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Contents January/ February 2011
Uncovering Asia's Most Memorable
Places to Stay
Our choice of the luxury hotels in Hong Kong, Macau, South-Korea, Singapore and Thailand
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Taipei International Flora Exposition
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of northwest part of Kunming city.
Floral displays and showcase advances in environmental sciences, green technology and horticulture.
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‘Shangri-La’ is a mystical, harmonious valley Explore the mountainous prefecture
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Contents January/ February 2011
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An Exotic 60-Day Journey from India to Thailand on Vespas Crossing the continental Asia on Vespas with two Thai scooterists.
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The huge and immense tropical forests considered a true Eldorado.
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Golf Time
Having golf time in China at Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, Kunming and experience world class golf course.
Madagascar The Land that Time Forgot
Spa Guide
Awaken to your dream vacation at Macau, Maldives and Thailand gataways.
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Editor’s Talk
Cover Asia’s Best Business Leisure Hotels
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he seasonal festivities are over for another year but the winter lingers on. A dose of sunshine is long overdue and there’s no better way to beat the January blues than by booking your next holiday, ideally to somewhere where rain and snow are a little-known concept.
In this issue, NOW Travel Asia magazine brings you to the balmy destinations, our choice of the luxury hotels in Hong Kong, Macau, South-Korea, Singapore and Thailand, where you’re guaranteed to be able to top up your vitamin D levels... Also in this issue, we was recently invited by Taiwan Tourism Bureau and EVA Air to visit Taipei during the International Flora Exposition, the Taipei government transform the capital into a city of blossoming parks and gardens during the six-month long event, hope you enjoy the absolutely stunning photo collection. To satisfy your wanderlust for the natural world, we bring you from Kunming to the new Shangri-La and to the island of Madagascar that feel a million miles from civilization. Our travel story features an exotic 60-day journey from India to Thailand on Vespas by two Thai scooterists. Don’t miss the Dos and Don’ts of eating Dim Sum, gathers information for your next visit to Chinese restaurant. Finally, if you want something a little special for your holiday this year, our collection of golf and spa are perfect for romantic getaways for a truly memorable holiday. Enjoy your travels in 2011. Supote Sithiwong Editor-in-Chief
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owner lime asia media inc.
publisher kenneth s. wong editorial director suwalee siriphan editor-in-chief supote sitthiwong
secretary to editor-in-chief sirirat kampichai editorial officer komsun ay-jaroen art director ketsaraporn inthana
marketing department katt pangsiri haruthai pathompongphan kamonthip wacharaamornsak
BANGKOK OFFICE unit 4703, 47th floor, empire tower, south sathorn road, yannawa, sathorn, bangkok 10120 thailand tel: +662 686 3480 fax: + 662 686 3433
accounting department nattamon sitthiwong contributor jakkrapong aorpradit chathorn chokpatara panisa prarom
CHIANG MAI OFFICE 333/12 moo 3, klongchonpratan road, mae hia, muang, chiang mai 50100 thailand tel: +6653 111 334-5 fax: + 6653 111 335
magazine distributor asia books books kinokuniya penboon
subscription email: iceptdesign@gmail.com advertising email: nowtravelasia@gmail.com www.nowtravelasia.com www.nowthemagazine.net
All rights in this publication and the name are own by icept design inc. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced without the permission of icept design inc. All right reserved. Now Travel Asia magazine is published bimonthly and distributed throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia.
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Be
Trendy
ADIDAS ORIGINAL BLUE COLLECTION Adidas finally launches their first in-house denim line called the adidas Orinigals Blue collection. The collection’s name is homage to the iconic adidas originals blue color tone “bluebird”, which is very familiar to adidas originals fans.
WAYFARER RB 2140 BUTTON PIN The ‘Button Pins’ add a bright youthful look. The vivid colours of the button pins combine with white, red, blue, black versions; one version has the pins on the front and the inner frame is black.
K O LO
R W E A E TN Y
GER NEW FO
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Tech
Traveller
Emerging
Trends
in Tablet and the Leisure Travel
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pple has set off a wave with the iPad, which now moves almost all the IT world. Now, Tablet PCs are obviously the next big thing in the hardware manufacturer. Apple Inc. had only become active and this made keyboardless notebooks re-invent, so that the niche to the mass market opens. Since the operating system and Apps are fully adapted to the iPad hardware, the Tablet is in itself and also the applications in seconds ready. Most of the current tablets feature the Android, Windows 7,
QNX OS, Palm WebOS operating systems. Hottest iPad competitors are now, Samsung, HP, DELL, Google, Sony, RIM, Microsoft, Asus and even network company Cisco plan until early 2011 are also to enter the tablet market. Tablets provide seamless connectivity, and with large, touch-screen displays, they are a boon to use, even for the elderly. As a new platform, the Tablet has a unique ability to provide a personalized view of content, integrating social networking, video chat, and the Web NOW TRAVEL ASIA
into a truly immersive experience. Tablets become an ideal platform for the traveler as they provide the convenience of the Smartphone with the enhanced functionality of a laptop, but there is more. The main travel groups that use the tablet are; leisure travelers and business travelers. The majority of travel brands have outsourced the development of mobile apps to third parties. Some apps take advantage of Smartphone functions such as the accelerometer or compass. And some delivered personalized,
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context-aware information providing services that match the traveler’s specific situation.
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Uncovering
Asia s Most
Memorable Places to Stay Book your next stay in breathtaking Asia and take advantage of our partnerships in Hong Kong, Macau, South-Korea, Singapore and Thailand with the city's foremost accommodations.
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Hong Kong
One of the most densely populated areas in the world, Hong Kong has some of the most extravagant hotels and they often find themselves on global hotel top ten lists. Settle in at one of our luxury hotels and be sure to try Hong Kong’s adventurous cuisine, with some of the freshest seafood around.
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Langham Place, Mongkok Hong Kong
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Refreshed and Inspired
angham Place, Mongkok Hong Kong offers all guests most perfect location and best satisfaction. The hotel is a 5-star business hotel awarded the best hotel in 2010 by Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.
It is furnished in contemporary Chinese style where provides both modern and classic atmosphere. All 665 rooms with total 42 floors above Mongkok are well-decorated with luxury accessories, readily supporting for businessmen with most advanced technology in Asia Pacific. Moreover, the hotel is directly connected to Langham Place Mall, its shopping plaza where the guests can find everything for their modern lifestyle.
For well-being and relaxing time, Langham Place provides Chuan Spa to welcome its guests. The spa is located on the Level 41 offering 10 luxurious and peaceful treatment rooms where give over 60 beauty and health treatment packages. The Place, Ming Court, and the Portal-Work & Play are recommended restaurants and bars where serve best selected foods and drinks. The Place is a casual dining buffet restaurant decorated in modern style also providing outdoor space and tropical garden. Langham Place, Mongkok Hong Kong 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong www.hongkong. langhamplace.com
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The Langham Hong Kong
The Ultimate in Luxury and Sophistication
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n the heart of vibrant Kowloon, The Langham is the perfect start to a tour of Hong Kong. The opulent décor of Langham’s charming elegant European-style haven situated next to Canton Road, the ‘Rodeo Drive of Hong Kong’. Shopping till you drop and beyond, the Langham Hong Kong is surrounded by flagship stores of designer labels, including the world’s second largest Louis Vuitton boutique. Christian Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada and Chanel all vie for space alongside Harbour City, a mega shopping centre with over 700 shops. The Langham Hong Kong being the sole member of The Leading Hotels of the World in Hong Kong.
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There are 495 rooms and suites., each finished with luxurious fabrics, hardwood floors and silk drapes without foregoing the most up-to-date in amenities The Langham features a rooftop pool, 24-hour gym, 24-hour Meeting and Business Centre, a Grand Ballroom and five restaurants serve Cantonese, Western and International cuisine. For a genuine taste of Cantonese tradition, the two Michelin starred T’ang Court showcases authentic dishes and serves up a repertoire of time-tested classic in a luxurious ambience, reminiscent of the glory days of the Tang Dynadty. The Langham, Hong Kong 8 Peking Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong www.langhamhotels.com
The Island Shangri-La Hong Kong The Innumerable Extravagances
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sland Shangri-La, Hong Kong boasts innumerable extravagances, including several hundred chandeliers and a 16-storey Chinese silk painting. At Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, the service is swift, simple; seamless. The Island Shangri-La Hong Kong retreat in the heart of the city, soars 56 floors above Hong Kong’s most prestigious shopping, cultural and business addresses, featuring memorable views of the Peak and Victoria Harbour. The hotel offers guests with a wide range of accommodation options from 531 spacious and luxurious guest rooms to 34 expansive suites. Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong features a dense list
of luxury amenities ideal for business travelers. The 24-hour business center includes audio-video, Internet, and full telecommunications equipment as well as translation and secretarial services, while the hotel’s function spaces can accommodate as many as 1,000 guests or as few as three. Meanwhile, rooms are luxuriously appointed with Eurasian design. Dining options are extensive at the Island ShangriLa, with seven restaurants and a bar. You’ll be delighted with the eclectic seafood concoctions at the Lobster Bar and Grill, which also features live music almost every night. The Island Shangri-La Hong Kong Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong www.shangri-la.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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InterContinental Hong Kong Contemporary Drama and Style at the Harbour’s Edge
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nternationally acclaimed as one of the world’s top hotels for business and leisure, InterContinental Hong Kong is majestically situated on the Kowloon waterfront, offering unsurpassed views of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island. The renowned InterContinental Hong Kong, takes luxury accommodations, impeccable service, and dramatic dining, pushes it to incredible new levels. Many of the 495 rooms also have harbor views, and a select few have outdoor spa pools. The hotel also boasts Asia’s most spectacular Presidential Suite, which, at 7,000 sq ft with a Duplex Living Room and 2,500 sq ft terrace with an infinity swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the harbour, is the largest in the city. Watch the sun
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set over Hong Kong as you have a martini in the Lobby Lounge. The Club InterContinental service includes a private lounge, cocktails, and appetizers. But save your appetite for dinner. The InterContinental has an array of restaurants, including Alain Ducasse’s SPOON, the world’s most recognized NOBU Japanese hot table, fabulously-successful Steak House, Habour House international buffet and the Michelin-star Yan Toh Heen. The Avenue of Stars is located just in front of the hotel and so you can easily get anywhere in the city. Or just stay in the I-Spa, with Feng Shui design, is a top Hong Kong retreat. Asian-inspired treatments in their outdoor spa pool cabanas are out of this world. InterContinental Hong Kong 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong www.hongkong-ic. intercontinental.com
Hullet House
Hong Kong’s Rich Heritage and Colourful Past
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he design-led heritage offers guests a refined and elegant experience that is reminiscent of Hong Kong’s vibrant past. Hullett House is conveniently located on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, in a magnificent white-stucco colonial building dating from 1881. Hullett House was named in honour of Richmond William Hullett, a 19th century English academic who worked extensively in Asia. The hotel is a true celebration of Hong Kong’s rich “East meets West” heritage, the 10 sumptuous suites which range in size from 800 to 1,100 sq ft have been each individually de-
signed by owner David Yeo to embody a period of history and highlight the importance of Hong Kong’s cultural past from its roots as a colonial outpost of Victorian England through to today’s modern Chinese city. Even with its colonial exterior and historically inspired design, the hotel has all the modern and technical in-room facilities of a contemporary hotel. The bespoke Hong Kong experience extends to the dining table with the House’s five restaurants including St. George with its dining room reminiscent of an English club and fine French cuisine prepared by Michelin-star NOW TRAVEL ASIA
chef Philippe Orrico, the House’s prized Hong Kong Cantonese restaurant Loong Toh Yuen, the Stables Grill, The Parlour and Mariners’ Rest. Hullett House No.2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong www.hulletthouse.com
