ASIA JOURNEYS TO REMEMBER
Cleveland Collection Asia 01
Welcome... ...to our new Cleveland Collection brochure – to both existing clients and to newcomers. The former know why we pride ourselves in our knowledge, experience and foresight in recognising and developing new markets and we hope newcomers will soon realise our strengths and see how they can trust our expertise. Asia is a developing market with a great wealth of experiences – beauty, culture, cuisines, natural wonders and archaeological gems – which is why we have concentrated our energies to bring you this brochure. We hope you will enjoy using it and planning your next holiday with us just as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you. Those of you who are new to us should be reassured that as a company your needs are foremost in our minds. We know all these places, we are passionate about them, we have researched them thoroughly, and we have staff on the ground who will not only look after you, but will be available to guide and answer all your queries. Most importantly we are fully bonded and hold an ATOL for your complete financial protection. You should know that we derive great pleasure from making sure that you have the holiday of your dreams – that is our modus operandi. So please do enjoy this brochure – call us, quiz us and remember that the brochure is only the beginning, for our expertise is in tailor made itineraries... and these are built around you and your needs. We look forward to hearing from you. Frances Geoghegan Managing Director
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AFGHANISTAN
PAKISTAN
New Delhi
NEPAL Kathmandu
Thimpu
CHINA BHUTAN
BANGLADESH VIETNAM
INDIA
MYANMAR (BURMA) LAOS Vientiane
Yangon
THAILAND
Bangkok
CAMBODIA Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh City GULF OF THAILAND
SRI LANKA Colombo
MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur
MALDIVES
SINGAPORE
INDONESIA
Jakarta
Beijing
Cleveland Collection Asia 03 SOUTH KOREA
JAPAN
Contents 04 Cleveland Collection – who we are 06 Our airline partners 08 Thailand 26 Malaysia 34 Singapore 38 Indonesia 46 Vietnam 58 Cambodia 66 Laos 70 Myanmar (Burma) 80 Indochina Combinations 88 Philippines 94 Hong Kong 98 China 110 India 126 Himalayan Kingdoms 132 Sri Lanka 140 The Maldives 144 Healing Holidays – Spas and wellness 150 Weddings and Honeymoons 152 Booking Conditions
HONG KONG
PHILIPPINES Manila
PAPUA NEW GUINEA MALAYSIA
INDONESIA
INDONESIA AUSTRALIA
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Cleveland Collection Who we are and what we can do for you Allow us to introduce ourselves. You may be new to Cleveland Collection, or you may be one of our loyal clients who know where to come to sort any travel query or journey. If you are new, then you may well have heard of us from friends or relatives, for we at Cleveland Collection know that wordof-mouth is the highest recommendation and the truest.
properties we recommend. Our holidays are designed specifically for you and your requirements; we understand the different demands of a holiday from couples to singletons and from groups of friends to families, we listen carefully and then work closely with you to ensure that your requirements are met, whether it’s somewhere secluded, with safe beaches, or somewhere buzzy with a host of activities, we tailor-make the We are the experts, the specialists, the people arrangements to suit your needs and budgets. who know about bespoke travel and whose Our knowledge and experience also allow us service is unparalleled. For not only do we have to negotiate the best rates, ensuring that you unrivalled experience of planning holidays but not only get your perfect holiday but also we also have specific expertise in arranging excellent value for money. tailor-made travel. We are both Asian experts and aficionados, for all our staff have travelled Our exciting itineraries and our expertise extensively throughout this magical area. extends throughout Asia from India to We can take you from the foothills of the Indonesia and we know exactly where to Himalayas to Thailand’s golden triangle via recommend, and to advise on what you some of the world’s most exciting cities, perfect should do or see so that your holiday will beaches and private islands you have only be the most memorable. dreamt of until now. We can also organise tours to some of the greatest archaeological and How to use our brochure architectural icons, often at times when you will Our brochure has been specifically designed be the only people there – at Angkor Wat at to not only whet your appetite and entice sunrise or at the Taj Mahal by candlelight. you to Asia’s huge choice of destinations but also to give you ideas of when or where to What is more we only ever give visit or explore – it is simply the beginning recommendations and suggestions based upon of your journey. When you need help, extra personal experience and we are therefore information or guidance that is when to call committed to regular site inspections to the us and we will work through all the options
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on offer to arrive at your perfect tailor-made journey. Unlike some of our competitors we recommend what is right for you, not for us and we will continue to change, amend and make suggestions until you are happy. We will also be honest with you, especially if you are being too ambitious and want to pack too much in to a break. Sometimes distances and transfers are much greater or less frequent than first thought and it is our job to alert you to this so you can still get the maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
over the last few years our clients’ growing interest in healthy holidays – holidays where they want to get fit, to detox, or to lose weight. Places where they want to go not just to refresh, but places which will give true relaxation and help rejuvenate tired and over-stressed minds and bodies. Our staff are both passionate and knowledgeable about spas and they recognize their ever-growing importance in what people look for in holidays... so bring us your problems, needs or desires and we will get to work on them. Asia has been the birthplace of so many healing therapies which is why the spas we have selected here are some of the best you will find – offering traditional ayurvedic treatments as well as massages and programmes of all types alongside meditation, yoga and tai chi, all of which exercise the body and the mind.
Among our many services is our Wedding and Honeymoon programme. If you are thinking of getting married, or renewing your vows in a truly romantic or exotic setting, whether on a beach in Bali or on a sampan on the South China Sea, Cleveland Collection has the staff who will help you plan it and make a day you will always remember (and of course our expertise in helping you choose the most wonderful honeymoon ever is really unrivalled). Our wedding gift list service also allows your family and friends to help contribute to it, or even add something special for you to enjoy.
So talk to us at Cleveland Collection – tell us what you are looking for in a holiday and our experts and expertise will deliver you the best, most enjoyable, most romantic, healthiest or simply the holiday you have only ever dreamed of.
GEORGE FISHER
The people who know people Cleveland Collection has always been at the very forefront of knowing the different types of holidays clients are looking for, which is why we have launched Healing Holidays, our dedicated spa programme. We have noted
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Our airline partners
This award-winning airline serves a number of Asian destinations and offers every comfort and amenity, however you choose to travel. UPPER CLASS – includes complimentary chauffeur driven cars* to and from the airport, with DriveThru Check-In and a Private Security Channel at London Heathrow, while the airport Clubhouse offers everything from a massage to manicures and sushi to sandwiches. On board the Upper Class Suite converts to one of the longest fullyflat beds in business class, there’s an innovative new meal service and an on-board bar. PREMIUM ECONOMY – offers a dedicated check-in service and priority boarding and disembarkation, with one of the biggest seats in its class, in-seat laptop power and a choice of meals including a vegetarian option. ECONOMY – for fun and comfort this is difficult to beat with a spacious seat pitch and personal seat-back screen. There’s delicious food and drink with complimentary snacks throughout, a well-stocked amenity kit plus special kid’s meal, in-flight entertainment and activity bag. * Chauffeur driven car at most destinations and available with most Upper Class fares. Restrictions apply.
EVA Air flies non-stop daily from London Heathrow to Bangkok, offering passengers a choice of three classes of cabin service: Premium Laurel Business Class, the awardwinning Elite Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class. Personal seat-back, state-of-the-art touch screen audio/video on demand entertainment systems are installed in all three cabin classes.
Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world with over 500 international awards for excellence. They operate 16 daily flights to Dubai from six UK airports and onwards to a network of over 120 destinations worldwide. Onboard, passengers can experience ‘ice’, Emirates’ awardwinning inflight entertainment with up to 1300 channels on-demand in all classes. Generous checked baggage allowances, multi-course gourmet meals, complimentary advance seat selection and multilingual cabin crew round off the Emirates experience.
Vietnam Airlines offers the first ever non-stop services between the UK and Vietnam, with four departures per week from Gatwick Airport, flying twice-weekly to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The schedule offers UK travellers the option of exploring this fascinating country via ‘open jaw’ itineraries, starting with Hanoi and culminating in Ho Chi Minh, or vice versa. Flights are also carefully scheduled to offer convenient onward connections to Vietnam Airlines’ comprehensive network within Vietnam and Indochina, including exciting destinations such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and China. Vietnam Airlines’ direct services are operated by B777 aircraft with Economy, Deluxe Economy and Business Class cabins – all with full in-flight entertainment systems (IFE) with seat-back screens.
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British Airways offers one of the most extensive flight networks which enable travellers to connect to destinations throughout Asia. Just choose your cabin and enjoy the journey. FIRST – the ultimate in luxury travel with a dedicated check-in and elegant lounges offering peace, calm and delicious food, drink and snacks. Travellers can enjoy meals in the airport lounge thereby offering maximum time for sleep or work on-board, while selected airports also offer well-being Elemis Travel Spas so that passengers can enjoy a treatment while they wait. On board the dedicated crew offer a super-attentive service ensuring your flight experience is of the finest. Flat beds, duvets, crisp linens, cotton pyjamas and a generous amenity bag are on offer as well as an a la carte menu or lighter meal options.
CLUB WORLD – has perfected the ease of travel with its online check-in which allows you to reserve your favourite seat, print your boarding card and then head straight for the Bag Drop desk on arrival at the airport. All of this leaves you free to enjoy the airline lounges – there are more than 70 worldwide – and relax before boarding. At London Heathrow Terminal 5 travellers can experience the luxurious Galleries Club and Elemis Travel Spas. On board your space becomes an office, a dining area or a sleep zone with just the touch of a button, a generously sized desk, a choice of entertainment and a flat bed. WORLD TRAVELLER PLUS – make your trip that little bit more special by flying premium economy in the World Traveller Plus cabin. Enjoy added extra privacy, relaxation, space and expert service, ensuring you arrive at your destination in better shape to enjoy your holiday or start a day’s work. You can also check-in online and will get an increased baggage allowance.
WORLD TRAVELLER – will help get your journey off to the easiest, most comfortable start. Choose either to check in on line or from your mobile phone and reserve your seat to give you more time to enjoy the retail and dining experiences at the airports. While on-board you will enjoy attentive service, tasty meals and complimentary drinks. If you’re travelling with children there is a ‘Kids Eat First’ policy and special Skyflyer activity packs, while the in-seat entertainment offers a choice for adults as well as kids.
PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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Thailand
A land of monasteries and temples, mountains and forests which boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. An almost ideal holiday destination which offers something for all tastes, needs and desires. Go north for nature – elephants, hill tribes and the Golden Triangle, and head south for exotic islands, golden beaches and warm seas. Enjoy the excitement of the cities, the serenity of the Wats, the delights of the cuisine and the charm of the people.
10 Cleveland Collection Asia – Thailand Thailand – Introduction For many people Thailand seems to be just the place for sun, sand and sea but this ancient kingdom offers much, much more. Formerly known as Siam, it has one of the richest histories in south–east Asia, and as it is bordered by Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Malaysia it is the ideal hub for visiting many of the neighbouring countries. Bangkok The main entry point and one of the great Asian cities – full of life, noise, great modern buildings and magical old palaces and temples, as well as a myriad of markets from floating to flowers, food to fashion. If you are in the city over a weekend make sure you get to Chatuchak Market – the largest of its kind anywhere – 35 acres of retail. Take a taxi, bus or tuktuk to get there and go as early as possible, but for the rest of your visit the best way to get around is to take the Skytrain – easy and simple to use. Also make time for a river cruise. The Chao Phraya, the river of kings, is one of the great waterways of the world – a working river with tugs and cargo barges, it also hosts pleasure boats, river streamers and the elegant long tail boats which flit through the water. From the river you see the city in all its glory – find time to stop off and explore the Royal Palace and the Temple of Dawn. The North Chiang Mai is the northern and cultural capital surrounded by mountains and rice fields, and has more than 300 temples. From here visitors can explore the tribal areas and journey onto the Golden Triangle where Thailand borders Myanmar and Laos, and where the Mekong meets the Ruak River. Then head for Chiang Rai, gateway to the natural wonders of the north.
In fact northern Thailand is where nature lovers want to visit, for not only can you visit the hill tribes of Hmong, Lisu, Akha and Lahu, but also Khao Sok National Park , one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Base yourself at the Cheow Lan Lake from where the surrounding area can be explored either by boat or on elephant back. Another national park for nature lovers is the Khao Yai – spread across an area of over 2,000 square kilometres and home to some 2,500 plant species, 300 species of bird and an abundance of wildlife from deer to wild boar. Beaches and Islands It’s the pristine white sandy beaches that have the call of the siren bringing visitors back to Thailand time and time again. Add to that deep, clear turquoise sea, astonishing limestone cliffs and dramatic outcrops which give remarkable shape to the coastlines. Whichever type of holiday you are looking for there is an island just right for you. Phuket, one of the largest and the supreme island has everything a metropolis might offer – five star hotels, great restaurants, dazzling spas, fantastic golf courses and the sunsets you can only dream of. Smaller, with a jungle interior and spectacular waterfalls, Koh Samui is home to the Temple of the Big Buddha as well as great markets and non-stop partying at Chaweng. If you can tear yourself away from the beaches take an all day tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park which provides a spectacular view of the entire area and surrounding islands. The islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phi Phi offer some of the best scuba diving in Asia, while the smaller island of Koh Lanta offers peace and tranquillity in its isolated bays.
i
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Bangkok Currency: Bhat Airlines: British Airways, Eva Air & Thai Airways Point of Entry: Bangkok Flying time: 11 hrs 15 mins Time zone: GMT +6 hrs Combine with: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar Visa: Not required Best time to visit Optimum period is November to February, and March to May in the south. October is the wettest month.
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VIETNAM MYANMAR (BURMA) Ruak River
•Chiang Rai
LAOS
•Chiang Mai
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Visit Bangkok’s Royal Palace & temples – Sail through the islands of Krabi – Enjoy elephant trekking in Chiang Rai – Explore the floating markets of Bangkok – Relax on the beaches of Koh Samui or Phuket – Barter at Chiang Mai’s night bazaar
•Sukhothai THAILAND
Khao Yai National Park
•Sai Yok
Chao Phraya River
CAMBODIA
Bangkok
Kwai River
ANDAMAN SEA Koh Hood
GULF OF THAILAND
VIETNAM Koh Tao Koh Samui Khao Sok National Park PHANG-NGA Khao Lak
•
Koh Yao Noi Phuket Koh Phi Phi
100 ml 300 km
•Krabi Koh Lanta
MALAYSIA
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Our hotels in Thailand Bangkok THE SUKHOTHAI
At the heart of the city, yet as quiet as a retreat, this hotel offers five star luxury just minutes from the business and city centre as well as the markets and shopping centres. It allows guests all the excitement of a city and yet all the tranquillity of a traditional Thai experience with its pools, fountains, columns and arcades, which are based on the palaces of the Sukhothai period. The exquisite rooms and suites are decorated with silk walls and traditional-style Thai furniture. – Tropical gardens – Swimming pool, squash court, floodlit tennis court – Six restaurants – Spa and fitness centre
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
The oldest and grandest hotel in Bangkok, fronting the Chao Phraya river and surrounded by tropical gardens, is renowned throughout Asia for its luxury and service. One of the most famous hotels in the world, it has welcomed kings, presidents, rockstars and writers. It even has a Writers’ Wing where everybody from Somerset Maugham to Noel Coward have resided. It also has a choice of restaurants and bars and a shopping arcade. Across the river, accessed by the hotel’s beautiful boat, is the Oriental’s traditional Thai restaurant, cultural centre, where workshops and the cookery school are held, as well as the award-winning Spa. – Two outdoor pools – Health centre and yoga sessions – Children’s club – Beautiful riverside terrace
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
Set in lush tropical gardens on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, the Shangri-La is constantly voted one of the best hotels in the world. Ideal as an overnight stop, or for those with more time in Bangkok it boasts lavish accommodation and is close to the city’s major shopping districts. With nine restaurants, cafes and bars it offers both International and Asian cuisine, while its Chi Spa is one of the most beautiful in Asia. – Four restaurants – Two outdoor pools and Jacuzzi – Floodlit tennis, fitness centre and squash courts – Sunset dinner cruises
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METROPOLITAN HOTEL
THE EUGENIA
CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS
– Outdoor lap pool – Fitness centre – Cultural and shopping guides – Personal trainers and private yoga teachers
– Just 12 spacious suites – Outdoor pool and relaxation sala – Vintage car transfers – Atmospheric dining room
– Tropical gardens opening onto the river – Outdoor swimming pool – Just six spacious suites – River and canal cruises
Modern and Oriental minimalist, the Metropolitan is Bangkok’s funkiest hotel. Situated right in the heart of the city it has all the contemporary flair and elegance associated with Como hotels. Each of its rooms and suites are large and airy with en-suite bathrooms, yoga mats and meditation chairs. For the less spiritually inclined the members-only Met Bar, the hottest spot in town, is open to hotel guests, while the Como Shambhala Spa offers therapies from all around Asia.
A return to old style elegance with up-to-theminute facilities is to be found at this charming property, which is housed in a traditional 19th century colonial-style manor house in the centre of the city. Designed to maintain and highlight its heritage, it is furnished with four poster beds, huge gilded mirrors, vintage dressers and desks. Described as more of a home than a hotel it’s intimate yet spacious reception, restaurant, library and lounge underlines this premise.
A former royal residence on the banks of the Chao Phraya river is now a luxurious boutique hotel. Built by Prince Chakrabongse at the beginning of the 20th century as his townhouse when attending Royal Palace functions, and then taken over by another prince after the 1932 revolution, the house has now been turned into a hotel by his daughter. Centrally located with oodles of old world charm but with every modern convenience it is an ideal stop-over for the discerning traveller.
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Koh Samui SIX SENSES SAMUI
THE TONGSAI BAY
BANYAN TREE SAMUI
– Programme of activities – Water sports centre and large swimming pool – Renowned spa – Yoga and meditation
– Choice of beachfront or garden villas – Private beach – Cookery classes – Two swimming pools & fitness room
– Family villas – Award-winning spa – Children’s club – Water sports & yoga classes
Exceptionally private and sheltered, this luxury hotel is spaced around a headland on the northern tip of the island. Romantic and secluded, it is popular with honeymooners for its facilities and settings. Set in 20 acres of indigenous landscape and offering amazing views of the coastline throughout the property, accommodation is in 66 private villas, many of which have their own infinity pool. The Dining on the Rocks restaurant has 270 degree views.
Although just ten minutes from the airport, Tongsai Bay is a place of peace, calm and utter relaxation. Each of the suites and cottages, as well as the grand and elegant Tongsai Villas are dotted throughout 25 acres of unspoilt grounds. All are air-conditioned with large sundecks or balconies and each sports the signature outdoor bath. Peace is at a premium here so water sports are of the non- motorised variety, while the Prana Spa offers traditional therapies to those looking for deeper relaxation.
A hillside haven overlooking the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Siam. One of the newest additions to the Banyan Tree family is an all-villa property, each designed for seclusion, privacy and luxury with many having their own swimming pools. The beach is comprised of pristine white sand and the water sports centre has a comprehensive range of sports for all abilities, and while there is a choice of dining options, a must is a private dinner on the beach by moonlight.
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ANANTARA BOPHUT RESORT & SPA
A resort that offers the best that town, country and beach has to offer. This hotel on Bophut Beach is close enough for guests to enjoy all the life of nearby Fisherman’s Village and yet sufficiently secluded for those wanting peace, quiet and tranquillity. It offers a host of water sports and other activities as well as helping organise trips into the island’s interior. Add to that delicious Thai cuisine, traditional architecture, state-of-the-art amenities, tropical gardens and a pristine beach and you have the ideal holiday destination. – Walking distance to Friday night market – Family rooms & children’s club – Large swimming pool and spa – Lessons in Thai boxing and cookery
ANANTARA LAWANA RESORT & SPA
Tucked away on the quiet northern edge of Chaweng Beach this property offers the best of both worlds. Peace and quiet when you need to relax and refresh, and party time when you want to play for it is only a few minute’s walk to Chaweng, the most happening place on the island. Each day the hotel offers a series of activities from cooking to snorkelling, and fishing to sightseeing, with accommodation available in a choice of rooms or suites. – Private boat trips, snorkelling and scuba diving – Large outdoor pool – Family villas – Fitness centre and yoga classes
SALA SAMUI RESORT & SPA
Small and perfectly formed, this 69 suite and villa resort has everything the discerning traveller will need for a holiday – choice. It offers a choice of accommodation, (75% of its rooms have their own private pool), a choice of Thai or international cuisine and a choice of total relaxation or any number of land and sea activities which can be organised for guests. Add to that a gym, a library, a spa and the glorious Choeng Mon beach. – Two beachfront swimming pools – 80 metres of white sandy beach – Four massage salas ‘floating’ on a lotus pond – Walking distance to local bars & restaurants
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Phuket SRI PANWA
Perched high above the sea on the Cape Panwa peninsula, this private pool villa resort on the south-eastern tip of the island has some of the most breathtaking views imaginable, and to enhance the experience many of the villas have uninterrupted 300 degree views. The villas, ranging from 1 to 5-bedroom, are all beautifully landscaped using the tropical indigenous plants and trees – the resort prides itself on preserving all the trees on the property. –S ecluded private beach – Gym, tennis court & water sports – Home to one of the world’s top 3 beach bars – Cool Spa
TRISARA
For true hedonists, this resort sports 39 suites and villas all with their own infinity pools and large sun decks which offer the ultimate in privacy and pampering. On the north west coast of Phuket it overlooks its own private bay and offers the best sunset views. Each villa or suite has spacious sleeping and living accommodation as well as WiFi, LCD screens and surround sound stereos. Golf, sailing, diving and tennis can all be organised alongside a number of other activities. The resort also offers 2-6 bedroom fully staffed private residences, perfect for those seeking extra space and privacy. – Cruising and yachting on the resort’s own vessels – Children’s club – Spa and yoga sala – Complimentary golf club hire
SALA PHUKET RESORT & SPA
A luxury boutique-style property with just 79 rooms and suites – the majority of which have their own private plunge pool. Located on the golden sands of Mai Khao beach it affords privacy as well as luxury but lies just 20 minutes from the airport. Close by is the famous Blue Canyon Golf Course while the resort can also offer cultural and temple tours as well as tours of the nearby islands. Guests can enjoy a host of other activities or simply do nothing at all except soak up the sun and the sea. – Three beachfront swimming pools – Family villas – Snorkelling and diving – Spa and gym
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AMANPURI
Overlooking the sapphire tones of the Andaman Sea, the hotel that changed hotels forever is still one of the most desirable places to stay. The first of the Aman resorts, it introduced holiday makers to elegant space and style, huge vats of tropical flowers throughout, seamless service, great food and understated elegance. It sits on its own private beach on the west coast of Phuket, and dedicated fans return year after year for the care and luxury they expect. – Two stunning swimming pools – Spa, gym and floodlit tennis courts – Exclusive sailing vessels – 2-6 bedroom Villa Homes suitable for families
ANANTARA PHUKET VILLAS
An almost idyllic location, this resort is set between the Sirinath National Park and Mai Khao beach – this is as lush and tropical as you can get. Guests can explore the National Park and then head straight for the beach, grab a snorkelling mask and explore the jewels of the ocean. In between times they can simply relax in their own pool villa, dine deliciously in any of the resort’s restaurants or be pampered in the award-winning Anantara Spa. – Large beachside swimming pool – Each villa has a private pool – Cooking school – Cruises to nearby islands
PARESA
Almost hidden in a magical tropical forest with spectacular views across the Andaman Sea to the shimmering islands beyond, this all-pool suite and villa resort is designed on traditional southern Thai architectural lines. This can be seen as much in its soaring pavilion ceilings and rich timber finishes as in its setting around several magnificent and carefully preserved banyan trees. All the suites and villas are sea-facing and have spacious terraces & verandas complete with daybeds. – Private beach with beach terrace and club – Large swimming pool – Library and spa – Cooking school
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Khao Lak
Krabi RAYAVADEE
On the edge of Krabi’s National Marine Park and situated between three glorious beaches, Rayavadee is only accessible by boat. A true hideaway with every luxury the holiday maker could wish for, accommodation is either in a selection of twostorey pavilions or in one of the four spacious beachfront villas, all spread out across 26 acres of coconut groves and tropical gardens. Add to that a choice of dining options and a host of activities from guided nature hikes to scuba diving and it makes for a great holiday resort. – Cruises to Phi Phi Island of James Bond fame –R ock climbing & water sports – Children’s activity programme – Spa, gym, squash and tennis courts
NAKAMANDA RESORT & SPA
Overlooking a picturesque cove and in the shadow of Thailand’s highest mountain range, Khao Phanom Bencha, this contemporary boutique hotel is surrounded by mangrove forests and coffee and mango plantations – in fact nature at its most dramatic. The resort offers numerous activities as well as boundless opportunities to simply relax and enjoy the sun and sea with a pristine beach, large swimming pool and pampering spa. – Boating and yachting – Hiking and rock climbing – Island hopping – Deep-sea fishing
THE SAROJIN
An award-winning resort barely an hour from Phuket and close to one of Thailand’s favourite forests, the Khao Sok National Park, the Sarojin has access to a beautiful and large white sandy beach overlooking the Andaman Sea. Each of the 56 residences is approached over a stream and enjoys its own private garden. Guests can simply relax or enjoy a host of activities on offer – everything from island-hopping excursions and white water rafting, to kayaking and windsurfing. – Onyx infinity pool with Jacuzzi lounge area – Spa – Library and boutique – Guest ‘imagineer’
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Koh Lanta
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Kood
PIMALAI RESORT & SPA
SIX SENSES YAO NOI
SONEVA KIRI
This exclusive resort is built within the rainforest amid 100 acres of tropical vegetation, and is also close to Lanta Marine National Park. Accommodation is in a choice of villas and suites all of which are spacious and decorated in contemporary Thai style. While there are numerous activities to choose from Pimalai is especially famed for its dive school. Most other non-motorised water sports are offered as are Thai cookery classes and elephant trekking and, of course, the obligatory spa. – 8 restaurants and bars – Fitness room, bicycles & tennis courts – 2 & 3 bedroom family villas – 900 metres of pristine beach
This hideaway is located halfway between Phuket and Krabi and overlooks Thailand’s iconic Phang Nga Bay with its dramatic limestone outcrops. The resort is hidden from view by luxuriant tropical landscaping, and yet it offers guests magnificent views across the bay from its 54 pool villas, as well as from its Hilltop Reserve and from The Retreat, which is the last word in holiday opulence. Many of the villas have their own private spa suites, steam rooms and gym area, while the Hilltop Reserve has it all plus a crescent-shaped infinity pool. – Six Senses Spa – Private beach – Exclusive speedboat tours and excursions – Gym and tennis court
On one of Thailand’s most remote and untouched islands, this exceptional resort is located on the east coast close to the Cambodian mainland. On 102 acres of Koh Kood island are pool villas and residences which front the hillside and beach and are built from ecologically-sustained materials. Facilities such as an open-air cinema, children’s den and spa add to the magic at this hideaway, only accessible by boat after a short private plane ride from Bangkok. – Each villas its own Mr or Mrs Friday butler – Family villas and residences – Unique tree pod dining experience – Wide selection of water sports
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Chiang Mai MANDARIN ORIENTAL DHARA DHEVI
This hotel pays homage to the architectural traditions of the ancient Lanna capital of northern Thailand, as well as those of its near neighbours – China, Laos and Myanmar, throughout its villas, suites and residences, as well as in its public areas and restaurants. These are located throughout the 60 acre property which houses beautiful gardens, paddy fields, natural landscapes and plantations. An ideal location from which to explore the surrounding wats, temples and markets, and visit the local hill tribes. The Dheva Spa – named after the star goddess who is guardian of longevity – is centred around a replica of the exquisite Royal Palace of Mandalay. – Children’s club – Two swimming pools – Floodlit tennis courts – Yoga and fitness programmes
FOUR SEASONS
THE CHEDI
– Thai kick boxing lessons – Cookery school – Family accommodation – Guided garden tours
– Elephant treks and river cruises – Club lounge –C ookery classes – Spa and health club
Located in the Mae Rim Valley just a short distance from Thailand’s cultural centre and set amid cascading rice terraces, this luxury resort is ideal for exploring the nearby temples and tribal villages. Accommodation is in a choice of villas and pavilions, all taking their inspiration from traditional Lanna architecture and decorated with carvings and Thai cottons and silks. There is a host of activities to choose from for both children and adults, as well as two swimming pools, a fitness centre and spa.
Right in the heart of the city on the banks of the Mae Ping river this luxury property offers 84 suites and guestrooms, each with its own private courtyard or riverside balcony. A strikingly modern complex it is a five minute stroll from the oldest part of the city and the bewitching night market, and a short walk to the temples and monasteries which are dotted throughout the area. The hotel also organises special excursions around the area to local craft villages and temples.
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Chiang Rai 137 PILLARS HOUSE
Located in what was once designated the foreign quarter of Chiang Mai, this boutique property is home to many traditional Thai and colonial European features. The building was originally part of the East Borneo Company headquarters and has kept some of the original architectural highlights. Staying here in this historic house is like being entertained in a luxurious home with 30 sumptuous suites, excellent service and glorious tropical gardens. – Infinity swimming pool – Contemporary fitness centre – Traditional spa therapies – Cultural excursions and lectures on the lawn
FOUR SEASONS TENTED CAMP GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Tucked away in the bamboo jungle of Chiang Rai, this luxury tented resort offers an unforgettable experience. With Laos to the east and Myanmar to the north, this is indeed the third side to the golden triangle. Accommodation is in huge, comfortable tents each with air conditioning, a copper bath tub where guests can soak away the exertions of the day, and outdoor showers on the spacious decks. A choice of jungle and river activities in the surrounding area is on offer. – Swimming pool – Mahout training & elephant trekking – Longtail boat cruises – Jungle hikes and bird watching excursions
ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE RESORT & SPA
Located on a lush hillside in Chiang Saen, this resort offers amazing views across to Laos and Myanmar as well as glorious vistas along the Mekong River. Accommodation is in a wide choice of rooms, suites and villas, some of which have unforgettable views of the two neighbouring countries. The resort can even organise an excursion taking in all three countries. – On-site elephant camp – Extensive programme of activities –S tunning swimming pool – Fitness centre and spa
22 Cleveland Collection Asia – Thailand
LAOS
•••Mae Kampong ✈
Our itineraries in Thailand
MYANMAR Chiang Dao Chiang Mai
THAILAND
•Ayutthaya
VIETNAM
✈
✈
Bangkok CAMBODIA
Phuket
As a holiday destination Thailand overflows with sights, sounds and experiences. Should you just wish to lie on a beach, it has some of the most beautiful in all of south-east Asia. If you want to laze on more than one, it has a plethora of islands to choose from. It also has history, architecture, palaces, traditions, monasteries, forests, elephant treks, fantastic food and lovely people. At Cleveland Collection we know you cannot experience it all on the one visit, but our itineraries will give you more than a taste for Thailand.
