Schön! alive | ode to luggage

After years in the making, Chengdu has finally joined the selective roster of “top” global cities. I grew up visiting family in ChengDu every summer, for most of my childhood and adolescence. Through those years, I watched the city modernize into the international hub it has now become. Chinese cities have the manpower and consumer demand to support rapid growth — but Chengdu has exceeded just economic growth. As the capital of the Sichuan province (otherwise known as the Szechuan province), Chengdu has become a cultural beacon among other Chinese cities. It’s known for spicy cuisine (the famous mouth-numbing peppercorn), pandas, and as of late, nightlife and queer culture. Simply put, it is a city of contrasts. 

The Temple House, in Chengdu’s JinJiang district, is no different. Surrounded by expensive and eclectic shopping centers, five-star chain hotels, and skyscrapers, the hotel property chooses to distinguish itself from its neighbours. The Temple House is inspired by heritage architecture. Its Qing Dynasty-influenced interior is reminiscent of traditional Chinese buildings with intricate tiled and carved walls and bamboo-plated roofs. The property itself is built on formal temple grounds, adding to the lore and aura surrounding the hotel. 

This unique design doesn’t go unnoticed. Upon entry, tourists and influencers can be seen all throughout the property taking photos and selfies. The Temple House extends beyond a luxury hotel experience — for many in the area, it is a photo opportunity, a tourist site, and a fine dining experience. The Temple House offers several dining options. Tivano, their Italian/Mediteranean-inspired fine dining restaurant, sits nestled in their lower level, while the Mi Xun Teahouse sits on street level, offering a more traditional Chinese-inspired vegetarian dining experience — once again, reinforcing their notion of contrast.

The Temple House rooms offer one of the most exquisite stay-cation options in Chengdu. With ceiling-to-floor windows that overlook the most bustling area in Chengdu, the private suites offer a safe haven away from the noise of the city. Comfort and luxury find each other harmoniously amidst the sleek designs of their room, which are made palatable for both selfies and self-care. 

It’s easy then, to bookmark The Temple House as the destination of choice for your next (or first!) trip to Chengdu. As a burgeoning city, only hours away from other cultural hubs like Shanghai and Beijin, Chengdu is sure to become the next upcoming travel hotspot — so book your stay at Temple House now before word gets out.

Learn more about The Temple House at thehousecollective.com.

words. Merilyn Chang

Forget everything you ever heard, read, or thought about Cuba. The warmth, the light, and the feeling of life here are unlike anything you have ever experienced before. Our journey to Havana with Havana Club was an invitation to step behind the curtain of this vibrant city, immersing ourselves in its liquid history, rich culture, and dynamic art scene. This wasn’t just a trip — it was an adventure into the heart and soul of Cuba, guided by the people who make it truly extraordinary.

From the moment we set foot in Old Havana, we were drawn into its enchanting streets, where every building whispered stories of its colonial past. The Havana Club Rum Museum offered us a glimpse into the island’s most celebrated spirit, tracing its journey from sugarcane fields to the finest aged rums. Above the city’s rooftops, we savored lunch at Loft Bahia Terrace, a hidden gem with breathtaking views.

The afternoon led us to Factory Design Habana and Clandestina, where Havana’s creative spirit flourished through bold, contemporary designs. As the golden hour bathed the streets in warm light, we weaved through the city in Coco Taxis, stopping at legendary bars like La Bodeguita Del Medio, the stylish Sibarita Habana, and El Floridita — one of the world’s 10 best bars. It was here, in this iconic establishment, that we experienced a moment of pure indulgence, sipping on a Daiquiri made with Havana Club rum, a drink that embodies the essence of Cuba in every sip.

Immersing ourselves further into the craftsmanship behind Cuba’s finest rum, we stepped into the San Jose Distillery, where Havana Club’s artistry came to life before our eyes. From there, we ventured to Rodolfo’s Farm, where a feast of traditional Cuban dishes awaited, each bite infused with the soul of the land. At Casa Italia Boutique, we explored the delicate balance of classic and contemporary cocktail-making, savoring every sip. The melodies of Cuban choral music greeted us at Casa Adela, where the Cuban Vocal Quartet filled the air with their rich harmonies. The evening drew us to Antojos, where we dined beneath the stars, surrounded by the flavors and rhythms of Havana’s past and present.

The artistic soul of Havana revealed itself as we visited the studio of Cuban painter Vicente Hernández, where vivid, dreamlike works brought the city’s spirit to life. At the home of Beatriz Márquez, a legendary singer, pianist, and songwriter, music became a language of its own, connecting past generations to the present. Sculptor José Villa Soberón’s workshop immersed us in a world where metal and stone told stories of Havana’s cultural icons.

