DESTINATION HOTLIST | HOTELS & RESORTS

ABU DHABIQasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Star in your own romantic Arabian getaway, with infinite views of the golden

desert wrapped in the luxury of your private suite at Anantara’s Qasr Al Sarab

Desert Resort. Your accommodation of choice is the One-bedroom Anantara

Pool Villa, which starts from USD 1,192 per night. Here, you will enjoy decadent

relaxations in the lavishly designed bedroom and spacious living and dining

areas, followed by an afternoon of lounging in your private plunge pool and

outdoor patio with shaded day beds. The al fresco dining area is a perfect spot

to watch the sunset, accompanied by refreshments and cocktails served by your

private butler. If you can manage to break away from this lavish pampering,

there is also the spectacular beauty of the desert waiting to be discovered.

www.qasralsarab.anantara.com

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14 | TRAVELITE

An exquisite hotel, perched on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking

Aegean Sea, makes the famed beauty of Santorini all the more

alluring. The Grace Santorini is a sensational destination to witness

incredible sunsets and enjoy ultimate privacy and relaxation.

Here’s a little secret - the latest addition to the hotel’s luxurious

accommodations, and definitely the one to book is The Villa, with

special introductory rates ranging from USD 2,000 to 6,000 per

night. Revel in the comforts of the two spacious suites, unwind

in your private spa, heated plunge pool and steam bath and have

relaxing dips in your private swimming pool. Your personal chef

can whip up gourmet meals in the private open show kitchen to

satisfy whatever cravings you may have, best enjoyed al fresco

complete with the stunning Santorini scenery.

www.santorinigrace.com

SANTORINIGrace Santorini Hotel

DESTINATION HOT LIST | HOTELS & RESORTS

TRAVELITE | 15

DESTINATION HOTLIST | HOTELS & RESORTS

BANGKOK

PHUKET

Breathe a good dose of sophistication into your Bangkok travels

with the recently launched design hotel located by the renowned

Chao Praya River. The Siam takes pride in offering the first

ever private pool villas and luxury Muay Thai gym in the heart

of the bustling city. Arrive in style with exclusive transfers via a

traditional Thai barge or a luxury speedboat to the hotel’s private

pier. Stay in one of the Thai Houses, Connie’s Cottage and enjoy

the largest accommodation in the hotel complete with its unique

Siamese charm, luxurious amenities and bespoke offerings at

USD 1,465 per night.

www.thesiamhotel.com

Redefine your Phuket getaways with a

memorable stay at the latest addition to

the island’s stretch of luxury resorts. The

Chedi has undergone a major renovation

to bring you this magnificent resort

offering nothing but the best and most

luxurious amenities. The Surin is a perfect

host to any dream vacation you have in

mind, from the pristine white-sand beach

it sits on to the many unique experiences

it offers. Book a Beach Deluxe Suite

starting from USD 525 to USD 880 and

relax in a spacious master bedroom with

your private terrace, outdoor veranda

and lounge area, all while enjoying

uninterrupted beach views.

www.thesurinphuket.com

The Siam

The Surin

DESTINATION HOTLIST | BaRS & LOungES DESTINATION HOTLIST | BaRS & LOungES

Prepare for a night of shots and toasts at the upscale cantina of Agave. This

heaven for Tequila lovers enjoys a cosy spot off Roponggi’s main nightlife

district. The bright hues, upbeat music and lively ambience exude traditional

Mexican flair with Tequila bottles stacked in rows of glowing glass shelves,

as if luring you to take a shot. Sit back, let loose and find your favourite

among the 400 variations of tequila and mescal. Start the night by ordering

a tasting set, allowing you to sample three different kinds of tequilas. The

Premier Set (USD 49) is a lavish choice with a shot each of the XQ Blanco,

Artillero Reposado and the Reserva de La Familia Añejo. If you’re still sober

enough, try some of the rare Mexican liquors and deluxe Margaritas on the

drink list. Order a glass of the Patron Perfect Margarita (USD 23) with a

splash of the ultra-premium Patron Tequila followed by endless rounds of the

Frozen Fruits Margarita (USD 19) with your choice of strawberry, raspberry,

pineapple, peach or banana flavor.