CLASSIC THAILAND
For first time visitors to Thailand, this itinerary offers the perfect way to discover the diverse culture and scenery of this remarkable country. Visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, excursions are offered to all of the main sites as well as to a selection of unique and often-hidden locations. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Bangkok. Day 2: Bangkok Enjoy an evening tour of the city’s old quarter before staying for four nights at the Sukhothai Hotel. (BB) Day 3: Bangkok Awake early to witness the serene early morning chants of the monks at the famed Wat Pho, before touring the temple grounds and exploring the
grandeur of the nearby Grand Palace. Continue to Chinatown and absorb the vibrant atmosphere on a walking tour followed by a long-tail boat trip through the canals. (BB) Day 4: Bangkok Experience the lifestyles and local rhythms of rural Thailand with a full day excursion to the countryside. Discover fascinating markets on the train tracks, take a paddleboat through an authentic floating market and travel by trishaw through beautiful landscaped gardens. (BB) Day 5: Ayutthaya Absorb centuries of Thai history - travel by local train to the former capital of Ayutthaya. Spend the morning among the magnificent ancient ruins of the city and the afternoon exploring nearby markets and the royal palace of Bang Pa-In. (BB) Day 6: Bangkok – Chiang Mai Fly to Chiang Mai and take a long-tail boat cruise along the Mae Ping River. Continue on foot into the heart of the old quarter, followed by a trip to the Doi Suthep mountain temple. Stay for four nights at The Chedi. (BB) Day 7: Chiang Dao Drive north to the Chiang Dao elephant camp for elephant riding and a bamboo raft journey down the Ping River before continuing onward to visit Palaung, Akha and Lisu tribal villages. (BB) Day 8: Chiang Mai Spend the day discovering the hidden treasures of Chiang Mai - take a trishaw to a local market, purchase a selection of offerings and head to a temple for an offering ceremony with Buddhist monks. Afterwards head to Wiang Kum Kam, where a lost civilization lies buried under layers of earth. (BB)
Thailand – Cleveland Collection Asia 23
Elephant Hills Khao Sok National Park THAILAND
KHAO LAK PHUKET
Day 9: Mae Kampong Learn more about the north’s hill tribe culture with a full day excursion to Mae Kampong. Prepare lunch and dine alongside a family in their house, followed by a traditional Thai massage. (BB) Day 10: Chiang Mai – Phuket Fly to Phuket to stay for three nights at Sala Phuket Resort & Spa. (BB) Day 11: Phuket Visit a rubber plantation and gibbon rehabilitation project followed by a guided tour of the Thalang National Museum. (BB) Day 12: Phuket Free day to relax on the beaches or perhaps take a boat trip to the nearby islands. (BB) Day 13: Departure Fly to Bangkok and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £2,455 per person, based on two sharing
KRABI
ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE
Want a few days away from the beach, then why not enjoy a couple of nights in the Khao Sok National Park? Great for adults and children alike, get up close and personal with the elephants, trek the rainforest looking for gibbons and enjoy water activities on the lake. Day 1: Elephant Hills Transfer to Khao Sok to learn about these great pachyderms and about the elephant conservation project. Meet the elephants and enjoy the hands-on experience of feeding, scrubbing and cleaning them, and then watch them bathe. Take a canoe trip down the river and stay for two nights at Elephant Hills Camp. (FB) Day 2: Elephant Hills Wake up to the sounds of nature, and explore the lake in the jungle by local boat. The lake is surrounded by limestone mountains and cliffs covered in tropical rainforest that rises up from the shore, making for spectacular scenery. (FB) Day 3: Elephant Hills Explore the jungle on foot, with the opportunity to see or encounter hornbills, gibbons, macaque and leaf monkeys, before continuing to onward destination. Cost from £315 per person, based on two sharing
24 Cleveland Collection Asia – Thailand
MYANMAR Chiang Rai Chiang Mai
•
• ••Chiang Saen
Sukhothai
Mae Sai
Satchanalai ••Sri•Phitsanulok
✈
•
Uthai Thani Ayutthaya
VIETNAM
LAOS
THAILAND
• Bangkok
CAMBODIA
THAILAND IN DEPTH
See and experience Thailand at close quarters on this extensive itinerary which takes the traveller from ancient temples & grand palaces to tropical rainforests, historic cities & local villages. Breathe in the sights and sounds of this ancient civilisation and admire the unforgettable scenery as the journey progresses from Bangkok & Sukhothai to Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Bangkok. Day 2: Bangkok Stay for two nights at The Sukhothai Hotel. (BB) Day 3: Bangkok Enjoy a full day of sightseeing – a tour of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, lunch at a riverside restaurant, a walking tour of Chinatown, a boat trip through the famed canals and a visit to the iconic Wat Arun. (BB) Day 4: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Uthai Thani Drive to legendary Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, to visit the ruined temples and to enjoy a riverside lunch before boarding a long-tail boat to explore the majestic Royal mansions. Proceed to Uthai Thani to stay overnight at Uthai River Lake Resort. (HB) Day 5: Uthai Thani – Phitsanulok – Sukhothai Relax on a rice barge cruise before continuing by road to Phitsanulok to visit Thailand’s most famous Buddha image and folk museum. Continue onto Sukhothai to stay for two nights at the Sukhothai Heritage Resort. (BB) Day 6: Sukhothai Spend the day exploring Sukhothai, the kingdom’s first capital and home to the museum and historical park from this Golden era. An optional rice planting workshop is available in the afternoon. (BB) Day 7: Sukhothai – Sri Satchanalai – Chiang Mai A short drive north to the Sri Satchanalai National Park on the banks of the Yom River for a leisurely tour of this ancient town. Continue onwards to Chiang Mai to stay for three nights at The Chedi. (BB) Day 8: Chiang Mai Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Chiang Mai. Spend the morning exploring the sights - the ancient temples, markets and unique architectural gems – and in the afternoon visit Doi Suthep, the most famous temple in northern Thailand, and the Hmong village. (BB) Day 9: Chiang Mai Enjoy a real Thai experience on an elephant ride through thick forests. Also visit a local elephant camp, orchid nursery & butterfly farm before heading to the Ping River for a bamboo rafting ride. (BB) Day 10: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai Travel via local villages to Chiang Rai to stay for two nights at the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa. (BB)
Day 11: Chiang Rai Journey to bustling Mae Sai for the intriguing Burmese border market before heading to the infamous Golden Triangle to visit the legendary opium museum and take a boat ride along the Mekong River to get a closer look at Laos and Myanmar. (BB) Day 12: Departure Enjoy a morning tour of Chiang Rai before flying to Bangkok to connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from: £2,695 per person, based on two sharing Beach extensions are available to Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi
Thailand – Cleveland Collection Asia 25
MYANMAR
LAOS
•
Chiang Rai
•
Chiang Saen (Four Seasons Tented Camp)
•Kanchanaburi
THAILAND
Kwai River MYANMAR Samut Songkhram
•
Bangkok
THAILAND
CHIANG RAI EXPLORER
It’s camping but not as we know it! Stay in the mountainous Thai wilderness in the luxury of the Four Seasons Tented Camp, where the adventures include elephant trekking, canoe rides, spa treatments and treks – a truly unique way to experience Chiang Rai. Day 1: Four Seasons Tented Camp Travel to Chiang Rai and transfer by traditional long tail boat to stay for three nights at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. Enjoy an afternoon wildlife-spotting excursion with a camp naturalist. (FB) Day 2: Four Seasons Tented Camp Learn how to care for and ride an elephant under the tutoring of a professional mahout (elephant trainer). After lunch experience the thrill of elephant trekking and using new-found mahouting skills. (FB) Day 3: Four Seasons Tented Camp Take a relaxing scenic cruise along the Mekong River stopping en-route at villages and temples. The afternoon is free to relax, take a craft class, enjoy afternoon tea or rejuvenate with a traditional Thai massage. (FB) Day 4: Departure Continue to onward destination. Cost from £2,340 per person, based on two sharing
RIVER KWAI NATURE ADVENTURE TOUR
Explore the captivating history of Kanchanaburi alongside the area’s natural beauty. Combine cultural sightseeing with exciting excursions on this short trip from Bangkok. Day 1: Bangkok – River Kwai Travel from Bangkok to Samut Songkhram to enjoy a paddleboat journey through the maze of canals to nearby temples. Continue to Kanchanaburi for lunch by the Death Railway. Visit the JEATH War Museum and stay for two nights at Hintok River Camp. (FB) Day 2: River Kwai There is a variety of activities to chose from today – take a light trek along the Memorial Walking Trail to learn more about the railway’s history; opt for a canoeing and biking journey along the River Kwai; visit the 7-level Erawan Waterfall and trek to its surrounding caves, or ride aboard the infamous death railway and then enjoy an elephant ride and a bamboo rafting adventure. (FB) Day 3: River Kwai – Bangkok Explore Wat Prasat Muang Singh, a Khmer temple complex dating back to the Angkorian period before visiting Phra Pathom Chedi, the world’s tallest Buddhist Chedi, en-route back to Bangkok. Cost from £445 per person, based on two sharing
26 Cleveland Collection Asia – Malaysia
Malaysia
A true melting pot, offering an extraordinary fusion of Chinese, Indian and Malay customs and cultures with a large element of Dutch colonial art and architecture. All visits begin in the capital, Kuala Lumpur which highlights how old and new, classical and contemporary live together with its mixture of startling modern buildings and the more traditional ones of Little India and Chinatown. However outside the capital there are even more surprises – sybaritic beach resorts, dense jungles, massive tea plantations and orang-utans.
Malaysia – Cleveland Collection Asia 27
28 Cleveland Collection Asia – Malaysia Malaysia – Introduction Malaysia with its rich history and diverse cultures – Chinese, Indian as well as local Malay – and colonial influences of the British, Dutch & Portuguese, offers a fascinating tapestry of things to see and do. Cities and culture All journeys begin in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, which has enough to offer to keep any visitor entertained for days. A startling city of huge towers – the KL tower with its viewing platform and the Petronas Twin Towers, whose 88 storeys are deemed to be one of the highest twin structures in the world. Add to that its museums, mosques and art galleries, its traditional night market and state-of-the-art shopping malls, and tiny wooden streets and buildings of the old China Town and you can experience history, culture and contemporary art all in one place. Nature Begin at the Batu Caves, an old Hindu shrine just north of KL with amazing views of the surrounding area – after you have climbed up 272 steps! Full of paintings, monkeys and attractive to rock-climbing enthusiasts. Then there’s the Cameron Highlands, just over three hours drive from KL – gentle and cool – it’s where people retire to from the heat of the lowlands. Delightful walks, old tea plantations and butterfly, honey and strawberry farms abound.
If your taste is for the dramatic then head across to Borneo and Sabah to the Pulau Tiga Marine Park, one of the most untouched in Asia, and of course the Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary where you can find the original “wild men of Borneo” at rest and play amid fantastic untouched forest and jungle. Then journey north to Penang National Park which houses 46 species of bird and 560 species of flora and fauna as well as a green turtle hatching ground. Beaches and Islands North of Penang is Langkawi, a cluster of some 99 islands sporting some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia and magnificent mangrove forests. To get a bird’s eye view of the area take a trip on the Langkawi cable car and then retire to a paradise resort. Pangkor Laut is a tiny private island off the north-west coast complete with its own little rainforest and spa village, while Pangkor Island itself is a fascinating look at a real Malay fishing village at work.
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Kuala Lumpur Currency: Ringgit Airlines: Malaysian Airlines Point of Entry: Kuala Lumpur Flying time: 12 hrs 25 mins Time zone: GMT +7 hrs Combine with: Singapore, Indonesia Visa: Not required Best time to visit Malaysia is hot and humid throughout the year with a monsoon climate. On the west coast the wettest season is September to December, and on the east coast it is October to February.
Malaysia – Cleveland Collection Asia 29
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Take a ride up the Petronas Towers – Enjoy a rickshaw ride through historic George Town – Journey into the Cameron Highlands – Search for orang-utans in Sepilok – Track turtles on Selingan Island – Relax on the beautiful beaches of Langkawi
LAOS
THAILAND
CAMBODIA VIETNAM
SOUTH CHINA SEA
GULF OF THAILAND
Langkawi Kota Kinabalu Penang
•
Penang National Park CAMERON HIGHLANDS Kuala Terengganu Pangkor Laut
•
•
SABAH
BRUNEI
Pangkor Island Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
MALAYSIA
BORNEO
SINGAPORE
INDONESIA JAVA SEA
200 ml 400 km
30 Cleveland Collection Asia – Malaysia
Our hotels in Malaysia Kuala Lumpur MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Bang in the centre of this vibrant city the hotel offers great access to all KL can provide – temples, mosques, markets and museums. It is also close to the many attractions the city is renowned for – Little India, Chinatown and of course the architecturally-exciting Petronas Twin Towers. There is a comprehensive children’s activity programme, and accommodation in a choice of suites and rooms, some of which are interconnecting. – Choice of 10 restaurants and bars – E xtensive fitness centre – F ully equipped spa – Babysitting and child minding services
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
VILLA SAMADHI
– Outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool – Tennis courts – Health club and fitness centre – Selection of 8 restaurants and bars
– Outdoor pool – Pretty tropical garden – Relais & Chateaux member – Roof-top bar
This newly-renovated five star hotel is located right in the middle of the city, yet provides a peaceful haven for guests as it is set in gorgeous tropical gardens. Elegance and comfort are at a premium in both the décor and service of this property, while a number of award-winning restaurants offer both international and Asian cuisine.
An elegant boutique hotel set in a quiet residential enclave within the city. It offers just 21 suites all centred around a large lagoon pool, many of which have their own private gardens, while others have a kitchen for intimate entertaining. The concierge service can organise city and shopping tours as well as golf and tennis close by.
Malaysia – Cleveland Collection Asia 31
Pangkor Island
Cameron Highlands Terengganu
PANGKOR LAUT RESORT
CAMERON HIGHLANDS RESORT
TANJONG JARA RESORT
– Adjacent to an 18-hole golf course – Visits to tea plantation and strawberry farms – Shopping at local night markets – Indigenous plants used in spa treatments
– Scuba diving and snorkelling – Jungle walks with resident naturalist – Cooking lessons – River cruises and cultural expeditions
A paradise island offering magnificent beaches, especially the acclaimed Emerald Bay, and Malaysian-style villas, some set over water, others hidden in the forest. Pangkor Laut is a true get-awayfrom-it-all experience with the island privately owned to ensure that only a fraction of its 300 acres will ever be developed. Ideal for those searching for peace and tranquillity who also want the luxury of choosing from 10 restaurants, spa treatments, a fully equipped gym and walks through the rainforest. – Separate Spa Village with overwater bungalows – Private Residences with butler and chef also available – Resident botanist for guided walks – Wide choice of restaurants
An ideal stopover between Kuala Lumpur and Pangkor Laut this property is located over 1500 metres above sea level and is where locals have traditionally come to escape the heat and humidity of city life. Surrounded by tea plantations and strawberry fields the resort is cool and comfortable with each of its 56 colonial-style rooms enjoying views over the lush countryside.
On the east coast of Malaysia, this sister property of Pangkor Laut used traditional 17th century Malay architectural structures in its construction, which has won it many prestigious awards. All the rooms are decorated in Malay-style and have private decks or balconies overlooking the sands. The resort also offers four dining experiences and a spa which specialises in traditional Malay therapies.
32 Cleveland Collection Asia – Malaysia
Our hotels in Malaysia Langkawi FOUR SEASONS
A resort cocooned in luxury and bound on all sides by either beach, rainforest, cliffs or tropical gardens. It manages to cater beautifully for all ages without compromising on luxury and comfort. Accommodation is in a choice of villas and pavilions with some interconnecting so ideal for families, and all well spaced in the grounds. There is a choice of restaurants and bars with menus that again appeal to all tastes and ages. There are even two swimming pools – one for families and one for adults only. – Wide range of water sports – Mangrove forest tours – Spa and hair & beauty salon – Full range of kids’ activities
THE DATAI
The doyenne of Langkawi Island, the Datai has been winning awards almost since it opened. It enjoys a magnificent location surrounded by tropical rainforest which curves down on three sides and faces miles of pale golden sand. There are just 112 deluxe rooms, suites and villas – some with their own private pool. As well as a treetop restaurant it offers an amazing Mandara Spa in a rainforest setting as well as a choice of land and sea activities. – Two swimming pools – Jungle trekking – 18 hole golf course and two tennis courts – Deep sea fishing
THE DANNA
A fusion of local Malay-style architecture and British colonial, this five storey hotel offers five spectacular views – the sea, the forest, the marina, the mountains and the vast central courtyard…and if that isn’t enough it is just minutes away from the wonders of Langkawi – white sand, blue sea, tropical rainforest. And to top that it has the largest three-tiered infinity pool on the island. – Fitness centre and spa – Children’s club – Games room and library – Close to the cable car up to the Sky Bridge
THE ANDAMAN
In a magnificent location between a 10 million year old rainforest and a beach which is fringed by an 8000 year old coral reef, the Andaman provides a near perfect holiday destination for both the individual traveller as well as for families. Designed in traditional Malaysian-style and decor all of the rooms and suites are spacious with every modern amenity, and with great views over Datai Bay and the deep blue Andaman Sea. – Diving, snorkelling and water sports – Children’s club – Swimming pool and tennis courts – V Botanical spa
Malaysia – Cleveland Collection Asia 33
Kota Kinabalu TANJUNG RHU RESORT
Guests can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the resort or occupy themselves with a host of land and water based activities. All the rooms and suites are decorated in Malaystyle using local materials and silks but each one has every modern amenity. There is a choice of restaurants and bars serving a selection of traditional local dishes or an international menu. There are also tennis courts at the resort and golf can be enjoyed at a nearby course. – Nature walks and cave exploration – Wide choice of non-motorised water sports – Sunset cruises and mangrove boat rides – Freshwater swimming pool
GAYA ISLAND RESORT
One of the newest resorts in the area and only accessible by boat, this resort is a natural sanctuary within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. Each of its suites and villas are beautifully decorated using local materials and all have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Along with the usual water-based activities guests are offered guided tours of the rainforest with its 622 different species of bird alongside monkeys, deer and bearded pigs! – Scuba diving and snorkelling – Yoga and spa – Guided hiking – Cultural tours and classes
SHANGRI-LA RASA RIA RESORT
For nature lovers it does not get any better than this luxury resort in a glorious tropical setting of 400 acres overlooking the idyllic Pantai Dalit Bay. But it is what it offers just on its borders that make it so enticing – for waiting for guests is all of Borneo’s treasures including a Nature Reserve which is home to rescued orang-utans, as well as a host of other animals from porcupine to deer and hundreds of birds. – Ecologically-friendly 18 hole golf course – Bird-watching and jungle walks – Full children’s programme – Para-sailing and wind-surfing
SHANGRI-LA TANJUNG ARU RESORT
A magnificent coastal resort with rooms offering every modern facility – air-conditioning, satellite TV, minibars. Located on a great sweep of a beach from which guests can sail, swim, windsurf and enjoy many other water-based activities, it also has a fantastic choice of restaurants and bars (eight in all) – it offers everything the holidaymaker would want. – Children’s programmes – Extensive water sports – Spa and health club – Daily programme of activities
34 Cleveland Collection Asia – Singapore
Singapore
A vibrant city state which has transformed itself into the commercial hub of south-east Asia. A former colonial outpost of the British Empire, it is a fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian peoples and cultures living on the main island and some of the surrounding 50 or so smaller islands. A showcase of modern architecture and a thriving port, it is the gateway for many visitors to south-east Asia.
Singapore – Cleveland Collection Asia 35
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Singapore Currency: Singapore Dollar Airlines: British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas Point of Entry: Changi, Singapore Flying time: 12 hrs 50 mins Time zone: GMT +7 hrs Combine with: Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia. Visa: Not required Best time to visit Singapore has a very humid climate year round, with the wettest period being November to January.
Singapore – Introduction Singapore is the original gateway to Asia at the hub of east and west. It is a fantastic fusion of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures and customs, which is evident wherever you go in this city state. Dedicated as it is to business and commerce, it has never stopped re-inventing itself, and alongside markets in Little India, Chinatown and Arab streets, charming little shop-houses and amazing food, are some of the most modern malls, hotels and entertainments. Enjoy your time in Singapore by visiting Universal Studios which has everything and more than that offered in its Los Angeles cousin.
Take a catamaran to Bintan Island, a mere hour away, for beaches, or visit the Botanic Gardens, where the fauna flourishes in the tropical climate. Eat at the Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, where more than 100 stalls serve fantastic fresh, and most importantly, safe food, or surf at the Wave House at Sentosa – as close as it gets to the real thing. Party at the floating nightclub of Pangaea, or take the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express train to Bangkok and watch towns, villages and jungles go by from the observation car. For such a small state, Singapore certainly packs a lot in.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Shop in the boutiques of Orchard Road – Go on a night safari – Take the cable car to Sentosa Island – Enjoy a Singapore sling at Raffles Hotel – Dine in one of the famous food markets – Relax on the beaches of Bintan Island
MALAYSIA
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE CHINATOWN
Changi
•
LITTLE INDIA
SINGAPORE STRAIT SENTOSA
BATAM (MALAYSIA)
10 ml 20 km
BINTAN ISLAND (INDONESIA)
36 Cleveland Collection Asia – Singapore
Our hotels in Singapore Singapore FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
Just around the corner from the smartest shops of Orchard Road, this 20 storey tower building offers a selection of large and elegant rooms and suites. The hotel also sports the only air-conditioned tennis courts in Singapore, plus two outdoor swimming pools, two restaurants and an award-winning spa. – Multiple dining options – Couples-only floor – 24 hour fitness area – Child friendly and baby-sitting services
RAFFLES HOTEL
Part of Singapore’s history, this elegant hotel is gracious and spacious and as well as being recognised as one of the best hotels in the world it has also been declared a national monument. With just 103 rooms and suites which provide guests with all the graciousness of a by-gone age, the hotel also offers 16 different restaurants and bars, including the legendary Long Bar – the birth place of the Singapore Sling. – Spectacular gardens – Spa and fitness centre – Hotel museum – Outdoor swimming pool
THE FULLERTON HOTEL
An award-winning hotel based in a 1920’s colonial building which has been sensitively restored to now become one of the city state’s finest establishments. The former Post Office and Chamber of Commerce building now offers guest rooms and suites with high speed internet access, an outdoor infinity-edged pool and an Asian Spa. It is located close to the concert halls and museums as well as to the city’s financial centre. – Choice of five restaurants and bars – Large swimming pool – Spa and fitness centre – Elegant retail wing
NAUMI HOTEL
Right in the heart of the central business district and just 20 minutes from the international airport, this luxury boutique hotel is a haven of peace and tranquillity. With just 40 rooms the service is impeccable and the restaurant offers both international and Asian cuisine. – Ladies-only floor – In-room bath menu – Rooftop infinity pool – Close to museums & galleries
Singapore – Cleveland Collection Asia 37
Sentosa Island Bintan Island Train Journey SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
This five star luxury urban resort is surrounded by beautifully landscaped, lush tropical gardens and yet is minutes from the shopping facilities of Orchard Road. The hotel offers a choice of seven restaurants and bars while accommodation is in spacious rooms and suites, including one and two bedroom suites. – Outdoor pool and children’s play pool – Four floodlit tennis courts – Beauty salon and massage treatment rooms – Health club
CAPELLA HOTEL
Two historic bungalows merged by leading architects Foster + Partners into one of the best five star luxury hotels in the area. Seamlessly incorporating the best of the new and the old with curved modern buildings joining with the old colonial style edifices, the whole place is surrounded by greenery and the gentle sound of the waves nearby. – Each guest is assigned a personal assistant – Cruises available – Outdoor pool – Fitness centre and spa
BANYAN TREE BINTAN
Just 45 minutes by ferry from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, and you will find yourself in a leafy glade overlooking the South China Sea on Bintan Island at this five-star hideaway. This tropical retreat is the ideal place to relax and unwind, with accommodation in a choice of 61 villas on stilts, all offering every amenity and luxury. – Children’s club – Award winning spa – Family villas – Choice of water sports
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS TRAIN
Re-discover the romance of travel by train, in this super luxurious sister of the iconic Venice Simplon-OrientExpress. Here in spacious cabins, all with air-conditioning, picture windows to enjoy the lavish scenery from, and private shower room, passengers travel through the tropical and cultural highlights of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Laos on a series of journeys. – Choice of four itineraries – 24 hour steward service – Frequent stops with off-train visits – Observation car at the rear
38 Cleveland Collection Asia – Indonesia
Indonesia
An exotic collection of islands – 18,000 in total scattered around the equator, although the most visited are Java, Borneo, Bali and Lombok – Indonesia spreads itself along the South China Sea. Throughout the centuries it has been influenced by traders and travellers from near and far as wide apart as China and Northern Europe, and it still bears the influences each has brought, as well as those of the three main Asian cultures and religions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam.
PHOTOGRAPH: BRUNO MORANDI/SIME/4CORNERS
Indonesia – Cleveland Collection Asia 39
40 Cleveland Collection Asia – Indonesia Indonesia – Introduction Indonesia is not so much a country but more a celebration of islands – some 18,000 of them decorating the Indian Ocean. More than half are inhabited and tribal life thrives. The islands are an exotic mixture of volcanoes, lakes, jungle and forests, hosting some magical temples and palaces, and each one fringed by glorious beaches and waves – for surfing is one of the great surprises of the region.
of the eighth century, which was abandoned and hidden for almost another thousand years. Both the monuments and their surrounding landscapes are breathtaking and make the journey worth every second.
Nature and wildlife Sumatra is the island for travellers and explorers with a jungle straight out of Indiana Jones, volcanic lakes, rare fauna and flora not to mention the wonders of clouded leopard, Islands rhinoceros and orang-utan. Head for Gunung The main islands visited are Java, Bali, Borneo Leuser National Park in Bukit Lawang for and Lombok, each with its own rich history, one of the most impressive conservation culture and customs. The influences of the programmes in existence, where it is believed three main Asian religions still live on in that there are more than 5,000 of the the Balinese dancing and Javanese arts and primates living. crafts found throughout the islands today. Adventurous travellers head for the forests of Sea, sand and surf Borneo where rhinoceros, clouded leopard Indonesia is a surfers’ paradise, whether at and elephant still live although you are much Kuta Beach in Bali, Desert Point in Lombok more likely to see reptiles and monkeys, or Mentawi Island in Sumatra. Wave watchers while sybarites head for the beaches of Bali head for these areas throughout the year, and Lombok. Each of the islands has its own and needless to say they all have spectacular distinct personality which is why travellers beaches as well. and dreamers, artists and sailors have been returning through the centuries. Two of the smaller, quieter islands are Bali and Lombok. Non-surfers will love the golden Cities, towns and culture sands and the clear warm sea, while visitors Java is the heartland – a huge island with a to Bali will enjoy the interior almost as much population of 120 million – and it is ringed by with its fast flowing rivers, forests and rice volcanoes and washed by modernity while terraces looking as if they have been carved still retaining its history and cultural lineage. out of emeralds. Ubud, the ancient capital of Jakarta is its heaving capital while Yogyakarta the island, has attracted writers and artists is its historic and cultural centre, and probably for centuries and still provides a showcase for the most visited city in the region. It is also the art and design, as well as offering interesting ideal base for visiting some of Indonesia’s most shopping and great restaurants & cafes. important religious and cultural sites like the Dieng Plateau with its 400 Hindu temples or Borobudur, the great Buddhist masterpiece
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Jakarta Currency: Rupia Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines Point of Entry: Jakarta, Denpasar Flying time: 15 hrs 30 mins Time zone: GMT +7 hrs Combine with: Malaysia, Singapore Visa: Required – can be obtained on arrival Best time to visit Temperatures are equable throughout the year but the wet season runs from October to April.
Indonesia – Cleveland Collection Asia 41
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – View the orang-utans of Sepilok – Visit the Buddhist temple of Borobudur – Explore the rainforests of Borneo – Track turtles from Sandakan – Relax on the beaches of Bali – Be enchanted by the wonders of Ubud
CHINA
THAILAND PHILIPPINES
GULF OF THAILAND
•
MALAYSIA Bukit Lawang
MALAYSIA BORNEO
Mentawi Island
SUMATRA INDONESIA
JAVA SEA
Jakarta
•Yogyakarta
JAVA
BALI
LOMBOK
•Denpasar
RINCA ISLANDS
KOMODO
AUSTRALIA
500 ml 1000 km
42 Cleveland Collection Asia – Indonesia
Our hotels in Indonesia Bali ALILA VILLAS SOORI
ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU
PURI GANESHA
– All villas have their own pool – Exclusive lifestyle boutique – Selection of restaurants – Spa and reading room
– 24 hour gym – Spa with five treatment rooms – Each villa has its own butler – Choice of restaurants
– Each villa has private staff and an on-call masseur – Baby sitting services – Guided nature walks – Swim beneath waterfalls
Beachfront living at its most stylish, this all-villa property on the island’s south west coast is aimed at the discerning traveller. Surrounded by Bali’s emerald green rice terraces and a short drive from its most sacred temple, Tanah Lot, the resort is elegant and welcoming. It has its own leisure concierge who will organise tours and visits throughout the island.
Its spectacular setting on an elevated plateau with sweeping views across the ocean makes this 84 villa resort unforgettable. Just 30 minutes from the international airport it means that guests can be in paradise before they know it. Each of the villas has its own pool as well as indoor/outdoor rain and jet showers.
Bali’s hidden gem, a seaside resort tucked away in the tiny fishing village of Pemuteran on the island’s northwest coast. If you are looking for a getaway-from–it-all holiday, you couldn’t choose better. Accommodation is in a choice of beachfront thatched villas each with its own garden dining pavilion and private pool.
Indonesia – Cleveland Collection Asia 43
THE BALÉ
AMANKILA
AMANUSA
– Gym and yoga room – Library well stocked with DVDs as well as books – Martial arts classes – Spa offering holistic therapies and programmes
– Three-tiered swimming pool – Beach Club – Scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and cruising – Mountain biking and hiking
– Beach Club – Large swimming pool – Library – Floodlit tennis courts
Overlooking the beach at Nusa Dua this property has just 29 exclusive pavilions, each with its own private pool. And while the resort also offers a twotiered swimming pool it is but a short walk from the beach itself and its own designated Beach Club where guests can enjoy loungers, shades and cool towels. If you don’t fancy the walk, transport is always available.
A dramatic resort in a dramatic location, Amankila, which means peaceful hill, has Mount Agung as its backdrop and the bright blue waters of the Lombok Strait in front. So that guests can enjoy whichever view they wish, all 34 spacious villas are on stilts and dotted about the verdant hillside. Add to this a host of activities, gorgeous food and great service and you have the perfect holiday.
On Bali’s southern peninsula, this sister property is a near perfect beach location with white sands fringing the warmth of the Indian Ocean. Close to the nightlife and shopping of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Seminyak it provides a haven of peace and quiet when you wish to retreat from the fray. Choose from 35 thatched roof suites, some with a private pool, for luxury and relaxation.
