The long-standing Eurasian Association (EA), established in Singapore in 1919, has upgraded its Eurasian Heritage Gallery to now feature more multimedia and interactive exhibits, tours and food tastings, as well as more than 100 artefacts – including memorabilia from before and during World War II.
To be officially launched on September 21, the new gallery is divided into 13 different sections. These cover different aspects of the Eurasian community in Singapore, from survivor accounts of the Japanese Occupation to Eurasian fashion and cuisine.
As part of its new offerings, the Eurasian Heritage Gallery will also offer tour packages that include a range of community experiences.
Julia D’Silva, chairperson of the Heritage and Culture Subcommittee, described: “We customise tours for different groups. School-going children and students can get to participate in a traditional Eurasian folk dance, while adult groups can have a hand at rolling Meaty Cutlets during a cooking demonstration with food tasting by Eurasian chef Quentin Pereira.”
She said that such activities can “give visitors an immersive experience” of Eurasian lifestyle and traditions beyond the usual guided tour.
Singapore’s Eurasian community, as well as its heritage and culture, has been garnering interest from western visitors, said D’Silva.
She explained: “We are seeing an increase in the number of visitors from the United Kingdom and Australia, who either walk-in or come as part of a tour group organised by a tour company.
“Most are happy to explore the Eurasian Heritage Gallery at their own pace, then adjourn to Quentin’s Eurasian Restaurant (in the same building) for a hearty Eurasian meal.”
The Eurasian Heritage Gallery is located in the Eurasian Heritage Centre and is run by EA, the custodian of Singapore’s Eurasian heritage and culture.
Capella Hotels & Resorts has launched its own programme of curated experiences for guests, incorporating interesting characters, traditions and learning opportunities.
Capella Curates’ on- and off-site tours and activities are designed by Capella Culturists, with a focus on giving guests new insights into the destination through experiences.
With vistas across the azure South China Sea, Capella Sanya was inspired by the surrounding elements of nature and Hainan’s famous, and rather mysterious, silk road trade history. The Li people are one of the most predominant ethnic minorities that inhabit Hainan’s culturally rich coast, with their history on the island dating back centuries. The Li people have an abundance of fascinating rituals and traditions, and
For example, at Capella Sanya, culturist Troy will take guests on a behind-the-scenes tour of their villages, presenting the opportunity to mingle with the Li people (an ethnic minority inhabiting Hainan’s coast) and learn more about their rich crafts and cultural heritage.
A highlight of the experience is meeting the tribe’s 79-year-old Grandma, who can share more about the infamous facial tattoo techniques practiced by the tribe.
The Capella Singapore team also created Qi & The City, a sidecar tour whizzing guests around the city to learn about the design and Fengshui principles present throughout the urban architecture. The route will take in the Marina Bay Area, Singapore Flyer, Art Science Museum, and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, amongst other highlights.
A luxury tented camp designed by Bill Bensley, Capella Ubud offers Confined to Quarters, whereby couples can escape the humdrum of daily life with 24-hours spent in total solitude within their tent. The day begins with a traditional Balinese blessing ritual and yoga session, enabling guests to reconnect with one another and refocus, followed by a two-hour Senja massage. A cook will set up a rustic campfire in the grounds surrounding the tent, and prepare a feast of traditional dishes to be enjoyed al fresco, washed down with tailor-made cocktails. The next morning, guests can take part in a sunrise purification ritual at the property’s Wos River Temple.
Set to open on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya in 4Q2019, Capella Bangkok offers Little Monks, designed to evoke mindfulness and clarity from an early age. The team is dedicated to encouraging guests to interact with notable characters across the city through their Capella Curates programme.