Sweet Sleeps
Sweet Sleeps
January 11th, 2008Be the first to try the beds at these new or soon-to-be-opened hotels and resorts.
Thailand
Laguna Phuket Holiday Residences
Opened: Dec, 2007. The two-bedroom villas will be ready in Jul, 2008.
Concept: These high-end residences offer more privacy and space than a regular hotel room. The two-bedroom villas overlook a shared swimming pool and garden, their living area connecting to a terrace and a sun deck. The three-and-four-bedroom pool villas come with private pool and garden. Over 30 bars and restaurants within the Laguna Phuket complex and facilities at Laguna Holiday Club Resort should keep you from going hungry or becoming bored.
It’s for: Discerning holiday-goers who love to keep themselves busy.
The bill: US$660 (B19,700) for a three-bedroom villa, US$780 (B23,300) for a four-bedroom villa, through Mar 31.
Essentials: 61 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherngtalay, 076-271-888, www.lagunaholidayresidences.com.
Veranda Chiang Mai
Opened: Dec, 2007.
Concept: Outside the city, amid the green and the hills, Veranda is decorated in a peaceful Zen style. The resort is divided in two zones: one boasts a Northern décor, while the other maintains Veranda’s contemporary attitude.
Best for: Fans of Veranda Hua Hin.
The bill: The opening prices are B5,900 net for a Valley Deluxe room to B28,000 net for a two-bedroom pool villa if you book through April.
Essentials: Chiang Mai – Samueng Rd., Chiang Mai, 02-513-3003, www.verandaresortandspa.com/chiangmai
Kiri Kayan Luxury Pool Villas & Spa
Opened: Pre-opened since Dec, 2007. Everything will be completed in Feb, 2008.
Concept: This tropical-style resort combines Asian touches and modern comfort. The suites, penthouse and villas are spacious. Though the blue sea is one kilometer away, Kiri Kayan is located amid lush tropical vegetation—and they provide free shuttle service to the beach.
Best for: Those who love Samui, but also need some peaceful moments far from the crowds.
The bill: "Special" rates, through Apr 30: B8,250 for a one-bedroom suite to B28,750 for a three-bedroom pool villa.
Essentials: Maenam Soi 1, Maenam, Samui, 077-332-299, 02-642-5100, www.kirikayan.com
Best Western Chiang Mai
Opened: Dec, 2007.
Concept: This affordable hotel boasts modern decoration, spacious rooms with balconies and very friendly service. Sitting outside of the tourist hub on the way to Doi Suthep, it offers free shuttle service to the Night Bazaar, Nimmanhemin Road and other highlights of our Art Capital.
Best for: Chiang Mai addicts who want even more serenity.
The bill: Rooms range from B1,925 for a superior room to B3,975 for the presidential suite.
Essentials: Chonpratan Rd., Chiang Mai, 053-329-333, www.bestwesterncm.com
Anantara Resort Koh Samui
Opened: Nov, 2007.
Concept: A new establishment on Bophut Bay with views of Koh Pha Ngan and the fisherman village nearby. This is Anantara’s idea of boutique: 106 rooms and suites in modern Southern Thai style.
Best for: Seafood-addicts who want it as fresh as can be—or fisherman’s friends.
The bill: Deluxe rooms are B7,800.
Essentials: 101/3 Bophut Bay, Samui, Surat Thani, 077-428-300/-9, 02-477-0760, www.anatara.com
Away Resort, Koh Kood
Opened: Nov, 2007.
Concept: Koh Kood is not very popular yet, allowing the island to keep its beaches and corals pristine. Away Resort offers simple but lovely bungalows, cottages, huts and even tents. It also features the largest diving center in the island. Watch out, though: no pool.
Best for: Scuba divers and chillers. Bring your Open Water PADI or pack an iPod and some good books for all those lazy hours on the beach.
The bill: Rooms are B1,800-9,000, through Feb 29.
Essentials: 43/8 Moo 2, Baan Klangchao, Koh Kood, Trat 02-696-8239. www.awayresorts.com
Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi
Opened: Nov, 2007.
Concept: Retaining the harmony with its environment and deep relaxation concept of the other Six Senses, this new franchise offers views of the bay in beautiful Koh Yao Noi (between Phuket and Krabi) with jungles to its back. Villas feature open bathrooms, infinity pools with sun decks and butler services.
Best for: Newlyweds.
The bill: Villas start from B28,500, through Apr 15.
Essentials: 55 Moo 5, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao, Phang Nga, 076-418-500, www.sixsenses.com
X2 Resort Koh Samui
Opened: Jan, 2008.
Concept: This other X2 resort is tucked away in one of the rare untouched areas left in Samui. It offers requisite bungalows and villas with broadband internet, media library and king size beds. Think geek-friendly jungle hideaway.
Best for: Samui-lovers who hate what it’s turned into.
The bill: Rooms are from B10,320 to B22,400.
Essentials: 422 Moo 1, Baan Hua Thanon, Maret, Samui, 02-696-8239, www.x2resorts.com/samui
Millennium Resort Patong
Opened: Dec, 2007. All rooms will be fully completed in March.
Concept: Modern and luxurious, this resort sits in the heart of Patong, the beachside resort town in Phuket. The 224-room Lakeside Wing is now ready for holiday-goers who love full-flung amenities, while the 197-room Beachside Wing will be ready in March. As with many new modern hotels, be prepared for sexy see-through bathrooms.
Best for: Party animals who want to be in the heart of the action yet want the sleaze to stop at their doorstep.
The bill: A superior room is B6,100
Essentials: 199 Rat-U-Thit 200 Phee Rd., Patong, Kathu, Phuket, 076-366-100. www.millenniumpatong.com
X2 Resort, Kui Buri
Opened: Dec 2007.
Concept: The design resort—pronounced Cross Two—is a geometric-shaped, earth-toned low-rise that will be the first in secluded Kui Buri. That’s a pristine beach all for you and 26 villas designed by renowned architect Duangrit Bunnag. Highlights include mountain rock walls for natural insulation and supersized pools in the villas.
Best for: Busy bees who need to zip out of Bangkok (it’s just a one-hour drive) and yet want total seclusion. Better rent—or own—a BMW 4x4 if you want to leave the premises.
The bill: B5,500 for bungalow villas, B10,000 pool villas, B15,000 deluxe pool villas, B21,000 suite pool villas and B30,000 owner’s villa. Through Apr 30.
Essentials: 52 Moo 3, Aoi Noi Sub-district, Muang, Prachau Kiri Khan, 02-696-8639, www.x2resorts.com/kuiburi
Mercure Patong Phuket
Opened: Sep, 2007.
Concept: A 10-minute walk to Patong Beach, this 249-room hotel has everything you need for a holiday.
Best for: People who love Phuket but not the ridiculous public transportation "system." Stay here and you go everywhere on foot.
The bill: Rack rates are B4,300 for a superior, B6,300 for a suite.
Essentials: 239-14 Raj U Thid 200 Pee Rd., Patong, Phuket, 076-302-100, www.mercurepatongphuket.com
Opening Soon
Kuti Kiri Hua Hin
Opening: Feb, 2008.
Concept: The standalone resort AKA has opened a new branch in Hua Hin under the name Kuti Kiri Resort. Resembling a Thai monastery, the resort offers luxury living in a peaceful corner of Hua Hin. Duplexes and pool villas are scattered among the green side of a hill.
Best for: Bangkok weekenders who can live without a view of the sea.
The bill: The published rate for a one-bedroom pool villa is US$400 (B11,997).
Essentials: Moo 7, Baan Nhong Hiang, Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin, www.akaresorts.com
Anantara Phuket
Opening: Late 2008.
Concept: Private pool villas in Thai-style lavishly decorated with silk and teak furniture. Suites come with an open sala and spacious bathroom.
Best for: Anantara regulars who were pining for an address in Phuket.
Essentials: Mai Kao Beach, Phuket, www.anantara.com.
Villa Lawana, Samui
Opening: 2008.
Concept: In the heart of the fun in Samui, Villa Lawana on Chaweang beach tries to offer privacy and a laid back atmosphere by nestling its guest in luxurious villas. Choose from private pool villas, grand poolside villas, premiere private pool suites and deluxe balconies, all in Thai contemporary style.
Best for: Party animals that want to be in the heart of the action.
Essentials: 92/1 Moo 2, Bophut, Samui, Surat Thani, 02-676-9301, www.villalawana.com
The Yamu, Phuket
Opening: Late 2008.
Concept: The collaboration between Adrian Zecha of Amanpuri, Jean-Michel Gathy and the famous designer Philippe Stark will result in The Yamu. It’s a mixture of arts from different cultures, cities and eras. With the view of Phang Nga Bay, the resort promises 61 rooms, two duplex pool suites, villas, a marina and five-star-hotel service.
Best for: Millionaires who have grown bored of Amanpuri.
Essentials: Phuket, 08-9727-5119, www.theyamu.com.
The Rest Detail Hotel
Opening: Feb, 2008.
Concept: Design by Ploy Chariyaves of Urbanista Concept, this boutique hotel chooses to be relaxing and casual in style, but with great facilities and service. It's a short drive to Hua Hin’s shopping area, but the beach there is quieter. They offer rooms and pavilions in two different zones. Pavilions provide private piers extending to the swimming pool.
Best for: Hipsters too cool for a chain hotel.
The bill: High season rates are B7,500-100,000.
Essentials: Hua Hin Soi 19, Petchkasem Rd., Hua Hin, 02-255-2797, 032-547-733, www.restdetailhotel.com.
Regional
JIA Shanghai
Opened: Aug, 2007.
Concept: In a prime location on Nanjing Road, a 1920's office building has been transformed into a sexy designer's dream. Sister property to the famed JIA Hong Kong, it features 55 rooms outfitted with furniture and objects you only wish you had in your flat, plus practical extras like cables to connect your iPod/computer/video games to the multimedia system and a mini kitchen with microwave and enough plate- and silverware for you and your guests.
Best for: Wallpaper* readers with platinum credit cards.
The bill: Rooms start from RMB2,000 (B8,193) for a studio room, RMB4,000 (B16,386) for a one-bedroom suite and from RMB12,000 (B49,157) for a penthouse suite. They are now offering Winter promotion: RMB 1,895 (B7,763) for a studio and RMB 2,695 (B11,041) for a suite, with a welcome cocktail and a winter herbal tea blend in the room.
Essentials: 931 West Nanjing Rd., Shanghai, China, +86-21-6217 9000, www.jiashanghai.com
The Peninsula Tokyo
Opened: Sep, 2007.
Concept: Luxurious high-rise with 314 rooms, the Peninsula Tokyo offers a scenic view of the Imperial Palace Gardens and Hibiya Park.
Best for: Those who love the view from the top.
The bill: Rooms are JPY60,000 (B16,589) per night and up.
Essentials: 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 800-2828-3888, 81-3-6270-2888 www.peninsula.com.
Anantara Resort Seminyak, Bali
Opening: Early 2008.
Concept: This suite-only resort sits on the paradise beach of Seminyak, in Bali, and enjoys panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The chic Asian design is the creation of the renowned Anthony Liu.
Best for: All those who have succumbed to Bali’s magic.
The bill: Anantara suites US$380 (B11,324) a night, Anantara Ocean suites US$430 (B12,817).
Essentials: Jl. Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura), Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, +62-631-767636, http://bali.anantara.com.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Opened: Dec, 2007.
Concept: Spread over two islands in the Maldives, this luxurious yet natural resort offers villas propped up above the Indian Ocean. With seven restaurants, a spa and the same beautiful reefs that has made Maldives so legendary, you should be in paradise. In case you also need to be pampered, there are personalized butler services in the Water Villa residences—they even come with a private beach!
Best for: Couples that appreciate colorful fishies and don’t want to have to dive deep to see them.
The bill: A villa starts from US$585 (B17,434), through Mar 19.
Essentials: Rangali Island, PO Box 2034, Maldives, 960-668-0629. www.conradmaldivesrangali.com
Opening Soon
Millennium Harbourview Hotel, Xiamen
Opening: Late Jan, 2008.
Concept: Re-branded and revamped (it used to be the Crowne Plaza Harbourview Hotel), this 352-room hotel stands tall in the middle of the business center and close to the city’s attractions, while offering a view of Gulangyu Island.
Best for: Businesspersons who want to make the most of the special economic region.
The bill: Rooms are from RMB1,280 (B5,264) to RMB6,800 (B27,970).
Essentials: No. 12-8, Zhen Hai Rd., Xiamen, China, www.millenniumhotels.com
Banyan Tree Bali Ungasan
Opening: Mid 2008.
Concept: Perched atop a cliff, the latest resort from the famous chain overlooks the Indian Ocean and includes Banyan Tree’s signature spa, gallery and service. There will be 73 villas with a private garden, open-air shower, infinity pool, jet pool and Balinese pavilion.
Best for: Those who like their views from the top and don’t mind traveling a bit to get to the beach.
Essentials: Bali, Indonesia, +62-21-527-6678, www.ungasanbaliresort.com
Conrad Shanghai
Opening: 2008
Concept: Predictably Chinese-inspired in its decor, this contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Xintiandi district, which means you are close to trendy boutiques, restaurants and shops.
Best for: Shoppers, foodies, party-goers—everyone’s got a good reason to be in the heart of Shanghai.
Essentials: Xintiandi District, China, http://conradhotels1.Hilton.com
Banyan Tree Sanya
Opening: Mid 2008.
Concept: The first all-pool-villa resort in China counts 49 pool villas amid a tropical garden set alongside a lagoon. Located in Hainan Island’s Luhuitou Bay in Sanya City, this is the so-called “Oriental Hawaii.” Unlike other cities in the PRC, the air quality is within World Health Organization standards.
Best for: Beach-goers who’ve done it all: Phuket, Bali, Langkawi, etc. China ain’t all about busy cities and industrious hinterlands.
The bill: Tentative prices start at US$1,400 (B42,429) per villa/night.
Essentials: Lihuitou Bay, Luling No. 6 Rd., Sanya, Hainan, China, +898-8860-9988.
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