Many places in Bentota offer a myriad of water sports
such as water skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and wind surfing.
The less adventurous can swim, take a leisurely stroll on the beach,
or unwind and relax with spa treatments widely available at the
resorts. The area is also home to many restaurants and bars, with a
variety of culinary choices to indulge the most discerning palates.
On the southwest beaches, marine turtles come ashore in
the night to lay their eggs before heading back to the sea. In
on-going efforts to conserve the sea turtle population, several
private turtle hatcheries have been set up along the coast, with
the most renowned being Kosgoda, located a little to the south of
Bentota. Many tourists have visited these turtle hatcheries to do
their part in conserving this endangered species by releasing baby
sea turtles into the sea.
The relatively untouched eastern beaches of Pasikuda and Kalkuda
are up and coming international hotspots, coveted for their ivory
sands, calm waters, and sheer beauty.
A rich and colourful past
Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage that dates back more than
2000 years, influenced by centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and
colonial rule.
Six archaeological sites in the country have been named UNESCO
World Heritage sites – the sacred cities of Anuradhapura and
Kandy, the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, the
golden temple of Dambulla, and the old town of Galle and its
fortifications. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka has also
been given this recognition as an ecological world heritage site.

On The Runway 21
The hospitable and friendly nature of
the Sri Lankans will make any visitor
feel right at home.
An area called the Cultural Triangle is home to several world
heritage sites. Tread through dagobas (dome-shaped structures)
and remains of ancient buildings in the ruined cities of
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Admire the beautiful stairway
to the temple at Dambulla and the sensual murals of heavenly
maidens at the palace at the rock of Sigiriya.
Kandy, the former royal capital, resides in the tranquil hill country.
It is popular amongst visitors as it is home to the sacred tooth
relic of the Buddha, which is housed at the Dalada Maligawa
(Sacred Temple of the Tooth). For the cultural explorer, Kandy’s
architecture, music and art beckon with their distinctive charm.
Head south to Galle to experience the country’s colonial heritage.
This was Sri Lanka’s main port and a Dutch fort in the 17th
century. With a grid system of streets, original Dutch bungalows
and 14 massive bastions, a tour of this area leaves an everlasting
impression unique only to this country.
Go Wild
Sri Lanka is home to over 90 species of mammals, more than
440 bird species, over 240 butterfly and 117 dragonfly species,
190 reptile species, 102 amphibian species, 107 fish species, and
over 3000 species of flowering plants! This diversity makes it a
wonderland for wildlife appreciation.
The best places to get up close and personal to nature are the
Yala National Park – Sri Lanka’s largest national park; Corbett’s
Gap – a large forested split in the Kandy hills; and the Knuckles
Mountain range – an awe-inspiring natural landscape that houses
a unique ecosystem.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve, one of the last remaining rainforests
of Sri Lanka, is home to endemic wildlife, especially birds. Over
50% of Sri Lanka’s species of mammals and butterflies, insects,
reptiles and rare amphibians are native to this region, while more
than 60% of the trees are endemic , including many rare varieties.
A kaleidoscope of adventures
Bestowed with fringes of coastal areas that run over 1,000
kilometres, Sri Lanka is a paradise for adventurers. You can surf
waves that reach as high as two metres, scuba dive among a
diverse marine eco-system or through the underwater graves of
shipwrecks, snorkel in the clear blue waters, water-ski or windsurf
- the choices are unlimited for water sports fans. Prime
sites are situated in the Negombo region on the west coast;
Wadduwa, Kalutara and Beruwela on the south-western coast;
and Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Tangalle
and Hambantota on the southern and south-eastern coasts.
Water sports providers are run by local and foreign professionals
(including PADI-qualified instructors), who also provide rental of
state-of-the-art equipment.
Sri Lanka has more than a hundred rivers, lagoons and irrigation
lakes, so there are abundant opportunities for year-round
kayaking and canoeing, best combined with a camping trip. The
Kalu Ganga and the Kelani Ganga rivers are prime spots for these
activities. The fast headwaters and rapids of the Kelani Ganga also
offer numerous challenges for white-water rafting.
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace of adventures, varied
landscape, wildlife reserves, and archaeological sites offer excellent
opportunities for trekking. The Sinharaja rainforest, cloud-forests
of Horton Plains, Knuckles mountain range, and Hakgala Strict
Natural Reserve are popular trekking routes for nature lovers.
With so much to offer, Sri Lanka has captivated the hearts of
many who have stepped foot on it. So go on, make a date with
this enchanting land for your next vacation!
The Exclusive Boutique Collection - XchangeWorld’s new premium
category - offers three gorgeous Sri Lankan resorts perfect for a
pampering getaway. Check them out at www.xchangeworld.com.

Travel Guide 22
Summer
travel
tips
With schools winding down soon for vacation, summer is the perfect
season for some family get-together and bonding. Travelling in summer provides
the best opportunity to take advantage of longer daylight hours in many temperate
countries, and the later closing times for many shops, restaurants and attractions.
Summer travel also means it would be a peak season, so make sure you are well
prepared in order to enjoy yourselves fully. Here are some nifty tips we have
compiled to help you through your summertime adventure!