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Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Warm Asian Hospitality
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he Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel was designed for the pleasure and comfort of the modern business and holiday traveler and offers a wide range of elegant, superbly furnished, spacious rooms and suites, with a comprehensive range of personalized services specially designed to cater for your every need. The Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel is situated by the waterfront overlooking Victoria Harbour on the doorstep of Star Ferry. The hotel is located in the heart of the commercial, shopping and entertainment district of Tsim Sha Tsui, with short walks to Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Space Museum, Cultural Centre, MTR station, and 7 minutes Star Ferry ride to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. There is convenient access to the Hong Kong
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International Airport via the Airport Express. Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel’s 664 guest rooms including 50 suites provide a serene retreat from the bustling city of Hong Kong with many of the hotel’s rooms offering breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour. The hotel’s Continental Club offers the more discerning guest the ultimate in personalized service with a private lounge, butler service, and boardroom facilities. There is always variety on the menu, the hotel offering a choice of five restaurants and Bars with cuisines from Italy, China and Japan as well as international buffets and the Lobby Lounge with a bar that was conferred by Guinness World Records as having the largest selection of rums in any bar anywhere on earth! Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel Habour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong www.marcopolohotels.com
Prince Hong Kong
Completes Sparkling Refurbishment
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ong Kong isn’t exactly a quiet place, but things sure feel peaceful at Prince, a member of the Marco Polo Hotels situated adjacent to China Hong Kong Ferry Terminal. The hotel is located on Canton road at the heart of the commercial, shopping and entertainment district of Tsim Sha Tsui, with short walks to Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Space Museum, Cultural Centre, MTR station, and 15 minutes Star Ferry ride to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Prince Hotel Hong Kong’s 393 guestrooms including 49 suites. All rooms are well-appointed with in-house movies, extensive selection of TV channel, personal voice mail, boardband internet access services, tea and coffee making facilities are
also available. Additional features in suits includes separate shower in bathroom, walk-in closet and connection to a double room. The Continental Club offers the ultimate in personalized service for exclusives. There are two dining outlets, savour North Italian dishes at the Lobby Lounge and unwind after a busy day at the casual Bubbles Bar. Prince hotel is well equipped to cater to your business as well as leisure needs. Be it a meeting, conferences, seminars, cocktail parties, wedding event or banquet, the versatile function rooms of Prince Hotel with their spacious design art amenities ensure successful meetings and events. Prince Hong Kong Habour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong www.marcopolohotels.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Gateway Hong Kong
Fantastic Location and Great Service
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tunning views and well design; Gateway Hong Kong is a favorite of business travelers to Hong Kong, as it’s connected to the convention center. Whether you want to unwind from a day of meetings, or hit the town, a member of the Marco Polo Hotels, Gateway’s guests can enjoy easy access to the area’s major tourist attractions, including Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Museum of Art Hong Kong Space Museum and Hong Kong Cultural Center. Gateway hotel provides a warm Asian hospitality in all its 433 luxurious guest-
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rooms including 55 suites. Guests of The Continental Club can enjoy full access and exclusive benefits from the Club Lounge. Restaurant and Lounge at Gateway hotel featuring Parisian brasserie, Michelin-rated La Brasserie, delightful lunch and dinner buffets at Coffee Mill, and unwind at The Tartan Bar. Hotel’s guests can enjoy Fitness First facilities, an outdoor heated swimming pool at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, a spectacular golf driving range and information desk. Gateway Hong Kong Habour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong www.marcopolohotels.com
The Mira Hong Kong
Modern & Stylish Contemporary Hotel Experience
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et the Mira draw you into a world where urban luxury meets cutting-edge design. Where the intimacy of the contemporary lobby, bold accent colours of the guestrooms, chill-out soundscapes, all fuse to create an open, living, breathing and connected space.
The spa is futuristic and beyond welcoming, MiraSpa’s indoor pool illuminated by fibre-optic ceiling lights reminds one of swimming under a starry night-sky, either that or in a pimped-out karaoke room.
The real draw of the Mira is dining. Six restaurants The Mira Hong Kong are ready and willing to is the first Hong Kong answer your palette’s every property to join the whim. WHISK offers Design Hotels network. Modern European cuisine Conceived by Miamiwith subtle Asiatic accents, based interior designer Yamm offering a varied Charles Allem, the hotel array of global and features green, red, silver pan-Asian cuisines and and purple colour schemes Coco does justice to the for the hotel’s 436 guest magic that is chocolate. rooms, 56 suites and The Mira Hong Kong one-of-a-kind interiors of 118-130 Nathan Road, its eight specialty suites, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, brightly colored furniture Hong Kong www.themirahotel.com sits playfully beside sultry, low-lying beds and pendant lighting. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Macau
Travel to Macau is straightforward from Hong Kong and takes less than an hour, making it the perfect day trip. We’ve picked out the best Macau hotels for luxury. All of these locations are likely to be popular at weekends when Macau fills up with gamblers from the mainland and China, and it’s recommended to book ahead.
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Hard Rock Hotel Macau As Trend-Seting as the Music that Inspires It
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ocated at City of Dreams, the Hard Rock Hotel is at the other end of the luxury spectrum. Rock star living spaces that redefine the hotel experience, featuring amazing views, regionally influenced design, and the latest innovations in comfort and technology and VIP service that will indulge your inner rock star. Featuring amazing views of Cotai, these contemporary 300 guest rooms including 200 Standard King, Double Queen and Accessible King, 64 Coner Suites and 2 Rock Star Suites all tailored and customizes for the rock star at heart. Every room features their signature ‘Sleep Like A Rock’ Egyptian cotton linen, goose-down duvet and pillows. Every room rocks with a state-of-the-art entertain-
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ment system, including a multifunction iPod docking station. Relax in the retro lounge chair, sipping drinks from your personal ‘MIX-ME’ bartending station. Chill out with everything you need, including video-on-demand, and a top range of the latest video games. Hard Rock Hotel features Yo! Noodles, a casual noodle shop, and Fame Bar, for fast service with wide array of different cocktails and refreshments. Wave, a pool bar and grill offers a special BBQ in a friendly atmosphere and stunning views overlooking Cotai. Delicious snacks and drinks are are also served at R Bar. While Rock Spa provides harmony for the senses with unique rituals and sublime treatments. Hard Rock Hotel Macau At City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau www.hardrockhotelmacau.com
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rown Towers set in Macau’s sparkling City of Dreams, feature approximately 300 guestrooms, including 200 deluxe rooms, 55 luxurious suites, and 33 villas. Every room features a dedicated lounge with a full-size sofa, a walk-in closet. The suite rooms is the most spacious with 60 sq meters, with a retro carryover interior, floor to ceiling views of Cotai, 42-inch plasma television with local and international channels, Aigner bath amenities and an iPod docking station making the suite feel like home. The Spa at Crown on Level 3 offers the ultimate, rejuvenating spa experience in a contemporary resort style setting. You can enjoy Macau’s first and
only Signature Deep Blue Massage of Bora Bora. Horizons on Level 3 brings together classic steakhouse fare, enticing grill and innovative seafood dishes in a sophisticated setting. Lan lobby lounge is ready to delight your palate and lift your spirits with special premium wine, high tea and an array of premium cold cuts, cheeses and canapés offers.
Crown Towers
The Gleaming Sophisticated Towers
With exquisite service and exceptional offerings, Crown Towers will bring you a luxurious summer experience filled with pleasure and surprises. Crown Towers At City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau www.crown-macau.com
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Grand Hyatt Macau
A Regal Structure of Dignity
Grand Hyatt Macau At City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau macau.grand.hyatt.com
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ual-towered Grand Hyatt is a retreat of comfort and spectacle in Macau’s Vegas-like City of Dreams, on the other hand projects its familiar worldwide. It is grand, its unlimited lobby ceiling is supported by hexagonal columns, cloud motifs and water cascading down a giant hemisphere in the middle of the floor. It’s the polished steel light fixtures and the dominating dark wood throughout that exuded the Hyatt luxury look. The first hotel tower in Macau dedicated to discerning Club guests; 791 guestrooms, all of them suite-style with separate living spaces and complimentary wireless internet access. Each room offers crisp white walls, soft, fluffy bedding, 40-inch LCD TVs, and views of Pearl River. Those who prefer to unwind at a more leisurely pace may prefer Isala Spa.
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Spread over approximately 2,323 square meters, includes 15 capacious spa suites. Each suite includes a private bathroom and the majority feature natural daylight. Beijing Kitchen on Level 1 is one of the signature restaurants at City of Dreams. Open 24 hours, offers indoor and outdoor dining and specializes in authentic Northern Chinese fare, including Beijing (Peking) Duck and hand pulled Shanghainese noodles. Before hitting the pillow, squeeze in one more treat, and savor a cocktail on mezza9 Macau on Level 3’s terrace, focuses on South-East Asian fare with an international influence. Created by the cutting edge Japanese interior design, the space is defined by giant roughlyhewn granite blocks creating counters and lining walls, as well as an array of lattice-patterned screens.
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ltira Macau has been awarded the Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star ratings in both Lodging and Spa categories for the second consecutive year. Altira Macau has emerged as the top choice for travelers seeking flawless comfort and sophistication during their stay in the city. The name Altira is derived from the Latin word ‘altus’ meaning high, and it’s Chinese name Xin Hao Feng means cutting edge, granted to hotels with exceptionally distinctive luxury environment, offering consistently superlative, personalized service and extensive amenities and treatments. As the tallest building on Taipa, Altira offers great views of the Macau peninsula. Not only that, but all of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea. The room, which is just as calming as the water out-
side with its earth tones of tawny, brown and sage, light hardwood floor and light gold furniture.
Altira Macau
Asia’s Answer to Vegas
When you get hungry, sample some freshest seafood or the finest cuts of Wagyu beef in Kira’s outdoor dining room, a pretty Japanese-style garden pavilion encircled by a pond. For Tempura lovers, savour the flavour of world-class cuisine at Tenmasa, the city most exclusive tempura restaurant synonymous with the celebrities of Japan’s political and business scene. But for a real dose of Zen, go to the modern and minimalist Altira Spa, offering the perfect urban oasis for the ultimate escape, includes a lavish wet spa facility with rasul, crystal steam, ice fountain and saunas offering stunning views of Macau alongside experience showers and vitality pools. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Altira Macau Avenida de Kwong Tung, Taipa, Macau www.altiramacau.com
Mandarin Oriental Macau
A Unique Blend of Portuguese Cultural Heritage
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beyond-amazing views of the sea and the Space Needle.
A chic business-leisure Mandarin Oriental Macau fits right in with a wonderful interior of Portuguese touches, such as a hand-carved teak staircase and Lisboa tapestries, make for an ideal romantic escape.
Take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the city before heading out for dinner at Vida Rica. Rare ingredients suddenly become familiar when added to classic dishes - creating a balanced and exciting experience diners won’t soon forget.
ere in Macau, Mandarin Oriental Macau adds its legendary service, spa, and shopping. Occupying a premier position on the Nape waterfront guests have serene views over the sea and lake and are connected directly with world class boutiques and entertainment.
The Hotel’s shimmering glass exterior reflecting out to the South China Sea. 213 Spacious rooms offer
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The spa is a major feature here, offering the heralded consultations and treatments the Mandarin chain is famous for. A littleknown must-visit is the Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop, where fluffy sweets beg to be inhaled.
Mandarin Oriental Macau Avenida Dr Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau www.mandarinoriental.com /macau
Singapore Luxury is a way of life in Singapore, and the stunning hotels and resorts showcase it beautifully in this tropical island city-state. Attractions include the Orchard Road shopping district and Singapore Food Festival, which showcases the island's unique pan-Asian cuisine.