www.agave.jp

If your idea of a great night out is impressive interiors, bespoke

cocktails, scrumptious food and impeccable service, then Laruche

is just the place for you. The space is drenched in modern eclectic

design evoking Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. A huge, marble-

topped bar greets you as you walk in, and a few steps more will

lead you to the spectacular glass-blown chandelier centrepiece,

which extends to the bar’s upper area. Sink in one of the plump

sofas or whimsical lounge chairs and browse through the drinks

menu, which is playfully divided into drink categories that take

you back to specific eras. The fun begins in choosing the era you

want to revisit and deciding on the winning cocktail to accompany

your journey back in time. Take your pick from Punches-1690s

to Nightcaps-1700s, Juleps-1770s, Sours-1790s, Champagne

Cocktails-Mid 1800s, Martinis-1850s, Highballs-1890s and

Old-fashioned-1890s. The rumoured favourites are the Spiced

Bonaparte (USD 18) from the 1770s, which is a blend of Wild

Turkey rye, Jagermeister, Mandarine Napoleon, mint and spiced

honey; and the Judo Hip Flip (USD 20) with a combination of

Yamazaki Japanese whiskey, Dom Benedictine, Crème de Cacao

dark, orange blossom and egg yolk from the 1700s.

www.laruche.com.au

There’s no better place to spend a night of fun and drinks than

at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s The Spare Room. For those

seeking much more beyond an impressive list of fancy cocktails,

the lounge also functions well as a modern day gaming parlour.

Downing a drink or two just got more exciting with the custom-

made domino sets as well as a variety of board games available

on the menu. Strike a few pins at the lavish vintage bowling lanes

in your custom bowling shoes handmade by Spare Room co-

founder George Esquivel, while sipping on your choice of Punch

by the Bowl. Take your pick from the 10 variations available

for sharing. A serving good for four to six is at USD 60, best

spiked with a splash of Domaine Chandon Champagne for an

extra USD 25. Leave room to try some of the unique cocktails,

which come in distinct categories such as Sour, Aromatic, Spicy,

Seasonal and Tiki. For a more upscale choice, call ahead to

create your own infused drink tailored to your discriminating

taste (USD 500). And if the game hostess challenges you to a

competition, make sure to pull up your aces to beat her as she

might just buy you a drink!

www.spareroomhollywood.com

Give in to a night of decadence at Dstrkt, one of London’s hottest

destinations for exquisite cocktails, state-of-the-art sound systems

and ultra-elegant interiors. This avant-garde lounge is designed to

host fancy night outs in the heart of Piccadilly district’s vibrant

entertainment scene. For the hush-hush crowd, the world’s first

VIP lounge lies within, featuring a stunning bar made of precious

black stone, sophisticated seating and lounge areas, cutting-edge

lighting systems and a modern stage for dancers and performing

artists. Unwind at the pre-dinner lounge with delectable canapés

and light bites served with your choice of bubbly. Choose from an

extensive selection of the finest wines, champagnes and signature

cocktails created by the in-house mixologists. Have a glass of the

Green Fairy Bubbles (USD 20), with a blend of Absinth, Cointreau

and Moet Chandon Champagne. Better yet, create your own

bespoke cocktails with premium liquors, fresh fruits and other

exciting ingredients.

www.dstrkt-london.com

AGAVE TOKYO

LARUCHE BRISBANE

THE SPARE ROOM LOS ANGELES

DSTRKT LONDON

16 | TRAVELITE TRAVELITE | 17

De-stress with tailored holistic treatments at One&Only’s award-

winning Cape Town Spa. Enjoy luxurious pampering from head to

foot in one of the 12 treatment rooms, exclusive his and hers Thermal

Suites, private Relaxation Room and outdoor yoga pavilion. It is also

the only spa in South Africa where you can enjoy unique hand and

foot treatments by acclaimed foot specialist Bastien Gonzalez and

indulge in ESPA’s luxury range of spa products and treatments.

