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Tag: luxury travel

  • Asian Indulgence at Victoria’s Japanese Mountain Retreat

    It’s a long way from the Land of the Rising Sun, but you can enjoy all of the charms of the Orient Down Under at the Japanese Mountain Retreat.

    This resort is nestled in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, a 45-minute drive from Victoria’s capital city, Melbourne.

    The luxurious rooms are kitted out with tatami mats and Japanese hot tubs, known as ofuro. Step outside and you can relax in the five acres of manicured zen gardens, or take a dip in the hot spring pool, called an onsen.
    It offers all of the creature comforts you’d expect from a five-star resort, but with a delightful Asian twist. australia travel map The friendly staff will serve you up a six-course Japanese banquet, or for something lighter you could participate in an authentic tea ceremony. The banquets are served in your room, so they make for a great romantic night in. Miso soup, sushi, and sashimi are dished up alongside Asian potato croquettes, gyoza dumplings and chicken kara age, a succulently tender chicken dish marinated in ginger and sake. Make sure you save room for dessert though, as the red bean and green tea ice-creams are a delicious taste of the east. And of course there is the spa, which specializes in the rejuvenating treatments of the Orient including hot stone therapy and lomi lomi massage. Rooms at the Japanese Mountain Retreat start from $395, although if you plan to indulge in spa treatments and the banquet it may be worthwhile buying one of the many accommodation packages. While these are pricy, they're more affordable than using the services separately.

  • New Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Opens on Thailand Island

    The Westin chain recently opened the doors of its first resort in Thailand. The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa is located on Siray Island in the idyllic Thai province of Phuket.

    The hotel’s location couldn’t be better, with views of Siray Bay, its secluded white beach, and the Indian Ocean.

    Cross the bridge to travel from Siray Island to Phuket Island, or hop on a boat to explore one of the neighboring islands. Phuket International Airport is 45 minutes drive away; it's close enough to be convenient, but far enough away to allow you to really relax away from the crowds. That's pretty easy to do here. All of the 261 rooms, suites, and villas feature the Westin's standard creature comforts like flat-screen televisions, iPod docking stations, rain showers, and patented Heavenly Beds. For true indulgence, make sure you book into one of the luxury suites or villas. These have their own private plunge pools and rooftop areas for chilling out with loved ones.hotel deals in thailand It's easy to hole yourself up in the luxurious rooms, but then you'd miss all of the Westin's other attractions. For total bliss, there's the spa, with single and couples treatment rooms, steam and sauna rooms, and an Ayurveda wellness center. There are also six restaurants and bars ready to cater to your every whim. It's easier to enjoy this pampering knowing your tiny tots are having fun in the Kids Club. The local arts and craft activities, open air movies, and stargazing will keep children so busy they'll never miss you. To celebrate the opening of Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, the resort is offering selected rooms for 2010 baht, or $59 US.

  • Affordable Luxury Accommodation in Tropical Airlie Beach

    Airlie Beach is regarded as the gateway to Australia’s beautiful Whitsunday Island region, but many tourists don’t realize it’s a gorgeous vacation destination in its own right.

    You don't need to go island hopping to feel pampered in far north Queensland, as this hidden mainland gem has you covered. Airlie’s main beach is located at roughly the same latitude as The Bahamas and Tahiti, which means that the swimming is perfect all year round. The water rarely dips under 20°C, although you’ll need to look out for stinging blue bottles between November and May. Days spent on the beach are the ultimate indulgence, and happily this experience is free. With plenty of backpackers hostels and caravan parks around, that makes Airlie Beach a great spot for budget holidaymakers.Australia globe But if you want to enjoy real luxury, consider a stay at Peppers Coral Coast. This is the only five-star resort in the area, and delivers everything you'd expect from this prestigious rating. While many plush resorts cater for couples, Peppers welcomes families. The resort has one, two, and three-bedroom apartments so parents can have privacy while the kids enjoy their space. The pool is a great alternative to the beach if you're visiting while the stingers are about. Just imagine sipping cocktails by the pool's edge as you soak up the picturesque views of the Whitsunday Passage. The famous Endota Spa chain also has facilities on site if you're in the mood for even more indulgence. Airlie Beach has a great range of restaurants, from fine-dining options to cheap and cheerful cafes. But if you'd prefer to stay in, Tides Restaurant and Bar won't disappoint. A stay at Peppers Coral Coast Resort starts at $151 per night for a one-bedroom apartment suite. At that price, this is a luxury holiday that most travelers can afford.

  • Live the Luxurious Life in Hong Kong

    Many Asian locations are about the culture and rich history, but not Hong Kong.

    A visit to this thoroughly modern country is simply an excuse to spoil yourself! Get yourself into holiday mode with a trip to The Oriental Spa at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Measuring a whopping 2300 meters square, it's not surprising to hear the spa claims to have more treatments than any other in Asia. There's a lot of hype about this place, but the locals claim it's all worthwhile. Don’t leave without enjoying a foot bath, a warm scrub, and a luxurious four-hand massage. If you want to eke out the spoiling, sign up for the spa's signature treatment, known as the Oriental Harmony. It lasts for 110 minutes, which should be just enough time to get you in the right frame of mind.hong kong cheap Nothing says luxury like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. You can shop for all of these European designer labels in Hong Kong, and as there is no sales tax you'll get them for less than anywhere else in the world. Of course, the big name brands are never cheap, but if you shop in the midyear or pre-Christmas sales you could easily save between 40 and 70%. IFC Mall, Pacific Place, and Harbour City are some of the largest and most popular malls in Hong Kong. But what's the point in pampering yourself if you're staying in a dive? For ultimate luxury, make sure you spend a night or two in The Peninsula. Rooms have environmental controls, plasma screen televisions, and white marble bathrooms. You can enjoy a treatment in the spa, or dine at one of nine restaurants. You probably won't have a lot of cash at the end of all that, but you will return home feeling rejuvenated and refreshed!

  • Private Polynesian Luxury at Vanuatu’s Bokissa Private Island Resort

    Bokissa Private Island Resort in Vanuatu is a place where travelers can truly take it easy. Footwear isn’t compulsory, and formal uniforms of ties and jackets are actually banned!

    Free of these Western shackles, the private island’s guests can enjoy life at a much slower pace. And these tropical surrounds are a wonderful place to do it.

    Just step outside the door of your private bungalow, known as a fare, and you're on the beach. The sea breezes cool the cottages in spring and fall, but there's also air-conditioning for those balmy summer nights. Wood shutters ensure the early morning sun doesn't interrupt your beauty sleep, while the netted beds keep the island mosquitoes from biting. Each fare also has an ensuite bathroom, vanity, and minibar to satisfy your late night munchies. The centerpiece of the Bokissa Island Resort is a freshwater pool with a swim-up bar. Lazing about the pool, cocktail in hand, sounds like an excellent way to while away the hours. But your vacation on Bokissa Island doesn't have to be all about taking it easy. You could snorkel or scuba dive on the beach, take a boat out and fish for marlin, or explore the tropical rainforests. With Bokissa guests enjoying exclusive use of the island's 175 acres, there's plenty to discover. And with no more than 36 guests staying on the island at any one time, it's never hard to find some quiet time. Bokissa Private Island Resort offers accommodation, return airport transfers from Vanuatu, and all meals for approximately $300 per person per day. It’s not cheap, but it's quite reasonable for such luxury, exclusive accommodation.