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Raffles Hotel Singapore The Living Heritage
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tepping through the doors of the 5-star Raffles Hotel Singapore, you’ll find yourself transported to a different world, where dress codes and good manners signal a return to gracious living. The historic Raffles Singapore is one of the few remaining Grand Hotels in Asia, located in the heart of Singapore’s business and historic district, just 20 minutes from Changi International Airport and a five-minute train ride on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) from Orchard Road. Raffles has been popular since its 1887 debut. Each of the 103 colonial-themed suites is a veritable turn of the century showpiece with its fine carpets, antique furniture and original etchings. The lovely gardens, classical architecture, and colonial decor foster a sense of refinement that extends from the timeless elegance to each of
Raffles Hotel Singapore 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673 www.raffles.com
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the hotel’s spacious suites. Facilities include Raffles Spa, a Gymnasium and Swimming Pool, Raffles Hotel Museum, and over 40 specialty shops in the complex. Raffles has a tradition of fine dining, carefully preserved by its awardwinning chefs. Guests can enjoy a wide choice of cuisines in 18 restaurants and bars, the charming Bar & Billiard Room is the perfect venue for elegant afternoon tea or a relaxing game of billiards, and with its fine selection of cigars, cognacs, malt whiskeys, champagnes, ports, sherries and chocolates, it is a Connoisseur’s haven. The Tiffin Room serves up an array of delectable Indian curries amidst colonial splendour and is the perfect venue for afternoon high tea. The famous Singapore Sling cocktail is a product of the Raffles’ popular Long Bar.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore Singapore City Skyline
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urround yourself with the timeless elegance of The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. The Ritz-Carlton experience heightens your senses and anticipates the needs and wishes of its guests. A magnificent 200-foot driveway curves to arrive at a spectacular gateway. Stunning modern art resides in this luxurious oasis. Inside the awardwinning Kevin Roche's building, the lobby and public areas showcase extraordinary art All 608 guestrooms have unobstructed views of the Marina Bay, even from the bathrooms.
Savor the selection of the many fine dining options. Try seafood specialties at Snappers Seafood Restaurant or classical Cantonese delicacies in the Summer Pavilion, authentic Asian dishes and Western fare at Greenhouse or traditional English tea at Chihuly Lounge. Rediscover the traditional Ritz-Carlton detail and world-class service that distinctively define this hotel. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799 Singapore www.ritzcarlton.com
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South Korea
Because Seoul is the new Tokyo. This city is becoming the focal point of transportation and business in northern Asia. Now Travel Asia finds cutting-edge accommodations in the heart of Seoul.
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The Shilla Seoul
Contemporary Lifestyle Destination
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he Shilla Seoul represents timehonored tradition and grace. It graciously combines the nation’s authentic beauty with a modern interior and the natural charm of Namsan Mountain. These comfortable and sophisticated accommodations ideally set between the premier business and cultural districts of the city, specifically designed to cater to the needs of the business traveler. The 465-room hotel provides luxurious seclusion in this otherwise extremely congested city. Each room is decorated in an understated East-meetsWest motif and has both free high-speed wired and wireless connections. In particular, the Guerlain Spa of the Shilla Seoul
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was created based on the beauty know-how of Guertain, a French luxury cosmetic brand, adding to the glamorous atmosphere. The on-site health and fitness facilities include an outdoor pool, check-up clinic, gymnasium, sauna, indoor golf range, while turning the broad greenery nearby into a beautiful sculpture park where you can refresh yourself jogging or walking. The place offers guests the six world-class restaurants ready to tantalize the taste buds. The Shilla Duty Free provides convenient shopping facilities where you can get world-famous brands and the most up-to-date fashion items at reasonable prices. The Shilla Seoul 202 Jangchung-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-856 Korea www.shilla.net
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truly refreshing oasis with wraparound views of Seoul, the limpid Han River and the lush greenery of Namsan Park, Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul occupies a rare patch of green in the Korean metropolis. Still, the concrete jungle is just minutes away. There are 35 guestrooms and suites, spread over a generous 50 to 100 sqm including space for a relaxation pool, each guestroom is inspired by the four seasons of the year and the five oriental elements of water, fire, metal, wood and earth. 16 dedicated Club Rooms and Suites especially for club members, are equipped with state-ofthe-art technology. The private members club offers an unparalleled de-
gree of attention, activities and pampering for every kind of social and business occasion. The generously proportioned space of each room is accentuated by the fact that there are no more than four guest rooms or suites on every floor of the Hotel tower, providing exclusivity and privacy.
Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul Sanctuary for the Senses
A myriad of outdoor facilities including golf driving range, tennis, futsal and round the clock sophisticated cuisine and refreshments in any one of the resort’s 12 restaurants and bars. Effortlessly, it combines Banyan Tree’s signature warmth and traditional Korean hospitality with a tempting mix of Banyan Tree Spa, the first in Seoul. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul San 5-5, Jang Chung-Dong 2-Ga, Jung-Gu, Seoul 100-857 Korea www.banyantree.com
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Imperial Palace Hotel Seoul
Experience the Alluring Prestige of Seoul
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legance and comfort are two words which can best describe the characteristics of this famous hotel. With a wonderful location in the very heart of Gangnam, the city’s business, commercial, and entertainment districts. Imperial Palace Hotel Seoul providing a home-like feel while at the same time possessing a high-class culture of a beautiful European hotel. The Imperial Palace, Specifically designed to evoke an atmosphere of tranquil elegance. Each of the 430 guestrooms and 35 suites is carefully designed with classical European style, indulges the senses with enchanting interiors, cutting-edge technology. Rooms have separate sitting areas and are outfitted with LCD/
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PDP televisions with premium cable channels, and wireless Internet access. The hotel’s Fitness Club is equipped with a swimming pool installed with a computer system that constantly measures the quality and temperature of the water, and the spa offers relaxation for the guests. A total of thirteen restaurants, bars and lounges are on-site, serving Italian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine. An indoor golf range is also available along with a refreshing outdoor area, and a squash court, large enough for an official match. Imperial Palace Hotel Seoul 313 Eon-ju Ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea 135-010 www.imperialpalace.co.kr
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oth business and leisure travellers will find plenty to love at the trendsetting IP Boutique Hotel, located especially in the Itaewon, Seoul’s shopping paradise. The first boutique-style hotel in Korea stands next to Han River providing both river and mountain view. At IP Boutique Hotel, guests experience chic cuisine, luxurious rooms, and pop culture. IP Boutique Hotel is a 12-story building with 142 guestrooms, all guestrooms are equipped with amenities such as iPod station. It has a colorful facade that matches each room within; think lots of white with splashes of pop color.
At night, the outer windows hum with color, making this urban retreat the center of attention. Continue inside and the excitement continues. Young execs and jetsetters hang out at two restaurants; CafĂŠ Amiga and Deli Amador. The new club in the basement is operating by 8 largest and famous entertainment companies in Korea.
IP Boutique Hotel, Itaewon
Boutique-Styled Hot Spot
The hotel itself can play a role as a social space for latest trendsetters and a cultural and artistic space for enjoyment and relaxation. IP Boutique Hotel, Itaewon 737-32 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea www.ipboutiquehotel.com
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Thailand
Thailand offers a wide range of internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts for a comfortable accommodation. Whether you choose mountains or beaches, no visit to Thailand would be complete without a few days in Bangkok, a bustling capital where you'll find chic boutique-style accommodations as well the world-class shopping centre.
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Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit Relax Amid a Contemporary Style
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adisson has arrived in the city center of Bangkok. The new Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit is located just off Sukhumvit Road, one of the city’s major commercial roads. The hotel has been designed to provide a contemporary stay for business and leisure travellers. It is well connected through the nearby Nana and Asoke Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Sky trains and the Sukhumvit Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. With 150 stylish guestrooms and suites, all the guest rooms showcase stylish interiors with a touch of Thai design flair and floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms are equipped with online entertainment and a state-of-the-art wireless multi-media system.
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The hotel also features meeting and banquet space for small to medium size events and a business centre. Complimentary high speed Internet access in all public areas and guest rooms are featured. Radisson’s several distinctive dining options include Mauve, featuring an interactive show kitchen offering signature dishes from western grill to exotic Indian fare, from gourmet pizza to Thai cuisine. Aromas, a bakeshop and deli, and Asqu Lounge and Bar, a stylish setting for drinks and entertainment. Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit 23/2 Sukhumvit 13, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand www.radisson.com/ bangkokth_sukhumvit
Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel No Two Stays are Ever the Same
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eel the pulse of Bangkok at one of Bangkok’s most exclusive areas, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, a modern luxurious hotel that caters to a guest’s every whim. Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel is an ideal home base from which to explore the city whether you’re traveling on business or for pleasure. A unique 200-meter-long landscaped driveway with water features provides an unforgettable arrival experience. Inside, accommodations feature artfully balanced 333 spacious guestrooms with plush bedding, state-of-the-art amenities, glass-enclosed
bathrooms and oversized windows with memorable Bangkok vistas. In addition, guests will find a world-class spa, fitness center, business center and eclectic dining options, all just steps from their door. Renaissance Bangkok features three onsite restaurants namely Flavors, Fei Ya and La Tavola that serves various delicious northern Chinese, Italian and International cuisines. Guests can also enjoy a fine drink offered at onsite R Bar while H2O is a sleek and modern pool bar that offers views of the city. Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel 518/8 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330 Thailand www.renaissancebangkok.com
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Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit A Luxury Collection Hotel A Sanctuary of Tranquility
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amper yourself like royalty at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel devoted entirely to your health and relaxation. The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is a renowned luxury hotel in the heart of Bangkok with a direct link to the BTS Asoke SkyTrain station and a few steps from the MRT Sukhumvit subway station, provides convenient access to many cultural sites and attractions. Each of the hotel’s 420 guestrooms is an exquisite and refined living space decorated with rich timber, marble and elegant Thai silks. 39 Grande Suites and 3 Thai-theme suites offer truly distinctive accommodation. Decorated with authentic Thai furniture and antiques, each suit offers
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24-hour personal butler service. Enjoy an unforgettable meal of authentic Thai cuisine at basil, discover the passion and creativity of Italy at Rossini’s, or dine under the star at The Sala. Grande Spa and Fitness Club is a superior total wellness and relaxation center that skillfully combines the timeless wisdom of Thailand’s healing arts with the very best contemporary spa practice. From the sumptuous culinary creations of the hotel’s chefs to the soothing treatments offered by the spa, let yourself be swept away by the charms of Bangkok. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel 250 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 Thailand www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com
Plaza Athénée Bangkok
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A Touch of Urbanity Meets Sophistication and Casualness
laza Athénée Bangkok, a Royal Méridien Hotel rises majestically above the vivacious city center of Bangkok. Plaza Athénée Bangkok located on Wireless Road, the most beautiful tree-lined avenue in the heart of Asia’s favourite destination for culture and entertainment. The hotel’s myriad amenities include over 10,000 square metres of versatile meeting space with 28 venues and 2 grand ballrooms. All 374 spacious guest rooms and luxurious suites boast views over the ever-changing Bangkok skyline with absolutely no sound.
Other features include a full-service spa, the Athénée Retreat, a breathtaking outdoor pool surrounded by exotic Thai-style gardens and a fitness centre. You’ll never go hungry in Plaza Athénée Bangkok, 8 restaurants and bars serving a dynamic blend of Thai, Japanese, Chinese and French cuisines. For an indulgent massage or to unwind in the sauna or steam room, head to Just steps from the grand lobby, the Ploenchit sky train station on the BTS Sukhumvit line connects you to popular attractions. Plaza Athénée Bangkok 61 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand www.royalmeridienbangkok.com
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Centara Grand at CentralWorld
One of the City's Most Alluring Features
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window on Bangkok city, Centara Grand at CentralWorld offers magnificent suites, exceptional dining, and soothing spa escapes. Centara Grand at CentralWorld is a fully integrated and innovative hotel, convention venue, retail, and leisure complex ideally situated in the heart of Bangkok, connected to CentralWorld, Southeast Asia's largest lifestyle living mall offering over 500 stores and 50 restaurants. Centara Grand at CentralWorld, one of the largest in Asia Pacific and featuring 505 luxury rooms including 36 suites, 469 rooms, and 9 World Executive Club floors. Part of the CentralWorld complex is the Bangkok
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Convention Centre, which has a dynamic design inspired by the unique shape of a blooming lotus. This state-of-the-art convention centre offers over 10,000 m2 with ceiling height of 13.5 m. and the ability to accommodate up to 6,000 delegates in a single pillar-less environment. If you hungry, you can choose from nine scintillating restaurants and bars, including Fifty Five, an unforgettable outdoor roof top venue with impressive views across the city skyline. In addition to its prime location, Centara Grand at CentralWorld of course features first-class luxury amenities in the tradition of the hotel brand. Centara Grand at CentralWorld 999/99 Rama 1 Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand www.centarahotelsresorts.com
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
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An Oasis of Calm in the Midst of Bangkok
he impeccable service begins at the threshold and an air of luxury pervades the urban Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. Centrally located on Rajdamri Road, Four Seasons Bangkok provides a resort-like experience in the heart of bustling Bangkok. The hotel offers 345 executive-sized guest rooms, including 35 opulent suites and seven garden cabanas. Rooms are spacious and feature handsome color schemes and plush carpeted dressing areas next to the large bathroom area. The Cabana suites face the large pool and terrace area, which is filled with palms, lotus ponds, and tropical greenery. Inside the suite,
the contemporary décor nods to tradition with its tasteful use of teak, Thai silk and local artwork. The Four Seasons’ dining is exemplary. From creative Italian cuisine in Biscotti, to classic Manhattan-style steaks in Madison, innovative Japanese creations in Shintaro and mouthwatering local dishes in Spice Market. There’s also a cool outdoor cafe, Aqua, and a busy deli. Plus, the concierge service is second to none in Asia. Close to the center of town and the Rajdamri BTS, it’s a real hideaway in Bangkok. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok 115 Rajdamri Road, Bangkok 10330 Thailand www.fourseasons.com/bangkok
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InterContinental Bangkok Timeless Urbanity
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ne of the most highly regarded hotels in the world, the InterContinental Bangkok, takes luxury accommodations and service, and pushes it to incredible new levels. A haven of luxury for business and leisure travelers, the InterContinental Bangkok offers stunning views of the city. The hotel is centrally located in Bangkok, occupies a prime location at the centre of the city’s business and commercial districts. InterContinental Bangkok provides 381 guestrooms, including Club InterContinental rooms and a range of suites. Rooms and suites are simultaneously simple and grand. The interior decoration exudes a carefully crafted tone of understated contemporary elegance. Or get a Club InterContinental room and you’ll be rewarded with commanding panoramic views of the city.
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Spa InterContinental offers a truly urban spa experience with spectacular views of the city. For extra inspiration and complete well-being, the adjacent Infinity Fitness centre provides the latest technology in cardiovascular, exercise and weight-training equipment. Amazing restaurant choices includes Grossi Trattoria offers trattoriastyle dining from renowned Australian chef Guy Grossi, Fireplace Grill adds sophistication to grill-style dining and Summer Palace serves authentic Cantonese. Dining choices continue with the unique dining experience in Espresso and Choc! satisfies the sweet tooth with gourmet chocolates. The Deli is a casual, gourmet café. For cocktails, visit the Balcony Lounge or Oasis Pool Bar. InterContinental Bangkok 973 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330 Thailand www.intercontinental.com
Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
A Haven of Tranquility in the Heart of the Bustling City
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he opulent Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is a stunning blend of East and West, located behind the Siam Paragon shopping centre. At home, you’re also well taken care of. The luxury city resort with 303 rooms including 42 suites, as well as 98 serviced residences are the picture of modern accoutrement, with techsavvy gadgets that would impress even the most discerning businessperson, and lush garden views and abundant pools that create a sense of warmth in the midst of Thailand’s natural beauty.
At the restaurant Sra Bua, guests can enjoy modern interpretation of classic Thai cuisine. The T Lounge offers dozens of traditional teas and stylish cocktails. Take a moment to indulge at the luxurious spa. The Spa is based on the healing elements of nature. Restoration and healing principles which are inspired by seasonal cycles and the use of pure organic herbs. Forget that your body ever knew a thing called tension. Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok 991/9 Rama 1 Road, Bangkok 10330 Thailand www.kempinski.com
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Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park Latest Connection for Savvy Travelers
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f you find yourself heading to Bangkok on business, consider staying at Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park. The location is ideal for the business travellers, Crowne Plaza Bangkok is a short distance from the prestigious Siam Paragon Mall, Bangkok Convention Centre, Chulalongkorn University and a vast variety of retail, dining and entertainment options in the Silom area. And next door to the property are two key public transport options; the Sala Daeng sky train and the Silom subway, both providing quick, easy access to the rest of the city.
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The 241-room Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park is located on the 24th to 32nd floors of the Ramaland complex in the Silom-Rama IV district. The hotel takes its name from Bangkok’s first public park, and provides a panorama of sweeping views across the entire city. Guests can also enjoy a range of upscale dining and leisure options within the hotel, including five food-and-beverage outlets, extensive banqueting facilities, a resort-style pool and a spa. Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park 952 Rama IV Road, Bangkok 10500 Thailand www.crowneplaza.com
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
The Serenity of a Tropical Retreat
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hangri-La’s fabled hospitality comes to Bangkok’s beautiful banks of the Chao Phraya, a relaxing retreat offering guests a resort-style escape from restless urban surroundings. The Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok with 802 luxurious guestrooms in two adjacent towers, the Shangri-La Wing and the Krungthep Wing, which ensures views of the Chao Phraya River and luminous Bangkok skyline from every room. All rooms have elegant teak furniture and marble bathrooms. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok 6 restaurants offer
an international range of culinary choices. Enjoy traditional Thai food, Asian and cosmopolitan dishes. Dine at Angelini for authentic Italian dishes and Chinese favourites at Shang Palace. Sip on cocktails at our Pool Bar, or enjoy light snacks and afternoon teas at the Lobby Lounge or the Riverside Lounge. The hotel offers sunset river cruises on the Horizon, a large motor cruiser equipped with live bands and broad outdoor decks. Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand www.shangri-la.com
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Indigo Pearl, Phuket
A Flirtation with Bold Luxury
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truly hidden sanctuary, Indigo Pearl is located in one of the most peaceful areas on the island, Nai Yang Beach. Drawing inspiration from the tin mining history, the luxurious beachfront hotel offers ultra-modern industrial chic. The 277 rooms and suites all decorated with the hotel’s signature antique industrial-style interiors; polished-concrete floors, steel beams, exposed ceilings and machineryinspired sculptures. The Indigo Pearl’s six restaurants, bars, and cafes offer many ways to experience Thai cuisine. Watch chefs whip up local-style NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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street food at Tin Mine, taste the kingdom’s finedining flavors at Black Ginger or take Thai cooking classes at Moo’s Kitchen, where you can even pick out your own ingredients at the local market. Other facilities include three swimming pools, dive centre, fitness center, library, full-service spa, and a kid’s club. When you’re ready to get out on the ocean, the Nai Yang Beach is an ideal for leisurely strolls, tanning and sunkissed swimming. Indigo Pearl Nai Yang Beach and National Park, Phuket 83110 Thailand www.indigo-pearl.com
Radisson Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach Sunrise in Paradise
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hailand is worldrenowned for its secluded seaside destinations; in Phuket, the Radisson Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach is a perfect example, nestled next to a white sand beach hugging the crystalline, turquoise waters of the sea. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of Phuket’s natural beauty, Radisson Plaza Resort Phuket features all the amenities of a premium beachfront property, expertly blending traditional Thai hospitality with the quality of a fivestar hotel. The beachfront resort offering guests 211 stylish rooms, including Deluxe Sea-view Rooms, wellappointed Suites and spacious Pool Villas. Comfortable accommodations combined with genuine hospitality.
Resort’s facilities include three swimming pools, Form Fitness Centre and Sapparot Club, a dedicated kid’s zone. And if peace is still difficult to find, spend some time at the Talay Spa, a rejuvenating spa created for the avid spa-goer or guests experiencing the pleasures of a massage for the first time. The on-site restaurants, Azur, Aqua, Edge and Octo offer some of the finest dining experiences. Radisson Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach proudly serves fresh, expertly-prepared dishes that provide guests with delicious and memorable meals. Radisson Plaza Resort Phuket, Panwa Beach 44/5 Moo 8 Sakdidesh Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000 Thailand www.radisson.com/phuketth_plaza
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Ayara Hilltops Boutique Resort & Spa Phuket
Clean Mountain Air and Unpretentious Luxury
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erched on pristine land in Phuket, Ayara Hilltops Boutique Resort & Spa Phuket sits on north western coast, yet somehow manages to far away from everything. Ayara Hilltops accentuates relaxation, offering guests cool blue waters, and warm hospitality. The Resort has something to offer every member of the family. Its grand golf course, perfect pools, endless ocean views, beautiful beach, and soothing accommodations make life here easy, enjoyable and relaxing. The best of the Southern Thailand style of life is evident throughout 48
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luxury suites, set in 23 villas amidst sloping exotic gardens, taking advantage of the arresting views offered by the emerald green Andaman Sea. Providing guests with the relaxed comforts of a home away from home, the resort also offers the amenities of an ultra luxury hotel. Spice Terrace Restaurant offers fine gourmet cuisine and wines for unforgettable dining experience. Ayara Hilltops Boutique Resort & Spa Phuket 125 Moo 3, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand www.ayarahilltops.com
The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa A world of Relaxation
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tep into paradise at The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa, a tranquil and luxurious hotel at Patong Beach, Phuket, known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea. Modern Thai luxury is tempered by the hotel’s commitment to traditional designs and architecture and its embodiment of Thai cultural values, especially warmth, hospitality, and first-rate service. The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa with it naturally endowed with breathtaking sea views and sweeping panoramas of undulating hill will provide you with a unique and authentic vision of this heavenly paradise. The Royal wing offers 102 luxurious rooms with tastefully unique
Thai Design, the Paradise wing provides luxurious in 248 guestrooms and suites, with a Thai temporary touch. Every room equipped with airconditioned, most with a private balcony and full amenities. Its a world of relaxation with multiple recreational service offered, including diving, golfing, fitness center, sauna, swimming pool. Paradise Thai spa dedicated to relaxation as well as to the preservation of youth and beauty; or savour acclaimed cuisine of the hotel chefs in one of their four theme restaurants. The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa 135/23,123/15-16 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150,Thailand www.royalparadise.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Sri Panwa, Phuket
A Perfect Tropical Getaway
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ri Panwa Phuket is an exclusive beachfront retreat, nestled next to a white sand beach hugging the crystalline, turquoise waters of the sea. Perched high atop Cape Panwa and commanding breathtaking views of the Andaman Ocean, it is an oasis of calm and luxury in one of the finest locations on Phuket. Sri Panwa offering guests 52 spacious pool villas from which to choose, nestled in 40 acres of lush virgin rainforest. With each private pool villa carefully designed to showcase the true beauty of its coastal environment. All the luxurious pool villas offer panoramic ocean views, while some boast full and uninterrupted 300-degree ocean views.
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Sri Panwa designed in tropical contemporary, together with by the sea interior theme, simple and earthy while provides a modern luxury living. Services and facilities, including panoramic sea-view Beach Pool, gym & fitness facilities, play room, business center & library, steam rooms, tennis courts, Cool Spa, Baba Dining Lounge and Baba Poolclub. Sunrise and sunset views are part of everyday life here, perhaps the earth would be better off if its inhabitants had more destinations like Sri Panwa to visit. Sri Panwa, Phuket 88 Moo 8 Sakdidej Road, T. Vichit, Phuket 83000 Thailand www.sripanwa.com
Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach
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Your Private Playground in Koh Samui
oh Samui now has a hotel scene to match its increasingly stylish visitors. Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach built on a slender plot on the northern end of Lamai Beach, which retains a sense of tranquility and privacy making it the ideal spot for an extended vacation. A boutique resort is designed with privacy and intimacy in mind. 77 secluded villas and suites, interiors are elegant and contemporary. All villas come with rain showers and large outdoor tubs. High-tech in-room amenities include LCD TV, Tivoli system with iPod docking station, DVD player and Wi-Fi broadband within the resort. If you don’t want to skip your workout routine,
the resort is also equipped with the state-of-the-art Pulse fitness studio. The pioneering concept of borderless dining in the resort is created for romantic dinners intimately served in speciallydesigned dining retreats scattered in the grounds or even on the alluring ocean deck in the sea. Chuan Spa in the resort bringing a signature range of pampering spa treatments based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as introducing Thai Traditional Medicine-based treatments. Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach 146/24 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310 Thailand www.kohsamui.langhamplacehotels.com
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Sheraton Pattaya Resort A Great Romantic Getaway
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estled on a headland just south of Pattaya, Sheraton Pattaya Resort offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Siam and terraced gardens, revealing large lagoon-style pools and pleasant nooks. A mixture of traditional Thai style and contemporary, tropically-flavored dĂŠcor highlights each of 156 spacious guest rooms. Three unique pools surrounded by spectacular tropical gardens and refreshing sea breezes. Top-notch service includes an efficient and helpful activities desk. The
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resort has three upscale restaurants and a chic cocktail lounge, all with ocean views. There’s also an alluring spa, where you can indulge in a relaxing treatment at our ground breaking dedicated spa with six treatment rooms, and a magnetic bar. Sheraton Pattaya Resort 437 Phra Tamnak Road, Pattaya, Chonburi 20150 Thailand www.sheraton.com
Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya Celebrate the Pleasures of the Lost World
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hite sands, Blue Ocean and gorgeous views of sunsets in Gulf of Thailand will sweep you off your feet at the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. Centara Grand Mirage has been exquisitely decorate in contemporary Thai style and kept to the highest standard. The hotel boasts numerous swimming pools, waterfalls and countless water activities in the dedicated water park located right on the beach, the Centara Grand Mirage is actually located on its own private beach in the heart of some of the best coastline in Thailand. All 555 elegantly appointed guestrooms and
suites offer a unique ‘Lost World’ theme style with every room facing the beautiful Andaman Sea, you can watch as the sun sets across the ocean in this destination resort hotel which has facilities to cater for almost every type of traveler. This well featured hotel has a range of bars and restaurants including onsite spa facilities, as well as a huge convention center which can accommodate up to 1,200 persons. Once the sun goes down, indulge your senses at Oceans restaurant, where you can enjoy Oceanside dining with the shimmering waters under starry skies.
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Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya 277 Moo 5, Naklua, Banglamung, Pattaya, Chonburi 20150 Thailand www.centarahotelsresorts.com
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Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Experience the splendour of Lanna Heritage
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ive like the royalty in your own gorgeous villa at Mandarin Oriental, Dhara Dhevi, which celebrates the building styles of the Lanna civilization, a 14th and 15th century society that encompassed northern Thailand, part of Laos and what are now the Shan States of Burma. Dhara Dhevi is wonderfully majestic, looking more like a magnificently ancient city than a resort, It is better described as a high-end living museum devoted to Lanna culture filled with ancient artifacts, painfully accurate
architectural recreations, fine dining, a massive spa and the staff is friendly, service is impeccable. There are two sides to this 60-acre Lanna story. One half of the resort features colonial-style architecture and 54 colonial decorated suites. The other side is filled with 64 private villas, as well as five super-opulent residences for private parties, all designed with the influences of the ancient Lanna region in mind. Bicycle is the most enjoyable way to get around for your entire stay. You can also call the lobby and NOW TRAVEL ASIA
have someone pick you up in one of their golf carts. The 3,100 square meter seven-tier teakwood Dheva Spa, with its Burmese and Shan influences with marble stairs and boasting a full-time Ayurvedic doctor as well as a yoga teacher. The hotel has four main restaurants; Farang Ses(French), Fujian(Chinese), Le Grand Lanna(Thai) and Akaligo (Mediterranean), as well as Horn Bar for drinks and Kad Dhara for shopping.
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The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi was designed to be an experience to remember. Le Grand Lanna features a nightly traditional Thai show, the dishes retain the strong flavors northern cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the ceremonial offering of rice to Buddhist monks on their morning alms rounds, try wood carving and weaving at the craft center, riding water buffalo and take courses on Thai kickboxing and an open-air cookery school. Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai 51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road, Moo 1, T. Tasala A. Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand www.mandarin-oriental.com/ chiangmai
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
A Peaceful Luxury Retreat in Northern Thailand
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natural masterpiece Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai blends in beautifully with its surroundings, overlook terraced rice fields and mountains in the beautiful Mae Rim Valley, minutes from the artistic and cultural heritage of Thailand’s northern capital. The resort’s 64 elegantly decorated pavilions, each with a private covered veranda, and 17 magnificent residences are furnished in a style consistent with a luxurious northern Thai home.
The award-winning, temple style spa, authentic Thai cuisine, flawless service and a wide range of activities and tours make this an unmistakable Four Seasons experience. The wonderful cookery school holds alfresco classes; other diversions include an infinity edge pool, a spa with seven treatment rooms, a tennis court and two restaurants, Sala Mae Rim for Thai food and Terraces for international, plus private dining for two at Rice Barn. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180 Thailand www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai
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Le Meridien Chiang Mai A New Perspective
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e Meridien Chiang Mai, lies in the heart of the historical city of Chiang Mai known for its cultural and artistic heritage…as well as its vibrant night life.
ment systems, high-speed intenet, valet service, 24-hours in-room dining and a peaceful night’s sleep on exclusive twin or king size signature Le Meridien beds.
The hotel exudes an intriguing blend of Le Meridien’s Eupopean heritage and local Lanna era-style. And beyond its doors, intrigue awaits: the hotel concierge will gladly assist you in embarking on an adventure excursion, a shopping trip to the famous Night Bazaar.
Two gourmet restaurants, Last Recipe and Favola serve international and Italian cuisine, and the hotel’s two bars present cocktails, fruit infusions and a selection of coffees and light snacks throughout day.
Le Meridien’s 384 guestrooms and suites deliver a stay of active discovery, integrating European sophistication with local Lanna heritage backed by a natural outdoor canvas. Glass-walled bathrooms with rain showers punctuate an accommodation experience that encompasses digital entertainNOW TRAVEL ASIA
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At The Spa, you can indulge in a vast selection of traditional Thai or Swedish massages, fullbody treatments, and bath rituals as well as luxurious facials and skincare services, while outdoor swimming pool provides unobstructed views of Doi Suthep Mountain. Le Meridien Chiang Mai Chang Klan Road, Tambol Chang Klan, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand www.lemeridien.com/chiangmai
Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai Retreat into the City Resort
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five-star luxury city resort, Shangri La Hotel Chiang Mai design and decor are contemporary renditions of traditional Thai architecture, complete with the familiar sloping roof lines. Shangri-La Hotel situated in a lush garden setting, comprises 281 finely appointed rooms and suites located on Chang Klan Road, which is within easy walking distance of the city’s famous Night Bazaar and boutiques. Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai offers a broad range of services, facilities and amenities while still providing personalized service and Shangri-La’s internationally renowned hospitality. Kad Kafé serves Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, European and Mediter-
ranean cuisine. Silapa Thai provides flavourful ‘Thaipas’ specialties innovatively presented and prepared with keen attention to detail to bring out the freshest tastes. WoW Bar and Grill offers barbecue and an extensive selection of whiskeys and wines. The Lobby Lounge offers live music in the evening, light meals, cocktails and afternoon tea. The CHI spa is nestled within a walled, beautiful landscaped village, complete with nine spacious Thai-styled ‘Spa within Spa’ villas. The signature treatments based on Chinese and Himalayan rituals and wellbeing philosophies. Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai 89/8 Chang Klan Road, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand www.shangri-la.com/chiangmai
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International
Flora Exposition A Showcase for Taiwan's Environmental, High-tech and Creative Flair
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aiwan is hosting an extravagant exposition in Taipei. Transforming the Capital into a city of blossoming parks and gardens, the Flora Expo is the first internationally-recognized event of its kind to be hosted by the Taipei City Government and the Taiwan Floriculture Development Association, TFDA.
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PEI Story by Blacksatin Photographed by Taiwan Tourism Bureau
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USD400 million being spent on the expo during the six-month long event, running from November 6, 2010 to April 25, 2011, the Expo aims to promote floriculture within Taipei and inspire both residents and international visitors to adopt sustainable living practices to help preserve our natural environment. Taipei International Flora Exposition aims to showcase ‘the essence of gardening, science and environmental protection technology’, and to ‘combine culture and art as parts of eco-friendly living’. The theme of the Expo is ‘Rivers, Flowers, New Horizons’. Key design areas include Gardening, Technology and Environmental Friendliness. Fourteen exhibition halls across 91.8 hectares will house floral displays and showcase advances in environmental sciences, green technology and horticulture. The Expo will inhabit the Yuanshan area, including the Taipei Fine Arts Park, Yuanshan Park, Xinsheng Park and the popular recreational spot, Da-Jia Riverside Park.
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Story House, is Taiwan’s only Tudor-style building is set in a classic English garden and will have 700 Taiwanese antiques on display, offering visitors a snapshot of aristocratic life in 19th-century Taiwan.
Pavilion of New Fashion, is the first building constructed entirely from garbage, or one-and-a-half million recycled PET bottles.
Pavilion of Angel Life, combines art with life, featuring design that integrates holistic practices and aesthetics. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Pavilion of the Future, this is an innovative exhibition zone with a greenhouse powered by green energy. Here, visitors can witness the role of technology in creating a more harmonious existence between humans and the environment.
Pavilion of Dreams, located in Xinsheng Park, visitors here are given a ‘technology dream bracelet’ that projects a holographic flower. 3D movies and virtual reality displays engage each of the audience’s five senses. Celebrity’s House, an Exhibition of Taiwanese icon, Teresa Teng. In this exhibition, Teng’s life is interpreted through art and technology, guests can listen to her music, attend seminars by local artists and celebrities and create their own floral arrangements, a practice believed to still the mind and promote oneness with nature. www.2010florafirework.tw
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Great Attraction in Taipei
Travel Facts Currency
Taipei 101
For years, Taipei was Asia’s ugly duckling, but times have changed. And the cherry on the cake is Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building, until it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or NT$) 1 USD=30 NTD Visa: Citizens of most countries in Western Europe and North America do not require a visa for stays of less than 30 days.
Taipei 101, an imposing office block, is supposed to look like a bamboo stalk, but closer up it resembles Chinese takeaway containers stacked on top of each other.
Where to Stay
Grand Hyatt Taipei
2 Song Shou Rd., Taipei 11051 Taiwan (next door to Taipei 101) www.taipei.grand.hyatt.com
It has the world’s fastest lifts that shoot you up to the 89th floor observatory at 37mph. Once out on the roof, you can marvel at how Taipei has transformed itself into an economic powerhouse, with apartment towers and glass offices gleaming in the sunlight.
Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel
201 Tun Hwa South Rd., Section 2, Taipei 106, Taiwan www.shangri-la.com
Shilin Night Market
How to Go
Don’t miss a chance to visit the biggest and oldest night market in Taipei. So much is available in every corner of Shilin Night Market which is known to offer the best of Shopping in Taiwan.
