Maldives family getaway

The Maldives has long been associated with those wanting a romantic getaway. However, some resorts there are now targeting a different and more boisterous clientele - parents with children.

The Residence Maldives, located on the island of Falhumaafushi in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll is one such resort. Its hyper-efficient Kid's Club ensures kids are kept busy with activities such as crab hunts and sandcastle building while parents get to enjoy some couple time. Food is family-friendly and so are amenities.

And no matter what your age, the azure, cobalt and turquoise seascape and abundant marine life will always hit the right spot.

Elisabeth Gwee

Best new restaurant

Beni is rather unusual in that the French restaurant at the Mandarin Gallery is run by an all- Japanese team, from the chefs to the servers and sommelier.

The result is classic French dishes prepared with Japanese ingredients and the meticulous attention to detail that the Japanese are known for.

There is no a la carte menu, only an omakase offering priced at $128 and $228 a person for five courses at lunch. Dinner is $298 a person for seven courses.

Dishes may change daily but you will likely get a course of ozaki wagyu at dinner. The beef comes from a small farm in Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan and is reportedly the only beef in the country named after the farm's owner instead of the area.

It has less fat than most top-grade wagyu but is still very tender and flavourful.

The restaurant seats only 15 people, so reservations are highly recommended.

Wong Ah Yoke

What makes Toyo Ito happy

In person, Pritzker Prize laureate Toyo Ito, 74, is as cool as a cucumber. But throw him rapid- fire, fill-in-the-blank questions and the architect gives candid replies about his hobbies and cherished possessions. A good game of golf and fine wine keep the design maestro happy, while the current state of Tokyo city gets him down.

Natasha Ann Zachariah

Art collectors

In recent years, Singapore's visual arts scene has seen a transformation not just in terms of the quality and range of exhibitions, but also in globally mobile, younger collectors joining the ranks of more established ones.

The island's strategic location allows art collectors to travel with ease and gives them access to museums, galleries, art fairs, artists and world-class art storage.

The art choices of these collectors have been greatly influenced by their time in Singapore.

India's Aarti Lohia, Filipino couple Kim and Lito Camacho and Argentinian architect Ernesto Bedmar reveal how living here has shaped their taste in art and in turn their collections.

Deepika Shetty

Look on trend this season

It is all about role playing this fashion season, whether you want to look like a goth, a little Lolita or a swinging 60s Modette.

At the Fall/Winter 2015 shows in Paris, Milan and New York, designers sent an assortment of looks down the runways that drew from multiple influences.

And instead of the usual sombre autumnal colour palette, designers went to town with colours, especially candy shades like pink and baby blue. Florals were aplenty and so was plaid.

On the accessories front, look out for skinny scarves, ladylike heels, lucite heels and bold brooches.

With so many trends to cherry pick from, you won't have an excuse to look out of style this season.

Elisabeth Gwee