44 Cleveland Collection Asia – Indonesia
Bali
Java
AMANWANA
AMANDARI
– One of the best places to scuba dive in Indonesia – Jungle treks – The resort has its own cruiser for excursions – Spa treatments
– Spa and yoga – Tennis court and gym – Swimming pool overlooking the rice terraces – Excursions to Ubud & nearby villages
Located on Moyo Island and in a nature reserve east of Bali, the resort is a wilderness hideaway on a private and secluded cove. Accommodation is in 20 spacious luxury tents, each one with hardwood floors, large bathrooms, king-size beds and air-conditioning. Choose one overlooking the jungle or the beach.
Designed like a traditional Balinese village, the third Aman resort is high on an escarpment above the Ayung River and close to the cultural centre of Ubud. All of its 30 thatched roof villas have an outdoor sunken tub for bathing under the stars and are furnished in natural fabrics in cool contemporary shades.
UMA UBUD
AMANJIWO
– Hiking and trekking – Cultural excursions – Shambhala Spa – Yoga
– Trips to ceremonies and temples – Guided tour of Borobodur – Hiking and trekking with personal guides – Traditional Javanese treatments at the Spa
Although it sits near the centre of Bali’s cultural capital, Uma Ubud is as peaceful and tranquil as if it were in the heart of the forest. Hidden away from the public thoroughfare are 29 beautifully simple rooms & suites, a large swimming pool and a Shambhala Spa. The hotel also sports a magical yoga pavilion built out over the Ayung River with just the sound of the wind in the leaves and birdsong to accompany early morning classes and meditations. Step outside the gates and the cafes, galleries and life of Ubud is all around.
In central Java, this resort overlooks Borobodur, the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary, in one of the most scenic parts of the country. Amanjiwo means “peaceful soul” and provides extraordinary tranquillity from its location in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by nature. There are 36 suites located in crescents around the central rotunda area, while all suites have their own private pavilion with a daybed and a hidden garden housing a sunken bathtub.
Indonesia – Cleveland Collection Asia 45
Our itineraries in Indonesia
Lovina
• •
Munduk
BALI Besakih
CAMBODIA
•
• Tenganan • • Denpasar •Candidasa Umabian Ubud
•
UBUD ADVENTURE
BALI EXPLORER
Day 1: Ubud Transfer to Ubud, the island’s cultural capital and the base for this soft adventure tour. An orientation walk through the town introduces guests to the rich history and traditions of the island. Stay for three nights at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa. (BB) Day 2: White Water Rafting & Besakih Drive to the foothills of Mount Agung for a morning of whitewater rafting along the Telaga Waja River. After drying off and refuelling, pay a visit to Besakih, one of the island’s most important temples and then take a sunset walk through the rice terraces. Relax this evening by attending a performance of traditional dance. (FB) Day 3: Jeep Safari Travel by jeep deep into the heart of Bali’s Northern and Western regions. Stop en-route at the spectacular Taman Ayun temple, at three incredible volcanic lakes as well as at the local village of Munduk. (HB) Day 4: Mountain Biking & Spa Enjoy a downhill bike ride on the slopes of Mount Batur, the island’s second highest volcano. Stop frequently to observe the breathtaking scenery and to meet the locals in the villages. Recuperate with a relaxing massage before continuing to Denpasar for onward flight or beach stay.
Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Singapore. Day 2: Denpasar – Candidasa Fly to Denpasar and travel to the easternmost district of Karangasem to stay for two nights at Alila Manggis. (BB) Day 3: Besakih & Tenganan Enjoy a day of sightseeing to include the former Royal Courts of Justice, the Mother Temple of Besakih, Bali’s holiest site at Mount Agung, and a leisurely two-hour trek through the rice fields to Tenganan, an ancient village belonging to the original Bali Aga people. (HB) Day 4: Candidasa – Lovina Visit Tirta Gangga, a sacred water palace, before continuing to Amed to enjoy a cruise on a traditional fishing boat. Stay overnight at the Damai Lovina Villas. (HB) Day 5: Lovina – Munduk Optional trek through the picturesque plantations to Semkumpul Waterfall before a spectacular drive through the central highlands, with panoramic views of the Buyan and Tamblingan crater lakes, to Munduk. Stay overnight at the Munduk Plantation Nature Resort & Spa. (HB) Day 6: Munduk – Umabian Begin the morning with a light trek through Munduk’s lush plantation surroundings to the cascading Red Coral Waterfall. Continue on a scenic drive to Umabian and stay overnight at Puri Taman Sari. (HB) Day 7: Umabian – Ubud A unique opportunity today to experience Balinese farming life at Taman Sari Buwana; to tour the elementary school, work alongside the farmers to learn various rice-planting techniques and observe the daily village activities. Proceed via the serene Taman Ayun temple to Ubud to stay for two nights at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa. Enjoy an evening traditional dance performance. (HB) Day 8: Ubud Visit the ARMA Museum and the 16th-century Royal Palace, home to the Ubud royal family, before finishing at the Ubud Market. In the afternoon be pampered with a Balinese massage treatment at a local spa. (HB) Day 9: Departure Drive to Mount Batur, visiting an exotic spring temple, before continuing to Panglipuran, a traditional village. Fly from Denpasar to Singapore and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning.
Balancing outdoor activities with cultural visits, excursions to local villages and an indulgent spa treatment, this soft adventure tour strikes a perfect balance for travellers who like a more active holiday. Based in Ubud, each day features a different excursion.
Cost from £600 per person, based on two sharing
An off-the-beaten-track trip through Bali to discover just how much this tropical island has to offer – besides the magnificent beaches. From waterfalls & temples, to rice fields & markets, it also provides an insight into the island’s culture and history.
Cost from: £1,995 per person, based on two sharing
PHOTOGRAPH: GÜNTER GRÄFENHAIN/HUBER/4CORNERS
46 Cleveland Collection Asia – Vietnam
Vietnam – Cleveland Collection Asia 47
Vietnam
A country steeped in drama and excitement from its craggy coastline to lush interior: a country that has survived wars, invasions and colonisation with grace, grit and good humour: a country which embraces the future and yet never forgets its past. It is a nation of colours, from the vivid green of the rice terraces to the white sand of the beaches and the deep turquoise of the sea which edges it. It has much to flaunt from temples and pagodas to scenery.
48 Cleveland Collection Asia – Vietnam Vietnam – Introduction Magical and mysterious Vietnam has history, culture, amazing food, spectacular landscapes and glorious beaches. Cities, towns & culture Hanoi the capital is where most journeys start, and is home to old buildings, narrow streets, tombs and temples as well as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his former residence. Visit the Temple of Literature and the Fine Arts Museum and take a rickshaw tour of the old quarter. At the southern end of the country is Saigon, now named Ho Chi Minh City, from where you can take a boat trip to Cai Rang floating market, the largest in Indochina. A short drive from the city are the Cu-Chi tunnels, a 75 mile long maze of underground passages which became the Viet Cong’s stronghold against the US army, and are now one of the country’s prime tourist attractions.
Mountains and magic of the north Head for Halong Bay with its 2,000 limestone karsts which are like great fingers and outcrops pointing up from the deep. The best way to enjoy the strangeness of them is on a traditional junk cruise, before travelling on to the mountains of Sapa. On the way a short detour will bring you to the Lao Cai market where the local tribes people bring their wares, produce and artefacts to sell. Explore the French colonial town of Sapa before trekking in the hills or exploring the Muong Hoa valley, or simply visiting the rice terraces.
Beaches and coastline The beaches of Vietnam have golden sand and the clear blue water of the South China Sea – best of all the coastline is over 3,400 kms long so you are never far from a glorious beach, hidden coves and beautiful islands. Nha Trang is the most famous beach but it is also a gateway to smaller ones on nearby islands – Phu Quoc Hue, the old imperial capital, has breathtaking is reputed to be Vietnam’s most beautiful monuments and architecture – visit the island while Danang attracts surfers as well Forbidden Purple City, the royal tombs and as sybarites. Travellers cannot leave Vietnam the Dong Ba market. Spend a lazy afternoon however without visiting the Mekong Delta; enjoying a cruise along the Perfume River to known as the country’s rice basket it is where the Thien Mu Pagoda. Then head south for sleepy villages meet vast rice paddies in order Hoi An, a great old trading post which was one to produce enough of the grain to feed the of the richest cities in the area in the 16th and country. Here amid the pagodas and temples 17th centuries and is now a UNESCO World are flower and fish markets as well as stunning Heritage Site. Hoi An is the city of almost 500 bird sanctuaries and beautiful beaches. tailors and the place to have clothes made, copied or repaired!
i
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Hanoi Currency: Dong Airlines: Vietnam Airlines Point of Entry: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City Flying time: 11 hrs 35 mins Time zone: GMT +6 hrs Combine with: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand Visa: Required – must be obtained in advance Best time to visit Overall, late September to December and March & April are the best times but regional variations occur; in southern Vietnam and the central highlands the dry season is December to April, along the central coast the wet season runs from September to February, and in northern Vietnam the optimum months are October to December.
Vietnam – Cleveland Collection Asia 49
CHINA
Sapa
••
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – View the royal city of Hue – Barter in the charming riverside shops of Hoi An – Explore Hanoi’s ancient merchant quarter – Sail through the spectacular world heritage site of Halong Bay – Visit the Mekong Delta – Marvel at the Cu-Chi tunnels.
Lao Cai Halong Bay
Hanoi
Hue
•
•Danang •Hoi An
LAOS
SOUTH CHINA SEA
VIETNAM
THAILAND
•Quy Nhon
CAMBODIA Dalat
Mekong River Phu Quoc
•Ho Chi Minh City MEKONG DELTA
GULF OF THAILAND
•Con Dao MALAYSIA 100 ml 300 km
•
•Nha Trang
50 Cleveland Collection Asia – Vietnam
Our hotels in Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City
Quy Nhon
PARK HYATT SAIGON
CARAVELLE HOTEL
– Outdoor swimming pool & gym – Xuan Spa – Cooking classes – Walking distance to shops & restaurants
– 24 hour fitness centre – Outdoor freeform swimming pool – Gaming club – Qi Spa
Right in the middle of the shopping and business area and close to all the main tourist attractions, this hotel is sharp, sleek and modern. All of its rooms have every facility from air conditioning to internet access, while the hotel also offers a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, fully equipped gym and a choice of restaurants and bars – one of which, 2 Lam Son, is the hippest place to be at night.
A mix of old style French colonial architecture & ambience with up-to-the-minute facilities and comfort, this is arguably Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous hotel. In two buildings, the old and the new 24 storey tower, it is situated in the city centre close to all amenities. As well as a number of restaurants it sports an award-winning bar, Saigon Saigon, a gym, spa and outdoor pool.
LIFE WELLNESS RESORT
In an almost untouched beach resort in the centre of Vietnam, this hotel overlooks a pristine beach and is nestled in the tropical landscape of a mountain’s gentle slope. The winner of several awards, it is a haven of peace and tranquillity with all the comfort of traditional Vietnamese hospitality. As well as the beach there’s an outdoor swimming pool, children’s pool, a fully operational spa and a choice of water sports and adventures. – Boat trips to nearby islands – Canoe cruises along the Ham Ho Sweet River – Yoga, tai chi and walking meditation – Cultural visits to local handicraft villages
Vietnam – Cleveland Collection Asia 51
Nha Trang AN LAM NINH VAN BAY VILLAS
Just 35 private villas hidden away next to a rainforest and edged by a glorious lagoon which opens out to the South China Sea. All villas have views of either the lagoon or the bay with the gentle sound of the waves and whisper of the breeze to help the relaxation process. This is as near to living as a luxurious castaway as you will find and is an absolute joy to the discerning traveller. It also provides excellent food and unparalleled service. – Guided nature trails – Scuba diving, snorkelling and other water sports – Spa and yoga – Visits to local temples and markets
Con Dao SIX SENSES NINH VAN BAY
Accessed only by speedboat across the bay from the mainland, the resort is almost hidden behind the rocks, crags and trees of the island. There are 58 villas – some on the beach, some on the mountainside, some crafted from the rocks, some with private spa suites, some with their own pools and all with outdoor space. There is a choice of dining options from the main dining area to private or individual dining by the bay, on the rocks, on the jetty or in the wine cave. – Scuba diving and snorkelling – Sailing and kayaking – Tennis, badminton and volleyball – Six Senses Spa
SIX SENSES CON DAO
On Con Son island in the Con Dao archipelago, this resort is private and remote, highlighting the Six Senses philosophy of barefoot luxury, yet it is just a 45 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. The design of the villas, all made from natural sustainable resources, was award-winning, with them sheltered by the forest and following the natural curves of the bay. – Six Senses Spa – Hiking, biking and trekking – Turtle nesting in season – All villas have private pools
52 Cleveland Collection Asia – Vietnam
Our hotels in Vietnam Hoi An THE NAM HAI
A stunning all-villa resort in one of the most beautiful areas of Vietnam, close to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An, My Son and Hue. The resort is designed along the precepts of feng shui, working with the wind and water and is regarded as one of the highlights of modern Vietnamese architecture. The one-bedroom villas and pool villas are set in vast acres of tropical gardens and there is also a choice of restaurants, a fitness studio and a spa. – Boat trips to off-shore islands – Guided tours of Hoi An, My Son & Hue. – Three-tiered swimming pool – Spa and outdoor yoga classes
Danang VICTORIA HOI AN BEACH RESORT & SPA
LIFE HERITAGE RESORT
On the banks of the Thu Bon River and a short walk from the old town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming boutique property borrows from its cultural heritage of Dutch, French, Chinese and Japanese traders. The hotel’s own ferry takes guests to the nearby Cui Dai beach while any number of boat cruises are available along the river.
A short drive from the international airport brings you to this glorious white sand beach resort. The hotel itself looks toward the Cham history and is built along the lines of a traditional fishing village with small streets, traditional houses and water features throughout. It also offers a choice of restaurants, serving both Vietnamese and international cuisines, – Daily tai chi classes bars, and any number of activities – Large outdoor pool to make any holiday even more – Vietnamese painting classes memorable. – Bicycles available – Swimming pool – Spa and fitness centre – Tennis courts – Boat shuttle to Hoi An
FUSION MAIA RESORT
A five-star beach resort with an all-inclusive spa located on the beach at My Khe. The resort aims to refresh and relax you during your stay. All villas and suites have their own private pool and courtyard where meals can be taken, or guests can choose to eat in any of the restaurants and bars. The spa has 16 treatment rooms, Jacuzzi, pool, sauna, steam room and yoga room. Guests can even enjoy an express treatment at the airport while waiting for their luggage or before they leave at the end of a stay. –A ll-inclusive spa treatments – Visits to Hoi An – Programme of water sports – Yoga
Vietnam – Cleveland Collection Asia 53
Hue LA RESIDENCE HOTEL & SPA
A former Governor’s residence, this beautifullyrestored hotel retains its colonial elegance but adds every modern luxury. Many of the rooms and suites have beautiful views over the fabled Perfume River, while guests can also spy the Imperial Citadel from the rooms and grounds. There is so much to see from tombs to temples in this former Imperial city and the hotel can organise tailor-made excursions. – Saltwater swimming pool – Spa and fitness centre – Cultural visits to local villages and tombs – Great shopping
PILGRIMAGE VILLAGE BOUTIQUE RESORT & SPA
On the outskirts of the town, this exquisite boutique resort is a mere 10 minutes from all that Hue has to offer, and yet cocoons its guests in peace and tranquillity. Set in landscaped tropical gardens the resort is designed along the lines of a traditional Vietnamese village with all the rooms, bungalows and villas enjoying their own private balconies. – Family rooms – Large swimming pool – Sightseeing tours – Spa and wellness facilities
VEDANA LAGOON RESORT & SPA
Peaceful and picturesque on the shores of a gentle lagoon, this all-villa resort is perfectly located for visits and tours to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hue and Hoi An. Accommodation is in just 27 luxury villas and bungalows, each of which has their own private sundeck. The latter are the first overwater bungalows in Vietnam and guests can also choose to stay in one of the two houseboats on offer. – Vedana Spa –S wimming pool – Tai chi and yoga classes – Variety of accommodation types
54 Cleveland Collection Asia – Vietnam
Our hotels in Vietnam Hanoi SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI
In French-colonial style this awardwinning city hotel is right where it needs to be – slap in the centre of this bustling metropolis. Ideal for sightseeing and shopping as well as the place to relax and refresh either at the beginning or at the end of a Vietnam holiday, it has a fully serviced spa, a state-of-the-art health club and a choice of restaurants serving French, Italian and Vietnamese cuisine. – Heated swimming pool – Roof-top garden – Very central location – Spa and health club
Sapa INTERCONTINENTAL HANOI WESTLAKE
Smart, sassy and on the shores of Ho Tay Lake, or West Lake, this property is next to the 800 year old Golden Lotus Pagoda and is a mere ten minutes from the city centre. Super stylish accommodation is offered in rooms and suites, some of which are located on island pavilions over the lake. – Fitness centre – Steam, sauna and spa – Outdoor pool – Pilates, tai chi and yoga
MOVENPICK HOTEL HANOI
Conveniently located close to the city centre, the hotel is designed in a distinctly French- Indochina style. Accommodation is in a selection of suites and rooms, and the facilities include gym, wellness studio and the Mangosteen restaurant – home to the renowned Sum Vay buffet. – Kinetic gym – Spa – Close to markets and shops – Sightseeing tours available
VICTORIA SAPA RESORT & SPA
The only luxury hotel in the north west of the country, Victoria Sapa is built as a traditional mountain chalet with each of its rooms, all with private balcony, enjoying magical views over lush gardens and a magical valley. Built mostly of wood and stone it blends into its surroundings seamlessly, allowing its guests time to stop and stare and enjoy the clear mountain air. In between times there are a host of activities on offer from trekking to swimming. – Indoor heated pool – Children’s club – Mountain trekking – Fitness centre and spa
Vietnam – Cleveland Collection Asia 55
Vietnam cruises Halong Bay
Mekong Delta
Halong Bay offers some of the most spectacular scenery you will find anywhere in the world. Off the north-east of Vietnam, it is a World Natural Heritage Site which is home to 1969 islands, only 989 of which have names, but many of which house extraordinary caves. Seen from the air it looks like a giant floating sculpture park and is a geographical miracle. A cruise along the bay is often the highlight of any Vietnamese holiday and there are a number of traditional junks on which to journey. Guests can keep it simple and take a day trip, but once out on the water many prefer to book for a two or three day cruise – it is a glorious way to enjoy this dramatic coastline and you can stop and disembark along the way to explore flora & fauna and the caves, as well as to swim and snorkel.
The Mekong Delta has long been described as a treasure trove, and being flat and fertile it is one of the largest rice-growing areas in Asia. Visitors to the area get a bird’s eye view of rural life, traditional villages and indigenous people as well as the vast paddy fields, the Cao Dai Temple and the picturesque floating markets and gardens at Cai Rang. The Delta can easily be reached from Ho Chi Minh City on a day trip for those unable to spare the time to set sail on its waters.
GINGER JUNK CRUISE
EMERAUDE CLASSIC CRUISE
BASSAC
SONG XANH BOAT
– Three decks – Library – 10 cabins
– 38 cabins and one suite – Swimming platform – Boutique and massage room
– Two boats have 12 cabins and one has 6 cabins – Outdoor dining area – Viewing and sun deck
– Choice of three boats for 2, 4 or 6 passengers – Spacious, comfortable bedrooms – Sundeck for lounging, eating, drinking and viewing
This is a newly-built junk along traditional lines but has every comfort a guest could wish for. It is 125 feet in length and fitted with every luxury from an elegant restaurant and two bars to a massage room.
Modelled on the old colonial-style single-wheeled paddle steamer, this luxury on the water provides five star service and magnificent amenities. The vessel offers two day cruises along the bay.
There are three boats, all modelled on traditional wooden Vietnamese rice barges, and fitted out with every modern comfort. An ideal way to explore the Delta.
Designed along the lines of a traditional sampan – a small sleek vessel which allows it to navigate the smaller canals, rivers and tributaries of the Delta. Very personalised and exclusive.
56 Cleveland Collection Asia – Vietnam
Hanoi Hoa Lu LAOS
•
THAILAND
Halong Bay
CHINA
✈
Our itineraries in Vietnam
••• •
Hue Da Nang Hoi An My Son
Sapa
VIETNAM
•
Lao Cai
•
Hanoi VIETNAM
Halong Bay
✈
CAMBODIA Mekong Delta
From the central highlands to the drama of Halong Bay, not to mention its teeming cities and almost forgotten hill tribes – Vietnam is a country which has much to offer the traveller. Best of all you can see it by foot, bicycle, boat or train and Cleveland Collection has the itineraries to make it easy for you.
•Ho Chi Minh City
LAOS
CLASSIC VIETNAM
NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Hanoi. Day 2: Hanoi Stay for three nights at the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel. (BB) Day 3: Hanoi Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, to include Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology, Ngoc Son Temple and a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter. An evening water puppet show completes the day. (BB) Day 4: Hoa Lu Travel through the countryside to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital. Visit the remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel and the sacred Tam Coc Caves. (BB) Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay Journey to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise aboard the Emeraude, a traditional junk. (FB) Day 6: Halong Bay – Hoi An Disembark, travel to Hanoi and fly to Danang. Stay for two nights in Hoi An at the Life Heritage Resort. (BB) Day 7: My Son – Hoi An Visit My Son, the capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, and Tra Kieu to view the Cham ruins and artefacts. (BB) Day 8: Hoi An – Hue Spend the morning at leisure wondering the quaint streets of Hoi An before travelling to Danang to visit the Cham Museum. Continue to Hue to stay for two nights at the La Residence Hotel & Spa. (BB) Day 9: Hue Enjoy the city sights from a cyclo before exploring the Imperial Citadel and continuing onto the elaborate mausoleums of former Emperors. (BB) Day 10: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy an afternoon city tour before staying for two nights at the Caravelle Hotel. (BB) Day 11: Mekong Delta Enjoy a full day in the Mekong Delta where hundreds of narrow waterways and islands create a network of paths that can only be explored by local boat. (BB) Day 12: Departure Depart on overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning.
Day 1: Hanoi Travel to Hanoi and stay overnight at the Hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. (BB) Day 2: Hanoi – Lao Cai A full day guided tour of the capital explores its main sites as well as some hidden gems. In the early evening board the overnight Victoria Express train to Lao Cai. (BB) Day 3: Lao Cai – Sapa Upon arrival in the border town of Lao Cai transfer to the former hill station of Sapa. Enjoy a walking tour of Sapa and a light trek to discover Sapa’s quaint hill tribe villages. Stay overnight at the Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa. (BB) Day 4: Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi Today visit one of the area’s colourful markets, and spend time exploring the area on foot before boarding the overnight Victoria Express train back to Hanoi. (BB) Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay Upon arrival in Hanoi drive to Halong Bay to board the Ginger Junk for an overnight cruise in this magical area. (FB) Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi Disembark and return to Hanoi to stay overnight at the Hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. (BB) Day 7: Departure Continue to onward destination.
An introduction to the country’s three main regions – the natural splendour and majesty of the north, the historic charm of the central provinces and the beauty and the vibrancy of the south. A wonderful itinerary for the first time traveller to this spectacular and welcoming country.
Cost from £2,270 per person, based on two sharing Beach extensions are also available
An itinerary for the discerning traveller who wishes to experience the rich culture and diversity of the north with a touch of style. After an extensive tour of Hanoi, a trip on the elegant Victoria Express train to Sapa is followed by a breathtakingly beautiful cruise in Halong Bay.
Cost from £1,220 per person, based on two sharing
Vietnam – Cleveland Collection Asia 57
Kon Ko Tu Kontum
•
•
•
Pleiku CAMBODIA
•••Lak Lake
Buon Ma Thuot Dray Sap
Nha Trang Dalat
•
CAMBODIA Ho Chi Minh City
•
✈
LAOS
•
✈
Mekong Delta VIETNAM
VIETNAM
THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
SNAPSHOT OF VIETNAM
Day 1: Kontum Fly to Pleiku and transfer to Kontum to visit one of the local villages, where the society is matriarchal and women are free to choose who they marry. The husband lives with the wife’s family and inheritance is passed on to the daughters. Each village has a communal house called a rong, a central stilt house with a tall, steeply pitched thatched roof. Stay overnight at the Family Hotel. (BB). Day 2: Kontum – Kon Ko Tu Drive to visit the Sodra people in Kon Ray and Kon Bil villages, whose homes are long stilt houses built out of bamboo. Visit the Jo Long hill tribe before arriving at Kon Ko Tu to begin a trek along the riverbank, returning by wooden canoe. Stay overnight in a homestay with a Gong show and Xoang dancing performed during dinner. (HB) Day 3: Kon Ko Tu – Buon Ma Thuot Visit the Bahnar hill tribe groups of Pleitenghia and Kanhnogokotu, where animist beliefs are still a part of everyday life. Continue past coffee, rubber and pepper plantations to the quaint town of Boun Ma Thout to stay overnight at the Dakruco Hotel. (BB) Day 4: Buon Ma Thuot Drive to Lak Lake and enjoy an elephant ride before visiting Dray Sap Waterfall, located in the middle of a hardwood forest. Return to Buon Ma Thuot for onward flight.
Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Stay for two nights at the Caravelle Hotel. (BB) Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City Enjoy full day of sightseeing to include the bustling Chinatown district, FITO Museum, the lively and colourful Ben Thanh Market, War Remnant Museum, old Post Office and the Opera House and City Hall. (BB) Day 4: Mekong Delta – Nha Trang Cross the Mekong to the colourful Cai Rang Floating Market, and after disembarking and returning to Ho Chi Minh City fly to Nha Trang. Stay for two nights at the Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa. (BB) Day 5: Nha Trang Take a boat to some of the nearby islands where swimming and snorkelling are available. Visit nearby islands and villages or simply relax on the boat’s deck before a seafood lunch is served on Bamboo Island. (BB) Day 6: Nha Trang – Dalat Participate in a hands-on cooking lesson before travelling to the hill tribe villages of the Ede, Koho and Chu Ru groups. Continue to Dalat to stay for two nights at the Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa. (BB) Day 7: Dalat Enjoy a tour of Dalat visiting the flower gardens, pine forests, vineyards, 1930’s railway station, palace of the last Emperor of Vietnam, the Lam Dong Museum and perhaps the most colourful market in Vietnam. (BB) Day 8: Departure Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning.
Venturing into lesser explored parts of the country, this short itinerary visits the remote areas of Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kontum provinces, which are full of coffee plantations, stunning scenery and hill tribe villages. Ideal for those who are looking for a more authentic and adventurous experience.
Cost from £375 per person, based in two sharing
Experience southern Vietnam with its diverse scenery and unique culture on this short but comprehensive tour. The major highlights of Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat are complemented by a journey on the mighty Mekong and a chance to relax and enjoy the glorious white beaches of Nha Trang.
Cost from £1,895 per person, based on two sharing
58 Cleveland Collection Asia – Cambodia
Cambodia
An ancient civilization imbues this country, which for centuries was the heart of the Khmer Empire, an empire which ruled much of south-east Asia. Relics of this powerful rule abound throughout the land, from the magical and mysterious Angkor Wat to the walled city of Angkor Thom. Alongside such man-made miracles is the birding paradise of Tonle Sap Lake, the tigers and elephants of the Cardamom Mountains, the beaches of Sihanoukville & Kep, and of course the fascinating capital Phnom Penh.
PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Cambodia – Cleveland Collection Asia 59
60 Cleveland Collection Asia – Cambodia Cambodia – Introduction Cambodia is both exciting and exotic as well as sporting one of the greatest architectural achievements on earth – the temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. But it also offers unspoilt beaches, remote hills and forests as well as the mighty Mekong River.
Mekong Delta where three rivers meet – the Mekong, the Tonle Bassac and the Tonle Sap, it enjoys the most beautiful light reflected from this vast expanse of water. Head for the river in the evening to people-watch but during the day make time for a different experience and visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields just outside the city. The Royal Cities, towns and culture Palace and the Russian Market are also worth Most visits start at Siem Reap, the nearest town a visit. to Angkor Wat – both the spiritual and cultural heart of Cambodia and jaw-dropping in its Inland and coastal beauty and complexity. Spread over 40 square Almost unspoilt, the interior of Cambodia is a miles, it is difficult to understand how it could place of rolling hillsides, green forests and lavish possibly have been lost to the world for almost waterfalls. Trek through local villages where four centuries, only being rediscovered in 1860. indigenous tribes people still live and work, take While Ankor Wat is moving, Ankor Thom is a boat trip along the Tonle Sap River and hope awesome – a city which housed one million to spot river dolphins on the way, and walk to people and, between the 9th and 12th the temple ruins of Banteay Chhmar. centuries, was larger than Rome was at its peak. Visit the massive Bayon temple with its Head for the coast and its unspoilt and almost 54 towers, guarded by huge statues of 54 gods unknown beaches, tiny islands, wild mangrove and 54 devils. forests and pepper plantations which provide gourmet establishments throughout the world The capital city of Phnom Penh is spacious with the finest condiment. and gracious with all the elegance of French civic architecture and planning, and all the exoticism of south-east Asia. Sitting on the
i
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Phnom Penh Currency: Riel Airlines: British Airways and Thai Airways via Bangkok Point of Entry: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap Flying time: 12 hrs 15 mins Time zone: GMT +6 hrs Combine with: Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar Visa: Required – can be obtained on arrival Best time to visit December to April is optimum period, with monsoon season from May to October.
