There’s nothing better for bragging rights than visiting a slick resort before your friends get there. Here are a dozen you can visit now, plus another dozen to look forward to.
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THAILAND
Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa, Phuket
Nestled on a forested hill on Phuket’s west coast, this resort was built to help you unwind—in style. All rooms have a view of the free-form pool area and a spacious design that facilitates the flow of natural breezes. Activities include tennis, minigolf, scuba diving and sightseeing tours. There’s a free shuttle service to nearby Kata beach.
Who goes there? People who prize hilltop views over beachfront access.
Memory maker: Deep sea fishing tour.
F&B: Seafood restaurant, pool bar, lounge, café.
Rates: From B3,700 (classic room) to B25,000 (pool villa). American breakfast incl.
Deal: “Break Away Packages” for BK Magazine readers exclusively until Sep 30: Nalina Classic Room (B5,900/2 nights for 2 persons, including daily breakfast, 1 set dinner, airport transfer, 20% discount on the hotel F&B outlets, 50% discount on the spa). Nalina Jaz Room with pool access (B6,800/2 nights for 2 persons, including daily breakfast, 1 set dinner, airport transfer, 20% discount on the hotel F&B outlets, 50% discount on the spa).
Where: 7/1 Kata Yai Beach, Phuket, 02-713-8651. www.phuketnalina.com.
Racha-Kiri Resort and Spa, Kha-Nom
Racha Kiri is the first high-end entry into what is expected to be a booming tourist market on the mainland coast adjacent to Koh Samui. Located on an untouched piece of coastline in between the southern cities of Surat Thani and Nakhonsrithammarat, this upper-end design hotel is by far the nicest resort property in the area. Prices at similar properties on nearby Koh Samui could easily go for triple the price. All rooms and bungalows have spectacular ocean views, large balconies and oversized sunken bathtubs. But what really makes this place special are the sounds of nature emanating from the untouched wilderness all around you. This is a perfect stopping off point on the way to or from Koh Samui as two major ferry piers to the popular resort island are located just minutes away.
Who goes there? Yuppies who like luxurious accomodation located well off the beaten path.
Memory maker: Late night squid fishing followed by a beer-soaked beachside barbecue.
F&B: International/seafood restaurant, pool bar.
Rates: B7,000 (mini suite), B9,500 (spa suite), B12,500-18,500 (Junior and Grand Villa Suites.) Breakfast included. (Get 50% off most of these rates until December 19, 2007).
Deal: Romance Package (B16,000/2 nights for 2 persons, including daily in-room breakfast, 1 bottle of wine, fruit basket on check-in, 2.5 hour honeymoon spa treatment, 1 candle-lit seaside dinner, and firefly excursion).
Where: 99 Moo 8, Naiplao Beach/1, Kata Yai Beach, Kha-Nom, Nakhornsrithammarat, 075-527-847. www.rachakiri.com.
INTERNATIONAL
Best Western Premier Hotel, Kukdo, Seoul, Korea
Right in the heart of Seoul’s business and entertainment district, this chic and ultra-modern hotel offers contemporary rooms with picture-perfect views of the surrounding mountains or sea. The famous East Gate Market, Myungdong shopping area and Seoul Theater are a stone’s throw away.
Who goes there? City slickers who love shopping and barhopping in the new Seoul.
Memory maker: Enjoy the advantages of an electric bidet. (Welcome to Korea!)
F&B: Buffet and a la carte fusion dining at the Patio restaurant, cocktail lounge.
Rates: From US$89 (queen room) to US$520 (suite). Breakfast not included.
Where: 310 Uljiro 4 GA, Seoul, Korea, (+82) 2-2266-7117. www.bestwestern.com.
Evason Ana Mandara Villas & Six Senses Spa, Dalat, Vietnam
Voyage to the past on a visit to the historic city of Dalat, often referred to as le petit Paris of Vietnam. Each of the 15 original French colonial villas from the 1920’s and 30’s has a unique design. A great place to base yourself while you explore Dalat’s countryside on foot.
