FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: luxury

  • Luxury in the Bay of Islands at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa

    If you’re looking for ultimate luxury during your New Zealand stay, consider bunkering down at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

    Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa is located in the Cavalli Islands, a small cluster of isles located to the east of Matauri Bay.

    It opens its doors to just eight guests at a time, who clearly enjoy the privacy and pampering. These visitors arrive aboard a luxury yacht, which is also available to them at any time during their stay. On stepping foot on the island, the lucky travelers are greeted with a traditional Maori powhiri ceremony. There are contemporary and old world accommodation options. Modern tastes will love the sophisticated suite in the main pavilion. In contrast, the cottage dates back to the 1800s. Its open fireplace and antique bath are remnants of the past, but of course there are all the creature comforts of the 21st century too including cable television on the big screen.find cheap hotels The rooms are just a stone's throw from the beach, but guests preferring to avoid the waves can enjoy the water in the lodge's private pool. It's easy to relax here, with a jacuzzi and the famous spa treatments upping the opulence. If you want to raise your heart rate, the lodge also has a professional gymnasium. Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa also employs award-winning chefs who are willing to whip up a gourmet dish using the freshest local produce whenever your tummy grumbles. And these meals always taste best paired with one of New Zealand's favorite wines from the retreat's private cellar. It's probably obvious that a stay at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa isn’t cheap. At $13, 230 a night per couple at the time of writing, it's out of the reach of most mere mortals. But if you've got the cash to spare, there are worse ways to spend it!

  • Tropical Tourist Heaven at Vinpearl Land, Vietnam

    Vietnam attracts visitors drawn to its rich history and magnificent natural vistas. But there’s a different side to the Asian nation, a tropical paradise just off Vietnam’s south-east coastline.

    Vinpearl Land on Hon Tre Island is thought to be one of Asia's best keep secrets, a coastal tourism complex which makes the most of stunning Nha Trang Bay. This is not a holiday destination for budget travelers, with few high end resorts. It was designed for guests who want to have all their needs met on site. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, a sprawling pool and spa for relaxing, and a gymnasium for working up a sweat. Later this year a six-star hotel is scheduled to open, giving luxury lovers even more choice. It will have 125 six-star suites, which pale in comparison to the two presidential villas. The opulent hotel's facilities will include two tennis courts and massive 3500 meter squared swimming pool. While lazing by the pool and snorkeling in the bay are attractive, families will love Vinpearl Land's amusement park. It has a variety of indoor and outdoor rides, including a swinging carousel, jet elephant, and merry-go-round. The 500-seat amphitheater hosts concerts and stage shows, while the musical fountain entertains visitors each night with its laser spectacular. The region's weather conditions are perfect for soaking up all that Vinpearl Land has to offer. It enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year, with comfortable average temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The most popular way to reach Vinpearl Land is by cable car, which leaves from the mainland hourly between 9 am to 10 pm each day. At 3320 meters, it is the longest cable car in Vietnam. Between 1000 and 1500 can enjoy the views of Nha Trang Bay as they take the 12-minute journey. High-speed boats, taxi canoes, and ferries also travel from Phu Quy to Vinpearl Land each day. While luxury hire cars are available, most travelers choose to explore the island spot by tuktuk car. These vehicles transport visitors from the boat pier to their hotel or the amusement park.

  • Sanya, the Hawaii of the Orient – China’s Luxury Beachside Spot

    Just as the British sent its criminals to Australia, Chinese emperors punished its lawbreakers by sending them to Sanya, on the southernmost tip of the Hainan Province. How ironic that both sets of delinquents were banished to paradise.

    sanya china
    The beautiful beach at Sanya, China

    The coastline is covered in pristine white sand bordered by sparkling blue sea. Palm trees thrive in this tropical climate, which seems more like a Hawaii vacation spot than anywhere in Asia. Perhaps it’s little wonder then that both holiday destinations are at the same latitude.

    Sanya offers plenty of water activities designed to take advantage of its famous harbors and bays. Visitors can go banana boating, surfing, scuba diving, and jet skiing. Those preferring to enjoy Sanya on land can try their hand at beach volleyball or kite flying.

    Sanya does not offer as many tourist attractions as many Chinese cities, but families should love the butterfly museum, the tiger and crocodile center, and the shell aquarium.