Cambodia – Cleveland Collection Asia 61
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum & Killing Fields – Enjoy the palaces and pagodas of Phnom Penh – Explore the wonders of Angkor Wat – Journey through the floating villages of Kampong Luong – Relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville – Take a balloon ride over the temples
LAOS
THAILAND
CAMBODIA
•Siem Reap/Angkor Wat Battambang
•
Tonle Sap Lake
Kampong Chhnang
•Kampong Thom
• Oudong
•
•Kratie
•Kampong Cham
VIETNAM
Phnom Penh
Mekong River
Sihanoukville
GULF OF THAILAND
50 ml 100 km
•
Kep
•
SOUTH CHINA SEA
62 Cleveland Collection Asia – Cambodia
Our hotels in Cambodia Siem Reap VICTORIA ANGKOR RESORT & SPA
Right in the centre of Siem Reap and opposite the Royal Park, this haven of colonial comfort is close to the international airport, but closer still to the glories of the Angkor Wat temples. It offers 1930s architecture with every modern comfort and luxury, large outdoor swimming pool, tropical gardens and Victoria Spa. The latter offers a choice of massage, wraps and beauty treatments in four indoor rooms or three outdoor salas along with a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. – Just 6 kms to the archaeological wonders of Angkor Wat – Three vintage Citroen cars for touring or airport pick-up – Childrens pool and kids club – Near to new Nick Faldo designed 18 hole golf course – Swimming pool and spa
LA RESIDENCE D’ANGKOR
A haven of peace and comfort just 10 minutes from the spectacular temples of Angkor Wat and its awe-inspiring World Heritage surroundings. The hotel is located right in the heart of Siem Reap overlooking the river, yet it is hidden and protected by magnificent trees and a pretty garden. Built in the Khmer style and using natural fabrics such as wood, stone, bamboo and silks the hotel has 62 elegant rooms and suites over two storeys, looking onto the pool and gardens. – Saltwater swimming pool – Kong Kea Spa – Candlelight garden dinners available – Private excursions to Angkor Wat
RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL D’ANGKOR
Right in the heart of Siem Reap, just five minutes to the vibrant market and ten to the glories of Angkor Wat. Set amidst 15 acres of landscaped gardens, it is a place of peace and tranquillity after a days sightseeing, when your eyes as well as your feet need respite. It is a fusion of Cambodian grandeur with contemporary comforts. – Four dining options – Award winning Raffles Spa & swimming pool – Free WiFi – Private dinners arranged amongst the temples of Angkor Wat
THE ONE HOTEL ANGKOR
This is exactly what it says on the door – a hotel with just one suite. Located in one of the oldest lanes in the market, the Passage, it is as stylish as it is private – ideal for honeymooners and those who want to get away from the crowds. The ultimate experience in being spoilt. – Undivided attention and service – Private rooftop terrace – Boutique on ground floor – In-room spa treatments
Cambodia – Cleveland Collection Asia 63
Phnom Penh FCC PHNOM PENH HOTEL
A funky hotel overlooking the mighty Mekong river, this boutique property provides contemporary design in all its spacious, light-filled rooms. The dining room and bar are situated on a vast open-air terrace so that guests can watch all the action on the river. – Great views of the river – Walking distance to bars and restaurants – Convenient for the National Museum – Delicious fusion food
Sihanoukville Kep RAFFLES HOTEL LE ROYAL
This is the premier hotel in Phnom Penh, built in 1929 and reopened in 1997 after a careful and detailed restoration and refurbishment programme by the Raffles International Group. It is a hotel with a history of some of the grandest guests – royals, adventurers, stars and globetrotters and it retains that glamour today. Classically elegant it is located right in the heart of the city making it an ideal base for exploring the markets and museums. – Amrita Spa & gym – Lap pool and children’s pool – Five restaurants and bars – Exclusive shopping arcade
SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND
KNAI BANG CHATT
– Full programme of water sports and excursions – Infinity-edged swimming pool – In-villa private cinema – Sanctuary spa
– Kayaks, hobie cats and speedboat – Yoga and meditation – Spa – Unrivalled views
This tiny, luxurious resort nestles in the untouched Koh Rong archipelago, which consists of two little islands close together – Song Saa is Khmer for “sweethearts”. There are just 27 glorious overwater, beach and jungle villas, all well spaced for even greater privacy.
On the south-east coast of Cambodia this small but perfect resort consists of just three villas, (11 rooms in total), decorated with breath-taking simplicity. Built in the 1970s by a pupil of Le Corbusier, they are unique architectural gems, set on a glorious beach close to some of Asia’s finest crab restaurants.
64 Cleveland Collection Asia – Cambodia
Our itineraries in Cambodia
Mekong River •Siem Reap/Angkor Wat • Kratie Kampong Thom• • Tonle Sap Lake • Kampong Chhnang Kampong Cham •
Battambang
•
Sihanoukville
With its culture, history and amazing archaeological masterpieces, Cambodia can, at first, seem overwhelming, which is why Cleveland Collection has devised a number of itineraries to help you get the best from this extraordinary country. But do 0 remember we can make a bespoke itinerary just for you taking in all your 0 interests be they requirements and shrines, nature, architecture or history.
Phnom Penh
CAMBODIA
VIETNAM
•
Kep
GRAND TOUR OF CAMBODIA
An all-encompassing tour allowing the traveller to discover the country’s culture and history by boat, bicycle, on foot and by road. Whilst the main sites are all included, there is also the opportunity to visit local villages, discover lesser-known temples and enjoy the beautiful Cambodian countryside.
500
Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Bangkok. Day 2: Phnom Penh Fly to Phnom Penh and stay for two nights at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Enjoy a Khmer welcome dinner at the Romdeng restaurant. (BB) Day 3: Phnom Penh Take a morning cyclo tour of the city followed by an afternoon visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in a former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge.(BB) Day 4: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham – Kratie Proceed to Kampong Cham, a former French trading post town and soak in the scenery of rural Cambodia. Spend the afternoon in the sleepy riverside town of Kratie, staying for two nights at Sala Koh Trong Hotel. (BB) Day 5: Kratie Set out on a countryside tour, to include a boat journey crossing the river to the island of Koh Trong to experience typical Cambodian village life and to take part in a tree planting project initiated by a local farmer. (BB) Day 6: Kratie – Kampong Thom Travel through lush grasslands, home to a plethora of waterbirds, before climbing the 1000 steps of Phnom Santuk Mountain to enjoy the spectacular views. Stay overnight at Sambor Village Hotel. (BB) Day 7: Kampong Thom –Siem Reap Continue to Sambor Prei Kuk, a jungle-enclosed temple complex of pre-Angkorian ruins, rarely visited but unforgettable. Travel by bike and on foot before continuing onto Siem Reap to stay for four nights at the Heritage Suites Hotel. (BB) Day 8: Siem Reap Rise early to experience the sunrise over Angkor Wat, before travelling to the Western Baray area to see the process of silk production. After lunch explore some of the area’s many temples, including the Ta Prohm temple. (BB) Day 9: Siem Reap Make a morning visit to the ancient city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple and in the afternoon visit Tonlé Sap Lake to view the floating houses and flooded forests. (BB) Day 10: Siem Reap After breakfast, transfer to visit the quiet Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei temples before stopping at local communities to interact with the locals. Finish the day by watching the sunset over the paddy fields and the beautiful countryside from the pyramidal
500
1000
1000 Miles 1500 Kilometres
Pre Rup temple. (BB) Day 11: Siem Reap – Battambang Embark on one of the most stunning boat trips in Cambodia, travelling from Siem Reap to Battambang by a comfortable private boat. Please note from January to June this transfer is by road. Stay for two nights at the Bambu Battambang Hotel. (BB) Day 12: Battambang Enjoy exploring this unique city, visiting Phnom Sampeau, riding on the bamboo train and viewing the local cultural villages. (BB) Day 13: Battambang – Kampong Chhnang – Oudong – Phnom Penh Visit Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery and Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. Enjoy a traditional Khmer picnic lunch and experience a ride in an ox cart before continuing onto Phnom Penh to stay overnight at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. (BB) Day 14: Departure Fly to Bangkok and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £2,945 per person, based on two sharing each extensions are available to Kep or B Sihanoukville
Cambodia – Cleveland Collection Asia 65
Siem Reap/Angkor Wat
•
THAILAND
•
CAMBODIA
Siem Reap/Angkor Wat
•
Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake
Kampong Chhnang
✈
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh
VIETNAM
CAMBODIA Ho Chi Minh City
•
Sihanoukville
•Kep
•
VIETNAM
Chau Doc
TEMPLES & BEACHES
A wonderful way to combine culture and relaxation in magical Cambodia. From marvelling at the temples, shrines & museums, to exploring the national park & jungles and spending time on the beautiful beaches, this itinerary delivers a fascinating insight into the many aspects of the country.
500
Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Bangkok. Day 2: Siem Reap Fly to Siem Reap and stay for three nights at the Heritage Suites Hotel. Enjoy an afternoon visit by tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat. (BB) Day 3: Siem Reap This morning visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, continue to the Bayon temple and then onto the Ta Prohm temple, almost hidden in the undergrowth of jungle and vines. In the afternoon take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake. (BB) Day 4: Siem Reap Enjoy a free morning, to perhaps cycle to Phnom Krom, before visiting the unique Banteay Srei, a pink sandstone temple. Dinner with a traditional Khmer dance show is offered in the evening. (HB) Day 5: Siem Reap – Sihanoukville Fly to Sihanoukville to stay for three nights at the Sokha Beach Hotel. (BB) Day 6: Sihanoukville Enjoy day at leisure or join an optional tour to the Ream National Park with its jungle and mangrove forests and offshore coral reefs. (BB) Day 7: Sihanoukville Enjoy day at leisure or take an optional tour to Koh Rong Island with its pristine beach and crystal clear turquoise waters – great for snorkelling. (BB) Day 8: Sihanoukville – Kep Travel to Kep, Cambodia’s most prestigious seaside resort of the 1960’s, and now enjoying a resurgence. Stay for two nights at Knai Bang Chatt Hotel. (BB) Day 9: Kep Depart on a scenic boat trip to nearby Koh Tonsai, also called Rabbit Island, to relax and enjoy a seafood barbecue lunch. (BB) Day 10: Kep – Phnom Penh Explore Kep’s heritage sights with a guide, stopping at Kampong Trach’s caves which house small Buddhist shrines dating back centuries. Continue onto Phnom Penh to stay for two nights at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. (BB) Day 11: Phnom Penh Discover the secrets of authentic Khmer cuisine with a visit to the market and a morning cooking class before enjoying a cyclo ride of the city’s main sights. (BB) Day 12: Departure Fly to Bangkok and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning.
500
1000
Cost from £2,470 per person, based on two sharing
•• •
Cai Be Sa Dec
•
My Tho
JOURNEY ALONG THE MEKONG
A unique way to travel between Cambodia & Vietnam on a luxurious river cruise liner. Journey at a leisurely pace and experience the great Mekong River and all that it has to offer – its scenery, villages and local culture.
0 0
1: Siem Reap – Kampong 500 Chhnang 1000Day Miles Travel to Siem Reap and board the cruise ship. Tonle
Sap Lake is home to more fish than any other lake in the world and is also host to a vast variety of birds, including rare and endangered species. Enjoy lunch as the ship glides through the water. (FB) Day 2: Kampong Chhnang Each day starts with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck as the sun rises. After breakfast, transfer to a motorboat for an excursion to the wetlands and floating houses at Kampong Chhnang. (FB) Day 3: Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Cham An early start to take to the road to visit the preAngkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Return to the ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by saffron-clad local monks. Cruise towards Kampong Cham to visit Wat Nokor. (FB) Day 4: Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh Before disembarking for a tour of the capital city, attend a lecture on the recent history of both the city and the country. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields before returning to the boat to enjoy cocktails, a traditional Apsara dance performance and an on-deck barbeque. (FB) Day 5: Phnom Penh – border crossing A lazy day of cruising along the main Mekong Channel before immigration formalities are completed in the late-afternoon at the Vietnamese border. (FB) Day 6: Chau Doc – Sa Dec Enjoy a visit to the floating villages and rustic catfish farms of Chau Doc before travelling to An Hung village to take honey tea & local delicacies with a family before returning to the boat. (FB) Day 7: Sa Dec – Cai Be – My Tho Visit the village of Binh Thanh, where every villager is involved in the process of growing and processing water hyacinths, and after lunch visit Cai Be’s boisterous and colourful floating market. A tranquil evening cruise and farewell party awaits in the evening. (FB) Day 8: My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City The cruise comes to an end as the ship winds its way to My Tho, before the journey is completed in nearby Ho Chi Minh City.
500 1500 Kilometres
1000
Cost from £1,375 per person, based on two sharing The itinerary will slightly differ for low water season departures.
66 Cleveland Collection Asia – Laos
Laos
Landlocked and mountainous with the marvellous Mekong River flowing through it, Laos is mostly covered with untouched tropical forest and until recent years unknown to all but the most inquisitive traveller. Visit its capital Vientiane to see the iconic architecture of Pha That Luang, the national symbol, and then journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient royal capital of Luang Prabang which is filled with monasteries and saffron-robed monks.
PHOTOGRAPH: ROMULO REJON / GETTY IMAGES
Laos – Cleveland Collection Asia 67
68 Cleveland Collection Asia – Laos Laos – Introduction A completely landlocked country, Laos is gently waking to visitors and travellers so it still reflects a lifestyle that has not changed for centuries. Charming towns, unspoilt villages, the great Mekong and uncharted interiors makes for an unforgettable holiday. Cities, towns and culture The capital Vientiane, which is full of old French colonial buildings and great noodle shops is a city small enough not to get lost in. Visit the Morning Market and the Buddha Park but mainly find time to absorb and ingest the charm of the place. Further south is Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Buddhist heartland of the country. Teeming with temples and monasteries, it has become a tourist rite of passage to head for the main street in the early morning to witness the monks patrol for food – buy some and donate to the bowls proffered to you. Visit the night market and the specialist design studios along the main street but also head for the riverbank to enjoy coffee and croissant as if you were by the Seine.
In Khnang Province find the Plain of Jars; huge stone and sandstone jars dotted around the countryside which have been there for centuries, and whose provenance is unknown. Country and riverside The interior of Laos is unspoiled and almost unknown with friendly villages, wonderful forests and huge limestone karsts. Dotted with rivers, this is where you can kayak and go river rafting as well as walk, hike and cycle along uncluttered trails. Head south to Pakse where the Mekong meets the Xe Don River. Here in the rainy season the Mekong spreads itself to almost 14 kilometres in width, and it is where you will find the area known as Si Phan Don, which translated means four thousand islands.
CHINA
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Enjoy the temples and pagodas of Vientiane – Explore the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang – Visit the Plain of Jars – View the early morning procession of the monks in Luang Prabang – Stumble upon the Vat Phou ruins – Cruise along the Mekong
VIETNAM
•Luang Prabang Plain of Jars •
SOUTH CHINA SEA
Vientiane
LAOS
THAILAND
•Pakse Mekong River Si Phan Don
100 ml 200 km
CAMBODIA
•
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Vientiane Currency: Kip Airlines: Thai Airways & British Airways via Bangkok Point of Entry: Vientiane, Luang Prabang Flying time: 12 hrs 35 mins Time zone: GMT +6 hrs Combine with: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia Visa: Required – can be obtained on arrival Best time to visit November to April is optimum period, with monsoon season from May to October.
Laos – Cleveland Collection Asia 69
Our hotels in Laos Luang Prabang LUANG SAY RESIDENCE
Close to the town centre and its myriad of streets, temples and monasteries this boutique hotel takes its style from traditional architecture – polished wood, bamboo, shutters and silks with the embellishments of its French colonial past. There are just 24 luxurious suites in this chic hideaway. – Gourmet restaurant – Freeform swimming pool – Library – Lush tropical gardens
Vientiane LA RESIDENCE PHOU VAO
The town is the oldest in Laos and is now a World Heritage Site – enjoy it from the comfort of this former Royal residence which is now part of the Orient Express group. Set in lush tropical gardens and with spectacular views of the nearby mountains, the hotel provides peace and tranquillity after a day’s sightseeing of the wats and temples – it even has its own liveried tuk-tuk to take guests the short distance into town. – Swimming pool – Award-winning Mekong spa – Cookery classes – River cruises
THE 3 NAGAS
SETTHA PALACE HOTEL
– Delicious cuisine – Well-stocked hotel boutique – Landscaped gardens – Lies on the alms-giving procession route
– Central location – Swimming pool – Poolside bar – Sidewalk café and main restaurant
A charming boutique hotel right in the centre of town, it is renowned for its restaurant which serves delicious Cambodian specialities as well as Indochine fare. Accommodation is in suites or rooms, all of which have a balcony or verandah which overlooks either the street or the garden – ideal spots for people-watching.
A charming 29 room hotel in the city centre which retains all the elegance of its French colonial architecture and furnishings and combines it with state-of-the-art modern amenities, such as air-conditioning, satellite TV and internet access. The swimming pool with its local rock formations is set in landscaped gardens alongside a Jacuzzi and poolside bar.
70 Cleveland Collection Asia – Myanmar
Myanmar (Burma)
Magnificent and still largely undiscovered, this glorious country is slowly unfolding its secrets – its ancient palaces, elegant pagodas, legendary river, tranquil lakes and pristine beaches which open out onto either the Bay of Bengal or the Andaman Sea. Wonder at the floating villages and gardens as well as the golden stupas and Buddhas, and fall under the spell of some of the gentlest people. It’s a country which seduces all who visit.
PHOTOGRAPH: JAMES MARTIN / GETTY IMAGES
Myanmar – Cleveland Collection Asia 71
72 Cleveland Collection Asia – Myanmar Myanmar – Introduction Still comparatively unknown as a tourist destination, Myanmar is one of the most beautiful countries in south-east Asia. In spite of years of an oppressive military rule Burma is opening its doors with grace and smiles. And what a lot there is to see and wonder at, from the pagodas and temples which straddle the land, to the colourful markets, tranquil waters, gentle hills and forests, magnificent architectural gems and totally unspoilt beaches. Cities and culture Everything starts in Yangon, the capital until a few years ago and a fast changing city which carries its history in its stride – some of the best British colonial buildings in Asia, great street markets and the extraordinary Shwedagon Pagoda. This is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples you will ever find, and its golden stupa can be seen from all over the city. Mandalay is almost the new kid on the block by comparison for it was founded less than 200 years ago. Nonetheless it still has some impressive treasures, none more so than Mandalay Hill which is studded with stupas and which gives the best view of the city – see it at sunset in all its glory. While there a visit to the Mahamuni Pagoda is a must, where pilgrims cover the giant Buddha with an everlasting supply of gold leaf. From here you can take a day trip to the old capitals of Ava, Sagaing and Amarapura. At Sagaing Hill you will find 600 white painted monasteries and pagodas, home to some 3,000 monks. Another short drive brings you to the hill station of Maymyo, a British retreat from the heat and humidity.
And then of course there is Bagan, one of the most magnificent sights you will ever see – over 3,000 golden temples, pagodas and stupas which were built between the 9th and the 13th centuries. Described by Marco Polo as one of the great sights of the world, it never disappoints. To see it at its best, get up early and take a dawn balloon ride over the area. Interior Wherever you are in Myanmar you are never far away from the great Irrawaddy River which flows through its centre. Bagan is on its banks, while the cities swoop around it. Take a cruise along it as a gentle way to enjoy the countryside, as the boats dock at local villages, towns, markets and of course Bagan, where they overnight for a couple of days. Whatever you choose, a few hours or a few days, the views from the Irrawaddy are gentle and serene. Inle Lake is another fascinating port of call – a world of floating gardens, villages on stilts and magical light. Here you will find the Intha people famed for their one legged fishermen and a monastery where reputedly the monks have taught the cats to meditate! Beaches Myanmar offers some of the most unspoilt beaches in south-east Asia – miles and miles of white sand and pale turquoise sea. Head for Ngapali Beach, the premier resort which overlooks the Bay of Bengal. Apart from its idyllic setting, where ox-carts still plod serenely along the sands, this is where you will find some of the best food in the country.
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Naypyidaw Currency: Kyat Airlines: Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines Point of Entry: Yangon Flying time: 14hrs 30 mins Time zone: GMT +5½ hrs Combine with: Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia Visa: Required – must be obtained in advance Best time to visit The best period is November to May, with the monsoon season from May to September.
Myanmar – Cleveland Collection Asia 73
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon – Explore the wonders of Bagan’s 4,000 temples – Take a cruise on the Irrawaddy River – Relax on the pristine beaches of Ngapali – Marvel at Lake Inle’s one legged fishermen – Soar above Bagan in a hot air balloon
BHUTAN
CHINA TIBET
Irrawaddy River
MYANMAR (BURMA) Sagaing
•
Mandalay •••Amarapura Bagan
LAOS Inle Lake
BAY OF BENGAL Naypyidaw
Ngapali Beach
• Yangon
•
THAILAND
ANDAMAN SEA
GULF OF THAILAND
200 ml 400 km
74 Cleveland Collection Asia – Myanmar
Our hotels in Myanmar Yangon SAVOY HOTEL
A colonial-style residence with Burmese motifs and artefacts which give an individual personality to this boutique property in central Yangon. The 30 luxury rooms and suites all have modern amenities alongside the antique furniture. Just ten minutes from the city centre and twenty from the international airport, it is an ideal base for sightseeing and shopping. – Leafy gardens – Outdoor pool – Five dining areas and bars – Guided sightseeing tours available
THE STRAND
The grandest hotel in the city, the Strand was built in 1901 and has been beautifully renovated and refurbished over the years. The two wings branch out from a central lobby which is both large and elegant. Furnished with marble floors, chandeliers and antiques it harks back to a bygone age and yet it still offers every modern amenity in its 31 room and suites. – One of the few hotels in Myanmar to accept credit cards – Strand Café, Bar & Grill – Central downtown location – Iconic afternoon tea
CHATRIUM HOTEL ROYAL LAKE YANGON
THE GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE
– Swimming pool – Lilawadee Spa – Health club –S ightseeing and shopping excursions
– Swimming pool – Cooking demonstrations – Massage treatments – Sightseeing tours organised
On the western shore of Royal Lake is one of Yangon’s most modern hotels, with great views of both the lake and of the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. Its rooms are spacious, the service exceptional and it has a choice of six restaurants and bars.
A 1920’s colonial mansion in the embassy quarter of Yangon, this property has been brought back to life with great care and attention and is now part of the Orient Express group. The spacious rooms and suites are elegantly furnished with tropical furniture and local silks.
Myanmar – Cleveland Collection Asia 75
Inle Lake INLE PRINCESS RESORT
On the eastern shore of the lake close to Magyizin village, this peaceful retreat is set in tranquil gardens and is designed along traditional Burmese architectural precepts. With just 46 chalets, each with either a lake or garden view and all with private outdoor space, it is just the place to enjoy the enchantment of the water. – Accessible only by boat – Cultural tours to local pagodas and shrines – Visit to nearby floating market – Spa
GOLDEN ISLAND COTTAGES
Enjoying an idyllic location on the lake, the resort is in two halves –Nampan, which is built on stilts over the lake, and Thale U, set on the shores of the lake. Both consist of traditional style cottages made of local bamboo, and each has a private balcony from which to enjoy life on the lake. – Overwater or land-based accommodation – Swimming pool – Guided tours available – Massages and fishing
INLE LAKE VIEW RESORT & SPA
A luxury boutique resort on the western shores of the lake and a short boat ride from all the cultural sights, as well as from the floating markets, handicraft and fishing villages. Each of the 38 rooms is spacious, made from indigenous materials and is decorated in traditional Shan-Burmese style. They also all have a private balcony overlooking the waters. – Set in 24 acres of lush grounds – Internet available – Cultural and sightseeing tours – In-house spa
76 Cleveland Collection Asia – Myanmar
Our hotels in Myanmar Bagan BAGAN THIRIPITSAYA SANCTUARY RESORT
Regarded as Bagan’s foremost hotel, this was originally established as a Government guesthouse more than 30 years ago, and even though it has changed hands since it has welcomed world leaders, captains of industry as well as tourists and travellers. On the banks of the Irrawaddy River and set in 24 acres of glorious gardens, it is a place of tranquillity and comfort. – Swimming pool & spa – Walking distance to numerous temples – Hiking, biking and horse-riding – Guided tours and sunset cruises available
Balloon Journey BAGAN THANDE HOTEL
Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, this traditional colonial-style building was originally built in 1922 for the visit of the Prince of Wales. Set in spacious tropical gardens, the accommodation is in chalet style bungalows. In the south-west section of the ancient city, the hotel is close to museums and some of the main stupas. – Swimming pool – Thande Spa – Walking distance to temples – Local guides available
BALLOONS OVER BAGAN
One of the great experiences to be enjoyed by visitors to this extraordinary city of more than 2000 pagodas and temples, mostly built in the 12th and 13th centuries, is a majestic and unforgettable balloon ride. Bagan was described by Marco Polo as one of the great sights of the world, and between October & March visitors can enjoy either a sunrise trip, floating high above the golden towers as the sun rises and paints them for the day, or a ride at sunset, when the pagodas glow with the heat and the rose gold colour of the setting sun.
Myanmar – Cleveland Collection Asia 77
Ngapali Beach AMATA RESORT & SPA
In a natural, unspoilt beach setting this hotel provides a quiet, comfortable and unforgettable holiday. Overlooking miles of white sand and the Bay of Bengal it is the perfect place to relax after a sightseeing tour of Myanmar. Accommodation is in cabanas designed and decorated in traditional style, spread throughout beautifully planted tropical gardens, and each with an outside deck . – Large beachside swimming pool – Fishing, boating and snorkelling – Spa – Library with internet access
THANDE BEACH HOTEL
On a prime stretch of beach, this hotel is regarded as one of the area’s finest, which is why it’s such a popular destination – white sand, neartransparent blue waters and glorious sunshine. All rooms are fully airconditioned and tastefully decorated, located either in the gardens or along the beachfront. – Swimming pool, Jacuzzi & spa – Bicycle and boat hire – Walking distance to local restaurants & bars – Family rooms
THE SANDOWAY RESORT
With six acres of tropical gardens and 450 metres of near-perfect beach, guests here enjoy a totally relaxing hideaway holiday. All of the villas and cottages have space and privacy, and each is designed in true south-east Asian elegance where local materials and traditional crafts are used. – Large swimming pool – Bicycle hire – Library & cinema – Spa
BAYVIEW BEACH RESORT
Sheltered by palm trees and overlooking the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal, this boutique property is the archetypal beach hotel. Its deluxe suites and rooms are air-conditioned and have satellite TV, while the resort offers a swimming pool, spa, sunset bar and restaurant offering both international and Asian food. – Windsurfing and sailing – Walking distance to local restaurants and bars – Sunrise and sunset cruises – Glorious ocean views
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Our hotels in Myanmar Mandalay SEDONA HOTEL
Facing the former Royal Palace & Mandalay Hill, this hotel is located in the heart of Mandalay and is close to many places of interest. Accommodation is in a selection of rooms and suites which are a fusion of ethnic and modern. – Outdoor swimming pool – Fitness centre – Massages – Tennis courts
Boat Journey RUPAR MANDALAR RESORT
A fusion of contemporary comfort and Burmese culture, this boutique property is located just 15 minutes from the centre of Mandalay. There are just 15 spacious and gracious rooms, all set within a private landscaped garden and opening onto a free-form swimming pool. Guests have a choice of restaurants serving Burmese as well as international cuisine. – Fitness centre – Swimming pool and Jacuzzi – Floodlit tennis courts – Spa
MANDALAY HILL RESORT
THE ROAD TO MANDALAY CRUISE
– Swimming pool – Fitness centre and spa – Tennis courts – Choice of 5 restaurants and bars
– 3,4,7 & 11 night itineraries – On-shore excursions included – Beautiful en-suite cabins – Swimming pool, fitness room & wellness treatments
Beautifully located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, close to the city centre and with great views of the pagodas, temples and the Royal Palace. Accommodation at this superior property is in a selection of charming rooms, suites and villas.
This luxury river boat sails along the Irrawaddy with great style and elegance. It is a magnificent and ideal way of seeing the country and its people, stopping along the way to visit some its great cultural icons as well as traditional villages and monasteries.
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✈
LAOS
✈ Thandwe Ngapali Beach
••
✈
Our Myanmar itinerary
Mandalay ••••✈Amarapura • •HehoInle Lake
Sagaing Ava Bagan
✈
THAILAND
•
Yangon
colourful silks are woven, and the ruined remains of the Royal Palace. Cross the Irrawaddy in the afternoon to Sagaing, a city with more than 600 ivory-hued pagodas, before ending the day at the U Bein teak bridge. (BB) Day 10: Mandalay – Inle Lake Fly to Heho and continue by road to Inle Lake to stay for two nights at the Inle Princess Resort. Enjoy an excursion on the lake viewing the famous leg-rowing fishermen & typical floating gardens, and visiting temples and local markets. (BB) Day 1: UK departure Day 11: Shwe Inn Thein Overnight flight to Bangkok. Travel by boat to the western shore of the lake1000 to Miles Day 2: Yangon 0 500 find the beginning of a path leading to the hidden Fly to Yangon and stay for three nights at the Savoy 0 place to start 500 1500 Kilometres and unknown Shwe1000 Inn Thein Pagoda complex Hotel. The former capital is the perfect consisting of hundreds of small stupas overgrown by any journey in Myanmar. (BB) nature. (BB) Day 3: Yangon Day 12: Inle Lake – Ngapali Enjoy morning at leisure to visit a market or explore Fly to Thandwe to stay for four nights on the beach the streets. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour in Ngapali at the Sandoway Resort. (BB) of the Sule Pagoda, the reclining Buddha and Days 13 – 15: Ngapali Shwedagon Pagoda. (BB) Enjoy walks along the deserted beach, visits to the Day 4: Yangon Take a guided walking tour of the city’s oldest areas, local fishing village, boat trips in the Bay of Bengal, and wonderful traditionally-cooked seafood. (BB) along the banks of the Yangon River and watch Day 16: Departure the locals at close quarter going about their daily routines. The afternoon brings a visit to the Chinese Fly to Yangon and onwards to Bangkok. Temple in Chinatown followed by a train ride on the Connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. city’s circular line. (BB) Day 5: Yangon – Bagan Fly to Bagan, the capital of the first Burmese Empire. Cost £3,790 per person, based on two sharing Enjoy a tour of some of the most significant temples and pagodas, including the 11th Century Shwezigon Pagoda. View the sunset over the Irrawaddy River from a temple top and stay for three nights at Bagan Thande Hotel. (BB) Day 6: Bagan An early start to experience the wonders of a sunrise over Bagan and a thousand years of history from the magic of a hot air balloon. After breakfast, visit further temple sites before leaving the beaten track to visit local villages. (BB) Day 7: Mount Popa Visit Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with spectacular views. Its shrine at the top of the peak, dedicated to animist spirits known as ‘nats’, is reached by climbing 777 steps! (BB) Day 8: Bagan – Mandalay Fly to Mandalay and stay for two nights at the Mandalay Hill Resort. This afternoon experience one of the country’s most revered religious monuments, the Mahamuni Pagoda, as well as the Shwe Inbin and Golden Palace monasteries. Mandalay is also great for keen shoppers as it is famous for its wood carvings, marble, jewels and traditional puppets. (BB) Day 9: Amarapura, Ava & Sagaing Discover three of Myanmar’s ancient capitals Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. The journey includes the country’s largest monastery, a workshop where CLASSIC MYANMAR
The perfect itinerary for first time visitors to this enchanted country. Myanmar boasts many wonders and rich traditions – enjoy the temples and pagodas in Yangon and the golden stupas of Bagan before heading to the cultural centre of Mandalay. At Inle Lake see how the Intha people live and work, enjoy the markets and scenery before heading to the beautiful unspoilt beaches of Ngapali.
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Indochina Combinations – Cleveland Collection Asia 81
LAOS Salong ••Mae Mae Sai
MYANMAR
THAILAND
Chiang Mai
Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar offer some of the great experiences of South-east Asia – ancient cities, archaeological wonders, tropical forests, great rivers and stunning beaches. Add to that more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than you could imagine, hidden tribes, beautiful traditional crafts, delicious food and charming people. At Cleveland Collection we have a wide selection of tours where you can experience all, or a combination of these magical former kingdoms.
