Asia

Picture yourself relaxing in one of Asia’s loveliest beachfront spa resorts. Your day at the fine new Veranda Resort and Spa on Hua Hin-Cha Am beach might begin with a front-row view of sunrise across the Gulf of Thailand. Or you might just sleep-in before wandering down from your pool villa or suite to see what the day promises? A fine breakfast, of course, followed perhaps by a swim, sailboarding or horse-riding. Or doing almost nothing. A signature spa treatment is a ‘must-do’ for today if not tomorrow. Veranda Resort, nestled in lush gardens, offers a luxury collection of 13 pool villa suits and 84 spacious rooms. A checklist of its superlatives includes the infinity pool, svelte contemporary design, all day brasserie-style dining, a top kid’s club and a ruinously good spa. The big questions of the day could come down to which spa treatment to try? And how to dine — western or Thai, starlit alfresco or moon-shaded? Spacious balconies, plunge pools, wireless Internet, indolent daybeds and sea views to infinity. Perhaps an excursion to nearby Hua Hin town. These are among the many options at the lovely Veranda. As for the obligations? There are very few. We suggest a good book, another massage, a sundowner — and let the world go jump.

The elusive pleasures of traditional Thai calm and elegance are often advertised and rarely found. But cordoned off from the crowds of Phuket is an exception, a true sanctuary of Thai style: Mom Tri's Villa Royale. This is a haven for travellers who are tired of look-alike hotels and who want a genuine cultural experience. The villa’s name echoes its royal heritage. It was once the private holiday compound of Mom Tri, a renowned Thai architect and artist. Mom Tri's has retained that exclusive atmosphere of a privileged island of serenity set between Phuket’s two best beaches — Kata Noi and Kata Yai. Ready to swim? Skip the crowds and stroll down a private path to enjoy the classic tropical beach glamour that originally made Phuket famous. Every exquisite detail or furnishing, food, service and atmosphere at Mom Tri's is a testament to its heritage of comfort and pleasure. The two wine cellars have each won Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence. Mom Tri’s relaxed, breezy dining is famed for inspired gourmet innovations — perfect after busy day of relaxing or conferencing.

Nestled amidst rubber plantations and lush coconut groves in a secluded corner of Phuket, the Andaman White Beach Resort is a tranquil oasis, far from the madding crowd, yet within easy reach of shopping and nightlife. The resort spills down the hillside to greet a stretch of pristine white sand fringing a private cove on Nai Thon Noi, Beach. Enjoy endless views over the Andaman Sea, amazing sunsets, fine dining, and soothing spa treatments. The perfect romantic destination for couples looking for that unforgettable experience. The resort exudes an air of romance and quiet warmth, offering splendid escape with discreet understatement, always with a smile. Relax by the pool; explore the tropical waters by snorkel and canoe or for the more adventurous take a diving class at the water sport centre. The resort offers a fully equipped gym whilst some of the best golf courses in Phuket are within a 20-minute drive The resort offers exquisitely decorated rooms, villas and suites many with Jacuzzi or private pools and most with ocean views from their private terraces. Come and experience one of the islands most perfect white sand beaches and leave your footprints in our sand.

Crown Lanta Resort & Spa offers 2 private beaches, luxury accommodation, and extensive services. It is ideally situated on an elevated peninsula in Ko Lanta, offering views of Andaman Sea. Designed in modern Thai style with amazing sea views, rooms are clean, spacious and feature pool access or views. All rooms include full bathroom amenities, complimentary coffee/tea making facilities, and a fridge. Some facilities at Crown Lanta include restaurants and a bar, free mountain bikes, kayaks, snorkelling gear, and a fully-equipped gym. Internet connections are available in the lobby area. Guests can make use of transfers from the Airport in Krabi and shuttle transfers to Saladan centre (10 minute drive away) where shops, restaurants, convenience stores, and banks are located.

The Theva Residency promises serenity, romance and rejuvenation. Theva is ideally located along the slopes of the Hantana range. It offers commanding views over the surrounding mountains and the bustle of the Kandy town located only two kilometres away. The location of The Thevā Residency is a treat for nature lovers, who will be able to enjoy the beautiful variety of flora and fauna, the endless views of mountain terrain and fresh air. Theva is a short distance from the lush Hantana Rainforest, which is full of rivulets, streams, animal and plant life - an ideal destination for bird-watchers and those interested in trekking.