Later, the prestigious Habanos Moment Festival at Meliá Cohiba Hotel celebrated Cuba’s finest cigars, rum, and luxury craftsmanship. That evening, the doors of the Grand Havana home of Pamela Ruiz and artist Damián Aquiles in Vedado opened to us, where a fusion of art, culture, and conversation made for an unforgettable gathering. The night’s energy carried us to La Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), where music, art, and creativity pulsed through the air, embodying the very essence of Havana.

Throughout the trip, we indulged in the full depth of what Havana Club has to offer, including the exclusive Iconica Collection, with tastings of Selección de Maestros (45% ABV), Gran Reserva Añejo 15 Años (40% ABV), Máximo Extra Añejo (40% ABV), Tributo 2025 (43% ABV). In addition to these offerings, we also sipped Havana Club’s core range, showcasing their commitment to tradition and innovation, which includes 7 Años (40% ABV), Añejo 3 Años (40% ABV), Añejo Especial (40% ABV), Cuban Spiced (35% ABV), and Havana Club Smoky.

As our journey neared its end, we embraced the rhythm of island life at Playa Megano beach, where the turquoise waters and golden sands set the scene for a relaxed picnic and cocktails. A leisurely afternoon led us to La Reserva, where we indulged in an exquisite tapas lunch, each dish thoughtfully paired with handcrafted cocktails — one last toast to a journey that had been nothing short of extraordinary.

Every moment in Havana was an experience to be felt, tasted, and cherished — a deep dive into a world where history, craftsmanship, and culture blend seamlessly, leaving an indelible mark on all who visit.

Learn more about Havana Club at havana-club.com and follow them on Instagram at @HavanaClub.

cuba photography. Matthieu Garçon 
words. Raoul Keil

Shanghai has long been hailed as one of China’s most promising cities — a harmonious blend of history and modernity, class and edge. It’s a cultural haven and a bridge city, or a middleman, between the East and the West. The Middle House establishes its identity on similar pillars. It’s the middle property between two other sister units, Temple House in Chengdu, and Upper House in Hong Kong. Conceptually, spearheaded by the Italian architect Piero Lissoni, The Middle House pulls from traditional Chinese influences and combines them with European designs, to give character to its sleek interior. Ceramic walls molded from bamboo wrap around the entry to the lobby, giving guests their first taste of the exquisite design.

Upon entry, The Middle House feels more congenial than most hotels. The dark ceramic walls that initially welcomed us in, are eroded by warmer-tones, cushions, rugs, and a distinct smell of freshness — their signature scent. The lobby is dominated by slouchy couches, lounge chairs, and a fireplace decorated with Lunar New Year goodies. The reception desk is purposefully small and incognito, facilitating more dialogue and movement between the staff and guests and removing a layer of formality. Be prepared to be received with the most warm, welcoming staff.

The Middle House offers a variety of rooming situations — short term, long term, pet friendly, balcony friendly. Suites built for entire families bookend the hotel, presenting multi-room situations equipped with twin beds for kids, king beds, and even guest beds. Their Paw-cation rooms offer top-notch service to guests traveling with their pets — a unique and generally unheard-of accommodation in China. They are, in fact, so pet-friendly that they offer the option to call in a private chef to cook pet-friendly meals!

The rooms and suites at The Middle House have a prime objective of giving guests the experience of a sleeker version of their own home. Ceiling to floor windows overlook the skyline of the city, allowing guests a view of the glittering Shanghai horizon. Between the bedroom and the shower + tub there’s only a sheer layer of translucent glass — a sexy touch for guests who want to get playful with privacy. But embellishments aside, The Middle House rooms bridge the experience of luxury with coziness — the type of space apt for both selfie and self-care moments.

Though it can be tempting to stay immersed in the comfort of The Middle House amenities, it’s important to remember that the House is still wedged in one of the most bustling parts of Shanghai. The Middle House hails a reputation of being Shanghai’s House of Fashion. Surrounded by the shopping district, you can find the most high-end designers clustered around the house, along with a slew of cute vintage shops around the corner. There’s a flavour for any kind of taste here, and after a long afternoon of shopping (or windowshopping) there’s no better way to decompress than in one of The Middle House’s custom suites or full-stocked spa.

Book your stay at The Middle House Shanghai now at thehousecollective.com.

words. Merilyn Chang