Book ahead
As summer is the peak season in many countries, be sure to book ahead to ensure you get the
best deals for hotels, air fares or even tourist attractions. You’ll also be able to secure preferred
seats on airlines, hotel room types of your choice, or even tickets to popular performances and
stage shows that sell out quickly.
Arrive early
Airports are usually very packed during the summer season. Try to arrive at the airport earlier,
before the majority of the travellers get there. Shorter queues for eateries, bathrooms, check-in
etc, means beating the long lines and keeping you in a lighter mood.
Be vigilant
Remember to always keep an eye on your personal belongings. As the airport, shopping centre
or tourist areas get more crowded, it also increases the chance of petty theft. Be sure to hold
on to your baggage at all times or at least keep watch over it. Avoid putting wallets and money
in your trouser pockets or jacket pockets as they are prime targets for skilled pickpockets. Use
a traveller’s pouch that can be slung around your neck and worn under your clothes. If you’re
carrying a sling bag, have it slung across your chest, with the opening flaps or zippers turned
toward your body to prevent access by thieves.
Stay informed
Be updated on the latest flight regulations, visa requirements of the country you are travelling to,
and customs restrictions. Being stopped by the authorities for something unintended could be
a frustrating and time-consuming experience. The tourism authority websites of most countries
will have a lot of useful information.
Pack light
Summer holidays call for a pair of surf shorts, flip-flops, straw bags and tee shirts! Temperatures
during this season could soar up to 45°C, depending on where you travel to. Other than the
casual outfits, remember to pack along some semi-casual attire such as slacks, dresses or polo
tee shirts. You never know when you might need it for a dinner in a restaurant or visiting an
attraction (museums, temples etc) that requires you to be more formally dressed or covered up.
Certain conservative countries frown on women in shorts, spaghetti-strapped tops, and clothing
that bares a lot of skin, so do check ahead on such religious taboos, and pack accordingly.
Bringing along a light shawl or scarf is always useful.
Protection is important!
A good sunscreen is vital to protect you against the harsh ultra-violet rays during summer, and
to prevent sunburns that can easily happen when you don’t realise how many hours you’ve spent
walking around outdoors sightseeing. Don’t forget to pack your cap and sunglasses as well! Face
mist and wet wipes come in handy in dry and warm climates to hydrate and freshen up.
Make use of technology
Online check-in is the best way to confirm your flight. Most airlines allow you to do that up to
24 hours before the flight time. You can select your seat, print out your boarding pass or even
have it sent to your mobile device while on the go. Not only does it guarantee you your seat, it
also gives you more time for last minute shopping!
Now that you’re well-armed with all these handy tips, get ready and
start booking your next trip!
Travel Guide 23

Holiday Stories
In this issue,
Navigator speaks to
V Council member,
Perminderjit Singh,
and asks him to share
with us his travel
experiences.
TRANSIT
LOUNGE
/24
Tell us about your most memorable holiday experience. My most
unforgettable vacation was my stay at Prana Resorts & Spa in Koh Samui,
Thailand. I stayed in the Prana Suite which has its own private pool,
private sun-deck and an amazing view of the sea.
How about your worst holiday experience? The worst holiday experience I
had was when I fell sick in Dubai, on my way home… I threw up 5 times in
the Dubai International Airport!
What do you like to do most when on vacation? Relaxing is a top priority;
it gives me the chance to think calmly.
What are your favourite destinations? Any big city with huge shopping
malls and good food.
Amongst all the countries you’ve visited, which one has left the deepest
impression on you? That would have to be Indonesia and Uganda.
Travelling to Indonesia was a heart-warming experience full of love and
joy. And Uganda…. that was my African business adventure!
Name 3 essential items you can’t live without on your vacation. My
BlackBerry phone, Communicator phone and a local SIM card.
What do you
think makes a
perfect holiday?
Being able to
enjoy myself,
without having
to worry about
anything.
What was your experience like at the last V-Malaysia you attended? It
was lovely! I was the Head of Department for the V-Kids and the whole
experience was so exciting! It was an amazing event.
What would you like to share with people who are attending this year’s
V-Malaysia? Come with an open mind and be prepared to enjoy yourselves
thoroughly! Apply what you’ve learned from the conference to your
business. Because you can, and you should, become a multi-millionaire!

From the Galley 25
Summer is here! Fix up a nice refreshing drink to cool down your day.
What better alternative than an icy black tea brew? Black tea is well known for
its health benefits as a virus fighter, cholesterol detoxifier and fat buster.
Prana Resorts & Spa has come up with two black tea-based summer drinks,
with zesty, fruity flavours that are sure to go down a treat!
Tamarind Kiwi Iced Tea
Ingredients
110 ml strong black tea
55 ml tamarind juice
2 slices fresh kiwi
2 tbsp brown sugar
Method
1. Make 110 ml of hot tea with your favourite flavour
of black tea. Common black tea varieties are Assam,
Ceylon, Earl Grey, English Breakfast Tea and Darjeeling.
2. Combine tamarind juice, fresh kiwi and brown sugar in
a blender.
3. Add in the tea, some ice and blend ingredients together.
4. Garnish with a slice of kiwi. Serve chilled.
Do you know?
Not only does tamarind have culinary uses, you can also
turn it into a natural brass and copper polish. Take a slab of
tamarind, sprinkle some salt on it, wet it and rub it directly
on the object to be polished.
Beetroot Mango Iced Tea Smoothie
Ingredients
110ml strong black tea
100gm beetroot
2 slices mango
85 ml mango juice
2 tbsp honey
Method
1. Make 110 ml of hot tea with your favourite
flavour of black tea. Common black tea varieties
are Assam, Ceylon, Earl Grey, English Breakfast
Tea and Darjeeling.
2. Combine beetroot, mango, mango juice and
honey in a blender.
3. Add in the tea, some ice and blend ingredients
together.
4. Garnish with beetroot and mango. Serve chilled.

Introducing a new level of vacation experience
The Exclusive Boutique Collection, a class of smaller, more intimate resorts
that focuses on personalised service, exclusivity and privacy.
For more details on the Exclusive Boutique Collection, visit www.xchangeworld.com, call +65 6491 0900, or email customercare@qviclub.com
In India, call +91 22 2640 5850, or email customercare@vanamala-india.com