Choose the focus of your spa journey from the relaxing and calming

Unwind treatments to Restore detoxification remedies and the

inner wellbeing Elevate therapies. Your 120-minute signature spa

experience begins with a full-body cleansing exfoliation, followed

by either a deeply relaxing, rhythmic or Thai massage, finished off

with a therapeutic scalp and head massage. For a bespoke touch,

book a Holistic Body Ritual (USD 170), combining your choice of two

signature journeys to create a personalised spa experience. Take your

pick from the warming Oshadi, detoxifying Algae or skin nourishing

Marine Mud body wraps that come with the body ritual treatments.

For your ultimate relaxation, book the Me Time Full Day Experience

(USD 360) for a day of spa indulgence including full access to the

thermal suites with your own sauna, steam room, vitality pool and

ice fountain, complete with a delectable spa cuisine lunch.

Signature Treatments: Unwind Signature Experience, Restore Signature Experience, Elevate Signature Experience, Holistic Body Ritual

www. capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com

SOUTH AFRICA

HONG KONG

NEw zEALAND

One&Only Cape Town Spa

Sense of Touch

Polynesian Spa

DESTINATION HOTLIST | SPa & WELLnESS

Indulge in Polynesian Spa’s soothing hot mineral spring baths

and healing spa treatments while enjoying panoramic views of

Lake Rotorua. Your thermal spa experience begins with a calming

soak in your choice of bathing area – deluxe lake spa, adult pool,

private pool or the family spa. Relax in the privacy of your all-

natural geothermal pool filled with 38.5ºC alkaline mineral water.

The heat soothes your muscles and the minerals leave your skin

soft and supple. Your one-hour Mud Body Polish follows, an

exfoliating treatment using thermal mud enriched with minerals,

which gently buffs away dead skin cells to further soften your

skin. Heighten your relaxation with the full-body signature Aix Spa

Massage. Organic coconut oil is used in this 60-minute treatment,

which also comes with soothing pressures from the overhead jets

of warm water. Enjoy your two and a half hour Deluxe Retreat for

USD 250 and a priceless state of relaxation.

Signature Treatments: Rotorua Mud Body Polish, Aix Spa Massage, Spa Massage Therapy

www.polynesianspa.co.nz

Counter the bustling entertainment scene of Lan Kwai Fong with unique spa

treatments at Sense of Touch. You are sure to find total rest and relaxation

with a twist at the five-storey flagship spa. Two-hour treatments start with a

lavish bath, where you will soak in a barrel-inspired tub filled with your choice

of libation – dark ale beer, hot sake or red wine. Beer has properties that

warm and relax your tired muscles while red wine refreshes and rejuvenates

your skin. Your relaxation is extended with a full-body scrub using handmade

ingredients such as barley, rice and red grape to complement your bath

soak. The treatment’s highlight follows, an hour-long deep tissue, lymphatic

drainage or aromatherapy massage to relieve your stresses and lull you

to an extraordinary state of bliss. The two-hour treatment (USD 210) is a

unique way to indulge in a barrel of alcoholic beverage, yet feel sober and

totally relaxed afterwards. The spa also offers an extensive list of specialised

massages, luxurious facials and nail pampering at the in-house manicure

bar. You can also host exclusive chic sparties at the rooftop lounge.

Signature Treatments: Cheers to Beers, For Heaven’s Sake, A Vine Romance

www.senseoftouch.com.hk

DESTINATION HOTLIST | SPa & WELLnESS

18 | TRAVELITE TRAVELITE | 19

DESTINATION HOTLIST | LuxuRy cRuiSES DESTINATION HOTLIST | LuxuRy cRuiSES

20 | TRAVELITE TRAVELITE | 21

THE ARCTIC AND REMOTE NORTH

KIMBERLEY, AUSTRALIA

Silversea Expeditions

Orion Expeditions

Embark on an expedition with a rare and unique itinerary to the

most remote regions of the Arctic. Silversea Expeditions takes you

to the Arctic Circle and beyond, navigating through less-trodden

paths for a glimpse of towering glaciers and rare wildlife. Get up

close encounters with reindeers, seals and walruses, and catch

one of the highlights – a chance to see a polar bear in real life.