Who goes there? People who need a break from the lowland heat and a hearty dose of Vietnam’s colonial past.
Memory maker: Browse the extensive private on-site library.
F&B: European restaurant, wine bar, café.
Rates: From US$155 (villa room) to US$400 (spa villa). Breakfast included.
Where: Le Lai Street, Dalat, Vietnam, 84-63-555-888. www.sixsenses.com/evason-dalat.
Mercure Surabaya, Indonesia
A newly renovated hotel in the center of Surabaya, this makes a great starting point for exploring Mount Bromo, Borobudur, or Prambanan.
Who goes there? Those who are interested in having a cultural adventure without forgoing 4-star hotel amenities.
Memory maker: Watch the chefs making satay and nasi goreng in the open plan kitchen—dramatic!
F&B: Two restaurants (Indonesian, Chinese), coffee shop, pool bar.
Rates: From IDR688,500. Breakfast included.
Deal: Summer sale promotion until Sep 30 for IDR365,500 a night.
Where: Jl. Raya Darmo 68, Surabaya, Indonesia, (+62) 31-562-3000. www.mercure.com.
Novotel Nusa Dua Hotel & Residences, Bali, Indonesia
Surrounded by a golf course, this picturesque hotel mainly attracts families and younger couples. Play badminton, table tennis, volleyball or swim in the garden area pool.
Who goes there? Moms and dads who are looking for an economical family getaway that includes childcare.
Memory maker: Benefit from value offers such as golf-, spa- and family-packages.
F&B: Restaurant (international), lounge bar, beach club.
Rates: From US$73 (deluxe room) to US$137 (two-bedroom residence with pool). Breakfast included.
Deal: Summer sale promotion US$73-100 a night.
Where: Jl Pantai Mengiat, Bali, Indonesia, (+62) 361-848-0500. www.novotel.com.
Pudi Boutique Hotel, Shanghai, China
Located in the city center close to trendy Xintiandi and the Yandang pedestrian street, this boutique hotel sports a color scheme that varies from floor to floor. Even the elevators change their color to match the current floor. The rooms are equipped with modern musts like LCD TVs and home theater.
Who goes there? People who like Shanghai, art and slick modern accommodations.
Memory maker: Add to your art collection from the comfort of your bed. Each room serves as a space for art exhibitions and everything is for sale.
F&B: Restaurant (French, fusion), champagne room, cigar bar.
Rates: Grand opening promotional rate of US$280 a night (until the end of Aug).
Where: 99 Yandang Rd., Shanghai, China, (+86) 21-5158-5888. www.accorhotels.com.au.
The Luxe Manor, Hong Kong, China
This exceptionally stylish boutique hotel in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui district comes with an ecclectic mix of oriental, post-modern and European décor. The funky flashy interior design celebrates surrealism and abstract art. Lots of high-tech features such as big LCD TVs in your room, VoIP telephony, high definition video-on-demand, and wireless internet access can be used.
Who goes there? Tech-oriented devotees of boutique hotels.
Memory maker: Geek out with the in-room interactive infotainment system.
F&B: Restaurant (Italian), bar.
Rates: Promotional rates from HK$1,800 (premier room) to HK$2,000 (deluxe room), until Sep 5. Breakfast included.
Where: 39 Kimberly Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, (+852) 3763-8888.
www.theluxemanor.com.
The Nam Hai, Vietnam
Set on a one-kilometer private stretch of white sand beach overlooking the tranquil South China Sea, this luxurious resort offers warm Vietnamese hospitality, alluring architectural design in a lush landscape and peaceful surroundings. Come here to get away from it all, play tennis or golf, purify your senses at the spa or simply enjoy the bracing sea breeze.
Who goes there? Those who have been meaning to explore Vietnam’s beaches, but have been waiting for a property that lives up to their expectations of luxury.