Paradise with a touch of spice. In a world replete with resort enclaves, it’s refreshing to find a world-class escape that offers a completely secluded beachfront setting. With the only neighbours a charming local village, Saman Villas luxuriates amidst golden sand beaches, perched atop a headland facing the Indian Ocean. In this nirvana, here’s a chance to kick off your shoes and laze in your own spacious villa, each with sweeping ocean views. Choose to float in the tranquillity of the infinity edge pool, explore the indigo waters or wander the palm-fringed beaches in quiet contemplation. The essence of Sri Lanka finds its expression in the blend of decorative motifs and modern conveniences in each villa. And if you have the desire to explore, spend the day visiting the Dutch Fort at Galle, Buddhist shrines or wandering ancient rainforests. Inevitably you’ll find your way to the tranquillity of the Sahana Spa, set in its own water garden oasis. Here, the spices of Sri Lanka meld with western therapies and the sounds of the Indian Ocean to revitalise and rebalance. Choose to dine poolside, on a beach or in the tranquillity of a tropical water garden. Naturally, the exotic blend of European, Sri Lankan and Asian cuisine is a fitting match for the magical backdrop.

The luxurious Aditya Boutique Hotel offers spacious air-conditioned rooms with private plunge pools. Aside from free Wi-Fi, it also has a main outdoor pool, pampering spa and 24-hour restaurant.. Fitted with cement flooring, rooms at Aditya come with a comfortable seating areas and large balcony or terrace. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, DVD player and minibar. Guests may take part in a Sri Lankan cooking class, or indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa. The hotel also provides bicycle rentals and laundry services. The on-site restaurant serves international dishes and fresh seafood at all times of the day. Private dining by the beach or in the garden can be arranged

Place of ‘peace and tranquility’, Singapore’s only beachfront resort destination and one of the region’s most exciting ‘playgrounds’. At its heart, close to the Island’s favourite attractions is the eco-friendly Siloso Beach Resort. Across from famous white sand Siloso Beach and short walk to the award-winning water and light sensation ‘Songs of the Sea’, The Flying Trapeze and Sentosa Luge and Skyride, the Resort is a favourite for families, conference delegates and leisure travellers. Landscaped gardens and an energy around flowing water create a sense of peace within the Resort; the 95 metre spring water swimming pool filled from the underground natural reservoir, waterslides and waterfall a centerpiece for all to enjoy; The Spa and Wellness Centre just as magical a source of relaxation. Siloso Beach Resort offers three villa types to choose from, all with Jacuzzi. Guests are allowed the option of a cosy one-bedroom Villa, an intimate two-bedroom Villa or access to a private pool at the two-bedroom Villa with swimming pool and private deck. A selection of wedding locations within the resort, together with Grand Ballroom ideal for events of 30 to 350 guests. Together with championship golf, a swim with the Dolphins, an up-close encounter in the Butterfly Park or views from the Tiger Sky Tower nearby, each Siloso Beach schedule is easily filled and always remembered.

The exclusive Kayumanis Nanjing embraces a lakeside location blessed by a scattering of nurturing hot springs. The property is composed of 21 private villas, serviced by a team of Balinese butlers who work gracefully to anticipate your every need. The lakeside signature restaurant specialises in Chinese cuisine with a Western infusion. The spa offers three double treatment rooms and focuses upon the healing traditions of Chinese herbs, while culturally inspired in-house pastimes include yoga and calligraphy tuition. A unique blend of traditional Balinese architecture and sophisticated contemporary design, the property includes a self contained collection of 13 one-bedroom private villas, 7 two-bedroom private residences and 1 meeting or conference room. Featuring a natural hot spring Jacuzzi and a swimming pool enclosed in a landscaped courtyard, each villa offers a secluded setting created by a themed selection of indigenous handicrafts, fine fabrics, and native wood.

Located in the heart of Shanghai, just off bustling Huai Hai Zhong Lu, 88 Xintiandi is truly a one of a kind executive residence. Set in one of the city's most exciting and storied districts, the former French Concession, 88 Xintiandi's pristine environment, panoramic lake view and unparalleled comfort and service present the ultimate choice for metropolitan living in Shangai. Dazzling all visitors with its sublime Shikumen architectural beauty, Xintiandi has become the destination of choice for tourists, business travellers, expatriates and locals. Come and take great pleasure in Xintiandi's excellent shopping, fine dining and exciting nightlife entertainment.