    The Nanshan Temple offers a glimpse into the area's culture, while the Daxiao Dongtian, or fairy caves, have picturesque ocean views and mountain scenery. Sanya is home to around 20 different ethnic groups which make it a food lovers paradise. Seafood and tropical fruits are plentiful, and these fresh delicacies can be found in many different dishes. Brazilian barbeques, Italian pizzas, and Cantonese and south-east Asian cuisine is all on offer from Sanya's many restaurants. While Sanya was originally founded on fishing, today international tourism is the area's most important industry. The city is home to many of the world's largest tourist chains who offer luxury on a grand scale. This is not a holiday spot for budget travelers. One of the newest hotels in the region is the plush Sanya Hilton Resort and Spa. Guests stay in suites overlooking the sea or local forests, and enjoy first class facilities like a spa retreat, opulent pool with its lagoon and waterfall, children's play area, and fitness zone. Sheraton Sanya Resort has hosted Miss World competitors for the last three years. It's little wonder these international glamourpusses choose to make the Sheraton their home away from home, with its 18 and 6-hole golf courses, tennis courts, night club, and six international restaurants. Each room has beautiful views from its own private patio and the Sheraton's patented Sweet Sleeper beds.

  • Vacation Like a Star – Celebrity South Pacific Getaways

    When the stars want to escape the glare of the paparazzi they fly out of Hollywood and head across the world to the South Pacific.

    And with the region's pristine beaches, tropical weather, and exclusive resorts, who can blame them? Wakaya Resort is a favorite of a host of stars, with Bill Gates, Pierce Brosnan, Keith Richards, Michelle Pfieffer, and Russell Crowe amongst its famous guests. It's not hard to see why these celebs keep coming back; with just 20 guests allowed to stay at any one time Wakaya offers the sort of privacy few resorts can match. Of course, the stars pay for the privilege with luxury cottages starting from $1900 US a night. But that's just the tip of the luxury iceberg. Most celebs splash out the exclusive House in the Clouds, which costs $7600 a night. That buys the very lucky occupants their own fitness center and cliff-side swimming pool, so there's no risk of unflattering exercise snaps ending up in the tabloids. Nearby Turtle Island, also in Fiji, is another haven for Hollywood stars. It didn't help their marriages last, but high-profile couples Britney Spears and Kevin Federline and Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey all enjoyed honeymoons on this privately owned island. There is just one resort, which caters for no more than 28 guests at a time. They get to enjoy paradise: 14 sparkling beaches and 100 staff eager to serve. [caption id="attachment_3044" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora"]Bora Bora[/caption] Their lodgings are private cottages known as bure, each equipped with a plush bedroom, bathroom, private bar, and a Bure Mama. This kindly soul takes care of the housekeeping and laundry, leaving you free to enjoy yourself. While you can set out on your own, she's also happy to tag along as tour guide and personal photographer. It costs $2000 US per night to stay on Turtle Island, but if you've got cash to spare you can reserve the entire isle for a week. That extravagance costs $300, 000. The final stop on our South Pacific star tour is the St Regis Hotel in Bora Bora. This decadent spa resort's guest list includes famous lovebirds Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, and basketball star Tony Parker and Eva Longoria. These stars stayed in one of 100 private villas, and enjoyed the attentive services of a 24-hour butler. There's a private beach and jacuzzi for cooling down, and a private chef for those special meals for two. Compared to the other South Pacific spots we've profiled, a stay here almost seems cheap. Rooms start from $925 US a night.

  • Visit Jeju-do, South Korea’s Island Paradise

    Arriving at the South Korean island of Jeju-do, tourists could be forgiven for thinking they’ve stepped onto another country entirely.


    The palm trees and volcanic landscape remind visitors of being in Hawaii. The sandy beaches look as if they belong in a Mediterranean travel brochure, while the festivals and circus shows are as close to Disneyland as you’ll find in these parts.

    While most international travelers explore energetic Seoul, historic Gyeongju, and the seaside port of Busan, the Koreans themselves head to Jeju-do when they’re looking for a little rest and relaxation.

    The island delivers, with a dozen beaches and lush golfing greens. If you’d prefer a little more activity, make sure you hike around Jeju-do’s famous volcanoes. Hallasan is the highest summit in all of South Korea, standing 1950 meters tall. Ilchulbong in the east is a stunning volcanic crater, while the island of Udo off the coast has incredible black lava cliffs. Scuba diving is also popular, with the area boasting colorful coral reefs and the warmest sea in Korea. The waters around Munseom Island off Seogwipo are considered one of Asia’s best diving destinations.

    south korea travel mapThe action heats up in summer, with sporting contests, outdoor concerts, and movies held on the beaches throughout the warmer months.

    Your stay in Jeju-do is set to be a luxurious one, with the island boasting world class resorts and motels including The Shilla Jeju and Lotte Hotel. If you’d prefer to save your cash consider a bunking down in a private home, known as a minbak. This is the Korean equivalent of a bed and breakfast, with its homely feel and welcoming hosts. Gomangnandol and Bluesung Minbak are popular choices amongst budget travelers. Alternatively you can camp on many local beaches, including Geumneung Beach and Jungmun Beach, for less than $20US.