Eva Air
Thailand Office: Tel. +66-2-2696288 Taiwan Office: Tel. +886-2-25011999 www.evaair.com
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In the Search
for the Hidden
Valley
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Shangri-La Story & Photographed by Chatorn Chokpatara
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hangri-La is a name that evokes images of a mythical mountain paradise where peace reigns and life approaches perfection. The word also evokes the imagery of exoticism of the Orient. A key characteristic of Shangri-La, as introduced in James Hilton’s 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, whose mythical setting is believed to have been inspired by from the writings of the eccentric botanist Joseph Rock, whose tales of exploration and adventure in remote Yunnan, Tibet, and elsewhere appeared in National Geographic magazine from 1922 to 1935. In the book, ‘Shangri-La’ is a mystical, harmonious valley, gently guided from a lamasery, enclosed in the western end of the Kunlun Mountains.
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Shangri-La has become synonymous with any earthly paradise but particularly a mythical Himalayan utopia, a permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world. The phrase ‘Shangri-La’ most probably comes from the Shambala, a Sanskrit word, which means ‘place of peace’. It is the earthly paradise in Tibetan Buddhism where there is no war and no suffering, and where people live in peace and harmony through meditation and selfdiscipline. In the novel Lost Horizon, the people who live at Shangri-La are almost immortal, living years beyond the normal lifespan and only very slowly aging in appearance.
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On Foot in the Mountains
of Mystical Yunnan Hilton professed that Shangri-La is not on any map, but the People’s Republic of China announcing in 2001 that it had found Shangri-La in the mountainous Zhongdian prefecture of northwest part of Kunming city in Yunnan province, near the border with Tibet and Burma. Zhongdian was renamed Shangri-La years ago by the local government to boost tourist numbers. Nowadays, the city of Shangri-La have it’s own highways, the airport and the brand-new buildings, but Shangri-La still feels a lot like the legendary lost paradise. Set on a beautiful lake, surrounded by ancient villages and inhabited by the Tibetan people.
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This corner of Kunming sits on a plateau 3,400 meters above sea level. Shangri-La combines many unlikely elements, starting with the weather and the scenery. It is known for its mild climate, even in winter the skies are clear and daytime temperatures reach the sixties. And yet the landscape is stunningly alpine. There is a short strip of asphalt called ‘Shangri-La Road’ heading due north. The drive from Shigu to Xiang Ge Li La, formerly Zhongdian is spectacular, crossing the Yangtze to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest in the world. It is a canyon on the upper reach of the Yangtze River. The gorge is located where
the river passes between 5,596-meter-high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and 5,396-meter-high Haba Snow Mountain in a series of rapids under lofty 2000-metee-deep cliffs. Legend says a tiger could jump across the river at the narrowest point (still 25 meters wide), hence the name. The landscape in the valley is particularly beautiful in late spring, summer and early autumn. The skiing is very good in the winter.
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Travel Facts High Altitude Sickness may pose a problem for those who are not accustomed to such heights (3,400m). As air is thin, try not to exert yourself too much upon arrival. Shangri-La sells oxygen tanks as casually as they sell bottled mineral water. Cost is RMB 45 per tank. There are two tourist offices, one on Shangri-La Road, the other in the Old Town. Both can recommend English-speaking guides or drivers.
Climate The rainy season runs from June to September. The rest of the year makes for more pleasant travel. But the best time to visit is actually in autumn (September to early October), when Shangri-la bewitches you with fiery gold and auburn.
The cable car in the Blue Moon Valley is the longest cableway in Yunnan Province. Its gives a bird’s-eye view of both Yulong Snow Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain. Most residents of Shangri-La are Tibetan; the town’s main attraction is the massive Songzanlin monastery, home to 400 Tibetan Buddhist monks. Songzanlin Monastery located on a mountain slope. It was built in the last quarter of the 17th Century with the assistance of the fifth Dalai Lama. It is built on a hillside and looks like an ancient fort. The two main halls of the monastery are magnificent and feature colorful frescos depicting Buddhist stories on the interior walls. The roofs of the Monastery are gilded copper and can be
seen for miles away shining in the sun. As its exterior design somewhat similar to Potala Palace when you see from afar, it is well known as Little Potala Palace. Moreover, both sides of the monastery is highlighted with beautiful frescos which depicting Buddhism tales and legendary. The very inaccessibility of Hilton’s hidden paradise is what made it a sanctuary. Shangri La is a modern story with a powerful lure for the world as we know it today. It is a masterpiece in telling stories. As the times are tougher and the treat is bigger, the need for believing in better tomorrow and next day is bigger. The sad thing is that Shangri-La exists only in our imagination. And imagination can sometimes be so strong.
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Currency The official currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB or China Yuan-CNY), 1 USD= 6.6 RMB.
Where to Stay Paradise Hotel
www.chinaodysseytours.com/hotels/ Paradise-Hotel.html A new city resort in Shangri-La has been unveiled by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, due to open in early 2013.
Getting There There are several ways of getting to Shangri-La. Flying in from Kunming Airport will be the most comfortable and safest way. The other alternative would be to take a bus from Kunming, Dali, or Lijiang, depending on where you are. It is about 720 km from Kunming to Shangri-La, and will take about 12 hours to Shangri-La by bus. Thai Airways offers return flights to Kunming via Bangkok. www.thaiairways.com China Eastern Airlines flies in twice a day from Kunming. www.flychinaeastern.com
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CHINESE NEW YEAR 2011
Year of the
Xin Nian Kuai Le! It’s that time again in China, and for Chinese people all over the world.
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elebrated over the Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is an ancient festival that goes back nearly 4,000 years! The Spring Festival celebrates the Earth coming back to life and the beginning of plowing and planting. Because the Chinese use a lunar calendar, the date of the Spring Festival changes each year. It takes place at some time during the end of January or the beginning of February. This year the Chinese New Year celebration for the year of the Rabbit which begins on February 3, 2011. To prepare for the New Year, Chinese clean their houses, repay any money they owe, get their hair cut, and buy new clothes. They decorate their houses with signs that wish peace and luck for the coming year.
Chinese New Year is a time to enjoy food with family and friends. On New Year's Eve the Chinese light up their houses and gather together for a family dinner. Special foods are served. Whole fish and chickens represent abundance, and a sticky rice pudding cake is said to help people prosper. Most people stay up late and set off fireworks late at night to scare away evil spirits. Another tradition is the handing out of red packets which are decorated paper envelopes containing money. Of course, there are parades. No matter where the celebration, there will be a decorated dragon winding its way through crowds, streaming a trail of men behind it.
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RABBIT
Here’s where to celebrate that cultural melding:
CHINA
February 2 to Feburary 17, 2011. One essential element of Spring Festival in Beijing is the traditional Temple Fair. These festive jubilees set up in parks and temples around the city, and commonly feature song and dance performances, displays of traditional arts and artisans, markets selling all manner of baubles and crafts, fairground-style games stalls, and all the food you can stuff yourself with.
Singapore
February 1 to February 13, 2011. Singapore hosts one of the world’s largest, most elaborate, and most colorful Chinese New Year festivities: the annual Chingay Parade Singapore. The streets along Marina Bay are festooned with red lanterns, and nightly dance, song, and martial arts performances lead up to the New Year countdown.
Hong Kong
February 3 to February 5, 2011. Gung Hay Fat Choy! (Cantonese for ‘May prosperity be with you.’) The International Chinese New Year Night Parade ranks as one of the world’s top must-see events. The parade features more than a dozen colourful floats accompanied by spectacular international and local performing groups and marching bands. There will be a carnival atmosphere, as festive crowds lined the route to watch the colourful parade pass by with Victoria Harbour serving as the stunning backdrop.
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D
im Sum restaurants in Hong Kong are busy, loud and move at a hundred miles an hour, that’s what makes them great, but the clamour and clatter can also be intimidating for first timers. This Dos and Don’ts Dim Sum guide will walk you through the rules and customs of ordering Dim Sum.
Eating Etiquette THE DOS AND DON’TS OF EATING DIM SUM
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Dos
- Get a group together to go a Cantonese restaurant. You can do it with one or two people, but it’s much more fun with a group. Tables are big and you’ll feel lonely trying to eat all that food by yourself. - Talk loudly and spill your soy sauce. In other words, eat, drink and be merry. Dim Sum restaurants are loud, friendly, family places. Get in the mood and enjoy the chaos. If you haven’t spilled your soy sauce from over-exuberant dumpling-dunking, then you will soon. - Eat one item at a time, sample one piece from each type of dim sum, leaving the rest for others. When everyone has had a taste, then it’s fine to have another one. It’s considered a little rude to have eaten three prawn dumplings when your neighbour hasn’t even tried one. -Go hungry and you won’t leave dissapppinted.
Don’ts - Take a lot of time deciding the menu. Please be aware that they’re usually rushed. (Hopefully there will be an English version. If not, check out what’s on other people’s tables and utilize a waitress help to order what you think you’ll like) Then you can start eating as soon as the food comes.
- Order a la carte instead of full entrees to save on calories. - Order everything at once. Everything in a Dim Sum restaurant is either already ready or almost ready. If you order 20 dishes, it will probably go cold before you finished. Relax, try a few things, order some more, try another few things, drink some tea. - Using your chopsticks as skewers to stab dumplings. If you’re uncomfortable with chopsticks, just ask for a fork.
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An Exotic
60-Day Journey
IndiaNepal Vietnam
China
Laos
Thailand Story & Photographed by Chatorn Chokpatara, Chalearmwat Inhun
Around the World in Eighty Days (or “Le tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours” in French), a classic adventure novel by a French novelist, Jules Gabriel Verne, has described the route passing from India through Nepal, Tibet, China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, as one of the most beautiful, highest, and roughest traveling route. It is the line where the main character, Phileas Fogg and his servant, used in their circumnavigating around the whole world through various ways in 80 days.
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Last year, there’s a story of 2 Thai young men, Chalermpol and Chalermwat Inhan, who traveled across the Asian countries introduced to NOW magazine. The most interesting thing of this story is about how they approached their destinations. These two boys chose Vespa, a classic two wheels vehicle, as their main vehicles for a journey passing their favorite classic countries; India, Nepal, China, Vietnam, and Laos. Five years ago, the story of these two brothers has been started when they first knew Vespa and had new impressive experiences while their group traveled to places around country. Inspired by those impressive trips, they after that thought about traveling abroad with Vespa and made a one-year plan for their biggest traveling in lifetime. 15,000 TBH is the budget they had at that time and they thought that little amount of money will not be able to carry their desire to the final. So, those two young men decided to work abroad in Dubai to expand
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their budget. During working time in Dubai, they have also made a plan to find and estimated their best and most possible route to across the checkpoints of each country. A year passed, the two brothers’ brave journey began in New Delhi. They selected the red line in their map as their path to travel. As traveling by Vespa, they had to go as long as they could in one day and stopped by the places they reached at that time whether there was any hotel or not. Approximately, they traveled over 200 kilometers per day. Traveling in India, food was a big problem for these two young brothers as they were not familiar with the taste and style of Indian foods. Pork, vegetable, or prawns were far away from their mealtime, only curry and Indian flatbread or Roti they could find. So, best thing they could do for their hard mealtime was just hoping to find hot meal because that was better.
Visiting places along the way, not only riding Vespa direct to the border, they spent more than ten days going across country to Nepal. Actually, the process of applying application to across to Nepal together with their Vespa would be very long but they were very lucky as they missed the way. So, they reached another way to Nepal border checkpoint that did not pass India border checkpoint. A shabby checkpoint was mixed with both Nepalese and Indian people as it was a place where people of two countries come and run their business. Passed the checkpoint, the two brothers had to apply the documents for bringing in their vehicles and a little problem happened
to them as all documents were in Nepalese language, not English. So, they had to use a service of Nepalese illegal tour guide to help them pass those processes in the checkpoint. They spent several days in Kathmandu and then continued to Bodori , the area linking Nepal and Tibet. For Chinese people, they claim that Tibet belongs to their country but Nepalese people only think that Tibet is always Tibet. At this area, they had to climb up 300 kilometer to the mountainous area and climb down again. That was a big effort that they put on their way.
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A trouble broke in their trip again when they were entering China border. According to the Chinese regulations, to bring in their Vespa to Tibet, they had to pay vehicle tax as expensive as a buying price of the new one. Also, as Tibet still considered as a state of war, they must hire a tour guide and a jeep carrying stuffs for their trip. Moreover, they had to apply for Tibet visa which was valid for 21 days only. Traveling from the borderland to Lhasa normally takes 7 days, which means they only had 14 days for traveling in Tibet. That was not enough for crossing to China and they had to pay about 100,000 TBH per each for that. Having limited budget at that time (about 50,000 TBH) and being in discouraged mood, the two brothers could stand up again with
encouragement from Thai friends via a website and decided to change their plan to continue the journey. They gave their Vespa to a Nepal friend who was a hotel boy and then caught a flight to Hanoi in Vietnam. The two young travelers restarted their trip from zero in Hanoi and were seeking a new Vespa from the town. Even though Vietnam is the country where Vespa has expanded its manufacturing base into, the price of a scooter is still very high comparing to Thailand. With limited budget, they therefore had to buy a secondhand Vespa instead while other unnecessary items were sent back to Thailand, only several clothes were kept with them. One Vespa and two young men, the trip to China was a real adventure.
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The route leading to China was so simple when they saw it in a map. In fact, they had to face many obstacles and difficulties along the way. No direction signs, no accurate information about the road, the two young men used their sense and instinct to guess their way. Sometimes, they had to sleep in front of Vietnamese villagers’ house or even on the roadside. However, it was a pure precious experience that they gained from that variety of hardness. In the 7th in Vietnam, big problems took place again when they had to fill engine oil. In town, they could not find any 2-stroke engine oil so they had to wander around the suburb to find their Vespa’s blood. Luckily, they finally found few bottles of 2-stroke engine oil in a small old gas station. Again in the 8th day, an electricity system of the Vespa was damaged and the vehicle mechanic could help them. However, the problem was solved again when an electrician came to help. Then, they continued their trip to China again. Hardly passed the border, to continue their journey with a Vespa, they had to buy a Chinese scooter license plate and replaced it to the older one. Their destination in China was Kunming as it was the only town that they knew.
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Normally, the map may display a very short and easy route to the users. In fact, the road to Kunming in China is very difficult as it is mostly in a mountainous area and has variety of unexpected incidents along the way. There were landslides in many parts. Sometimes, they had to stop and wait until the way was cleared. Once, they luckily followed the way that suggested by the truck driver and easily passed the toll way checkpoints as there’s nobody came out the box to face cold air. The piles of the toll way are set as high as a seven or eightfloor building because they have to climb up the mountains all along the
way. The weather in China was also really fickle. One side of the mountain was raining while another can be covered with snow or hot air. That trip therefore was so full of color of life with real nature. A night before reaching Kunming, the two brothers stopped for rest at Mei Li
helpful for such condition. Not for long, they reached the Kunming, a famous tourist town of China, and spent time for taking photos and seeing around the place. A returning trip from Kunming to Vietnam was very surprised as that was their first time riding a Vespa in snow.
Normally, hotel rate in China is really cheap. 20 Yuan is an average rate for hotel in small towns where also have good meal in low price and impressive scenery. The hotel where the two brothers checked in was in the rural area so they had to ride a Vespa through cold weather and very long distance. Gloves and jacket were really
Departed from the border checkpoint, they continued their trip from Sapa in Vietnam to Leh, Dien Bien Phu, and Oudomsay in Laos. At Laos border check point, transporting their vehicle seemed to be their big problem as the Vespa was not bought legally but the problem however was solved by the bus driver. The bus driver
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has parted the Vespa into pieces and reassembled them in Laos. Going down south about hundred kilometers in Laos, the two brothers reached a town called Phuan. They felt like coming to home town as everything were similar to Thai style such as foods, songs, and landscape. Luang Phrabang was the next town they visited where did not disappoint their expectation. She was a real world heritage town. After a 2-night stay in Luang Phrabang, the two young travelers was heading back to Thailand via Thalee border checkpoint
in Loei province where Lao people call Kaenthao. The road linking to the border was so bad so they had to stop and took a rest on the way. The political situation in Laos has always been as ever. So, when they took a rest in a tent on the way to the border, Lao soldiers came to watch out their activities during night time and investigated them. Perhaps, tourists were still to strange for their feelings. Eventually, they were arrived Thailand with great warm feelings.
countries they visited. Thailand always gives them good things while other countries can not. For instance, India has hi-technology like nuclear bombs but its people don’t have even rice to eat or Vietnam has a plenty good land for doing agriculture but its people are still living with unhappy face.
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Golf Time
Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, Kunming The Ultimate All-Season Playground
Hidden away amongst the glorious rolling hills of Kunming is Spring City Golf and Lake Resort, offers such spectacular vistas of dazzling Yang Zonghai Lake against a mountainous backdrop, that for Spring City’s guests, golf is as much a spectator sport as it is a challenging game.
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his Spring City Golf and Lake Resort knows that golf is truly a lifestyle and boasts a design that shows it. Spread over 500 hectares, the resort comprises luxury villas, 6 suites and 43 deluxe rooms and two championship golf courses, the Mountain Course designed by Jack Nicklaus and the Lake Course by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Both courses have received over 70 world class awards since they were completed in 1998. Golfers will love the two 18-hole courses with greens and fairways of an outstanding quality. In 2009, Spring City added another nine awards to its list of accolades, ‘No.1 Golf Course in China: Lake Course’, ‘No.2 Golf Course in China: Mountain Course’ and ‘Top 10 Golf Clubs in China’ by China Golf Digest. Meanwhile, US Golf Digest awarded the Lake Course as ‘100 Best Golf Courses outside the United States’ and ‘No.2 Golf Course in China & Hong Kong’. In addition, the Lake Course was also awarded
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as ‘World Top 50 Golf Courses’ by US Golf Magazine and the Mountain Course as ‘Best Course in China’ by Asian Golf Monthly. Spring City has also been awarded as ‘Top 10 Most Outstanding Golf Resorts’ by HK Golf Vacations and ‘Best Caddie Service Golf Club’ by China Golf Magazine. Pack for a week of golf, rest, and more golf, Spring City Golf and Lake Resort hosts to several major golf tournaments during the year, and also a popular venue for corporate meetings. These included the Board of Governors' Cup and the Spring City Cup. Even if you don't golf, you'll live the good life in one of 73 clubhouse lodges and 150 villas. The resort offers a wide range of selections to accommodate your needs from a standard lodge room to a three bedroom villa. A spa, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and delicious restaurants offer much to do (when you're not golfing) at Spring City Golf & Lake Resort. You'll leave feeling more alive than when you arrived.
Madagascar The Land that Time Forgot
As a natural Eden-like island, Madagascar is unique because of its diversity of species. It is known as the 8th continent, the fourth largest and one of the most diverse islands of the world.
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adagascar is the result of a subtle and mysterious crossroad between Africa and Asia. This island nation is situated in the Indian Ocean at about 400 kilometers off the southeastern coast of Africa.
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The huge and immense tropical forests of Madagascar are considered a true Eldorado by researchers and scientists worldwide. One moment you can be driving through pristine rainforest filled with lemurs and chameleons and the next you can be out on the savannah plains or white sandy beaches. Madagascar gets its current name from Marco Polo, the Italian explorer, who described an African island of untold wealth called Madeigascar in his memoirs. Humans have been here for only 2,000 years. The oldest human-modified bones of extinct species appear in the fossil record at this time. The uplands in the center of the country have earned the nickname Red Island with its hills and traditional houses made of clay. The paddies on the other hand are a constant reminder of Asia. Around each major town Taxis-Be serve the outlying villages, but long-distance routes are rarely well served by public transport.
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The archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is the main historic site, is not far from the capital and should not be missed whilst you are there. By the time the French control over Madagsacar, it was ruled by a royal line of the Merina who came from the highland area around Antananarivo. Ambohimanga was their Palace and later, as Antananarivo became the capital.
One of the most distinctive structures in the Royal Hill is a massive wall known as the Great Enclosure rings, the l argest complex of buildings, which probably served as the palace and built of stone.
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Madagascar existed during the final stages of suturing of the west edge of Gondwana scraped against southeast Laurentia in the Ordovician dated back 250 million years ago. The island broke up with the African continent. The island is the planet's most biologically diverse island. It is a hotspot home to as many as 12,000 plant species and the estimated 200,000 species identified in Madagascar, 80 per cent are found nowhere else on Earth. This lovely remote destination found nothing dangerous or venomous like in the mainland African safaris. In Madagascar, the animals will only look at you with wide-eyed wonder. Here you will see lemur, chameleon, big headed turtle, a metallic orange colour frog and heaven knows what other bewildering natural sights awaiting us in this region.
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One of the highlights of Madagascar visit would definitely be Morondava’s Avenue de Baobab. Look at beautiful collaboration between a Baobab tree and sunset truly is a unique and memorable experience. These thousand year old giant trees strangely look like it has roots growing from its top. According to the Madagascans legend, they believe that God in creating the first trees, made the mistake and created these trees upside down. The Baobab tree is extremely drought resistant and has the capability of going years without water, its hollowed trunk and spongy bark is able to absorb water. The traveller has a multitude of choices, none of the species of lemur on this magical island are in existence in the wild anywhere else in the world and yet here they are in abundance from the most easily recognizable Ring-Tailed Lemur, to the dancing Sifaka both found in Berenty Private Reserve and the largest living lemur, the indri (Indri Indri), which has a black fur with white patches and only found in the northern side of the island in the rainforests.
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Beyond their uniqueness to the island, chameleons are unique creatures in their own right. They are distinguished by their Zygodactylous feet, their separately mobile and stereoscopic eyes and the ability to change color, they can be seen wearing a variety of colors in response to temperature, light, and mood.
Another highlight attraction is a real-life Jurassic Park, Isalo National Park lies towards the south of Madagascar. Isalo is famous for a landscape reminiscent of the mesas of the American Southwest. Great canyons give way to steep stone mountains full of caves. Though the landscape is mostly dry and barren, there are natural oases and waterfalls encountered for refreshing swims in stunning surroundings. Madagascar is one of the planet's poorest countries. It is undeveloped and still relatively undiscovered, and because of this it remains its own essential self with smiling faces everywhere. Food is organic because they cannot afford pesticides. But in spite of such poverty, it offers one of the unspoiled treasure troves of biodiversity on Earth and is a must to see before it's destroyed.
Travel Facts
Time
Visas are required by everyone traveling to Madagascar and are usually issued for a 30 day stay period.
Currency:
The official languages of Madagascar are French and Malagasy.
The best time to visit is probably September-November after the cool, dry winter but before the hot rainy season. The height of the cyclone season is from January to March and affects the coastal regions. Malarial mosquitoes are most active at dusk and daybreak so cover up and use repellent at those times.
Where to Stay:
Accommodations can range from a tent to a luxury hotel.
Climate
Being at GMT +3
The unit of currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), 1 USD = 2069 MGA. It is advised to carry US dollars or Euros which are easily exchangeable currencies.
Getting there
Air Madagascar, Air France, Kenya Airways and Inter Air have flights into Madagascar. Air France flies direct from Paris. Air Madagascar and Kenya Airways flies from Nairobi (Kenya), while InterAir flies from Johannesburg. Asisten Travel is a Malagasy operated tour company offering tailor-made trips to Madagascar including lemur spotting tours. www.asisten-travel.com
The dry season is from April to October, and wet season from November to March. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Spa
Guide
Many people find spa one of the best ways to relax. If you’re one of these people, today we bring you another place with astonishing ambience. Give your significant other and yourself the perfect Valentine’s gift by getting fully pampered at Spa Cenvaree Maldives, The Oasis Spa Bangkok and The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip.
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THE OASIS SPA BANGKOK Calm Oasis in Bangkok
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hen entering the lush private garden of The Oasis Spa Bangkok it is hard to believe that you are actually in the middle of the bustling city. The place is like a small oasis in the city with verdant lawn and leaning flame trees which make the venue's exterior stunning contrasting with
the clean white buildings making the place looks impressive. There are 12 treatment rooms on the two level of the treatment area. Each room is decorated in simple style and equips with two massage beds and the open air toilet and shower area with baht tub. An extensive Bangkok
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Oasis Spa variety of massages are available; Aroma, Thai, Ayurvedic and the Oasis signature massages namely King of Oasis, Queen of Oasis and Four Hand Massage, all of which will leave one feeling like an aristocrat for the day. Hydrotherapy, herbal steam and a full range of body scrubs and wraps are also on offer, along with
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hair spa, facial and body treatments. Bangkok Oasis Spa's therapists have been rigorously trained in the art of rejuvenation to ensure that guests derive full therapeutic benefits from their visit, leaving with renewed vigour and glowing with natural health and beauty. The Oasis Spa Bangkok 64 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 31 (Sawasdee) www.bangkokoasis.com
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip An Exclusive Haven
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estled in the heart of the bustling Cotai Strip, The Spa offers a tranquil retreat for the world traveler. An urban oasis on the 4th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Macao is complemented by a fitness facility, yoga studio and salon. A wide range of soothing treatments may be enjoyed in 14 private spa suites including 9 single rooms and 5 doubles. Separate
men’s and women’s spa areas each offer Sauna, Steam Room, Ice Fountain and Vitality Pool and Relaxation Lounges. The VIP suite comes with a double vitality pool and the Private Heaven, integrating the benefits of Vichy shower, tropical rain experience showers in one private chamber. Signature treatment includes; Diamond NOW TRAVEL ASIA
Magnetic Jewel, this lavish ritual begins with the application of precious Gem Stones including Jade and Tiger’s Eye to the seven chakra points clearing the ‘Qi’ or energy paths. The body is polished with crushed diamonds and micronized iron which is then cleverly removed with magnets to create a positive electro-magnetic aura around the body.
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All the spa’s offerings have been carefully designed to restore, enrich and heal the body and the soul. The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, S/N, Taipa, Macau, China www.fourseasons.com/ macau/spa
SPA Cenvaree Maldives
Journey to Tranquility
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he gentle touch of traditional Thai spa therapies has been introduced to the Republic of Maldives with SPA Cenvaree at the newly opened Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. The new SPA Cenvaree sets in the South Ari Atoll, amidst world-class coral and diving spots and surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. With a décor inspired by clear open skies and the use of natural woods and fabrics, the oceanfront village spa has 11 multi-function therapy rooms, a Vichy rain shower, wet treatment room with Jacuzzi and herbal steambaths, a manicure and pedicure salon, hair and makeup services, and outdoor relaxation lounges. Inspired by ‘Skinfood Concept’, only fresh and natural ingredients are used in the bodycare treatments. A range of international and traditional massages such as Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Traditional Thai Massage and Balinese Massage are available, along with yoga stretching and breathing programmes. The signature treatment is the Maldivian Massage. This therapy combines the best of hot oil aroma massage techniques with acupressure, Ayurvedic Abhyanga movements, deep tissue, shiatsu and lomi lomi.
SPA Cenvaree, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives South Ari Atoll, Republic of Maldives www.centarahotelsresorts.com
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After a day of soaking in the sun, guests can also benefit from the spa’s after-sun care treatments such as the Island Sun Secrets treatment using aloe vera and red rice to soothe sunburnt skin. The SPA Cenvaree with no-end of treatments to leave you feeling in the pink of health.
What’s now Year of the Rabbit Spring Dinner Package at Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hongkong
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sher in the Year of Rabbit with style, from January 1 until March 2011, Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hongkong offers the auspicious Spring Dinner Package for you and your families, associates or business counterparts. ‘Fortune’ Spring Dinner Menu: HK$5,388, ‘Happiness’ Spring Dinner Menu: HK$6,388 and ‘Longevity’ Spring Dinner Menu: HK$7,888. Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hongkong www.renaissancehotels.com
The Residence Phuket by Lantern Hotels & Resorts Introduces
Ultimate Luxury Cruising with the ‘Richmond I Catamaran’
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he Richmond I take you on a private tour across the emerald waters of Phuket. 24-hour Charter priced at THB 34,000 per trip, Charter Day Trip priced at THB 30,000 per trip, Morning Cruise priced at THB 3,500 per trip, Afternoon Cruise priced at THB 4,500 per person and Evening Cruise priced at THB 4,500 per person. This cruising package is available from now until April 30, 2011.
Unveil The Residences
at The St. Regis Bangkok
M
inor International PCL and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. are pleased to announce the launch of The Residences at The St. Regis Bangkok, the highly anticipated debut in Thailand’s first St. Regis development, features 53 pristine residences located un a prime location along Rajadamri Road.
Reservations can be easily made online at; www.lanternhotelsresorts.com Tel. +66 76 271 650-5
St. Regis Bangkok The Residences 159 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok 10330 Thailand www.stregisbangkokresidences.com
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What’s now
Mosaic Music Festival, Singapore Celebrates Diverse Asian music
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his March, the Mosaic Music Festival returns to Singapore with another tantalizing 10-day spread of jazz, world music, indie-pop, techno and more. Join in the excitement as a variety of great music fi lls the Esplanade with a melodic buzz every evening from March 11 to 20, 2011. Originally conceived as a festival focusing on world-music and jazz acts, Mosaic’s line-up now boasts everything that’s sensationally aural from indie-folk music to soulful rhythm and blues; from booty-bouncing hip-hop to electrifying post-rock, sumptuously exotic
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Afro-beat and grungy indie rock. This eclectic collection of genres has led to the festival gaining larger audiences every year.
Trio, The Manhattan Transfer, Joanna Newsom, Charlie Haden & Quartet West, and Thailand’s T-Bone.
The festival is unique in that the artists perform in a multitude of sonically suitable venues around the Esplanade. Ranging from the raucous Theatre Studio to the intimate Mosaic Recital Studio and the smooth acoustics of the venerable Concert Hall, musical connoisseurs will derive maximum satisfaction from the ideal choice of venue.
The Mosaic Music Festival is a fantastic way to unwind, relax and engage in some of the best concerts in the region with like-minded friends at the Esplanade, the throbbing epicentre of the arts and entertainment in Singapore.
Some of the highlighted artists this year include Angelique Kidjo, Jamie Lidell, Michel Camilio
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www.mosaicmusicfestival.com
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What’s now I
Crowne Plaza moves into Bangkok
nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced that a Crowne Plaza hotel will replace the Pan Pacific Bangkok, marking the entry of the brand to the capital of Thailand. The rebranding will come into effect 1 January 2011, making Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park the fifth IHG property in Bangkok. Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park 952 Rama IV Road, Bangkok 10500 Thailand www.crowneplaza.com
Countdown to 2011 Celebrations at Pullman Pattaya Aisawan
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he Pullman Pattaya Aisawan celebrated the New Year’s Eve Countdown party on their beach front last December 31st 2010 under bright stars at the Beach Club. Pullman Pattaya Aisawan 445 / 3 Wongamart Beach, PattayaNaklua Rd., Pattaya 20150 Thailand www.pullmanpattayaaisawan.com
Introduction to Animal-Processed Coffee by Doi Chaang Coffee
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oi Chaang Wild Civet Coffee (Kopi Luwak) is now available by the cup for the first time in Chiang Mai at Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport branch and the Rooms Project at Nimmanahaeminda branch. Doi Chaang Wild Thai Civet coffees are considered the rarest and most sought-after coffees in the world and have been awarded the highest ratings ever by The Coffee Review. Doi Chaang Coffee House Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport branch: Tel. +66 5327 1342 Nimmanahaeminda branch: Tel. +66 5321 5698 NOW TRAVEL ASIA
Eaton Hotels International Unveils Essential Hospitality Concepts
E
aton Hotels International, an affiliate of Langham Hotels International, launched three new brands; Eaton Luxe, Eaton Smart and Eaton House aimed at global business and leisure travelers looking for a simple, stylish and sustainable hotel experiences. It’s an ideal model for owners throughout Asia, in particular China, India and Thailand. Eaton Hotels International L59, Office Tower, Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mongkok, Kaoloon, Hong Kong www.eatonhotels.com
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he world’s biggest jetliner brings back the golden era of air travel, when flying was an event so grand men wore ties and women wore furs. The Emirates offers both a quieter and more eco-friendly way to travel with its cutting-edge A380 aircraft promises customers in all classes the most luxurious travel experience available. This A380 was configured to carry a total of 489 people. On the lower deck, Economy Class has 399 seats. The upper deck was fitted with 76 Business Class seats and 14 First Class suites. First Class passengers can relax in one of 14 private suites, Business Class passengers can relax in seats that convert to fully flat beds up to 79 inches (2 metres) long, whilst those travelling in Economy Class can stretch out in
EXPERIENCING the Emirates
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seats with a pitch of up to 33 inches. With First Class Shower Spas, a spacious onboard Lounge, touch screen Wireless Integrated Passenger Seat Controller to control IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) and award-winning ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) inflight entertainment system with more than 1,100 channels on demand, there’s no better way to fly. One of the coolest things about the A380s onboard video system is the realtime view it displays of the plane in flight. Passengers in all classes can choose to watch live video feeds from three cameras positioned on the exterior of the plane: A view from the top of the tail, a view forward from the nose, and a view straight down. Endlessly entertaining. In addition, passengers travelling with Emirates
on the A380 and all its other aircraft benefit from a generous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy, 40kg in Business and 50 kg in First.
travelers the chance to spend the whole day exploring city state or finalizing business deals before returning to Bangkok at 22.25 hrs
Since its launch in 1985, Emirates Airline has received more than 400 international awards in recognition of its efforts to provide unsurpassed levels of customer service. Emirates is the largest A380 operator in the world and flies daily from Dubai to Paris, Jeddah, Seoul, Bangkok, Sydney, Auckland, Beijing and Manchester, as well as double daily to London Heathrow and three times a week to Toronto.
Emirates will continue to offer its passengers the option of a non-stop daily service between Hong Kong and Dubai, currently operated by a Boeing 777-300ER. www.emirates.com
The new A380 latest route service operating from Bangkok to Hong Kong as the city state becomes its 11th destination. This new route departs Bangkok daily at 13.45 hrs and lands in Hong Kong at 17.40. A late return gives
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TRAVEL SINGAPORE
THAILAND
NATAS Travel 2011
Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony
Venue: Singapore Expo Hall 4 & 5 Admission: S$4.00 (Adults), Free Admission for Children below 12yrs Event Schedules: February 25 to February 27, 2011
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ingapore’s largest travel fair is back. Be it an adventure, an exotic getaway or a romantic sojourn, NATAS Travel 2011 brings together expert travel specialists, tour operators and national tourist organizations to present to you popular and unique holiday experiences around the region and the world. www.natastravel.com
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Venue: Pak Meng Beach, Trang Event Schedules: February 11 to February 13, 2011
C
ouples from Thailand and around the world stage a special wedding ceremony underwater off Pak Meng Beach in the Trang district in Southern Thailand. Don't worry if you're not a qualified diver, non-diver couples can also say their vows here too. www.underwaterwedding.com
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IN SEASON HONG KONG
JAPAN
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Sapporo Snow Festival
Venue: Sapporo Event Schedules: February 7 to February 13, 2011
Venue: Tsim Sha Tsui Event Schedules: February 3 to February 5, 2011
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uge glittering ice sculptures transform Sapporo into a magical winter wonderland during the annual Snow Festival. Teams of professional artists from around the globe create the frosty masterpieces at venues across the city, including Odori Park and the Suskino district. www.snowfes.com
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inatowns around the world are in the most part the offspring of those in Hong Kong. The city is full to bursting with events for Chinese New Year. The crowning glory of the city's events is the International Chinese New Year parade, a must see, if you're in the city.
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