Memory maker: Book a pool villa and get your own personal butler.
F&B: Two restaurants (international, Vietnamese/seafood), bar.
Rates: From US$550 (one-bedroom villa) to US$2,300 (five-bedroom beachfront pool villa).
Deal: An extra night’s stay if booked before Aug. 31. Three nights for the price of two, and four nights for the price of three. Book four nights and get a complimentary upgrade to a pool villa.
Where: Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village, Vietnam, (+84) 510-940-000. www.thenamhai.com.
Tune Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Located in the heart of KL, this budget hotel follows the philosophy of no-frills airlines. The small rooms (10m²) come with a bed, linens and a fan. Additional features like air conditioning (RM9.99/12 hours), towels (RM9.99-14.99), a toiletries kit (RM1.99-4.99) and breakfast (RM2.99) are all considered add-ons. There’s an onsite ATM, currency exchange counter and a 24-hour convenience store.
Who goes there? Non-claustrophobics who want to spend the majority of their time outside of their room.
Memory maker: Get your money’s worth—log on to the free wireless internet and surf your heart out.
F&B: One restaurant (Malaysian/international).
Rates: From RM9.99.
Where: 316 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. www.tunehotels.com.
InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Set in a stunning lagoon, this exclusive French-Polynesian inspired property is truly an exquisite tropical haven. Large numbers of couples choose to spend their holidays restoring their equilibrium at the thalasso spa, discovering underwater life in the lagoon, or relishing quiet time.
Who goes there? Couples who are so deeply in love that they don’t mind sinking deeply into debt.
Memory maker: Enjoy an in-room massage while you peer through the glass floor in your over-the-water bungalow.
F&B: Two restaurants (international, seafood), two bars.
Rates: From EUR644-838 (all overwater villas).
Where: BP 156, Bora Bora, French Polynesia, (+689) 607-600.
www.boraboraspa.intercontinental.com.
InterContinental, Shenzhen, China
This five-star hotel located in the center of booming Shenzhen offers top hospitality. Sports maniacs and health freaks have a wide variety of facilities to choose from, including tennis courts, sauna room, spa and a fully equipped gym. A perfect retreat after a marathon shopping day at Shenzhen’s ever-increasing array of shopping malls.
Who goes there? Business travelers or shop-a-holics who refuse to pay Bangkok prices for the latest A-quality counterfeit Louis Vuitton bag.
Memory maker: The presence of a large Spanish galleon in the Iberian-influenced pool area.
F&B: Six restaurants (including Chinese, Brazilian, Pizzeria, BBQ), bar, lounge.
Rates: From US$218 (deluxe room). Breakfast included.
Where: 9009 Shennan Rd., Shenzhen, China, (+86) 755-3399-3388.
www.intercontinental.com.
Coming Soon
THAILAND
Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Pattaya
The nealry completed exclusive five-star Ocean Tower is an addition to the original Amari hotel on Beach Road. Rooms will all have private balconies with stunning views of Pattaya Bay. Promises to be the new “it” place to wind down after a day on the golfcourse.
Opening: Summer 2007
Address: Pattaya Beach, Pattaya, 038-428-161. www.amari.com/orchid.
Dara Samui Beach Resort & Spa Villa, Koh Samui
Yet another Lanna-style resort is nearing completion on Koh Samui’s vibrant Chaweng beach. Accommodation will run the gamut from rooms to suites to villas. And yes, there will be a spa.
Opening: Summer 2007
Address: 162/2 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, 077-231-323. www.darasamui.com.
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Hua Hin
Right on the beach. All rooms are set ot have an ocean view. Also a huge lagoon-style pool, a spa, three restaurants (international, Asian), two bars, a piano lounge and a bakery.
Opening: Summer 2007
Address: 1573 Petchkasem Rd., Hua Hin, 032-708-000. www.sheraton.com.