•
FROM CHIANG MAI TO MYANMAR
Explore a hidden corner of South-east Asia where unspoiled nature and colourful cultures are found at every turn. This short journey is the perfect extension to a Thailand holiday or as a memorable part of a longer Asian itinerary. Day 1: Chiang Mai – Golden Triangle Transfer from Chiang Mai to Mount Doi Mae Salong, before visiting the hill tribe villages of the Akha and Yao people and continuing to stay for two nights at the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa. (BB) Day 2: Golden Triangle Enjoy the villages and landscapes of the Golden Triangle area, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge. A visit to the Hall of Opium documents the history of the area and a boat trip along the Mekong affords stunning views of the river. (HB) Day 3: Golden Triangle – Kengtung Cross the border into Myanmar at Mae Sai, and continue onward through scenic hills and small villages to Kengtung to stay for two nights at the Princess Hotel. (HB) Day 4: Kengtung Take a jeep drive to the starting point for a gentle trek through the forests. Visit villages of the Wa, Lawa, Lwe La and Sanhton people, before enjoying a picnic lunch and returning to Kengtung for dinner in a traditional local restaurant. (FB) Day 5: Departure Visit Kengtung’s local market before returning to the Thai border or flying to Yangon to continue to onward destination. Cost from £775 per person, based on two sharing
MYANMAR
• BaganHeho •
LAOS
Inle Lake
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•
•
Yangon
VIETNAM
THAILAND
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Kengtung
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Our combination itineraries
•
Siem Reap
CAMBODIA
THE TEMPLES OF CAMBODIA & MYANMAR
A snapshot tour for those short on time to two of South East Asia’s most impressive temple complexes – the fabled monuments of Angkor Wat and the untouched wonders of Bagan. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Bangkok. Day 2: Siem Reap Fly to Siem Reap and stay for two nights at the Hotel de la Paix. (BB) Day 3: Siem Reap Visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, before continuing to the Bayon Temple and exploring the archaeological delights of Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang. (BB) Day 4: Siem Reap – Bagan Fly to Yangon and onward to Bagan to stay for two nights at the Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort. (BB) Day 5: Bagan Begin a full day exploring the many sights of Bagan, starting with Tayokye Pyay, the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda and nearby Wetkyiin Gubyaukgyi. Travel by horse cart for a tour to Thatbyinnyu, Dhammayangyi and Sulamani temples. (BB) Day 6: Bagan –Inle Lake Fly to Heho and continue by road to Inle Lake to stay overnight at the Inle Princess Resort. Enjoy an excursion on the lake viewing the famous leg-rowing fishermen & visiting a number of temples. (BB) Day 7: Inle Lake – Yangon Visit the floating gardens and a colourful local market before flying to Yangon. Visit Scott’s Market and the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar, before staying overnight at the Savoy Hotel. (BB) Day 8: Departure Fly to Bangkok to connect with daytime flight to the UK. Cost from £2,275 per person, based on two sharing Extensions are also available to the beaches of Cambodia & Myanmar
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Luang Prabang
•
VIETNAM
✈
Phnom Penh Vientiane
VIETNAM
CAMBODIA LAOS
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✈ THAILAND
✈ Bangkok
Chau Doc Pakse
• • Don Daeng
Ho Chi Minh City
Mekong River Can Tho
•
• Cai Be
CAMBODIA
to wander amongst the temples of Luang Prabang and to shop at the atmospheric night market. (HB) Day 8: Luang Prabang – Vientiane Fly to Vientiane and stay for two nights at the Settha Palace Hotel. Enjoy a sunset stroll along the banks of the mighty Mekong River. (BB) Day 9: Vientiane Take in the city sights and enjoy a little shopping or pampering in one of the many spas before there is the unique opportunity to take part in a traditional Day 1: UK departure Baci well-wishing ceremony, followed Overnight flight to Bangkok. by a traditional home-made Lao dinner. (FB) Day 2: Bangkok Day 10: Vientiane – Mekong River Stay for three nights at The Sukhothai Hotel. (BB) Fly to Pakse to board the Wat Phou boat for a two Day 3: Bangkok night cruise. Enjoy the sunset and dinner before Begin the day touring Bangkok’s Grand Palace, docking overnight next to a remote Laotian village. the magnificent seat of the Thai Royal family for (FB) centuries. After lunch at the riverside restaurant of Day 11: Mekong River the iconic Oriental Hotel enjoy a special viewing at Enjoy the tranquillity of being on the river, with the private collection of the Prasat museum. (HB) various stops made along the way at villages, farms Day 4: Bangkok and traditional houses. (FB) Journey upriver and back in time to explore the ruined former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, visiting Day 12: Mekong River – Don Daeng the grand summer palace of Bang Pa In en-route. (HB) Enjoy lunch amid the faded charm of a French colonial village, before heading to Don Daeng Island Day 5: Bangkok – Luang Prabang to stay overnight at La Folie Lodge. (BB) Fly to Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Day 13: Departure Laos and an UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a Fly to Bangkok and connect with overnight flight to guided walking tour of the town and stay for three the UK, arriving the following morning. nights at the 3 Nagas Hotel. (HB) Day 6: Luang Prabang Watch the monks receive early morning alms before Cost from £3,470 per person, based on two sharing climbing Mount Phousi or perhaps taking a slow boat along the Mekong to Pak Ou Cave. (HB) Day 7: Luang Prabang Travel to a traditional Khmu village, and also enjoy a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfall. The afternoon is free CLASSIC LAOS
•
•
An introduction to one of South-east Asia’s hidden gems – Laos. Begin in Thailand with the palaces, temples & canals of Bangkok before travelling almost back in time to magical Laos to visit its quaint former capital of Luang Prabang, charming current capital Ventiane, and to experience a memorable cruise along the beautiful Mekong River.
ALONG THE MEKONG
Cruise the mighty Mekong River from Vietnam into Cambodia – and see local life at close quarters as the boat passes floating markets, rice fields and unspoilt villages. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta town of Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess boat. Enjoy lunch in a restored colonial villa before continuing by boat to stay overnight at the Victoria Can Tho Resort Hotel. (HB) Day 2: Can Tho – Chau Doc Enjoy a breakfast cruise to the colourful Cai Rang floating market and to the town of Can Tho before driving to Chau Doc to stay for two nights at the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel. (BB) Day 3: Chau Doc Travel by boat to visit the area’s unique fish farms as well as a village of stilt houses belonging to the Cham minority people. The afternoon is free to perhaps visit Sam Mountain and the dozens of surrounding pagodas and temples. (BB) Day 4: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh Travel by boat through the Delta’s waterways to the Cambodian border, and onward to Phnom Penh. Disembark and continue to onward destination. Cost from £515 per person, based on two sharing
Indochina Combinations – Cleveland Collection Asia 83
Bangkok THAILAND
Aranyaprathet
• • Siem Reap • Battambang Tonle Sap lake Phnom Penh CAMBODIA Chau Doc
•
Ho Chi Minh City
Can Tho
•
•
VIETNAM
CAMBODIA & VIETNAM IN DEPTH
A fascinating journey that progresses from Bangkok across the length and breadth of Cambodia to the vibrant Vietnamese city of Ho Chi Minh City. Perfect for those wishing to get an extensive taste of the many flavours of South-east Asia. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Bangkok. Day 2: Bangkok Stay for two nights at the Sukhothai Hotel. (BB) Day 3: Bangkok Full day to explore Bangkok, beginning with a visit to Wat Pho temple, the Grand Palace and the National Museum. After lunch, board a private boat and enjoy another side of this great city and its culture with visits to Bang Luang canal, Baan Silapin art gallery and Jim Thompson’s mansion. (HB) Day 4: Bangkok – Battambang Travel by road across the border into Cambodia to stay for two nights in Battambang at La Villa Guest House. (BB) Day 5: Battambang Soak up the town’s faded colonial charms before visiting the notorious Phnom Sampeau, a killing cave used in the Pol Pot era, the mountaintop temple of Wat Banan and a collection of local villages where there is the chance to experience the rural lifestyle and meet the inhabitants. (HB) Day 6: Battambang – Siem Reap Travel by boat through rural Cambodia to Siem Reap, site of the famous ruins of Angkor. Stay for three nights at the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. (BB) Day 7: Siem Reap Begin the day at Angkor Wat, before enjoying an afternoon elephant ride to the great former city of Angkor Thom. (HB) Day 8: Siem Reap Visit Banteay Srei temple before viewing the temples of Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and Neak Pean. (HB) Day 9: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh Peek into Cambodia’s pre-Angkorian history at the ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk before continuing onward to Phnom Penh to stay for two nights at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. (BB) Day 10: Phnom Penh Enjoy a traditional cyclo tour around the city before visiting the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda, and shopping at the Russian Market. (HB) Day 11: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc Visit the National Museum before boarding the Blue Cruiser boat for a trip down the Mekong River and across the border into Vietnam. Stay overnight at the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel. (HB) Day 12: Chau Doc – Can Tho Explore the local market and visit the floating houses and catfish farms of the Cham people. Continue onward to stay for two nights at the
Victoria Can Tho Resort Hotel. (HB) Day 13: Can Tho Climb into a small boat to visit the vibrant floating markets and then disembark to view Muniwangsyaram Pagoda, a Khmer Buddhist temple. (HB) Day 14: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City Enjoy a sampan boat ride at Vinh Long before travelling to the huge floating market at Cai Be. Continue onward to Ho Chi Minh City and stay for two nights at the Park Hyatt Saigon. (HB) Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Visit Cu Chi, the extensive network of tunnels that were built by the Vietcong, before enjoying an afternoon city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. (FB) Day 16: Departure Fly to Bangkok and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £3,510 per person, based on two sharing
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Hanoi LAOS
Halong Bay
✈
MYANMAR (BURMA)
•••
Hue Danang Hoi An
✈
THAILAND
CAMBODIA Siem Reap
✈
•
Phnom Penh
✈
Mekong Delta
VIETNAM
•
Ho Chi Minh City
ESSENTIAL CAMBODIA & VIETNAM
The perfect itinerary for those wishing to discover the wonders of these two neighbouring countries. Beginning in Cambodia with its magnificent Angkor Wat & a host of other temples and palaces, the focus switches to Vietnam, with its rich and often tragic history, its monuments and beautiful countryside. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Bangkok. Day 2: Phnom Penh Fly to Phnom Penh and stay for two nights at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. (BB) Day 3: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap Visit the National Museum and the glorious Royal Palace before flying to Siem Reap. Stay for two nights at the Hotel de la Paix. (BB) Day 4: Siem Reap Enjoy a full day sightseeing in the home of the Temples of Angkor. View Angkor Wat before continuing onto the Angkor Thom area and then the ruins of Preah Khan and Ta Prohm. (BB) Day 5: Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City Fly to the great southern Vietnamese city of Ho Chi Minh City and stay for three nights at the Caravelle Hotel. (BB) Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Explore the cultural sites and hidden gems – from Chinatown and Ben Thanh Market, to the War Remnants Museum, the Presidential Palace and old colonial Saigon. (BB) Day 7: Mekong Delta Travel to the Mekong Delta to spend the day journeying through some of the thousands of waterways, coconut plantations and local villages. (HB) Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An Fly to Danang and enjoy a walking tour of ancient Hoi An before staying overnight at the Life Heritage Resort. (BB) Day 9: Hoi An – Hue Travel north along the scenic coast and over the Hai Van Pass to Hue, the former imperial capital. Enjoy an afternoon guided tour and stay overnight at La Residence Hotel & Spa. (BB) Day 10: Hue – Hanoi Visit the city’s vibrant market before taking a cyclo tour of the old city. Spend the afternoon exploring the tombs of the former Vietnamese Emperors Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, before flying to Hanoi to stay for two nights at the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel. (BB) Day 11: Hanoi Today’s tour of Hanoi provides an in-depth look in to the history and culture of the city. A walking tour though the city’s Old Quarter is followed by visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple and the Temple of Literature. (BB)
Day 12: Hanoi – Halong Bay Journey through rich farmlands to Halong Bay to board a traditional wooden junk for an overnight cruise. As the boat weaves its way past limestone karsts and turquoise waters, stops are made to swim or kayak, explore hidden caves and feast on freshly caught seafood. (FB) Day 13: Departure Disembark and return to Hanoi. Fly to Bangkok and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £2,690 per person, based on two sharing
Indochina Combinations – Cleveland Collection Asia 85
VIETNAM MYANMAR Pak Ou Chiang Khong (BURMA) Xieng Khouang Chiang Rai Pakbeng Luang Prabang
• • ••
•
✈
•
Vientiane
✈
LAOS
✈ Bangkok
THAILAND
CAMBODIA
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE & MEKONG
An itinerary which combines the bustle of Bangkok with the fascinating Golden Triangle region – where Thailand, Laos & Myanmar all converge. A memorable journey down the Mekong River is then followed by visits to the mysterious Plain of Jars & to Vientiane.
Continue on to visit Muang Kham, where hot water springs are set in a subdued forest setting. (HB) Day 14: Xieng Khouang – Vientiane After browsing at the morning market fly from the ancient capital of Muang Khoune to Vientiane to stay overnight at the Settha Palace Hotel. (HB) Day 15: Departure Enjoy a final day of sightseeing, to include the humble Buddhas of Wat Si Saket and the venerated That Luang before flying to Bangkok to connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning.
Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Bangkok. Day 2: Bangkok Stay for three nights at The Millennium Hilton Bangkok Hotel. (BB) Cost from £3,375 per person, based on two sharing Day 3: Bangkok Visit Wat Pho temple & Bangkok’s Grand Palace before enjoying a riverside lunch and a special viewing at the Prasat Museum. (HB) Day 4: Bangkok Journey upriver to explore the ruined former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, stopping en-route at the unforgettable summer palace of Bang Pa In. (HB) Day 5: Bangkok – Chiang Rai Fly to Chiang Rai stay for three nights at the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa. (BB) Day 6: Chiang Rai Enjoy an elephant mahout lesson, before taking an elephant trek through the forest. (HB) Day 7: Chiang Rai Travel to Mae Sai, the main border town for Myanmar, and take a cyclo ride around the town of Tachilek to explore the market on the Burmese side. After lunch visit the Doi Tung Temple. (BB) Day 8: Chiang Rai – Pakbeng Travel to Chiang Khong for the border crossing into Laos, and board a boat for a Mekong journey through the jungles of northern Laos. Arrive in Pakbeng and stay overnight at Luang Say Lodge. (HB) Day 9: Pakbeng – Kamu Lodge Continue onwards by boat to stay overnight at Kamu Lodge. The afternoon is free to enjoy a range of activities. (FB) Day 10: Kamu Lodge – Luang Prabang Visit the Pak Ou Caves before continuing onwards up the Mekong to majestic Luang Prabang. Stay for two nights at the 3 Nagas Hotel. (HB) Day 11: Luang Prabang Watch the monks receive alms before exploring this beautiful town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visiting the Khuang Xi Waterfall. (HB) Day 12: Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang Pass through breath-taking mountainous scenery to visit Hmong villages and the Tham Pha Cave. Stay for two nights in Xieng Khouang at the Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel. (HB) Day 13: Xieng Khouang Explore the mysterious Plain of Jars with visits to Phou Sa La Touon and Hai Hin Lad Kai, where the jars sit on top of a hill surrounded by rice paddies.
86 Cleveland Collection Asia – Indochina Combinations
Hanoi MYANMAR (BURMA) Pak Ou
✈
✈
✈
••Luang Prabang Vientiane
•••
Hue Danang Hoi An LAOS
THAILAND
Siem Reap
✈
CAMBODIA
Mekong Delta
✈
•
VIETNAM
•HMinh o ChiCity
INDOCHINA EXPLORER
A trip into the very heart of Indochina – from the centuries-old charms of Luang Prabang & Hanoi to the scenery and attractions of Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City and the magnificence of Siem Reap – this extensive itinerary offers a real window into the multiple charms of Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Bangkok. Day 2: Luang Prabang Fly to Luang Prabang and stay for two nights at the 3 Nagas Hotel. Climb the 328 stairs at Mount Phousi for the most spectacular views over the town. (BB) Day 3: Luang Prabang Travel by the elegant Nava Mekong boat up to the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of golden Buddhas are crammed into limestone grottos. Spend time wandering the streets of Luang Prabang before shopping at the night market. (HB) Day 4: Luang Prabang – Vientiane Visit Ban Xang Khok before flying to Vientiane to stay overnight at the Settha Palace Hotel. Enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in the charming capital city. (HB) Day 5: Vientiane – Hanoi View Buddha Park before flying to Hanoi and staying for two nights at the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel. (BB) Day 6: Hanoi A full day guided tour of the capital explores its main sites as well as some hidden gems – from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the Old Quarter. (BB) Day 7: Hanoi – Hoi An Fly to Danang and enjoy a walking tour of ancient Hoi An before staying overnight at the Life Heritage Resort. (BB) Day 8: Hoi An – Hue Morning is free to wander the charming streets of Hoi An before travelling through the Marble Mountains to Hue. Stay for two nights at La Residence Hotel & Spa. (BB) Day 9: Hue Take a cyclo tour of the city and explore the Imperial Citadel. Drive through the countryside to visit the elaborate mausoleums of former Emperors Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. (BB) Day 10: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing before staying for two nights at the Caravelle Hotel. (BB) Day 11: Mekong Delta Enjoy a day in the Mekong Delta, where hundreds of narrow waterways and islands create a network of paths that can only be explored by boat. (HB) Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap Fly to Siem Reap and stay for three nights at the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa. (BB)
Day 13: Siem Reap A morning tour of the temples of Angkor Wat starts at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, before a tuk-tuk tour of the Small Circuit temples, including Ta Prohm, follows. (BB) Day 14: Siem Reap Travel to Banteay Srei, a petite pink sandstone temple, before continuing on to Kbal Spean. End the day at Angkor Wat watching the sun set over the five towers. (BB) Day 15: Departure Enjoy a boat trip amongst the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake before flying to Bangkok to connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £2,850 per person, based on two sharing
Indochina Combinations – Cleveland Collection Asia 87
88 Cleveland Collection Asia – Philippines
Philippines
PHOTOGRAPH: BRUNO MORANDI/SIME / 4CORNERS
A nation of over seven thousand islands has more than enough to offer any visitor. Apart from magical mountains and rice terraces designated one of the natural wonders of the world, there are some of the best beaches on earth. Add to that magnificent scuba diving, swimming with whale sharks and mixing with the friendliest locals on the planet – for an almost ideal holiday.
Philippines – Cleveland Collection Asia 89
90 Cleveland Collection Asia – Philippines Philippines – Introduction Most people visit the Philippines for its islands and beaches, each almost more beautiful than the last – and there are 7,000 of them to visit. It is the world’s second largest archipelago showcasing soft white sands, warm pale turquoise sea and some of the best scuba diving on the planet, whether reef or wreck diving. The snorkelling is second to none too while it is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks – you will find them at Donsol. Or head for the tiny Malapascua Island which is as near as it gets to an updated Robinson Crusoe experience.
Nature Should you decide to tear yourself away from the beaches the misty mountains of North Luzon are worth time on their own. Here you will find the famed rice terraces of Ifuago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which were carved out of the mountains some 2,000 years ago and are reckoned to be one of the great natural wonders of the world. Ideal terrain for trekking and exploring. Head also for Bicol with its 22 volcanoes and Legazpi, home to what is deemed the world’s most perfect volcano – Mount Mayon.
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Manila Currency: Philippine Peso Airlines: Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways Point of Entry: Manila Flying time: 14 hrs 25 mins Time zone: GMT +7 hours Combine with: Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand Visa: Not required Best time to visit The best period is January to March, and avoid the wet season which runs from June to September.
Philippines – Cleveland Collection Asia 91
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Explore the cobbled lanes of Manila – Relax on the beaches of Cebu – Swim with whale sharks – Enjoy world-class diving – Travel to the tropical island of Boracay – Visit the rice terraces of Banaue SOUTH CHINA SEA
LUZON
•Banaue THE PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINE SEA Manila
MARINDUQUE
BICOL
•Legazpi •Donsol SAMAR ISLAND
BORACAY ISLAND
MALAPASCUA ISLAND
PAMALICAN ISLAND CEBU ISLAND PALAWAN SULU SEA
MALAYSIA 100 ml 200 km
92 Cleveland Collection Asia – Philippines
Our hotels in the Philippines Palawan
Boracay
ARIARA PRIVATE ISLAND
DISCOVERY SHORES
A true dream-come-true experience when you book your own private island washed by the South China Sea. This tropical paradise is one of the 7000 islands which make up the Philippines – and it is completely unspoilt with 600 metres of white sand, 125 acres of private forest sanctuary and hundreds of unexplored coral reefs. There is spacious and luxurious accommodation for up to 18 guests, looked after by 30 of the owner’s personal staff. – Beach cottage or jungle villa accommodation – Wide choice of water sports – J etskis and private speedboat – Infinity pool
Located on what has often been described as the finest beach in the world – the four kilometres of white powdery sand of Boracay Island. A light, elegant & contemporary all- suite resort – each of which is spacious and has a private pocket garden or terrace. There is a huge choice of activities from rock climbing to paragliding or guests can simply choose to do nothing and relax in the sun and clear blue sea. – Comprehensive range of water sports – Beach butlers – Choice of restaurants and bars – Terra Wellness Spa
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Pamalican
Marinduque
AMANPULO
BELLAROCCA ISLAND RESORT AND SPA
A sybaritic dream, this boutique resort has everything the luxury traveller needs – space, privacy and exquisite service. There are just 40 casitas located either on the beach front or dotted throughout the hillside. Each is styled on the traditional Filipino ‘bahay kubo’ with thatched roofs and wooden floors – and each is a monument to understated luxury with king size beds, marble bathrooms, sundeck and private buggy so guests can explore the island. – Wide choice of water sports – Spa and swimming pool – Club House for relaxation and dining – Three boutiques and library
Another inspired island resort just a 30 minute flight away from Manila followed by a land and speedboat arrival, so guests really believe they are in their own private Eden – or you can simply helicopter into the resort itself. Overlooking the pristine sands, the white Santorini-inspired accommodation is in a selection of rooms, casas, suites & villas, all with private balconies or verandah, satellite TV, plasma screens, internet and Skype. – Vast array of water sports – 9-hole golf course and driving range – Wide choice of dining options – Spa and meditation sanctuary
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Hong Kong
PHOTOGRAPH: BWILFRED Y WONG / GETTY IMAGES
Meaning fragrant harbour in Cantonese, Hong Kong is an island that has attracted tourists, travellers, merchants, seamen, pirates and plunderers for centuries. Its iconic waterfront is as dazzling as that of Manhattan and yet its side streets and alleyways are where you can find traditional Chinese tea-houses and temples. Trams and ferries vie with limos to transfer people from place to place, while its restaurants veer from Michelin-starred to street stalls, all equally delicious.
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Hong Kong Currency: Hong Kong Dollar Airlines: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific Point of Entry: Hong Kong Flying time: 11 hours 30 mins Time zone: GMT +7 hrs Combine with: China, Thailand and Philippines Visa: Not required Best time to visit The best period is October to April, whilst late June to early September is very humid and is the typhoon season.
Hong Hong – Introduction Hong Kong is fast, fun and full of life, one of those cities that never goes to sleep. It has amazing architecture, great restaurants and bars, a host of five star hotels and wonderful shopping – although bargain hunters should head for the markets rather than the upscale shopping malls which dot the city centre. Both locals and visitors use the renowned Star Ferry to get across the famous harbour, Central to Kowloon, a great way too to admire the city’s skyscrapers. Another way to enjoy the way the city pans out is to take the tram to the top of the Peak, the island’s highest point and glory in the view.
The great thing about the place is that the transport is cheap and efficient, the locals friendly and it is totally safe. Places to visit include Victoria Harbour, Stanley Market and the Race Course, a huge social occasion with great racing. Those keen on walking should head for the National Geopark in the New Territories, whilst the outlying island of Lantua, the former Portuguese colony of Macau, and shopping mecca of Shenzhen all make for great day trips.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Take the tram up to the Peak – Barter in the Stanley Market – Ride the famous Star Ferry – Savour the night-time panoramas – Enjoy duty free shopping in Shenzhen in mainland China – Travel by helicopter to Macau
CHINA
HONG KONG KOWLOON ISLAND
• Chek Lap Kok
Kowloon Bay
HONG KONG ISLAND SOUTH CHINA SEA
5 ml 10 km
96 Cleveland Collection Asia – Hong Kong
Our hotels in Hong Kong
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
A hotel which is famed throughout the world for impeccable service and style, and is the flagship of the group. It occupies a superb location right in the heart of the Central area, within minutes of the Star Ferry terminal, and all around the hotel are some of the city’s top shopping malls, designer names and the major financial institutions. It is an ideal base for exploring the area, it is just a short ride over to Kowloon, and it has some of the best bars and meeting places on the island. – Swimming pool & fitness centre – Famous barber’s shop and hair salon – Spa – Two Michelin star French cuisine
THE PENINSULA
Since 1928 this has rightly been regarded as one of the finest hotels in the world – for comfort, service, style and amenities. It is grand yet not forbidding, welcoming and warm, while its lobby is almost a national institution and a must for locals and visitors alike for afternoon tea. Along with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars the hotel has its own Academy where guests can learn about Chinese brush work, how to make dim sum or have a consultation with a feng shui master. – Wide choice of rooms and suites – Afternoon tea – Spa – Fitness centre
THE LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL
A boutique hotel from the Mandarin stable. Breathtakingly chic with the hippest bar in town, MO, state-of-the-art gym and an amazing two storey spa with yoga pavilion, fully equipped Pilates studio and 12 treatment rooms. The guest rooms and suites are spacious, many with circular baths and rainforest showers, while the bathrobes are pure black silk. – Indoor heated pool – Yoga and wellness – Spa and fitness centre – Adjacent to designer shops
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THE LANGHAM
J PLUS BOUTIQUE HOTEL
UPPER HOUSE
– Five different restaurant choices – Fitness centre and treatment rooms on the top floor –S wimming pool with outdoor patio – The Langham Club
– Italian restaurant with Michelin star – Complimentary wine every evening – Special access to a private members club – Fitness room
– Contemporary Asian artworks – Secret garden – Sky lounge with spectacular views – State-of-the-art gym
Five star luxury in the buzziest shopping and entertainment district of Kowloon... and yet all is calm and tranquil once you check in. Each of its 495 rooms have every amenity a traveller could wish for including complimentary internet access, large flat screen TVs plus tea and coffee making facilities. It’s just a five minute walk to the Star Ferry and close to designer shops and Temple Street Night market.
As hip hotels go, they don’t come any hipper than this Philippe Starck-designed pleasure dome. Located on Causeway Bay, one of the liveliest areas of Hong Kong where local and international cultures meet and a great place to explore its shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Facilities include a rooftop terrace, and each studio & suite has its own kitchenette.
The epitome of urban chic, this boutique hotel was designed by one of the top designers in Asia – Andre Fu. Cool, spacious and supremely comfortable, the rooms & suites all offer great views, video on demand, maxi-bars & loaded iPods. A secret garden and secluded lawn on Level 6 provide a natural retreat in the middle of the city, where drinks and meals are served throughout the day.
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China
A place of superlatives – one of the largest countries in the world, the most populous, one of the most powerful, one of the most beautiful, yet one of the most unknown. A place of huge deserts, vast plains, magical forests and some of the highest mountains and longest rivers. A place where time has stood still in parts while in other areas things are changing daily, such as in the ever-exciting cities of Shanghai and Beijing.
PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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100 Cleveland Collection Asia – China China – Introduction It would take a lifetime to explore China, the fourth largest country on earth and the most populous. It is a country about which we seem to know a lot, both culturally and historically, and yet we know so little because of its vastness and the speed with which it is changing and embracing the twenty-first century. As well as its rivers and mountains, great plains and vast deserts it also has some of the most extraordinary artefacts on earth. Over the centuries it has held a fascination for explorers, traders and artists with its silks, spices, teas and porcelains being coveted by every nation. Cities and culture From the verve and vitality of Shanghai to the gentle gardens of Suzhou, (which Marco Polo described as one of the most beautiful cities in China), and from the temples of Kunming to the grandeur of Beijing, China has possibly the greatest variety of cities. Go south to Guangdong, one of the first to open to outside travellers and settlers, many of whom then crossed to Macau, China’s answer to Las Vegas, and you will soon realise that China has cities for all seasons and all reasons. And those cities hold some of the greatest cultural and architectural treasures in the world; from the Great Wall of China, a day trip from Beijing, itself home to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, to Xi’an, with its massive display of terracotta warriors, and Kunming, with its Forest of Steles, a vast exhibition of stone sculptures. In between times there are temples, monasteries and pagodas. Shanghai is an historical gem of old quarters – French & British – and Art Deco designs, with some of the most exciting modern architecture anywhere, as well as great retail opportunities in markets and malls.
Nature Again an explosion of choice from the huge mountains and plains of Tibet, to the glorious Yangtze and the gorges, towns, villages and spectacular scenery along its route, which includes the three gorges and the three lesser gorges. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is reputedly the deepest gorge in the world and is breathtaking, with a cruise along the river one of the highlights of any visit to China. Stop at Fengdu, the deserted City of Ghosts, or head for Shangri-La in Yunnan Province with its gentle scenery and more than 2,500 species of flora and fauna. You can visit the gardens and the silk museum of Suzhou and take a day trip to Lake Tai and its 90 islands, and before you leave try to spot pandas in the forests of Sichuan. From the warm waters of the South China Sea to the snow-capped Himalayas, China is a traveller’s joy.
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Beijing Currency: Yuan Renminbi Airlines: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Point of Entry: Shanghai and Beijing Flying time: 9 hrs 50 mins Time zone: GMT +7 hrs Combine with: Hong Kong Visa: Required – must be obtained in advance Best time to go China is a vast country with extremes of temperature but in general the best times are March to May and September to November.
China – Cleveland Collection Asia 101
RUSSIA
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Marvel at the Great Wall – Enjoy a Yangtze River cruise – Explore the Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square – Rub shoulders with the Terracotta Army in Xi’an – Stroll along Shanghai’s famous Bund – Extend to the lakeside city of Hangzhou
MONGOLIA
Beijing
Xi’an
• • •Shanghai
Suzhou
CHINA
Chengdu
•
Yangtze River
•
Lake Tai Yichang
Fengdu Chongqing
•
Hangzhou
•
•
Tiger Leaping Gorge Lijiang
• •Dali
•Kunming
Guilin
• Guangdong
MYANMAR
MACAU
VIETNAM
LAOS Sanya 200 ml 500 km
• •Longsheng HONG KONG
•
EAST CHINA SEA
102 Cleveland Collection Asia – China
Our hotels in China Beijing SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
A landmark building just 30 minutes from the international airport, this hotel is set in 3000 sqm metres of landscaped gardens. Accommodation is in a selection of suites and rooms with those in the new Garden Wing enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding greenery, and while it is but a short drive from the Summer Palace, the hotel has its own boat, the River Dragon, in which guests can cruise along to the Palace on the Kunyu River. – Indoor pool – Eight restaurants and bars – Award-winning CHI spa – Private river cruises
PARK HYATT BEIJING
RAFFLES BEIJING HOTEL
AMAN AT SUMMER PALACE
– Private sightseeing guides available – China Grill restaurant has 360 degree views – Tian Spa – Fitness centre and indoor lap pool
– Cultural tours available – Spa – Fitness centre and indoor pool – Games room and library
– Cigar room and wine tasting area – Cinema and library – Spa, squash courts, fitness and yoga room – Music pavilion for private dining
Located in the iconic Yintai Centre amongst some of the tallest buildings in the city, the Park Hyatt is the ideal base for a spot of sightseeing. It is directly opposite the China World Trade Centre, just a few blocks from Tiananmen Square, and adjacent to the great shopping and eating experiences of Park Life.
