Kevin Kwan's debut novel, Crazy Rich Asians, is a social satire of the Asian super-rich (Allen & Unwin).
HOTEL
I've yet to find a hotel to surpass Ksar Char-Bagh in Marrakesh. Arriving at this exquisitely designed hotel, hidden off a dirt road in the palm groves just past an ancient Berber village, was like entering a waking dream. The Alhambra-esque gardens were hypnotically tranquil, the service was graciously attentive but never cloying, and the Alain Ducasse-trained chef created the most amazing dishes. After checking in, I didn't leave the property for two days.
AIRLINE
[Canada's] Porter Airlines really impresses me. With sleek airport lounges, comfortable planes and an inflight magazine designed by Tyler Brule, [the creator] of Monocle magazine, they've found the perfect mix of efficiency, fun and style.
RESORT
I'm always seeking out boutique-style accommodations wherever I can. One of my favourite island destinations is Harbour Island in the Bahamas, and there I'd choose to stay at the sophisticated-yet-quaint Rock House over one of the bigger resorts.
LUGGAGE
I'm really sentimental about luggage - perhaps because of all the happy associations with great trips - and I have a trusty Tumi suitcase that I'm still unwilling to put out to pasture. It's become so battered from all my travels that airlines make me sign a damage waiver before allowing me to check it in.
KIT
I need at least two servings of strong black tea to make it through the day, so I pack my own tea because the weak packets hotels tend to provide don't really do much. I'm partial to Palais des Thes' Saint James blend in the mornings, [then] Talbott Tea's Chocolate Strawberry Temptation.