Enjoy lavish accommodations at the Grand Suite, an impressive

space with a large living area, en-suite bathroom with a full-sized

tub and walk-in closet. The suite’s spacious teak veranda is best

for lounging during the sunset.

Departures: 5, 15, 22 July and 1, 19 Augustyour Voyage: The 18-day White Sea and Franz Josef Land cruise with Grand Suite accommodations is at USD 35,999 per person on double occupancy

www.silversea.com/expeditions

Set sail for a thrilling expedition aboard the spectacular MV Orion.

Cruise through an off-the-beaten path and explore secluded

white-sand beaches, isolated river coves and cascading waterfalls

along the way. The expedition allows you to delve deep into the

heart of Australia’s northwest coast and immerse in rich Aboriginal

culture, from meeting and interacting with the locals to witnessing

ancient indigenous rock art. Indulge in breathtaking views from the

private French balcony of your Owner’s Suite, which also comes

with a spacious bedroom and living room, marble bathrooms and

complementary 24-hour room service.

Departures: 2, 12, 22 July, 1, 11, 21, 31 August and 10 Septemberyour Voyage: The 10-night Kimberley Expedition with Owner’s Suite accommodations is at USD 19,100 on twin share per person

www.orionexpeditions.com

AMAzON RIVER, PERUAqua Expeditions

Take a luxurious journey through the Amazon aboard Aqua

Expedition’s MV Aria for an in-depth adventure like no other.

The exhilarating itinerary takes you through three of the Amazon

River’s powerful headwaters. Steer through isolated black water

lakes and get a chance to see exotic wildlife as you cruise deep

into the Amazon jungle and rainforests. Unwind in the comforts

of your Design Suite on the second deck, with oversized windows

allowing full views of the rivers and lush jungles while you lounge

comfortably in the spacious en-suite seating area.

Departures: 5, 15, 22 July and 1, 19 Augustyour Voyage: MV Aria’s 7-night Amazon Expedition Cruise with Second Deck Suite accommodations is at USD 6,650 per person on twin sharing

www.aquaexpeditions.com

DESTINATION HOTLIST | MicE DESTINATION HOTLIST | MicE

22 | TRAVELITE TRAVELITE | 23

TAIPEI

BANGKOK

Have worry-free meetings at Le Méridien Taipei with the help of

a highly attentive banquet team, who will tailor fit every single

detail to suit your requirements. Your business needs from small

meetings to large conferences and social events will get the

bespoke treatment it deserves, complete with state-of-the-art

equipment in an assortment of venues. Choose from the 10

venues available according to the size of your event, the largest

being the Le Grand Ballroom, which accommodates up to 900

participants in theatre-style seating. All audiovisual equipment

are provided, including LCD projectors, white boards and stages,

with a team of expert technicians to provide support throughout

the event. The banquet team also extends additional services

for your convenience, may it be translation, video conferencing,

video recording or on-site business centre support.

www.lemeridien-taipei.com

Plan your next business event with a breeze at the Four Points

by Sheraton in Bangkok. “Breeze” here refers to the exclusive

rooftop function room located on the 8th floor, which is a unique

and exciting venue to host your meetings, seminars, conferences

and product launches to name a few. You can also extend your

event outdoors, at the private courtyard surrounded by lush

greenery. Additionally, there are four other meeting spaces for

more intimate gatherings, and the main facility, The Pinwheel

seats 100 persons banquet-style and enjoys a pre-function area

and a private outdoor courtyard.

Le Meridien

Four Points by Sheraton

www.fourpoints.com/bangkoksukhumvit15

SANYAWhether you are making a business proposal or receiving

one, there’s no better place to have it than at The St.

Regis Sanya in Yalong Bay, where all events are tended

with impeccable service and great attention to detail. A

variety of well-designed meeting areas are available to

cater to your event, be it big or small. Ten meeting spaces

are ready to accommodate your business requirements,

including top-notch amenities and the latest audiovisual

technologies. Host huge events at the Astor Ballroom,

which seats 700 persons theatre-style, with assistance

from a team of catering professionals who will see to your

every need.

www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/sanyayalongbay

The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort