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Tag: resorts

  • Stay at Shanghai’s PuLi Hotel and Spa, China’s First Luxury Urban Resort

    Ordinarily tourists have to travel to the coast or rural areas to enjoy the serenity of resort style accommodation.


    But new resorts, like Shanghai's PuLi Hotel and Spa, are looking to change all that. Located in the heart of bustling Shanghai, the PuLi Hotel and Spa is China's first luxury urban resort. There are 209 standard rooms and 20 suites located across the resort's 26 floors. It's just a short walk from Shanghai's business and entertainment districts, shopping malls and tourist attractions. However, once you're safely inside the resort's walls, it's easy to forget about the hustle and bustle outside. A meal at the hotel's restaurant Jing'An is a great way to relax at the end of the day. It offers a seasonal menu of Western dishes complemented by traditional Asian fare. The 120-seat restaurant is named after its views of nearby JingAn Park. You can enjoy lunch or dinner there, or a few cheeky cocktails at the attached Long Bar.China Provinces map If that hasn't calmed you, consider a soak in the Jacuzzi or a treatment at the city's first Anantara spa. The spa's treatments are a real experience as they use ancient techniques from China, Thailand, and India. Emphasis is placed on the beneficial powers of natural products including moisturizing avocado, purifying ginger, and healing volcanic stone. Personally I can't imagine wanting to work up a sweat with all this pampering around, but if you do you can work out at the state of the art fitness center. There's high tech gym equipment, a sauna and steam room, and lap pool. A night at the PuLi Hotel and Spa doesn't come cheaply, with rates starting from $500 US a night. However, if you want to come away from your vacation in China feeling truly relaxed, it may be money well spent.

  • Sheraton Opens New Shine Spas in China and Vietnam

    Sheraton hotels and resorts around Asia are amongst the first in the world to experience the chain’s latest spa concept, Shine for Sheraton.

    The retreats are designed to feel upscale and luxurious, yet more approachable and accessible than your average day spa. The spas come hot on the heels of Sheraton’s reported $6 billion spend on brand revitalization, but it seems the investment will be worth it for guests who love to be pampered. The Shine for Sheraton spas deliver five signature treatments. These are classic offerings: a massage, a facial, manicure and pedicure, a full body treatment, and a treatment for two. That sounds like a great option for couples honeymooning or simply enjoying a romantic retreat. Sheraton spas will use products from global skincare brand Germanine de Capuccini to ensure their guests enjoy only the most luxurious treatments. [caption id="attachment_4259" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Plunge Pool at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa"]Plunge Pool at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa[/caption] The Shine for Sheraton spas sound like easy places to relax, with their marble, mahogany, and polished metal surrounds rendered in warm cream, burnished gold, and cobalt blue shades. These hues and materials were specifically chosen to create an atmosphere that feels playful, yet opulent. "Introducing the Shine spa experience across our portfolio on the heels of our $6 billion revitalization effort will be an invaluable, welcome addition to the Sheraton guest experience," Hoyt H. Harper II, senior vice president for Sheraton, said in a press statement. "With this global roll-out, we plan to make spa a cornerstone of the Sheraton brand experience, one that guests will truly embrace as part of their lifestyle." The Shine for Sheraton service is currently available at selected new Sheraton hotels in China and Vietnam, along with the Maldives and the Slovak Republic. It will be rolled out to 12 other Sheraton hotels around the globe over the next 15 months, including the Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou and Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng.

  • 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.

  • Fun Vacations for the Family in Tropical Fiji

    If you want to treat your whole family to a South Pacific vacation, make sure you consider Fiji.

    While many island locations cater for couples, this is one country whose tourism industry puts family first. Many of the island's resorts have child-friendly clubs and activities designed to give mom and dad as much private time as they wish. The Shangri-La Fijian is one of the oldest resorts in Fiji, and one of the largest. The Shangri-La has its own island with a sheltered lagoon for safe swimming. There is also a children’s pool open during daylight hours, and a games room equipped with arcade games and snooker and table tennis tables. The biggest drawcard is the Children’s Stay and Eat for Free program. Under this scheme, up to two children under the age of 12 can stay and eat in selected restaurants within the resort for free. Another complimentary service is The Little Chief's Club. This program amuses children aged between two and 12 with a host of activities including sports, games, and lessons in Fijian culture. [caption id="attachment_3479" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Lagoon Pool at the Shangri-La Fijian"]The Lagoon Pool at the Shangri-La Fijian[/caption] Not far from the Shangri-La you'll find the Hideaway Resort. There are some great family-friendly facilities here, including a waterslide, putt-putt golf course, and traditional craft classes. Its Hermit Kids Club offers personalized attention, with one staff member for every three children. The club leads children in a host of cultural activities, including rainforest walks, excursions to local villages, and fancy dress parades. A day trip on the Coral Coast Scenic Railway is great fun for the entire family. The revamped steam train runs from Cuvu Station, outside the Shangri-La, to Natadola Beach. Along the way you'll enjoy throwing precious candy to the village children who line the tracks. Once at the beach your guides will treat you to a barbeque lunch and Fiji's famous kava. You'll have time for a swim in the ocean before catching the train home. Another family favorite is Kulu Eco Park, Fiji’s only wildlife sanctuary. The park is home to many endangered animals, including the crested iguana and peregrine falcon. And of course, families vacationing in Fiji can also make their own fun enjoying the country's beautiful beaches and tropical weather.

  • Green Thailand Stay at Evason Eco-Friendly Resort in Phuket

    Luxury and an eco-friendly ethos go hand in hand at Evason Resort in Thailand’s tropical paradise, Phuket.

    It was even built inside the unused shell of an old building, making its creation the ultimate in recycling! The 64-acre property was designed to make the most of Phuket's natural surrounds. It's set amongst tropical parklands and gardens, while the luxury suites capitalize on the views of the nearby Andaman Sea. The deluxe environmentally friendly accommodation focuses on sound waste and water management, energy efficiency, and social responsibility. The resort has its own environmental staff member, who oversees the property's organic gardens and energy consumption, and liaises with the community about environmentally-friendly practices. The rooms are located in five low-rise buildings scattered around the resort's gardens. There are 260 rooms in all, ranging in price from the standard guest rooms to the honeymoon villa at Bon Island. Each has a private balcony, while most have a unique open-style bathroom. [caption id="attachment_3258" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A pool villa at Evason Resort in Phuket, Thailand"]Resort in Phuket Thailand[/caption] There is so much to do at Evason that you don’t really have to leave the resort. You can take a dip in one of three swimming pools, play volleyball or tennis, unwind in the spa, or browse the WiFi-equipped library. If you do feel like venturing out you can take the shuttle bus to Phuket Town or Patong Beach, or explore the area at a more leisurely pace with a bike tour. Evason is family-friendly, but you don't need to have the rugrats hanging off you all the time. The kids club is designed to give mom and dad some private time, with activities and games for four to 12-year-olds. Evason was South-East Asia's first Green Globe certified resort, and the recipient of the Wild Asia Award for Responsible Tourism in 2006.

  • 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.

  • Romantic Aitutaki in Cook Islands the Ideal Vacation Spot for Honeymooners and Lovebirds

    The Cook Islands is a tropical slice of Oceania made up of 15 isles. Most tourists flock to the capital, Rarotonga, but if you have romance in mind the more peaceful Aitutaki is a much better choice.


    Couples can enjoy a little alone time at luxurious accommodation options including the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa and the five-star Pacific Resort. Both resorts are positioned right on the beach, with fine white sand and fragrant frangipani trees helping to create an idyllic island atmosphere. They also offer the kind of opulent rooms that lovebirds will struggle to leave. However if you do feel like venturing out, the resorts offer plenty of fun activities. You could immerse yourself in local culture with hula dancing classes and ukulele lessons. You could even learn to make traditional seafood dishes, or simply sit back and let the resort staff do all the work. Fishing and diving expeditions and lagoon cruises are other ways of experiencing all the island has to offer without breaking a sweat. This is a destination which encourages rest and relaxation after all.

    aitutakiWith lush private rooms, long white beaches lined with coconut palms, and tranquil surrounds, Aitutaki is a natural choice for honeymooners. If you’re not hitched already, the big resorts can take care of that too. Both Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa and the Pacific Resort offer wedding packages. The hotels take care of the license, celebrant, flowers, and all the trimmings, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your special day.

    Aitutaki is a 50-minute flight from Rarotonga. The international carrier Air New Zealand flies to Rarotonga via the Kiwi cities of Auckland and Christchurch. Air Rarotonga runs daily flights between the Cook Islands capital and its secluded sister from $390 return.