EPICURE’S CHOICE

The things we crave this month

Dutch designer Marcel Wanders is not one to do anything by halves. Case in point: The Five Seasons, a quintet of home fragrances created for Italian houseware company, Alessi, available in two forms: liquid (from €65/S$102) or candle (from €85). Each represents a season, starting with Brr for winter and Ahh for spring, with the fifth, Shh, being an enigmatic blend of patchouli, rose and eucalyptus. Even the diffusers come in two designs. The centrepiece of a leaf diffuser (€65) is made of mahogany wood and presents a unique design that corresponds to the seasons, while the lava stone (€90) turns the naturally porous qualities of lava into a stunning home accessory. The candles come with an option of a bee-shaped snuffer (€28). The fragrances are also available in antiquated perfume bottles as a room sprays (€60). alessi.com

There's no better time to spruce up your bar than during the festive season. Saint-louis’s Manhattan Home Speakeasy Set (€1,600) comes with four Coupe glasses (€158 each), a shaker in flannel-grey crystal, plus a silver-plated metal jigger and Puiforcat spoon. These crystal bar essentials are inspired by America’s roaring twenties but are refined for the modern age with symmetrical bevel cuts. As with all of Saint-louis’ creations, the crystals are hand-blown and hand-decorated by Meilleurs Ouvriers de France award-winning craftsmen.saint-louis.com

There is never a dull moment for the adventurous at Nyungwe House. One&only resorts’ foray into Rwanda is not only set within the tea plantations of Gisakura but is also on the edge of the Nyungwe National Park. Guests are instantly immersed into the lush rainforest through a breathtaking journey via a SUV or helicopter upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. What follows is an extensive menu of activities, ranging from thrilling encounters with endemic primates and birds to hike up Mount Bigugu for a sprawling view at 2,950km above sea level. The last Saturday of the month is reserved for umuganda, a nationwide programme where citizens (and guests) give back to the local communities. To rejuvenate, there’s an in-house spa and a serene tea ceremony at the Tea Lounge. The Dining Room showcases Gisakura’s bounty through an ever-changing, organic menu. Room rates from US$1,105. Gisakura, Nyamasheke Nyungwe Forest Reserve, Rwanda. Tel: +971 4 426 1099