A heritage building in the centre of the business and commercial district, yet close to some of the great cultural attractions – the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the silk market. Built in 1900, Raffles has hosted guests in elegant exclusivity since that time with seamless service and delicious food.
A peaceful retreat just steps away from the East Gate of one of Beijing’s iconic sights. Guests are housed in a series of pavilions originally used by those waiting for an audience with the Empress, and now transformed into everything a contemporary luxury hotel can offer. A truly beautiful property in a serene setting.
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Shanghai PUDONG SHANGRI-LA
Ultra-modern five star luxury located in the space-age architecture of Shanghai’s business district, offering almost 1000 exceptional suites and rooms in two buildings – the Grand Tower and the River Wing, all with spectacular views of this extraordinary city. The most modern of properties in the most modern of cities.
THE PENINSULA SHANGHAI
Where historic grandeur and architecture meet the modern world – from Art Deco interiors to plasma screens and iPod docking stations. The hotel is located on the worldfamous Bund, overlooking Huangpu River and the glorious gardens of the former British Consulate, and it offers a superb world-class base from which to explore this vibrant city.
– Choice of nine restaurants and bars – Fitness centre and CHI Spa – Complimentary IDD calls – Complimentary WiFi and IT Butler and WiFi – Baby-sitting and childcare facilities – Rolls Royce airport transfers – Five restaurants and bars – Gym, pool & spa
PARK HYATT SHANGHAI
One of the highest hotels in the world, this sleekly-modern hotel occupies the 79th to the 93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Centre – it’s a home from home for financial highfliers, entrepreneurs and intrepid tourists, where every wish and whim is catered for by discreet staff and an army of butlers. This is truly living the high life. – Wide choice of restaurants and bars – The Music Room – the highest nightclub in the world – Health club and Tai-Chi courtyard – Award-winning Water’s Edge Spa
THE WATERHOUSE AT SOUTH BUND
Cutting-edge luxury is available at this newly-opened boutique hotel, located in a 1930’s warehouse in Shanghai’s old docklands – an area full of glamour and mystery. As modern as tomorrow the 19 suites and rooms are decorated with classic designer furniture and state-of-the-art amenities. – Exclusive accommodation – Riverside location – Choice of restaurant and 2 bars – Rooftop terrace renowned for its cocktails
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Our hotels in China Lijiang
Hangzhou
Sanya
BANYAN TREE LIJIANG
BANYAN TREE HANGZHOU
BANYAN TREE SANYA
Located in Yunnan Province in a town known as the Venice of the Orient due to its array of canals and glorious bridges. Lijiang is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is just an hour’s drive to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred sanctuary. Accommodation is in a selection of villas and suites, all beautifully decorated in a traditional and sympathetic style. – Tours available on foot, bicycle or horseback – Yoga and fitness centre – World renowned Banyan Tree Spa – Moonlight pagoda dining experience
Traditional Chinese architecture meets modern comfort in this ‘watervillage’ resort set in the lush grounds of the Xixi National Wetlands Park – China’s first wetlands reserve, and home to a wealth of flora and fauna. Accommodation is in a selection of villas and suites set on and around the waters. – Guided excursions available – Library – Gym, yoga & spa – Walking and biking
A luxury resort on what is termed the Oriental Hawaii, this hotel is cradled in the Bay of Sanya on one of the most tranquil beaches on the island of Hainan. Accommodation is in a selection of pool villas and suites, some with beach frontage, others overlooking the gardens, and the leisure facilities include a large landscaped swimming pool, tennis court and gym. – All villas have private pools – Banyan Tree Spa – Private beach – Kids activities
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Hidden away amid lush tropical greenery on the southern tip of Hainan Island, the Mandarin Oriental provides true privacy in total luxury. All rooms, suites and pavilions have glorious views of the South China Sea as well as of the landscaped gardens, and there is a full range of guest facilities on offer alongside the 1200 metre long beach. – Three swimming pools – Tennis courts – Spa and fitness centre – Children’s Club
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Our itineraries in China
MONGOLIA
Beijing
✈
CHINA Xi’an
• Shanghai
✈ Chengdu
TIBET Lhasa
From its great cities of Beijing and Shanghai to its ancient monuments, vast forests and mysterious mountains... China is still an enigma to most travellers. Our itineraries are built around you and your needs and wishes – you can walk part of the Great Wall, visit the Terracotta Warriors, absorb the mysteries of the Forbidden City or enjoy the beauty of a River Yangtse Cruise. Visit the ancient temples and monasteries of Tibet or enjoy the glamour of the modern architecture of Shanghai and Hong Kong.
•
•
•
✈
✈
GOLDEN TRIANGLE AND TIBET
For an exceptional combination of old and new, city and rural, this is the ideal tour. All of the major sights are included as well as the famous panda reserve at Chengdu and the extraordinary Tibetan capital of Lhasa. As an introduction to China, it is unrivalled.
nights at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel (HB) Day 12: Shanghai Enjoy a stunning view of Shanghai from the Jin Mao Tower, visit the museum with its huge collection of Chinese ancient treasures and wander along the historic and bustling riverside Bund. After dinner enjoy the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Show. (FB) Day 13: Departure Depart on daytime flight to the UK.
Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Beijing. Day 2: Beijing Stay for three nights at the Grand Hyatt Beijing. (BB) Cost from £3,485 per person, based on two sharing Day 3: Beijing A day to fully explore this extraordinary city – with a comprehensive tour to include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. (BB) Day 4: Beijing Make a visit in the morning to China’s most renowned monument – The Great Wall. After lunch, visit the Ming Tomb, an ancient burial ground of the Chinese emperors, for dinner enjoy a true Chinese feast with a traditional Beijing Duck Dinner. (FB) Day 5: Beijing – Xi’an Visit the Temple of Heaven and tour the oldest part of the city, the Hutongs, by old–fashioned pedicab to get a real insight into traditional Chinese lifestyle. Fly to Xi’an to stay for two nights at The Westin Xi’an. (BB) Day 6: Xi’an Travel to view one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world – the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, before visiting the Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening sample a dumpling feast accompanied by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Show. (FB) Day 7: Xi’an – Lhasa Visit the Ancient City Walls of Xi’an before flying to Lhasa to stay for three nights at the Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa. (BB) Day 8: Lhasa An unforgettable day begins with a tour to the monumental Potala Palace. Afterwards explore Norbulingkha, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. (HB) Day 9: Lhasa The day begins with a visit to Jokhang Temple, reputed as the first Buddhist temple in Tibet and as the most Sacred Temple of all. Enjoy Barkhor Street, Lhasa’s old market before continuing to the Drepung Monastery. (HB) Day 10: Lhasa – Chengdu Fly to Chengdu to enjoy a rare opportunity to visit the Giant Panda Breeding & Research Centre. This massive ecological and zoological park offers a wonderful chance to get close to China’s ‘National Treasure’. Stay overnight at the Shangri-La Hotel. (HB) Day 11: Chengdu – Shanghai Fly to Shanghai and explore the old Downtown area, with its maze of walkways, reflecting ponds, pavilions and stone bridges, on foot. Stay for two
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N. KOREA Beijing
✈
S. KOREA
• ✈
Xi’an
CHINA
• • Shanghai • Hangzhou
Suzhou
HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA
Travelling by air and by China’s super-efficient rail network, this superb itinerary combines the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, the history of Beijing and Xi’an and the lesser known gems of Suzhou and Hangzhou to create a wonderful tour. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Shanghai. Day 2: Shanghai Stay for three nights at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel. (BB) Day 3: Shanghai Enjoy a full day tour to include the Yu Gardens, a walk around the Old Town and a visit to the Shanghai Museum, with its 120,000 piece collection of Chinese ancient treasures. After dinner enjoy the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Show. (FB) Day 4: Shanghai – Suzhou Travel by train to Suzhou, the Venice of the East. Explore the Master of the Nets Garden and the Humble Administrator’s Garden before visiting the Grand Canal. Stay for two nights at the Pan Pacific Suzhou Hotel. (HB) Day 5: Suzhou Enjoy a tour of nearby Tongli, a peaceful ancient town, famous for its architecture, hidden gardens and 49 stone bridges. (HB) Day 6: Suzhou – Hangzhou Travel by train to Hangzhou and take a cruise on the picturesque West Lake. Continue on to view the Lingyin Temple and visit the Dragon Well Tea Plantation. Stay overnight at the Hyatt Regency Hangzhou. (HB) Day 7: Hangzhou – Xi’an Fly to Xi’an to visit the Ancient City Walls and the Great Mosque before staying for two nights at The Westin Xi’an. (BB) Day 8: Xi’an A full day excursion to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world – the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, followed by the Wild Goose Pagoda. Enjoy a dumpling feast followed by a wonderful traditional Tang Dynasty Show (FB) Day 9: Xi’an – Beijing Fly to Beijing to stay for three nights at the Grand Hyatt Beijing. Visit the Temple of Heaven, and tour by old–fashioned pedicab through the Hutongs, exploring the oldest part of the city for a real insight into traditional Chinese lifestyle. (HB) Day 10: Beijing A full day of sightseeing includes the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace & Tiananmen Square. (HB) Day 11: Beijing In the morning visit China’s most renowned monument – The Great Wall, and after lunch visit the Ming Tomb, an ancient burial ground of the Chinese emperors. Dinner is a traditional Beijing
Duck Dinner. (FB) Day 12: Departure Depart on daytime flight to the UK. Cost from £2,695 per person, based on two sharing
China – Cleveland Collection Asia 107 Beijing S. KOREA CHINA Shanghai
✈
✈
•
•LijiangKunming Guilin • ✈• ✈ •
Dali
•Longsheng
CHINA IN DEPTH
A comprehensive trip which encompasses some of China’s greatest historical and cultural sights alongside some of its most splendid natural wonders in the Yunnan province. This is a unique opportunity to compare and contrast the traditional villages & local ethnic people of rural China with the modern and dynamic cities of Beijing & Shanghai. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Beijing. Day 2: Beijing Stay for three nights at the Grand Hyatt Beijing. (BB) Day 3: Beijing Full day of sightseeing in this fascinating city – from the famous Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City to the Summer Palace and centuries-old Hutongs. (HB) Day 4: Beijing A visit is made to the magnificent and iconic Great Wall in the morning before the burial grounds of the Chinese emperors, the Ming Tomb, are visited after lunch. In the evening the Chinese delicacy of Beijing Duck Dinner will be sampled. (FB) Day 5: Beijing – Lijiang Explore the Temple of Heaven before flying to the ancient city of Lijiang. Stay for three nights at the Crowne Plaza Lijang Ancient Town. (HB) Day 6: Lijiang Take a cable car ride to Yak Meadow and view the glacier at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain before visiting the Black Dragon Pool and the 600-year old preserved murals at Baisha Fresco. Conclude the day by exploring the Old Town of Lijiang. (HB) Day 7: Lijiang Enjoy a scenic ride to the Tiger Leaping Gorge and travel along the Golden Sand River, the beginning of the mighty Yangtze where breath-taking views of dramatic scenery are de-rigueur. (HB) Day 8: Lijiang – Dali Travel to Dali, stopping en-route at the Xizhou Ethnic Minority Village to witness the traditional Bai-style architecture and art. Walk through Dali Old Town with it’s charming narrow lanes and stay overnight at the Regent Hotel (HB) Day 9: Dali – Kunming Delight in a boat cruise on the Erhai Lake before visiting the famous Three Pagodas of Dali. Fly to Kunming and stay for two nights at the Green Lake Hotel. (HB) Day 10: Kunming Enjoy an excursion to visit the Stone Forest National Geological Park before wandering Kunming’s flower and bird market. (HB) Day 11: Kunming – Guilin Fly to Guilin and stay for three nights at the ShangriLa Hotel. Travel to view the natural underground wonder which is the Reed Flute Cave, before marvelling at the iconic Fubo Hill. (HB)
Day 12: Guilin Board a river cruiser for a memorable trip through some of China’s best known natural scenery before having free time to explore Yangshuo. (HB) Day 13: Longsheng A scenic drive today to Longsheng, where the Zhuang and Yao ethnic people have lived for centuries, to experience the unique culture of local minorities and their villages where life has remained unchanged for thousands of years. (HB) Day 14: Guilin – Shanghai Fly to Shanghai, China’s largest and most dynamic city. Visit the Yu Garden and enjoy a guided walk around the fascinating Old Downtown area. Stay for two nights at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel. (HB) Day 15: Shanghai A full day of sightseeing in this vibrant and everchanging city – to include the serene riverside Bund, the impressive Jin Mao Tower, the excellent museum and the numerous markets. The day is completed by a famous Shanghai Acrobatic Show. (FB) Day 16: Departure Depart on daytime flight to the UK. Cost from £3,895 per person, based on two sharing
108 Cleveland Collection Asia – China Beijing
✈
S. KOREA
CHINA Xi’an
•
•Shanghai
✈
•Guilin
•
✈
✈
HONG KONG
CLASSIC CHINA AND HONG KONG
From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, and from the natural beauty of Guilin to the man-made magnificence of Shanghai and Hong Kong, this tour is a classic introduction to China, where the old sits comfortably alongside the new. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Beijing. Day 2: Beijing Stay for three nights at the Grand Hyatt Beijing. (BB) Day 3: Beijing A full day to explore the attractions of Beijing – the Summer Palace, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. (HB) Day 4: Beijing Travel out of the city to marvel at The Great Wall, China’s most impressive and famous attraction. Visit the Ming Tomb and in the evening savour a traditional Chinese delicacy – Beijing Duck. (FB) Day 5: Beijing – Xi’an Tour the oldest part of the city, the Hutongs, by pedicab and visit the Temple of Heaven before flying to Xi’an. Stay for two nights at The Westin Xi’an. (HB) Day 6: Xi’an Explore one of the world’s finest archaeological treasures – the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, before visiting the Wild Goose Pagoda. Dinner is a dumpling feast with accompanying Tang Dynasty Show. (FB) Day 7: Xi’an – Guilin Tour the Ancient City Walls of Xi’an before flying to Guilin, said to be ‘the best scenery under heaven’. Stay for two nights at the Shangri-La Hotel. (HB) Day 8: Guilin Enjoy a three hour cruise on the Li River before spending the afternoon exploring Yangshuo. (HB) Day 9: Guilin – Shanghai View the Reed Flute Cave, a natural underground wonder, and Fubo Hill before flying to Shanghai. Stay for two nights at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel. (HB) Day 10: Shanghai A full day offers the opportunity to view the Yu Gardens, to enjoy a walk around the Old Town and to visit the Shanghai Museum, with its vast collection of ancient treasures. A performance by Shanghai acrobatics completes the day. (FB) Day 11: Shanghai – Hong Kong Fly Hong Kong, with its amazing architecture and cosmopolitan culture, and stay for two nights at the Kowloon Shangri-La. (BB) Day 12: Hong Kong Enjoy a half day tour of Hong Kong including Victoria Peak, Stanley market, Repulse Bay and the fishing village at Aberdeen. (BB) Day 13: Departure Depart on overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £3,795 per person, based on two sharing
China – Cleveland Collection Asia 109
Beijing
✈
S. KOREA
Xi’an
•
✈
✈
•
CHINA
•
Shanghai
•
Yichang
Chongqing
SNAPSHOT OF CHINA
This tour is perfect for the first time visitor to China who wants a varied itinerary encompassing some of the country’s greatest sights. In addition to the jewels of Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai, the highlight of this itinerary has to be the three night cruise on the Yangtze River, where the magnificent limestone cliffs rise from the flooded valley floor. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Beijing. Day 2: Beijing Stay for three nights at the Shangri-La Hotel. (BB) Day 3: Beijing All of the city’s major attractions are included in a full day of sightseeing – Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. (HB) Day 4: Beijing Travel to the Badaling section of the Great Wall to experience one of the world’s greatest man-made structures before visiting the Ming Tomb. (FB) Day 5: Beijing – Xi’an Fly to Xi’an and stay for two nights at the Golden Flower Hotel. (BB). Day 6: Xi’an Enjoy a full day tour of Xi’an and its many attractions – the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Great Mosque, Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter. (HB) Day 7: Xi’an – Yangtze River Fly to Chongqing and board the Yangtze River cruise. (FB). Days 8&9: Yangtze River Enjoy two days sailing down the Yangtze River, marvelling at the stunning and dramatic scenery. (FB) Day 10: Yangtze River – Shanghai Disembark in Yichang and fly to Shanghai. Stay for two nights at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel. (BB) Day 11: Shanghai The final day includes a sightseeing tour of the Bund, Shanghai Museum, Old Town, Yu Gardens and Jade Buddha Temple. (HB) Day 12: Departure Depart on daytime flight to the UK. Cost from £2,875 per person, based on two sharing
PHOTOGRAPH: GAVIN HELLIER / AWL-IMAGES
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India
Huge and beautiful, noisy and enchanting, colourful, maddening, dusty and completely magical. India is everything people always say it is, and visitors either love it or hate it – from its vast, arid centre to the lushness of the backwaters, and the magnificence of the Himalayas to the glories of the Western Ghats. India offers palaces, temples, forts, enchanting towns and unforgettable cities alongside elephants, tigers and a myriad of festivals.
112 Cleveland Collection Asia – India India – Introduction India in many ways is unknowable which is why it attracts so many returning visitors. Just as you think you know one part of this great sub-continent, you visit another area and realise you know very little, which is why it is such a travellers treat. Rajasthan Most visitors begin their visit in the arid desert areas of Rajasthan which is awash with temples and forts as well as some of the most magnificent palaces. It is Moghul India at its most powerful, with that hymn to love, the Taj Mahal, the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri and the palaces kingdoms of Jaipur (pink), Jodhpur (blue), Udaipur (white) and Jaisalmer (gold). Each not only has its own distinctive colour but also a history and magic. The North and the foothills of the Himalayas Beautiful, breathtaking and unforgettable. From the foothills of the Himalayas with their villages, forests, trekking trails, rivers and waterfalls to the old colonial summer capital of Shimla – an Anglo-Indian gem where the Raj would go to escape the heat of the plains. Head also for Corbett National Park, India’s best known wildlife reserve where you can take a jeep or an elephant safari. Here you can see more than 600 species of bird as well as tigers, monkeys, elephants and crocodiles. And then there are the temples and ashrams – Dharamsala, the hill station which is the exiled home of the Dalai Lama and his followers, and the pilgrim towns of Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges and Amritsar, the seat of the Sikh religion with its Golden Temple. Go east for the tea plantations and clear air of Darjeeling.
Southern India This region sports beautiful golden beaches washed by the Andaman Sea. Head for Kerala and Kumarakom which has beaches, access to Lake Vembanad and more than 900 miles of inland waterways – the backwaters. Spend lazy days and glorious nights on a luxury rice barge as you float through villages, coconut groves and bird sanctuaries. Experience ayurveda in one of the myriad spas around, for this is the home of that ancient therapy, or head for the cities of the south – Kochi is spice central, Madurai with its ancient temple complex, Mysore a city of palaces and Chennai, formerly known as Madras, with its mix of east and western architecture – temples, churches and museums. Or head further south towards Pondicherry and wonder at the great temples of Tamil Nadu. Central India The place to look for tigers with the three most feted national parks and tiger reserves – Pench, Bandhavgarh and Panna. These great parks are also home to some of India’s indigenous tribes people as well as leopard and elephants. Along the way take in the temples of Khajurahao, all 22 of them and the pilgrim town of Maheshwari. Visit Bhopal, the city of lakes and its nearby Buddhist shrine at Sanchi, one of the most important in India. The Cities Indian cities are vibrant and full of treasures. The elegance of New Delhi, the verve and style of Mumbai or the near-forgotten glory of Calcutta, once the capital and still the cultural heart of the sub-continent.
i
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Delhi Currency: Indian Rupee Airlines: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Jet Airways Point of Entry: Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai Flying time: 8 hrs 10 mins Time zone: GMT +4½ hrs Combine with: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal Visa: Required – must be obtained in advance Best time to visit India is a huge country with differing climate conditions, although in general the best period is November to March, with the monsoon season June to September.
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Marvel at the Taj Mahal – Visit Jaipur’s Amber Fort & Palace of the Winds – Search for tigers in Ranthambore – Explore the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri – Cruise the backwaters of Kerala – Relax on the beaches of Goa Dharamsala
Amritsar
PAKISTAN
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Shimla
New Delhi
Himalayas Rishikesh Corbett National Park
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•Jaipur •Agra
•Jaisalmer Jodhpur • •
TIBET
• NEPAL
Ranthambore National Park Darjeeling Udaipur
•Sanchi Bandhavgarh National Park Bhopal • •Maheshwari
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Varanasi Panna National Park
•Khajurahao
Pench National Park Calcutta
INDIA
•Mumbai
Goa
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BAY OF BENGAL
Mysore ARABIAN SEA
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•Bangalore •Chennai
KERALA Kochi Lake Vembanad
•Pondicherry
• Madurai •Kumarakom •
SRI LANKA 300 ml 500 km
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Our hotels in India New Delhi THE OBEROI
Ideally located for the city centre, the business district and cultural attractions this was the first hotel in Delhi to offer 24 hour butler service – so seamless luxury service is one of its main attributes. Discreet and elegantly efficient with a wide choice of luxury rooms and suites, it is an ideal base from which to enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of Old Delhi. – Rooftop restaurant – Gymnasium – Indoor & outdoor swimming pools – Oberoi Spa
Mumbai TAJ PALACE HOTEL
Old style grand with contemporary comforts, the hotel has hosted presidents and royalty as well as captains of industry and Bollywood stars. Located near the embassy quarter, it is just a short drive from the city centre and is a superb modern base from which to explore. – Choice of six restaurants and bars – Jiva Spa – Yoga classes – Fitness centre and swimming pool
THE TAJ MAHAL PALACE
Possibly the most famous hotel in India, sited opposite the historic Gateway to India. An ideal stopover hotel or base for exploring the city of bazaars and Bollywood. Comprising of an old and new wing it offers a selection of rooms and suites in either the Heritage Wing or in the Tower, as well as a great choice of restaurants and bars, and a renowned shopping mall. – 11 restaurants and bars – Outdoor pool and garden – Fitness centre – Jiva Spa
VIVANTA BY TAJ PRESIDENT
South Mumbai’s premier hotel offers contemporary chic and comfort in a modern setting. Each room and suite is ergonomically-designed with designer chairs and special lighting, while there is a wide choice of restaurants serving everything from Italian & Thai to Indian dishes. – Outdoor swimming pool – Fitness centre –S ightseeing guides available – Jiva Spa
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Jaipur RAMBAGH PALACE
An architectural masterpiece set in vast landscaped gardens, this former Royal guest house is one of India’s most opulent. With just 79 exquisitely furnished rooms and suites, vast public areas including an elegant terrace and the famed Polo Bar, it has welcomed presidents and politicians, royalty and rock stars for decades. – 47 acres of landscaped gardens – Spa & yoga pavilion – Nightly musical performance – Outdoor swimming pool
AMANBAGH
Lying just 90 minutes from Jaipur, this is the sanctuary to retire to after the hustle and glamour of the pink city. The hotel is located in a walled compound once used by the Maharajah of Alwar to house his mobile hunting camps, and is now home to luxurious pool pavilions and haveli suites. – Library – Boutique – Spa – Swimming pool
THE OBEROI RAJVILAS
The first of the Oberoi vilas properties, it was built along the lines of a Rajput fort, using the same red sandstone that has given the city of Jaipur the title of the pink city. Set in exquisitely landscaped gardens with ponds, pools, fountains & carved elephants, it also has its own little temple and a haveli, (little manor house), which houses the spa. There are rooms, suites and huge luxurious Rajastani tents. – All rooms have four poster beds and marble sunken baths – Close to the city centre –O utdoor swimming pool – Fitness centre and spa
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Our hotels in India Jodhpur UMAID BHAWAN PALACE
The last palace to be built in India before independence, this magnificent structure is still home to the current Maharajah – so if you wish to live like royalty this is where to stay. Beautiful grounds, glorious rooms & suites and outdoor pavilions – all under the watchful eye of the Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s great architectural gems. – Hotel museum – Acres of grounds studded with peacocks – Glamorous circular zodiac pool – Spa and fitness
Udaipur THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS
Built as a traditional palace with all the magnificence that that brings, but adapted to cater for the modern day traveller. Guests arrive by boat across the lake to a fairyland of grand courtyards, elegant fountains, marble corridors and beautifully landscaped gardens. – Each room has private courtyard or pool – Butler service – Spa with its own swimming pool – WiFi throughout
TAJ LAKE PALACE HOTEL
One of the most iconic images of India is this shimmering white marble edifice floating on Lake Pichola. Built over 150 years ago as a pleasure palace, it is still that to this day with beautiful gardens, graceful courtyards, dazzling fountains, gentle pools and amazing views across the lake to the Aravalli Mountains. It is often considered one of the most romantic hotels in the world. – Swimming pool – Royal barge available for romantic dinners – Jiva Spa – Lake cruises
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Ranthambore
Agra THE OBEROI AMARVILAS
ITC MUGHAL
THE OBEROI VANYAVILAS
– Glorious fusion of Moghul and Moorish design – Stunning outdoor swimming pool & spa – Walking distance to the Taj Mahal – Private guided tours available
– Largest spa in India, Kaya Kalp – Mini-golf green – Swimming pool – Jogging and cycling trails
– Luxurious bathrooms in each tent – Private sundeck and garden – Large outdoor swimming pool – Daily game drives to spot tigers
The only hotel in town from which you can view the Taj Mahal – with each of the rooms enjoying a fantastic view of the monument. A spacious and elegant hotel with outstanding craftsmanship in marble and carvings throughout, all using traditional materials and styles. All of its rooms are beautifully furnished and finished with satellite TV, DVDs and CD players plus the aforementioned view.
Five star luxury just minutes from that great monument to love, the Taj Mahal. The hotel has adapted many of the tenets of Moghul architecture and design and it is the only hotel in India to win the prestigious Aga Khan award for excellence. Its beautiful 35 acres of gardens also follow Moghul concepts of water channel and fruit & flowerbearing trees.
The most luxurious of tented camps situated just outside Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve. Each of the air-conditioned tents has a private deck and garden while the hotel boasts its own watchtower over the reserve. Relax by the large swimming pool or in the spa on your return from an early morning game drive. The active can also visit the magnificent fort overlooking the reserve.
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Our hotels in India Kerala
Himayalas
NEELESHWAR HERMITAGE
LEELA KOVALAM
WILDFLOWER HALL
– Infinity pool – Spa and wellness programmes – Cookery holidays – Cultural programme
– Selection of suites, pavilions and rooms – Divya Spa and yoga pavilion – Tennis, beach volleyball and badminton – Excursions and picnics offered
– 24 hour butler service –S pa and indoor swimming pool – Trekking & mountain biking – River rafting
A hidden sanctuary overlooking miles & miles of isolated beach in northern Kerala, this boutique hotel offers tranquillity, charm and friendliness. It consists of just 18 detached cottages based on the design of traditional fisherman’s huts with spacious public areas, open-sided pavilions, a boutique, an in-house tailor and a yoga pavilion.
Overlooking the true blue waters of the Arabian Sea and fringed with pale gold sand, The Leela Kovalam is a resort for all. Families will love the beach and garden pavilions whilst couples and singles will want to stay at the Club – a cool, slickly-designed modern area. But all will want to enjoy the beach, the space, the restaurants and the Divya Ayurvedic Spa.
High above Shimla, at over 8000 feet above sea level, this former residence of Lord Kitchener has been rebuilt to incorporate modern luxury while retaining all the grandeur of the colonial era. Located in one of the most beautiful places on earth, in the foothills of the Himalayas, the place has breathtaking scenery all around.
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Our itineraries in India
PAKISTAN
New Delhi
Bikaner Jodhpur
•
• • Jaipur • Agra NEPAL Fatehpur Sikri •Ranthambore
• Udaipur
National Park
INDIA
• India is such a vast and varied country that it is impossible to see it all at any one time. However, we have devised a number of itineraries (and these are just a selection) to make travelling in India easy and comfortable. Whatever your interests – wildlife, desert, archaeology, gardens, cities,temples, palaces, mountains or coastline – India can offer and Cleveland Collection has the experts to advise. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the backwaters of Kerala, the desert and magnificent cities of Rajasthan we have an itinerary which is just right for you. Take a luxury train ride or enjoy a different experience on an elephant or tuk tuk, it is all possible in the vast sub-continent.
• Ajanta Mumbai
THE MAHARAJA JOURNEY
This is a truly spectacular train journey, rivaling the world’s finest, through Western India. Discover vibrant Mumbai, shimmering Udaipur, beautiful Jaipur, spot tigers in Ranthambore and view the majestic Taj Mahal, all from the comfort of a luxury cabin.
Palace or a camel breeding farm. In the afternoon visit the unassailable fortress of Junagarh and participate in a camel-cart procession followed by cocktails, barbeque and a folk performance. (FB) Day 8: Bikaner – Jaipur The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is the next stop, where an exhibition elephant polo match is the undoubted highlight. Also visit the ancient palace of Amber Fort. (FB) Day 9: Jaipur – Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri Embark on an exciting game drive into the Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most renowned National Parks, and famous for its tigers. Continue the journey to see the fascinating royal court complex of Fatehpur Sikri. (FB) Day 10: Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – New Delhi Make an early morning visit to the exquisite Taj Mahal and continue to New Delhi to stay overnight at the Oberoi New Delhi. (BB) Day 11: Departure Depart on daytime flight to the UK.
Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Mumbai. Day 2: Mumbai Stay overnight at The Taj President. (BB) Day 3: Mumbai – Ajanta Step on board one of the world’s most opulent trains, the Maharaja Express, for the seven night journey to New Delhi. The modern en-suite cabins have amenities such as LCD televisions, DVD player and direct dial telephone whilst each carriage is manned by a butler on 24 hour call. (FB) Day 4: Ajanta Visit the world heritage site of Ajanta – marvel at the exquisite frescos and sculptures of the rock cut caves Cost from £5,655 per person, based on two sharing which date back to the 2nd Century BC. (FB) Day 5: Ajanta – Udaipur Explore Udaipur’s City Palace and Crystal Gallery and take an optional walking tour through the colourful and vibrant old market or visit the vintage car collection of the Royal family (FB) Day 6: Udaipur – Jodhpur Travel onwards through the countryside to Jodhpur where there is time for a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower market and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. (FB) Day 7: Jodhpur – Bikaner Continue to the desert city of Bikaner where there is the opportunity to visit Deshnok Temple, Lalgarh
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New Delhi
TIBET
Agra NEPAL • Jaipur • •Fatehpur Sikri • Gwailor Ranthambore • Lucknow • Udaipur National Park • Khajuraho • Varanasi INDIA
• Orchha
THE INDIAN RAIL ADVENTURE
Explore the wonders and hidden treasures of India on a journey to remember on one of the most luxurious trains in the world. The extensive itinerary includes the Royal city of Gwalior, the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, the magnificent Taj Mahal, the wonders of Jaipur & Lucknow and the tigers of Ranthambore. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to New Delhi. Day 2: New Delhi Stay overnight at the Oberoi New Delhi. (BB) Day 3: New Delhi – Jaipur Board the opulent Maharaja Express train for the luxury seven night round trip journey. In addition to the modern, air-conditioned and en-suite cabins, butler service is offered and all sightseeing excursions, meals and drinks are included. (FB) Day 4: Jaipur Visit the Amber Fort; enjoy an enthralling exhibition Elephant Polo match followed by dinner at an exclusive venue. (FB) Day 5: Jaipur – Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri Embark on an exciting game drive into the Ranthambore National Park in search of tigers before travelling onward to explore the fascinating royal court complex of Fatehpur Sikri. (FB) Day 6: Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Gwalior Enjoy an early morning visit to the exquisite Taj Mahal and continue on to the Usha Kiran Palace in Gwalior. Visit the magnificent Gwalior Fort and opulent Jai Vilas, taking high tea in the palace. (FB) Day 7: Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho Visit Jahangir Mahal in Orchha and continue to the World Heritage temples of Khajuraho. (FB) Day 8: Khajuraho – Varanasi Tour the holy city of Varanasi, one of the highlights of any visit to India. The visit takes in the ancient ruins of Sarnath, the Varanasi silk weaving centre and a scenic cruise on the sacred Ganges to witness the religious rituals being performed on the ghats. (FB) Day 9: Varanasi – Lucknow Tour the Rumi Darwaza and the spectacular Bada Imambara before exploring the bustling markets of this royal city and enjoying an exclusive dinner from the royal kitchen. (FB) Day 10: Lucknow – New Delhi Continue to New Delhi to stay overnight at the Oberoi New Delhi. (BB) Day 11: Departure Depart on daytime flight to the UK. Cost from £5,185 per person, based on two sharing
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INDIA
MAP Jaipur
•
New Delhi
• Agra
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
This is the perfect itinerary for the first time visitor to India – the glorious Golden Triangle showcases the highlights of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and is the ideal introduction to this amazing destination. Day 1: UK departure Depart on your overnight flight to New Delhi. Day 2: New Delhi Stay for two nights at the Taj Palace Hotel. (BB) Day 3: New Delhi Visit to the Sikh temple before enjoying sightseeing in both New Delhi and Old Delhi. (BB) Day 4: New Delhi – Agra Travel to Agra and enjoy an afternoon visit to Agra Fort, a brick-red stone monument overlooking the Taj Mahal. Stay for two nights at the ITC Mughal. (BB) Day 5: Agra A very early start to catch the magic of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, as it changes hues from palest pink to light gold to bright white. Explore the town or indulge in some treatments at the hotel’s magnificent awardwinning spa. (BB) Day 6: Agra – Jaipur Continue onward to Jaipur, stopping en-route to visit Fatehpur Sikri – the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Stay for two nights at the ITC Rajputana. (BB) Day 7: Jaipur Visit Amber Fort where an elephant and his mahout wait to take guests to the very gates of the fort, while at the same time offering amazing views of the surrounding area. The afternoon is dedicated to city sightseeing – the markets, palaces & museums. (BB) Day 8: Departure Return to New Delhi and depart on overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £1,380 per person, based on two sharing
EXTENSIONS Stay longer with our optional journeys to enjoy other aspects of India whether to Goa and the beach, Ranthambore for tigers, the magic of the Udaipur the Lake City or the excitement of Kathmandu in the shadow of the world’s highest mountains. GOA EXTENSION Renowned for its golden coastline of sixty six miles of sandy beaches lapped by the Arabian Sea, Goa is the ideal place to relax but it also has much more to offer with its Portuguese history and architecture, it’s delicious sea food and great markets. Day 8: Jaipur – Goa Fly to Goa to stay for four nights at The Leela Goa. (BB) Days 9 – 11: Goa The days are free to experience a multitude of excursions or to simply relax and enjoy the stunning beaches. (BB) Day 12: Departure Fly to Mumbai and connect with daytime flight to the UK. Cost from £670 per person, based on two sharing RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK EXTENSION Famous as a former hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore is one of India’s largest national parks and is home to a variety of wildlife including monkeys, jackals, deer, flying foxes and of course the magnificent tiger. Day 8: Jaipur – Ranthambore Travel from Jaipur to the beautiful National Park of Ranthambore to visit its magical fort and marvel at the birds, flora, fauna and wildlife. Stay two nights at the Vivanta by Taj – Sawai Madhopur Lodge. (HB) Day 9: Ranthambore An early morning and late afternoon game drives are offered in search of the tigers. (FB) Day 10: Ranthambore – New Delhi Enjoy an early morning game drive before travelling by train to New Delhi to stay overnight at the Taj Palace Hotel. (BB) Day 11 : Departure Depart on daytime flight to the UK. Cost from £460 per person, based on two sharing UDAIPUR EXTENSION Udaipur, the city of lakes, is a combination of water and lush hills – it has five beautiful lakes, stunning royal palaces, forts, gardens and temples. Day 8: Jaipur – Udaipur Fly to Udaipur to stay for two nights at the Taj Palace Hotel. (BB)
Day 9: Udaipur Wander through the city on foot or opt to travel around the narrow roads in a traditional tuk-tuk, viewing the many jewels which the city has to offer. (BB). Day 10: Departure Fly to New Delhi and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £550 per person, based on two sharing KATHMANDU EXTENSION The mountain kingdom of Nepal is exotic and exciting, surrounded as it is by the Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range. The capital Kathmandu is home to palaces, temples, fortresses and markets. Day 8: Jaipur – New Delhi Fly to New Delhi and stay overnight at the Taj Palace Hotel. (BB) Days 9 – 12: New Delhi – Kathmandu Fly to Kathmandu and stay for four nights at the beautiful Dwarika’s Hotel. There are a wealth of excursions available, from taking a scenic flight over Mount Everest to visiting the ancient royal city of Bhaktapur. (BB) Day 13: Departure Fly to New Delhi and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £930 per person, based on two sharing
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Jodhpur Deogarh Udaipur
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•
Agra
Mysore
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✈
•
•
Jaipur
✈
•
Kochi
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•
INDIA
✈
Bangalore
New Delhi
Madurai
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Chennai
• Pondicherry
•
INDIA SRI LANKA
ULTIMATE RAJASTHAN
This itinerary encapsulates the colour and vibrancy of wonderful Rajasthan by combining the classic Golden Triangle of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with the popular additions of Jodhpur, Udaipur and the charming town of Deogarh. Perfect for those dipping their toes into India. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to New Delhi. Day 2: New Delhi Stay for two nights at the Oberoi New Delhi. (BB) Day 3: New Delhi Enjoy a discovery tour of New Delhi, taking in both the walled city of Old Delhi and New Delhi, home to some of the most magnificent historical structures in India. (BB) Day 4: New Delhi – Agra Board the Express train to Agra to stay overnight at the ITC Mughal. Visit the impressive Agra Fort before ending the day at sunset at the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s great monuments to love. (BB) Day 5: Agra – Jaipur Catch the magic of the Taj Mahal at sunrise before driving to Jaipur, stopping en-route to see the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Stay overnight at ITC Rajputana. (BB) Day 6: Jaipur – Jodhpur Enjoy an elephant ride up to the ramparts of the Amber Fort before exploring the city and then flying to Jodhpur. Stay for two nights at Vivanta by Taj – Hari Mahal Jodhpur. (BB) Day 7: Jodhpur The blue city offers magnificent sights, with the ancient stronghold of Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant
Thada, Mandore Gardens, Old Fort Museum and Balsamand Lake all on the itinerary today. (BB) Day 8: Jodhpur – Deogarh Travel to Deogarh to stay overnight and enjoy the hospitality of the Royal family at the charming Deogarh Palace. A visit to the village offers an intimate insight into village life. (BB) Day 9: Deogarh – Udaipur Travel to Udaipur, the city of lakes, palaces, museums, temples and gardens, and spend the time sightseeing. Stay for two nights at The Leela Palace Udaipur. (BB) Day 10: Udaipur Leisure time in Udaipur. Day 11 : Departure Fly to New Delhi and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £2,085 per person, based on two sharing
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SOUTH
An itinerary which offers a taste and flavour of what the captivating Southern part of the country has to offer – colonial architecture, Hindu temples, European influences and Indian traditions. Day 1: UK departure Daytime flight to Chennai. Stay for two nights at the Vivanta by Taj – Connemara. (BB) Day 2: Chennai Enjoy a walking tour through Mylapore to discover the charms of the city before visiting Fort St George. (BB) Day 3: Chennai – Pondicherry Visit Koyambedu, one of Asia’s biggest markets, before continuing to Pondicherry to stay for two nights at Maison Perumal. (BB) Day 4: Pondicherry Discover this enchanting French colonial town on a walking tour before attending morning prayers and blessings at the temple. Visit the streets of the Tamil Quarter of the town with its beautiful Neo-Gothic Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. (BB) Day 5: Pondicherry – Madurai Travel through quiet villages to one of India’s oldest cities, Madurai. Enjoy a guided tour of the city and stay overnight at Heritage Madurai. (BB) Day 6: Madurai – Bangalore Fly to Bangalore and stay for two nights at the Taj West End. (BB) Day 7: Bangalore After a walk in the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, enjoy the best South Indian breakfast in town at the Mavalli Tiffin Rooms before visiting the 16th Century Basavanagudi Temple. (BB) Day 8: Bangalore – Mysore A short train ride to Mysore for a city tour and to stay for two nights at the Royal Orchid Metropole. (BB) Day 9: Mysore Enjoy a full day excursion to the temples and monuments of Somnathpur and Srirangapatna.(BB) Day 10: Mysore – Kochi Travel to Bangalore and fly to Kochi to stay for two nights at Malabar House. (BB) Day 11: Kochi Spend the full day exploring the city’s highlights – from the Mattancherry Palace and the famous Jew Street to the beautiful Kochi Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets and the Church of St. Francis. (BB) Day 12: Departure Fly to Mumbai and connect with daytime flight to the UK. Cost from £3,165 per person, based on two sharing
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Kochi
•
INDIA
• Alleppey • Varkala •
•
Trivandrum Kovalam
CAPTIVATING KERALA
With its mile upon mile of golden beaches, Kerala has long been a popular destination. This journey through Kerala encompasses the famous spice trading city of Kochi (Cochin), cruises the backwaters in a rice boat and spends time enjoying the magnificent beaches. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Colombo. Day 2: Kochi Fly onward to Kochi to stay for two nights at Malabar House. Enjoy a traditional evening Kathakali dances – the most colourful and elaborate of south Indian dances. (BB) Day 3: Kochi A full day tour of Kochi – first to Mattancherry to the oldest Jewish Synagogue in India, then to the Church of St. Francis and finally to view the renowned Chinese fishing nets which line the entrance to the harbour mouth. (BB) Day 4: Kochi – Alleppey Travel to the Alleppey jetty to board a traditional houseboat from which to cruise through the backwaters of Kerala, visiting tucked away islets and villages to see at close quarters how people live. (FB) Days 5&6: Alleppey Disembark to stay for two nights on the beach at the Raheem Residency, a colonial property which has been beautifully restored in a classic style. (BB) Days 7&8: Alleppey – Varkala Continue to Varkala, an excellent place to relax and unwind with magnificent beaches backed by high reddish cliffs. Stay for two nights at the Gateway Hotel. (BB)
Days 8-10: Varkala – Kovalam Travel to Kovalam Beach, a natural bay sheltered from high waves and currents, to stay for three nights at The Leela Kovalam. (BB) Day 11: Departure Fly from Trivandrum to Colombo and connect with overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £1,850 per person, based on two sharing
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Shakti itineraries
•Stok •• Leh•
Nimmo Shey
TIBET
✈
✈
PAKISTAN
New Delhi INDIA
A unique way to experience India, for those who have visited before or who want to venture out on a very different experience. Village walks are at the heart of any Shakti experience, enabling you to enjoy the villages and rural life in remote mountain regions. Accompanied by local porters and guides, you step out of the modern world, walking between villages that are remote, and staying in traditional village houses, which have been spruced up to provide proper comfort without compromising their authenticity.
THE BEST OF SHAKTI LADAKH
Often referred to as Little Tibet, this Himalayan kingdom is home to one of the most intact Tantric Buddhist societies on earth, and this trip offers a wonderful insight into this remote region. With a high altitude desert dominated by rugged snowcapped mountains and deep turquoise lakes it is one of the most beautiful and isolated places on the planet.
Day 9: Stok Enjoy an exploratory walk in the village of Stok, taking in the Palace and the museum. In the afternoon visit the Leh Palace and take a walk to the Shanti Stupa, inspired by Tibet’s Potola Palace. (FB) Day 10: Stok – New Delhi Fly from Leh to New Delhi and stay overnight at The Leela Palace New Delhi. (BB) Day 11: Departure Depart on daytime flight to the UK.
Day 1 : UK departure Cost from £3,940 per person, based on two sharing Overnight flight to New Delhi. Day 2: New Delhi This itinerary is only available from the Stay overnight at The Leela Palace New Delhi. (BB) beginning of May to the end of September Day 3: New Delhi – Shey Fly to Leh and travel to Shey to stay for three nights at Shakti Village House. The house is over 100 years old and from its roof terrace enjoys views of the nearby Shey Palace & Thiksey Monastery. Spend a relaxing day fully acclimatizing. (FB) Day 4: Shey Enjoy a gentle walk to the village of Shey – which will offer a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle of Ladakh and the routine of its inhabitants. (FB) Day 5: Shey An early start for the walk to the Thiksey Monastery for the morning Buddhist prayers. Continue onward to visit the Hemis Monastery, home to the red hat sect of Buddhism and the largest monastery in Ladakh. (FB) Day 6: Shey – Nimoo Walk or travel by raft to Nimoo, stopping e-route at the Phyang Monastery. Stay for two nights at Nimoo Village House. (FB) Day 7: Nimoo Walk to the Alchi Monastery, the only one built on flat land in Ladakh, and continue onward to explore the Likir Monastery. (FB) Day 8: Nimoo – Stok Walk via either the Zanskar Canyon or Pangong Lake to Stok and stay for two nights at the Stok Village House. (FB)
India – Cleveland Collection Asia 125
INDIA TIBET
PAKISTAN
New Delhi
• Leti • Kathgodam
NEPAL
THE MOUNTAIN ODYSSEY
A wonderful opportunity for the traveller who wants an off-the-beaten-track experience. On offer is some of the most stunning mountain scenery anywhere, from the perennially snow capped peaks of the Great Himalaya range in the north to the pretty hill stations in the foothills – this is an unspoilt and almost unknown part of India. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to New Delhi. Day 2: New Delhi Stay overnight at The Leela Palace New Delhi. (BB) Day 3: New Delhi – Kathgodam Enjoy a full day of sightseeing before travelling on the overnight Ranikhet Express to Kathgodam. (BB) Day 4: Kathgodam – Deora Disembark and transfer to the Almora region where the village walks begin. Walk through villages, terraced fields and forests before stopping for lunch served in the grounds of a temple. Continue down through valleys and fields to the village of Deora to stay overnight at Deora Village House. (FB) Day 5: Deora – Jwalabanj Visit the village school before heading into the pine forests and onto the Shivalaya Valley. Walk through the rhododendron forest to Jwalabanj to stay overnight at Jwalabanj Village House. (FB) Day 6: Jwalabanj – Leti Continue by vehicle to Leti to enjoy a walk along a dramatic & beautiful mountain trail to stay for the next three nights at Shakti 360° Leti. (FB) Days 7&8: Leti From this exclusive mountain experience – the first and only place of its kind in the Himalayas - take gentle walks out into the countryside, with picnic hampers and guides. (FB) Day 9: Leti – Kana Travel by vehicle to Kana to stay overnight at the Shakti Village House. Explore the local village or take a longer walk to the nearby villages. (FB) Day 10: Kana – New Delhi Travel to Kathgodam and board the overnight Ranikhet Express to New Delhi. Day 11: Departure Enjoy the use of a dayroom at The Leela Palace New Delhi before flying overnight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £3,425 per person, based on two sharing
126 Cleveland Collection Asia – Himalayan Kingdoms
Himalayan Kingdoms – Cleveland Collection Asia 127
Himalayan Kingdoms
The Thunder Dragon Kingdom of the Himalayas – Bhutan is hidden, mysterious, magical. As romantic as it is remote, it is home to majestic palaces and monasteries perched precariously on high peaks and a place where everyone wears national dress and strives to achieve Gross National Happiness. Charming & peaceful, it is unforgettable.
The gateway to Everest, the highest & most dramatic mountain in the world, Nepal is one of the most spectacular countries you can visit. Palaces, temples, monasteries and markets bedeck the capital Kathmandu while stupas, prayer flags, elephants and tigers are to be found in its varied landscape. Breathtaking and beautiful it draws people back time after time.
128 Cleveland Collection Asia – Himalayan Kingdoms Himalayan Kingdoms – Introduction
Nepal Gateway to the Himalayas and the highest point on earth. Snow-capped mountains, diamond sparkling streams, villages that haven’t changed for centuries, forests of rhododendrons, tranquil lakes, ancient monasteries, Bengal tigers, leopards, bears and smiling monks, and of course Mount Everest. Unforgettable, proud and enchanting it is home to the only living goddess on earth and to the Gurkhas.
Bhutan The kingdom of the thunder dragon, where everyone wears national dress and the King has decreed that Gross National Happiness is much more important than GDP. A land of temples and fortress monasteries which has only in recent years welcomed tourists, but is now home to some seriously luxurious lodges. Visitors come here to trek to isolated monasteries, far away forests and to experience a land that time has almost forgotten. Everything begins and ends in Kathmandu – rackety, noisy, full of life, a melange of monks, Everything starts in Paro which has the hippies, travellers, hikers and mountaineers. country’s only airport. Eons ago the Guru It is dotted with Hindu temples and Buddhist Rinpoche, the founder of Bhutanese stupas and is home to the Royal Palaces, Buddhism, flew in here on the back of a tigress. hidden gardens, tiny workshops filled with He made his home at Taktsang Lhakhang, a craftsmen and three magnificent Durbar precarious ledge high above the town where Squares which are designated UNESCO he meditated for three months. Now known as World Heritage sites. It’s where the trek to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery it is one of the more Everest begins. popular attractions in the area and a good strenuous hike. For a gentler experience visit Visit Bhaktapur, a city which hasn’t changed the National Museum or head for Thimpu, the in centuries – traffic-free with potters, capital. Along the way enjoy treks and walks for carvers, farmers and weavers all getting on all abilities, as well as breathtaking scenery and with their jobs. Head for Pokhara, a beautiful the clearest mountain air. lakeside town where the trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary begins, and afterwards take a safari at the Chitwan National Park to spot elephants, leopard, tigers and more than 400 species of bird.
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION BHUTAN Capital: Thimpu Currency: Ngultrum Airlines: Druk Air Point of Entry: Paro Flying time: 10 hrs 45 mins Time zone: GMT +5 hrs Combine with: India, Nepal Visa: Required – must be obtained in advance Best time to visit The best months are March & April and October & November, with the rainy season from May to September. NEPAL Capital: Kathmandu Currency: Nepalese Rupee Airlines: Jet Airways, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways Point of Entry: Kathmandu Flying time: 10 hrs 45 mins Time zone: GMT + 4¾hrs Combine with: India, Bhutan Visa: Required – can be obtained on arrival Best time to visit The best periods are March to May and September to November, with the rainy season from June to September.
Himalayan Kingdoms – Cleveland Collection Asia 129
WHAT TO SEE AND DO BHUTAN – Experience the world’s most dramatic airport approach – Visit the medieval capital of Thimpu – Climb up to Taktshang Goemba – Tiger’s Nest Monastery – Visit the Trongsa Dzong fortress – Travel to the precious Buddhist site at Bhumthang NEPAL – Explore the royal city of Bhaktapur – Take a flight over Mount Everest – Walk in the foothills on the Annapurna circuit – Search for tigers in Chitwan National Park – Trek to Everest base camp
CHINA
NEPAL Pokhara
• Kathmandu
•
Bhaktapur
Chitwan National Park
INDIA
• Mount Everest Paro
•
Thimpu
BHUTAN
BANGLADESH
BAY OF BENGAL 100 ml 200 km
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Our hotels in the Himalayan Kingdoms Bhutan AMANKORA
A series of five lodges spread across the central and western valleys of Bhutan – stay in one or stay in all five, either hiking between them or being driven, enjoying the glorious mountain scenery along the way. In Sanskrit ‘aman’ means peace, while ‘kora’ means circular pilgrimage in the local language. Each lodge is unique and complementary to its environment.
1
4
2
6
3
5
1. AMANKORA BUMTHANG 2. AMANKORA THIMPU 3. AMANKORA PARO 4. AMANKORA PUNAKHA 5. AMANKORA PUNAKHA 6. AMANKORA GANGTEY
AMANKORA PARO – a 24 suite forest retreat just 30 minutes from the international airport. All the suites are simple and spacious with king-size beds, a large terrazzo-clad bath and a traditional bukhari, (wood burning stove). The lodge also has a spa and a boutique selling local handicrafts. AMANKORA PUNAKHA – accessed by a suspension bridge, it has a traditional farmhouse at its centre which is now home to the resort’s restaurant, while upstairs is a lounge. The lodge also has a traditional altar room for meditation and prayer and an alfresco courtyard for outdoor dining. There are just eight suites and a spa with a steam room.
AMANKORA GANGTEY – lies in the wilderness of the Phobjikha Valley with glorious views across a dramatic gorge and to the 16th century masterpiece which is the Gangtey Goemba monastery. The area is an important wildlife reserve which is home to 300 endangered black-neck crane. There are just eight suites and a spa. AMANKORA BUMTHANG – next to the Wangdichholing Palace, the birthplace of Bhutan’s monarchy, and directly in the centre of the Bumthang Valley. The place itself is home to 29 temples and monasteries as well as a museum which the lodge can organise trips to. It has 16 suites and a spa with steam room. AMANKORA THIMPU – just 16 lodge suites close to all the attractions of the country’s capital, as well as having access to hikes and walks in the forest and mountains. There is a large library, a boutique specialising in Bhutanese textiles, and a spa.
Himalayan Kingdoms – Cleveland Collection Asia 131
Nepal UMA PARO
DWARIKA’S HOTEL
– Tours and excursions led by hotel guides – Walks, hikes & mountain bike excursions – Como Shambhala spa retreat – Yoga classes
– Swimming pool and fitness centre – Spa specialising in Himalayan therapies – Delightful grounds – Authentic Nepalese restaurant
Boutique luxury in the dramatic scenery of the Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan, Uma Paro is located just a short distance from the town of Paro and close to the international airport. In traditional Bhutanese style and colours, the hotel offers an incredible guest experience from its faraway location on top of a forested hill.
An artistic treasure trove – a whole building consisting of pillars, panels, screens, doors and windows which were pulled down from old houses and havelis and saved by the owner of this hotel to be given new life as Kathmandu’s most beautiful property. It is a constant reminder of craftsmanship and artwork right in the heart of the city.
HYATT REGENCY KATHMANDU
Just outside the city centre on 37 acres of grounds and gardens this property is close to the Boudhanath Stupa, a World Heritage Site and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside Tibet. With a full range of leisure facilities, the hotel can also organise guided tours of the city and surrounding area. – Four restaurants and bars – Two outdoor swimming pools – Tennis courts and fitness centre – Health and beauty spa
132 Cleveland Collection Asia – Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka – Cleveland Collection Asia 133
Sri Lanka
A teardrop-shaped island off the southeast coast of India. A seriously Buddhist country – with one of the most important shrines in the world, the Temple of the Tooth – Sri Lanka also has remnants of Dutch, Portuguese and British colonisation. From a high hinterland it offers caves, crags, waterfalls and forest while its coastline is studded with golden beaches.
134 Cleveland Collection Asia – Sri Lanka Sri Lanka – Introduction To some it’s the shape of a tear drop, to others a pearl, but however you see Sri Lanka you will experience it as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. At the south-east tip of India, this tiny island offers a wealth of natural and cultural experiences, with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, some of the best bird-watching in Asia, glorious beaches and the grandeur of British, Portuguese and Dutch colonisations.
Beaches The Indian Ocean washes the silvery sands of the south and west coast with a succession of beaches from Bentota to Tangalla. But if you don’t want to travel too far from the international airport Negombo, just seven miles away, has miles and miles of beach. Head east to Arugam Bay for surfing or keep to the gentle lagoon of Unawatuna for swimming and sunning.
Culture The place is awash with history with the The Natural World ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa From tea plantations on the gentle slopes of and Sigiriya being where the Sinahalese kings Nuwara Eliya to the denseness of the Sinharaja ruled from for over a thousand years. The rainforest, Sri Lanka is magical. From the rock fortress of Sigiriya with its relics of palaces former you will get spectacular views across and fortresses is worth the daunting climb for the plain down to the coast, uninterrupted by the views and its ancient frescoes while the buildings, pylons or any elements of the 21st Dambulla Cave Temple with its paintings and century, whilst from the rainforest you will take 153 statues of the Buddha is another World memories of a largely undisturbed ecosystem Heritage Site. The old capital of Kandy in with its vast trees and a myriad of medicinal the centre of the island has much to offer from plants. So important is this to the country’s beautiful surrounds – good gentle walks in well being that it was declared a UNESCO the hills around it, to a fantastic market, great site in 1989. Sinharaja is also the centre of the restaurants, (Sri Lankan cuisine is another country’s gem mines – particularly sapphires. reason to visit), and shopping. It also houses one Head for Yala, the largest of the country’s of the most important Buddhist shrines in the National Parks, to spot elephants and leopard world – The Temple of the Tooth. The fort of while a visit to the Pinnawela Elephant Galle, built by the Dutch in the 17th century is Orphanage is a must on anybody’s itinerary. a collection of tiny streets, grand houses, little Go to visit at feeding time or while the workshops and walls so strong they withstood pachyderms are playing and washing in the the tsunami. And then there is Colombo, nearby river. Adam’s Peak in the southern hill the capital, a buzzy city of galleries, studios, country draws pilgrims as well as visitors who churches and museums with great cafes, shops both like to climb up to it – best to get there by and restaurants. dawn for sensational views. Thought by some to be where Adam first set foot on earth, while the huge footprint is supposedly either that of the Buddha or of St Thomas the Apostle.
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Colombo Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee Airlines: Sri Lankan Airlines Point of Entry: Colombo Flying time: 10 hrs 45 mins Time zone: GMT +4½hrs Combine with: India, Maldives Visa: Required – can be obtained on arrival Best time to visit The best time to visit the west, south coast and hill country is December to March, with the east coast best from May to September. Monsoons bring rain to the south, west and central regions from May to August; and to the north and east from October to January.
Sri Lanka – Cleveland Collection Asia 135
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Explore the streets of Colombo – View Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth – Climb Sigiriya Rock – Go on safari in the Yala National Park – Visit a tea plantation – Relax on the beaches of Bentota
INDIA
•Anuradhapura Sigiriya
• •Polonnaruwa
SRI LANKA
•Kandy
•Negombo
Colombo Adams Peak
LACCADIVE SEA
Wadduwa
•
Bentota
•
••
•Arugam
•Bogawantalawa Yala National Park
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Galle Unawatuna 30 ml 60 km
•
•Nuwara Eliya
•Tangalle
136 Cleveland Collection Asia – Sri Lanka
Our hotels in Sri Lanka Colombo
Sigiriya
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
TINTAGEL COLOMBO
JETWING VIL UYANA
THE KANDY HOUSE
CEYLON TEA TRAILS
Located on Rosmead Place, this boutique property could not be more aptly placed in the city’s smartest neighbourhood. Once home to a former Prime Minister, the ten spacious suites provide peace and tranquillity after a day’s sightseeing or shopping. Each suite has either a private courtyard, balcony or lounge and is as spacious as it is comfortable. – I deal location for exploring – Alfresco dining – Swimming pool ,gym and spa – Complimentary WiFi
In the heartland of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle close to the great rock fortress of Sigiriya and the amazing painted caves of Dambulla, high on stilts above the emerald paddy fields or hidden in the surrounding jungle are the 25 rustic retreats that comprise Vil Uyana. No luxury is spared, from air-conditioning to private verandah, while some rooms have their own plunge pool. – Cultural excursions organised – Infinity swimming pool – Hiking, biking and walking – Ayurvedic spa and yoga
This is a wonderful 200 year old manor house close to the old capital of Kandy. Set in a six acre estate on a forested hillside, it provides welcome relief from the sightseeing which abounds in this area – temples, palaces & fortresses. This boutique hotel has just eight rooms which are all spacious and comfortable and is a wonderfully relaxing retreat. –S wimming pool – I n-house masseur – Bicycles available – Picnics can be organised
Right in the heart of the Golden Valley of Tea in central Sri Lanka are four colonial-era tea planters’ spacious and comfortable bungalows. It is like staying in a private home but with your own staff, for each bungalow has a manager, a butler and a chef as well as support staff, so every need of the discerning traveller is catered for. – Spectacular views – Traditional tea trail treks – Tennis and croquet – Special spa treatments and baths
Sri Lanka – Cleveland Collection Asia 137
Galle AMANGALLA
Elegant, historic and luxurious are the words to describe this beautiful boutique hotel set within the ramparts of the 17th century Galle Fort. High ceilings, overhead fans, cooling verandahs and a 200 year old garden all add up to what is the most desirable hotel in the neighbourhood. Accommodation is in a choice of chambers, suites and rooms as well as in a two-storey garden house for extra privacy. – Swimming pool – Spa with sauna and steam rooms – Library – Excursions to local villages and temples
Tangalle THE FORTRESS RESORT & SPA
With elements of Dutch and Portuguese architecture this 53 room hotel is styled after Galle’s famed Fort, with everything inside the latest in luxury and comfort. Next to the beach, the resort also boasts lavish gardens dotted with hammocks and day beds and a free form swimming pool. – 7ft x 7ft super king-size beds – Yoga pavilion, spa and meditation area – Turtle conservation programme – Fitness centre
AMANWELLA
Amangalla’s sister property is a beachfront hideaway close to the seaside town of Tangalle which consists of 30 chic suites, all decorated in natural materials in neutral shades. Edged on one side by the ocean and approached through a coconut grove it is a picture perfect resort. The suites all have a private courtyard and a plunge pool while the resort has a large infinity pool flanked by two spacious sundecks. – Snorkelling and surfing – Whale watching in season – Beach club – Library and spa
Wadduwa REEF VILLA AND SPA
On the south west coast of the island just 40 minutes drive from Colombo, this seven suite resort is a real hedonist’s hideaway. Each palatial suite is named after a Sri Lankan flower, is filled with colonial antiques, has high ceilings and very modern bathrooms. The resort is dotted with lily ponds and it is cooled by swaying palm trees. – Four-poster beds – Swimming pool & tennis court – Cultural visits – Spa and yoga
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Our itineraries in Sri Lanka
•
Sigiriya
• •Nuwara Eliya
Kandy
Colombo
SRI LANKA
•
Hikkaduwa
Galle•
For such a small island Sri Lanka has much to offer and to ensure you make the most of your visit Cleveland Collection has a selection of tours on offer. From wildlife sanctuaries to rainforests, an elephant orphanage to tea plantations and from Buddhist temples to magnificent forts and fortresses and more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than you could imagine, this is a country rich in attractions.
•Yala
CLASSIC SRI LANKA
An in-depth itinerary for those wishing to explore the major cultural highlights & sights of this beautiful country. From the wonders of Sigiriya, Dambulla & Kandy, to the attractions of Nuwara Eliya & Galle, a private vehicle with driver/guide is included throughout, allowing the flexibility and luxury of also being able to see some of the lesserknown areas. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Colombo. Day 2: Colombo Enjoy an afternoon of city sightseeing and stay overnight at The Park Street Hotel. (BB) Day 3: Colombo – Yapahuwa – Sigiriya Travel to Yapahuwa, one of the capitals of medieval Sri Lanka, and onward to Sigiriya to stay for five nights at Jetwing Vil Uyana. (BB) Day 4: Anuradhapura & Mihintale Visit the famous preserved ruins of Anuradhapura, one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. In the afternoon travel to Mihintale, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. (BB) Day 5: Habarana & Polonnaruwa Enjoy an elephant back safari at Habarana before heading off to the well-preserved remains of the archaeological city of Polonnaruwa. (BB) Day 6: Ritigala Visit the Buddhist monastery of Ritigala, which dates back to the 1st Century BC, and where there also are over 70 caves which were used as dwellings by the earliest inhabitants of Sri Lanka. (BB) Day 7: Hiriwadunna Climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the country’s most memorable single attraction. Enjoy a traditional village visit in the afternoon, including a bullock cart ride, cookery demonstration and typical curry & rice lunch. (BB) Day 8: Sigiriya – Dambulla – Matale – Kandy Visit the most impressive of cave temples at Dambulla before viewing the spice garden at Matale and enjoying a massage. Continue to Kandy to stay for three nights at The Kandy House. (BB) Day 9: Pinnawela Start the day with a visit to Sri Lanka’s most famous tourist attraction – the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela. Enjoy watching them feed and bathe before returning to Kandy for a tour of the city. (BB) Day 10: Three Temples & Peradeniya Visit the three temples of Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka and Embekke in the morning and continue after lunch to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, renowned for their collection of over 300 varieties of orchids, as well as spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. (BB) Day 11: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya Travel on the Expo Rail train to Nanu Oya and
continue by road to Nuwara Eliya, or ‘Little England’ as it is affectionately known, to stay for two nights at Ceylon Tea Trails. (FB) Day 12: Nuwara Eliya Spend a day at leisure at the hotel or venture out with private driver. (FB) Day 13: Nuwara Eliya – Buduruwagala – Yala Visit Buduruwagala – ‘the rock with the statue of Buddha’ – now considered the tallest in the world, before continuing to the Yala National Park to enjoy a jeep safari and to stay overnight at Chaaya Wild Yala. (BB) Day 14: Yala – Galle – Hikkaduwa Visit a monastery en-route to Galle and enjoy a city tour before staying for two nights at the Aditya Hotel Resort. (BB) Day 15: Hikkaduwa Day at leisure to relax on the beach. (BB) Day 16: Departure Travel to Colombo and depart on overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £2,845 per person, based on two sharing
Sri Lanka – Cleveland Collection Asia 139
• •Dambulla
•
Sigiriya
Pinnawela
•
Colombo
•Kandy SRI LANKA
•
Hikkaduwa
HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA
A wonderful introduction to this very special island with its forts & palaces, temples & caves, and elephants & Buddhas. A private tour of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights is combined with a beach stay to create the perfect taster for future return trips. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Colombo. Day 2: Colombo Enjoy an afternoon of city sightseeing and stay overnight at The Park Street Hotel. (BB) Day 3: Colombo – Pinnawala – Sigiriya Travel to the famous elephant orphanage conservation programme at Pinnawala to watch the little jumbos being fed and bathed in the nearby river before continuing onto Sigiriya to stay for two nights at Jetwing Vil Uyana. (HB) Day 4: Sigiriya Climb the 5th century citadel of Sigiriya, a fortified city with moats, ramparts and gardens – a must see for any visitor to Sri Lanka, where it is considered the 8th wonder of the world. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or take an optional excursion to the ruins at Polonnaruwa. (HB) Day 5: Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy Journey to Dambulla to view the cave temples adorned with hundreds of rock paintings of Buddha and many kings and deities, and continue onward to Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, the third holiest Buddhist site in the world, before staying for two nights at The Kandy House. (HB) Day 6: Kandy Start the day with a city tour of Kandy, enjoying free time after this to wander around soaking up the atmosphere. This evening enjoy a Kandyan cultural dance performance. (HB) Days 7&8: Hikkaduwa Continue onward to the small beach resort of Hikkaduwa for two days of relaxation by the beach. Stay for two nights at the Aditya Hotel Resort. (BB) Day 9: Departure Travel to Colombo and depart on overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £1,995 per person, based on two sharing Beach extensions are also available to the Maldives
Sigiriya
•Kandy •Nuwara Eliya
Colombo
SRI LANKA
Galle•
•Udawalawa•
Yala
WONDERS & WILDLIFE
The perfect itinerary for those who want to see the main historic sites of the country but who also have a love of wildlife. Blending the best of both cultural and historical sites with the natural beauty and wildlife of the National Parks – the perfect combination. Day 1: UK departure Overnight flight to Colombo. Day 2: Colombo Stay overnight at the Casa Colombo. (BB) Day 3: Colombo – Pinnawala – Sigiriya Travel to experience the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist attractions which currently houses more than 60 elephants. Continue onto Sigiriya to stay for three nights at Jetwing Vil Uyana. (BB) Day 4: Sigiriya Climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress – the country’s most memorable single attraction, a remarkable archaeological site made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. In the evening enjoy a bird watching session. (BB) Day 4: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya The highlights today will be an elephant back safari at Habarana, visiting the ruined capital of Polonnaruwa, where the extensive remains offer a snapshot of medieval Sri Lanka, and a jeep ride in the Minneriya National Park. (BB) Day 5: Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy View the impressive statues and cave paintings of the Dambulla cave temples before visiting the spice garden at Matale and enjoying a massage. Continue to Kandy to stay for two nights at The Kandy House. (BB) Day 6: Udawatta Kele & Peradeniya Take a trip to the sanctuary of Udawatta Kele. This unique Forest Park sustains many eco systems, flora, fauna and wildlife. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the Peradeniya, the Royal Botanical Gardens. (BB) Day 7: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya Travel on the Expo Rail train to Nanu Oya and continue by road to Nuwara Eliya, stopping off en-route at a tea plantation. Stay for two nights at Ceylon Tea Trails. (FB) Day 8: Horton Plains Visit Horton Plains National Park for a half day trekking experience. This protected area in the central highlands is covered by montage grassland and cloud forest. (FB) Day 9: Nuwara Eliya – Udawalawa Proceed to Udawalawa National Park to enjoy a jeep safari before staying overnight at Kalu’s Hideaway. (BB) Day 10: Udawalawa – Yala Depart for the Yala National Park, the country’s largest. Enjoy a luxury jeep safari in search of the Big 3 – leopards, sloth bears and elephants, although
crocodiles, jackals and many varieties of birds can also be spotted. Stay overnight at Chaaya Wild Yala. (BB) Day 11: Yala – Galle Visit a Buddhist monastery and enjoy a tour of historic Galle before staying for two nights at the Fortress Resort & Spa. (BB) Day 12: Galle Time to relax and explore this fascinating town. (BB) Day 13: Departure Travel to Colombo and depart on overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following morning. Cost from £2,655 per person, based on two sharing
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i ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Capital: Male Currency: Rufiyaa Airlines: British Airways Point of Entry: Male Flying time: 10 hrs 10 mins Time zone: GMT +4 hrs Combine with: Sri Lanka, India Visa: Required – can be obtained on arrival
PHOTOGRAPH: GEORGE FISHER
Best time to visit Optimum period is December to April, with the wet monsoon season from May to November.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Enjoy superb scuba diving – Go deep-sea fishing – Spend the night on a chartered yacht – Indulge in some of the world’s finest hotels – Visit the small capital of Male – Relax on the powder white beaches
The Maldives – Cleveland Collection Asia 141
The Maldives
Exclusive and exquisite, this group of atolls and islands strung like pearls across the Indian Ocean are everybody’s dream of a paradise island. Remote and sumptuous, each of the 90-plus inhabited atolls is home to some of the most opulent resorts in the world. This is barefoot luxury at its peak and where the rest of the world comes to rest, relax and play.
142 Cleveland Collection Asia – The Maldives
Our hotels in The Maldives North Male Atoll
Baa Atoll FOUR SEASONS LANDAA GIRAAVARU
Located on a vast tropical island this get-away-from-it-all paradise is hidden in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Accommodation is in a choice of beach or water villas, all with thatched roofs, air conditioning and internet connection. Along with the usual wide choice of water sports the island is host to a Marine Discovery Centre, which pioneers research on coral reefscaping and manta rays. – Marine biologist diving guides – Tennis and fitness centre – Choice of cruises – fishing, sunset, overnight – Spa and ayurvedic retreat
SONEVA FUSHI
Castaway chic in this all-villa property in the North Baa Atoll. If the villas, each with their own private stretch of beach and private shower garden are not sufficiently secluded it also offers two Retreats and one Jungle Reserve, each with their own Man Friday butler. All the usual water sports are on offer as well as the resort’s own outdoor movie screen under the stars – Cinema Paradiso. – Organic garden with its own restaurant – Stargazing observatory – Selection of water sports – Award-winning spa
ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH
This 130 villa resort is one of the most luxurious resorts in an area of luxury, and is located on one of the largest islands in the North Male Atoll. It offers six kilometres of coastline offering guests privacy and seclusion as well as their own, almost private, stretch of beach. The spa has a gym as well as Tai-Chi and yoga while the KidsOnly programme has dedicated entertainment and dining facilities. A fleet of luxury yachts bring guests direct from the airport so relaxation begins instantly. – Floodlit tennis courts – Selection of restaurants and bars – Glamorous boutique – Award-winning spa
HUVAFEN FUSHI
A jewel of a resort, this award-winner has just 45 overwater or beachside bungalows, villas and pavilions, all of which are the last word in barefoot luxury and simplicity. A mere 30 minutes by speedboat from the international airport, there are a number of dining options, perfect beaches and great diving opportunities alongside snorkelling, sailing and yoga. The Lime Spa is the world’s first underwater spa and there is also a steam room, sauna, ice room, saltwater floatation pool and overwater yoga platform. – Dolphin & sunset cruises – Six dining options – Underwater spa – Selection of water sports
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Addu Atoll
North Ari Atoll North Kaafu South Male Atoll Atoll
SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT & SPA
CONSTANCE HALAVELI RESORT
On the most southerly island, this is a spacious and lavish tropical resort with every luxury and amenity, and an extraordinary choice of accommodation from spacious beach villas & overwater villas to private ocean retreats & tropical tree houses. Water sports, a 9 hole golf course, nature trails and guided walks are all on offer as well as a list of daily activities from night fishing to the Art of Breathing.
Described as a six star luxury family resort, you will not be disappointed in this tropical paradise, which offers everything any discerning holidaymaker might need. Accommodation is in a choice of villas – water, beach or family, some with their own private plunge pools, and others with a private sundeck. Added to which there is a wide choice of activities from visits to local islands to snorkelling and diving, as well as delicious food and a number of bars.
– Speed boat tours – CHI Spa and fitness centre – Children’s club – Private butlers
– Children’s club – Spa and fitness area – Dolphin & sunset cruises – Fishing trips
GILI LANKANFUSHI
This sister resort of Soneva Fushi, just 20 minutes from the airport, offers luxury overwater villas, each with two sundecks – including one on the rooftop for total privacy. There are also seven uber-opulent Crusoe Residences, which can only be accessed by boat, and a Private Reserve which comes with two boats, a spa of its own as well as a Mr and Mrs Friday. Dining options include tastings in the underground gourmet wine cellar, organic garden lunches and desert island picnics. – Six Senses spa – Complimentary yoga and Tai-Chi sessions – Selection of water sports – Sandbank cocktail parties
COCOA ISLAND
A piece of pure indulgence surrounded by the whitest sand and brilliant warm blue seas, Cocoa Island consists of just 33 rooms and suites, amongst them loft-style dhoni villas. Guests can enjoy scuba diving, sailing, snorkelling, fishing and canoeing as well as just chilling out and doing nothing. The island offers pure escapism and there is also a spa to seduce your senses and soothe your body. – Desert island drop-offs – COMO Shambhala Retreat spa – Dolphin and sunset cruises – Cultural tours of other islands
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Healing Holidays At Cleveland Collection we have noted and monitored the growing interest in spa and wellbeing holidays over the last few years, so to meet our client’s growing interest in this type of holiday we felt it needed its own specialist team and website.
offer and all have the Cleveland Collection commitment as to what is right for our clients.
The spas we have selected are Destination spas – in some of the most magical locations – from the beaches of Thailand to the foothills of the Himalayas, and Asia has some of the best destination spas all are devoted to helping you achieve in the world – due to its traditional therapies, your personal goals of fitness, weight cultures and knowledge: It offers massages management and relaxation. Some use the devised in monasteries; ayurveda, the world’s precepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine oldest medical discipline; and the tenets of while others specialise in Ayurvedic Traditional Chinese Medicine which takes therapy, and even more use aspects of both. in acupuncture and herbal healing, and all All these spas address both your mind and these have passed down over the centuries body adding yoga, meditation, pranayama, and are still active today in the spas which pilates or tai chi to their programmes. All can be found throughout the region. have nutritionists, fitness specialists, doctors and naturopaths and dieticians on call to Because we know the stressful lives so many help you reach your goal. of you lead we have set out to find the right places where you can go to de-stress, relax Whichever you choose you know our staff and rejuvenate. We have searched Asia will guide you to the place that is exactly for retreats, holistic hideaways and resorts right for you. And remember that our staff which specialise in all aspects of health and offer what is best for you, not for us, and wellbeing. We know where to go for weight because we negotiate the best rates and loss and weight management. We know the deals you not only get your perfect Healing places for rest and relaxation, for detox and Holiday, but also excellent value for money. burn-out relief as well as the resorts which will bring you back to your fitness peak, and You can rest assured that Healing Holidays of course we know where you can stop off has your health and wellbeing – as well as to be luxuriously pampered as well. enjoyment – as its priority. We will help you select the right place and the right programme for you. All our staff are passionate and exceptionally knowledgable on the Healing Holidays we
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Healing Holidays Koh Samui, Thailand KAMALAYA WELLNESS SANCTUARY AND HOLISTIC SPA RETREAT
Carved out of a mountainside in the south-east corner of Koh Samui sits Kamalaya, a place of total calm and tranquillity offering every type of therapy and treatment from Traditional Chinese Medicine to meditation, massages and manicures, alongside a host of yoga, pranayama and qigong classes. It is the first of the next generation of spas – offering pure pampering alongside state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures. Throughout the year there is also a programme of visiting international gurus and teachers, from Buddhist meditation masters to cult yoga teachers and spiritual gurus. It has its own pristine private beach and even
a little cave temple in the grounds, and throughout the resort there is an air of peace and calm which helps envelop the guest and aid their programme. Visitors can stay for a couple of days or a month with the programmes geared to last from 3 to 14 days. A weekly holistic activity schedule allows guests to take part in everything from power walks & pilates, to Thai cultural lectures & temple tours.
ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY
High in the hills and surrounded by cooling forests, Absolute Sanctuary is a delightful Moroccan-inspired boutique wellness retreat. Here guests arrive feeling exhausted and sluggish but leave feeling revived and regenerated. Its specialities are detox and yoga but everything in between from pampering massages & skin reviving scrubs to healing soaks & oxygenating facials are also on offer. – Extensive selection of programmes However most of all it is a place to – Astrology and palmistry relax, repair and unwind – most guests – Lectures and local tours available come to detox which is taken very – Healthy food and drinks seriously and slowly here. Each guest is asked to prepare their body before they even arrive by restricting caffeine, alcohol, heavy proteins and red meat, eating lots of raw fruit and vegetables and drinking
plenty of water. This helps prepare the body for its very restricted diet and if necessary for a colon cleanse. Detox packages are of three, five or seven day durations although there is also a one day sampler - and in some instances guests can choose, with the help of the doctor, whether to fast or not. – Weight loss and weight management – Full beauty menu of treatments – Yoga and meditation – Swimming pool
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Hua Hin, Thailand CHIVA-SOM
Located in the Royal summer resort of Hua Hin, Chiva-Som has provided a haven for the tired, the stressed, the overweight and the over-wrought. Chiva-Som means Haven of Life and it is it’s constant search to improve the qualities of its therapies and treatments as well as sourcing new ones that has kept it in the forefront of the world’s top destination spas. Every visit begins with a wellness consultation where a programme is tailor-made for each guest with a daily diary of treatments, consultations, lectures and fitness classes. Yet guests can do as much or as little as they like. Almost every type of treatment is on offer from hydrotherapy to traditional Thai massage, and from chakra balancing to anti-ageing facials, while
throughout the year a number of retreats are held with visiting experts and gurus. These include Yoga, Natural Healing, Physical Renewal and Weight Management. For fitness aficionados personal training is on offer alongside Tai-Chi, pilates, dance, golf biomechanics, Thai boxing, aqua aerobics and tennis, while those looking for a little extra help can visit the in-house Niranlada Medi-Spa for a spot of skinrejuvenation and tightening, Botox and restylane. – Renowned cookery classes – Direct beach access & large outdoor pool – Comprehensive range of programmes available – Visiting gurus & specialists
Bali, Indonesia COMO SHAMBHALA
A wellness retreat which specialises in proactive holistic wellbeing and which is based on healthy eating, exercise and self-development. The retreat is hidden in the forests of Ubud in the centre of the island, with the sparkling Ayung River meandering through it. Guests feel as if they have stopped the world and got off for a few days to repair to this rural and nurturing paradise. Shambhala is Sanskrit for ‘this sacred place of bliss’ and this is where people come to find it, among a host of experts to help guests find their optimum level of rest and repair. There are naturopaths, homeopaths, nutrionists, doctors – ayurvedic and medical – alongside yoga and meditation teachers, a psychotherapist and a bevy of
masseurs and facialists. Guests not only leave feeling good, but looking good too. The accommodation is in a selection of rooms, suites and villas, which offer a superb base at which to retreat to between therapies and classes. –Full range of wellness programmes –Yoga, meditation & pilates –Cultural excursions to Ubud –Luxurious guest accommodation
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Healing Holidays Kerala, India SOMATHEERAM AYURVEDIC HEALTH RESORT
An award-winning ayurvedic resort located in a tropical garden overlooking the Malabar Coast. Somatheeram was the first resort to attract and explain Ayurveda to non–Indians, and being just 30 minutes from Trivandrum airport it has attracted a loyal band of followers to the Ayurveda philosophy - which is about a balanced life style, a balanced body and good health in both mind & body. It is preventative through purification and revitalisation which is why each visit begins with the doctor who will then prescribe a tailor-made programme for each guest. The food is mostly ayurvedic although there is also a choice of south Keralan
specialities. Accommodation is in a selection of 18 South Indian-style cottages and bungalows dotted throughout the very pretty garden, each one having a view of the sea – with the beach never more than a minute away. – Wide range of wellness packages – Walking distance to the beach – Complimentary boat trip of the backwaters – Cultural excursions available
KALARI KOVILAKOM
Authentic ayurvedic treatments and therapies in an authentic palace with a legend that goes back to the 10th century, when a prince came to the region to heal himself in the waters and the medicinal properties of the Venga tree which grows all around. It worked, but it took another nine centuries for a princess, looking for peace and quiet, to build the palace here for the king’s daughters to find respite and tranquillity away from the rigours of palace life. Now it welcomes all who come looking for health, wellbeing and peace. Here you will find Ayurveda in its purest form, where the herbs used are picked in the grounds and all the ingredients used in the food are in
strict accord with the precepts of the philosophy. Treatments are overseen by ayurvedic doctors and guests are required to stay for a minimum of 14 days to get the full benefit of the regime, although 28 days is preferred. Throughout progress is monitored while daily yoga, meditation, massage and bathing rituals are offered. – 18 spacious suites – Yoga, meditation and eating meditation – Weight loss & anti-stress programmes – 10 massage rooms
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Goa, India SWASWARA
An enchanting retreat of just 24 villas overlooking a beach called Om. The resort is surrounded by tropical vegetation and has its own little lagoon, a bonus for bird watchers, but mostly the property is geared towards guest’s health and wellbeing. SwaSwara means ‘the inner voice of the self’ and it is that sense of peace and tranquillity that attracts newcomers and regulars alike. Yoga alongside an ayurvedic centre is central to the resort and each day there is a minimum of five different types of yoga on offer – from Hatha and Iyenga to Nidra and Laughing, and guests are invited to join at whatever level they are. Meditation is offered as a matter of course and the Ayurveda centre is overseen by a doctor and
Rishikesh, India offers all the traditional therapies, wraps and cleansing rituals. The food is delicious and locally sourced and there are three different dining options which rotate daily. Because of its size it is a place where guests can simply relax and do nothing, but should they wish for an activity then the beach is close by, boats can be taken to a place called Paradise, or tuk tuks into the pilgrim town of Gorkana. – Air-conditioned split-level villas – Individual yoga tuition & classes – Ayurveda treatments – Cultural visits
ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS
The first destination spa to open in the foothills of the Himalayas. A short drive from the pilgrim town of Rishikesh, it is located in the grounds of the summer palace of the Maharajah of Tehri-Gahrwal and has majestic views down to the Ganges Valley and up to snow-covered peaks. While there are rooms and suites in the palace building itself, most guests stay in three modern buildings, all with terraces or balconies. The spa is in a separate building which houses the gym, steam rooms, a reflexology walk where pebbles massage your feet as you go, and a glass-fronted relaxation area where you can lie and admire the mountains. The spa offers a full range of western spa treatments as well as a full ayurvedic programme – guests
can book a 7, 14 or 21 day ayurvedic programme as well as pick and choose from the many treatments on the menu. Each visit begins with a consultation with an ayurvedic doctor who will then prescribe treatments, exercise and nutrition. Yoga, meditation and pranayama classes take place each day while private classes are also available. The superb staff can direct you to the right treatment for you, which is a help given that there are more than 70 to choose from. Yoga, meditation, vedanta and pranayama classes are held daily and individual tuition is also on offer. – Extensive range of programmes – Hiking & nature trails – White-water rafting – Specialist ayurvedic programmes
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Weddings and Honeymoons
At Cleveland Collection we will help you plan the most romantic, idyllic and unforgettable day to remember. More and more couples are choosing to marry abroad in tropical and exotic surroundings. Some choose a deserted island, while others opt for a romantic beach at sunset, or a location overlooking a favourite monument, temple, lake or mountain. Some couples want to plight their troth alone while others want to be surrounded by family and friends. Whatever choice you make we are here to help you. Our experienced wedding co-ordinators have arranged for couples to marry all over the world and are here to lend their expertise to you. WEDDINGS
We can arrange your wedding in: India Indonesia Malaysia Singapore Sri Lanka Thailand We can sort out all your official documents, organise the registrar or church and take the worry out of all your pre-wedding plans. With our experience we can organise everything from flowers to wedding cakes to witnesses – we can even find you a designer or a dress maker if you have not made up your mind what to wear. Of course we make all your travel arrangements and look after those of your family and friends, as well as helping them choose where to stay and holiday either before or after the happy event. RENEWING YOUR VOWS
Another experience growing in popularity is couples wishing to renew their vows in some special location. Sometimes it may be returning to their honeymoon resort, for others it may be a trip into the unknown. The Cleveland Collection’s wedding experts can help you choose the place and help sort out a ceremony especially for you.
HONEYMOONS
Whether you choose to remain in the same place that you married or to travel onwards for your honeymoon we can organise and help. For if there is one holiday that really has to be idyllic, it’s a honeymoon. Our specialists offer a stunning choice of locations, from unspoilt beaches, tropical islands, romantic fort palaces, to stylish hotels and exquisite hideaways, all personalised to create the most important and memorable holiday you will ever take. Upgrades and romantic surprises are the norm, from champagne and flowers and secluded suites, to a couple’s massage or a sunset cruise for two. Whether you want to stay on a tiny secluded island, take a cultural tour or learn to scuba-dive, enjoy the bustle of a glamorous city location or even try a cookery course – we know the places and the locations where all of this is possible. WEDDING LIST
In response to requests and enquiries from relatives and friends of the happy couple Cleveland Collection has developed a flexible wedding gift concept. While your personal specialist travel consultant works closely with you to arrange your ideal honeymoon, we then compile a list containing elements of the honeymoon that friends and family can purchase or contribute to as a wedding gift. The concept has been received with resounding success as the couple enjoys the benefit of additional resources and activities that they might otherwise not have been able to include/afford. Guests enjoy a little insight into your honeymoon, appreciate the convenience of the wedding gift system, and are truly excited about giving an experience instead of an object. The wedding list is simple. Let your friends and family know that your wedding list is held with Cleveland Collection. You can do this either on your invitations, by email or, if you wish, we can send out a mailing on your behalf. You decide with your dedicated wedding consultant what you want on your list, and each guest can contribute accordingly. Honeymooners pay the balance of their holiday 8 weeks prior to departure, but the wedding list remains open right up to the wedding date, protecting the couple from disappointment and ensuring no pressure about payment deadlines for your guests.
The couple receives regular updates of the wedding All we ask is that you give us sufficient time to organise list. On return from honeymoon, an updated list the ceremony of your dreams – and we will ensure is sent to the newly-weds, making it easy to send you will have the happiest of worry-free weddings. thank-you's.
PHOTOGRAPH: ANDREA POHLMAN
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Booking Conditions All reservations are made with Cleveland Travel Limited trading as Cleveland Collection, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 2797491. In the following conditions the term company means Cleveland Travel Limited trading as Cleveland Collection, and the term customer means the person signing the booking form and all other persons on whose behalf he or she signs it. Consumer protection: All holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 3384. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk 1. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY To make a holiday booking the customer should complete, sign and send in a booking form with a deposit of 20% of the holiday cost requested or the full amount if the booking is made within eight weeks of departure. The booking is accepted and the contract made when the company issues a confirmation invoice, which is usually within twenty four hours of receiving the booking form. 2. PAYMENTS Payment of all confirmation invoices must reach the company not later than eight weeks prior to departure. 3. AMENDMENTS AND CANCELLATION (i)Amendments The company will make every effort to assist you if you wish to alter your arrangements. Requests for an amendment must be in writing, signed by the signatory of the booking form. If the Company is successful in making your requested amendment then you must pay an amendment charge of £50.00 per booking. If the Company is not successful then there will be no charge. (ii) Cancellations All cancellations must be advised in writing, signed by the signatory of the booking form. Cancellations are effective on the day that they are received by the company. Recorded delivery is strongly recommended. The following cancellation charges will be payable, depending on the number of days prior to departure the company receives your notice of cancellation. Days prior to departure date when written advice of cancellation received
Percentage of total holiday cost
More than 57 days 56 to 42 days 41 to 29 days 28 to 15 days 14 days
Loss of deposit 30% of total holiday cost 75% of total holiday cost 90% of total holiday cost 100% of total holiday cost
(iii) Amendments by the company After the confirmation invoice has been issued, the company makes every effort to operate all holidays as confirmed. In very rare circumstances, the company may have to modify your holiday before you depart. If the modification is significant the company will notify you as soon as practically possible and you will be entitled to: (a) take a substitute package of equivalent or superior quality at no extra cost to you; or (b) take a substitute package of lower quality and recover from the company the difference in value between the original arrangements and the new ones; or (c) h ave repaid to you as soon as possible all monies paid by you under the contract, whereupon your holiday arrangements will be cancelled. In addition, if the Company has to modify your holiday it will pay you compensation for non-performance of the contract (see table below for levels of compensation), if this is for any reason other than ‘force majeure’ (see opposite). Days prior to departure date when notification of chance is sent
Minimum compensation per person
More than 42 days 29 to 42 days prior 15 to 20 days prior 0 to 14 days prior
£10.00 £20.00 £25.00 £30.00
‘Force majeure’ means unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond the Company’s control, the consequence of which neither the company nor its suppliers could avoid even if all due care had been exercised. This may include, but is not limited to, war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity (actual or threatened), industrial dispute, technical problems with transport, machinery or equipment, power failure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, drought, adverse weather conditions and level of water in rivers. If the company becomes unable to provide a significant proportion of your holiday after it has commenced, suitable alternative arrangements will be made for you at no extra charge to you or, alternatively, you will be returned to your point of departure and given a pro rata refund for ground arrangements not received. You may also in such circumstances be entitled to compensation by the Company in accordance with the table above. (iv) Cancellation by the company If you fail to pay the balance of the holiday price at least eight weeks (fifty six days) before departure, the company will treat your booking as cancelled and levy the cancellation charge as set out in paragraph 3(ii) above. If the company is obliged to cancel your holiday in any other circumstances before departure, the company will use its best endeavours to offer alternative arrangements at no extra cost to you, or offer a substitute package of lower quality and you may recover from the company the difference in cost, or have repaid to you as soon as possible all monies paid by you. In addition, unless the cancellation has been caused by force majeure the company will pay you compensation as set out in paragraph 3(iii). (v) The company liability (i) We accept responsibility for ensuring that your travel arrangements, which you booked with us are supplied as described in our printed material and the services offered reach a reasonable standard. If any part is not provided as promised, we will pay you the appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements. (ii) We accept responsibility for death, injury or illness caused by the negligent acts and/ or omissions of our employees, agents and suppliers, whilst acting within the scope of/or in the course of their employment in the provision of your travel arrangements. We will accordingly pay to you such damages as might have been awarded in such circumstances under English law. (iii) I n respect of the services provided by air or sea carriers, our liability in all cases shall be limited in the manner provided by international conventions and conditions of carriage of our suppliers. Copies of these conventions and, conditions of carriage are available on request. Operational decisions may be taken by air or sea carriers and, airports and ferry terminals resulting in delays, diversions or re-scheduling, over which our company has no control. When such changes are made, our company will endeavour to minimise any inconvenience. (vi) I f you have a problem If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant supplier (e.g., hotel) and our local representative immediately, who will endeavour to put things right. Not only may prompt action enable you to enjoy your holiday, but it is also a legal requirement, the omission of which can substantially affect your rights against our company. If it is not possible to make the complaint to the appropriate organisation at the time, you should make contact with our company, so that our company can endeavour to resolve it. However, should a problem remain unresolved, a complaint should be made in writing to our company office manager within thirty days of your return. (vii) Our company price policy Our suggested itineraries are prepared many months before the start of your holiday and the prices quoted in them are for your guidance only. If at the time of booking the price has changed from that shown in our suggested itineraries, you will be told of the revised price applicable to the travel arrangements before you commit yourself.
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