Slow travel, a rising trend, doesn’t prioritise speed but emphasises mindful, authentic exploration over the rush of modern travel. It encourages travellers to connect with landscapes and cultures, promoting environmentally-conscious itineraries and longer stays rather than hurried visits to numerous attractions. In celebration of The United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s annual recognition of tourism’s global significance, we look at some of Asia’s top slow travel destinations for 2023.

From Sri Lanka’s breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and laid-back charm to Kyoto’s cultural treasures, tranquil temples, and cherry blossoms, these locations are ideal for you to explore at your own pace and soak up its beauty in an unhurried fashion.

Also in this week’s newsletter:

• Datuk Nicol David, Malaysia’s squash legend
• A recap of the Tatler GMT launch party in Malaysia
• Acumen CEO Jacqueline Novogratz on moral leadership
• A peek into an elegant and minimal family home in KL

Cheers,
Sim Wie Boon
Digital Editor

In the squash world, Datuk Nicol David is the first and only Asian woman to hold the world number-one ranking for an unprecedented 108 consecutive months. The veteran squash player retired in June 2019 after playing her last match at the British Open. Since then, she has put her time and energy into the Nicol David Foundation. Through the organisation’s Little Legends programme, she nurtures the values of positivity, confidence and respect via sports and education for young children.

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Last month, Tatler GMT unveiled its inaugural issue with a vibrant party at W Kuala Lumpur, and it proved to be the finest hour (or three) when the world of luxury was embraced in all its glory. Held in partnership with Swiss Watch, our guests were treated to a display of luxury watches from the four major Bs in the industry: Bell & Ross, Bovet, Breitling, and Bremont. Featuring a special dialogue with collectors Dato’ Sri Jeffrey Raymond and Luo Yong Wen about their collecting experience, the evening marked the beginning of Tatler Asia’s re-energised horology platform.

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Jacqueline Novogratz founded Acumen in 2001, and it has gone on to invest around US$149 million of patient capital into 157 companies, with nearly US$243 million in assets under management, impacting 32 million people. Recognising the potential of social entrepreneurs to address the world’s most difficult issues, Acumen Academy was also founded to foster innovation grounded in moral leadership. The best-selling author talks to Tatler about her incredible journey and why she envisions a world made better by leaders who enrich the lives of others in society beyond just their own.

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Take a tour through this home project aptly named “Un-fold”, which encapsulates how the whole residence is laid out coherently and articulately. Formulated by Lucas Fong of Box Design Studio, the intersecting planes and their resultant volumes make this building seem almost like origami executed on a large scale.

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