Alila Cha-Am
Set on the sunrise side of the Gulf of Thailand, this chic boutique hotel promises to be a hallmark of sophisticated contemporary design. Two alfresco restaurants (international, Thai, Mediterranean) and a bar serving Lebanese-inspired tapas.
Opening: Late 2007
Address: 115 Moo 7, Cha-Am, 032-473-191 (until Sept 30), 032-709-600 (from Oct 1). www.alilahotels.com/chaam.
Evason Hideaway & Spa, Koh Yao Noi
Set on Koh Yao Noi amidst the stunning scenery of Phang Nga Bay, this extravagant boutique resort will have elegantly-designed villas with the standard 5-star amenities and extras like additional outdoor beds, docking stations for your Ipod and in-room espresso machines. Let your personal butler book your treatment at the holistically
oriented Six Senses Spa.
Opening: Late 2007
Address: 55 Moo 5, Tambol, Koh Yao Noi, 076-418-500.
www.sixsenses.com/hideaway-yaonoi.
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Hua Hin
This modern Thai-style resort on a prime beachfront location will offer little extras like daybeds and outdoor spa treatments. Also, three restaurants (Thai-Chinese, Japanese, BBQ) and a tea lounge.
Opening: Late 2008
Address: www.intercontinental.com
Le Meridien Chiang Mai
Downtown hotel close to the night bazaar. State-of-the-art guestrooms, swimming pool, health club, spa… Promises to be a popular choice for posh people post-trekking.
Opening: April 2008
Address: Changklan Rd., Chiang Mai, 02-237-2153. www.starwoodhotels.com.
Le Meridien Pattaya
This will no doubt be a welcomed addition to what is otherwise a dearth of local luxury accommodation. Situated near Jomtien Beach, this deluxe hotel chain promises to provide the usual litany of luxury amenities and facilities.
Opening: January 2009
Address: Petchkasem Rd., Pattaya, 02-237-2153. www.starwoodhotels.com.
Shangri-La Phuket Resort & Spa
Situated on Phuket’s tranquil Bang Tao Bay. Plans are in the works for the spa to include treatments based on ancient Chinese and Himalayan healing rituals.
Opening: Late 2008
Address: www.shangri-la.com
W Retreat & Residences, Koh Samui
Sure-to-be hip upscale villas on Samui’s Maenam Beach. Hankering for an Australian sirloin steak at 4am? W will be implementing its touted 24-hour concierge service called “Whatever/Wherever.”
Opening: Late 2008
Address: Maenam Beach, Koh Samui. www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels.
INTERNATIONAL
Kandooma Beach Resort, Maldives
With several garden, beach and over-water villas, this resort on pristine Kandooma Island will have a multi-media library, numerous dining venues and the chance to book a private romantic picnic on its tiny sister island.
Opening: Early 2008
Address: Not yet available.
Shangri-La Maldives Resort & Spa, Maldives
Located on Villingili Island, Shangri-La plans to offer the usual excellent dining options and a branch of its world-class Chi Spa.
Opening: Mid 2008
Address: Seenu 1, Addu Atoll, Villigili Island, Maldives. www.shangri-la.com.
The Regent Maldives
Beachfront and over-water villas will skirt a beautiful secluded coral island with breathtaking views across a turquoise lagoon. Perfect for lovebirds.
Opening: Late 2008
Address: www.regenthotels.com
Venetian Macau, Macau, China
This Venice-inspired mega resort and casino is located on the Cotai Strip, and just might put Macao on the map as a world-class gambling paradise. Now nearing completion are 20 restaurants, a 15,000-seat event center, 350 exclusive retail shops, a myriad of outdoor recreation facilities, canals with gondolas, and a huge spa and wellness center to service guests staying in the 3,000 suites. Revel in the luxurious anonymity of it all.
Opening: Summer 2007
Address: Estrada de Baia de N. Senhora de Esperança, s/n The Cotai Strip, Macau, China. www.venetianmacao.com.
