November 24, 2008

Hotels By City's TOP 10 Hotel in Asia

Top Ten Hotels in Asia List  from Hotels By City.net

Asia has a reputation for meshing traditional and futuristic. Our Top Ten Hotels in Asia reflect the same. These are retreats in the midst of bustling cities where guests are welcomed to discover all the benefits they have to provide. Your reason for coming may be to explore the cities yet once you arrive you will want to indulge on what these hotels have to offer. Cooking and yoga classes, camel and boat rides, spas and infinity pools are only some of the features they have to offer. All of them are world-class establishments that pride themselves on top-notch service. Here, everybody really does seem to know your name.

The Oriental

hotel guideBangkok, Thailand
The Oriental has become one of the finest hotels in all of Asia. Ornate is a poor descriptor for this hotel and yet none of it is overdone. Take in the spectacular views from your bedroom or feast at one of its restaurants. Enjoying your meal? You can learn how to make it right there in the hotel. Stay in shape with the complimentary yoga, Pilates and tai chi classes. Or, indulge at one of the finest spas in the world. Continuously striving to stay ahead of the times no visit to the Oriental will be the same… and yet you will enjoy it every time.


Marriott JW

hotel guideHong Kong, Hong Kong
Whoever thought that putting a hotel atop of Pacific Place was ingenious. This downtown location puts you at the heart of Hong Kong. Plus, you are sitting over some of the finest shopping the world has to offer. The décor of the Marriott JW is beautifully done and the service they provide is one of the best you will ever find. The rooms take advantage of its location and show off views of the harbor, mountains or the thriving city. Not sure what time zone you are in? No worries, the health club is open 24 hours a day.


The Peninsula

hotel guideBangkok, Thailand
Taking full advantage of this prime real estate spot the Peninsulahas been cleverly designed into a W shape. Thus, you will enjoy fantastic views of the Chao Phraya River and the Bangkok skyline. Its location is also near many of Bangkok's popular tourist attractions. Paying close attention to the details the Peninsula provides fantastic service. Featuring a three-tiered swimming pool, spa and access to the Thai Country Club golf course also caters to those who are in need of a little rest and relaxation.


Oberoi Rajvilas

hotel guideJaipur, India
Recreating a royal ambience you will feel as though you have entered a different world. The 'fort' setting guides you into peace and relaxation. The unusual set up is a welcomed treat from the typical five-star hotels of the world. The grounds are immaculate, the restaurants out of this world and the service is perfection. Depending on what room you choose you could have your own butler or private swimming pool. Each is perfectly laid out with simple, yet elegant, furnishings. India's sights, scents and sounds will leave a lasting impression as will the Oberoi Rajvilashotel.


Four Seasons

hotel guideChiang Mai, Thailand
Overlooking mountains, the Mae Rim Valley and working rice fields the Four Seasons prides itself on being an oasis in the middle of this lively city. Rather than being clumped together in one large building they have created pavilions that are located throughout the beautiful grounds. Indulge on the luxuries provided including the fabulous infinity pool. Work up an appetite on the tennis courts or along the trails and satisfy it dining on the amazing Thai cuisine. Of course the Four Seasons spa is reason enough to come. The treatments provided are one of a kind and definitely worth experiencing.


Nikko Bali Resort and Spa

hotel guideBali, Indonesia
Sitting high above the Indian Ocean you are overwhelmed at the beauty that thrives here. What can you all do? There are restaurants, a spa, water slides, camel rides and the aptly named Jungle Club for the little tikes traveling with you. The garden view and ocean view rooms are priced quite reasonably. Or you could splurge for a pool or beachfront property and a little more for a canopy or private pool access room. Of course, the suites are, well, sweet. Ocean views and lots of extras make the Nikko Bali Resort and Spa an unbelievable choice.


Oberoi Udaivilas

hotel guideUdaipur, India
'Grand' doesn't come close to describing this world-renowned hotel. Even the most basic room at the Oberoi Udaivilas will exceed your expectations. The staff prides themselves on a job exceedingly well done and helps make this retreat worth remembering. Relearn how to relax at a yoga classes or indulge your senses at one of its restaurants. You could also take a boat ride along the lake and enjoy the fabulous views. The city of Udaipur is amazing but it might be a tad difficult to find a reason to leave the grounds of this fantastic hotel.


Ritz-Carlton Millenia

hotel guideSingapore, Singapore
Spread across a garden oasis lies the Ritz Carlton Millenia hotel. Located in the popular Marina Centre you will be treated like royalty from the moment you arrive. Each room features fantastic views of the surrounding area but the artwork within the hotel is also worth remembering. There are restaurants right outside its doors or stay at the Ritz and feast at one of its five dining options. Although you are in a busy area the hotel itself has created a getaway for its guests. Gardens, waterfalls, spa and fitness center create a wonderful ambience for you to enjoy as well.


St. Regis Hotel

hotel guideBeijing, China
Located near Beijing's finest attractions, the St. Regis Hotel has become a popular choice. Although the city is busy 24/7 the hotel has set itself apart and created a wonderful ambience for its guests. Each room has been carefully designed with your needs in mind. Great views, large marble bathrooms and the most comfortable beds you have ever slept on grace each room. As with most St. Regis establishments they pride themselves on fantastic service. In fact, each floor has its own butler. This hotel even has its own bowling alley. What will they think of next?


Banyan Tree

hotel guidePhuket, Thailand
A regular on many 'best of' lists, the Banyan Tree made ours as well. First, its location along the Andaman Sea gives you plenty of white sand beaches and numerous water activities. Second, it is part of the Laguna Phuket resort and that means you have acres of perfected gardens, a fantastic golf course and more dining establishments to choose from. Third, the rooms offer everything you could need – slippers, tanning lotion, water and even incense. Last, its service is impeccable. You too will discover that the Banyan Tree lives up to the country's 'Land of Smiles' motto.


Top 10 Spa Hotels Worldwide

Top 10 Spa Hotels Worldwide


As women became aware of the benefits of visiting a spa, more and more hotels began incorporating treatment rooms into their blueprints. Then, men realized that a sports massage could improve their golf game, while a facial could keep them looking younger, and started visiting them as well. Today, these palaces of pampering have become a multi-billion dollar industry. Hotel spas not only offer a wide range of services that can make customers of either gender look and feel better, they also have a distinct advantage: after a relaxing treatment, spa-goers can walk back to their on-site accommodations or relax by the pool instead of raising stress levels having to fight traffic on their way home. Here are our selections for the top ten spa hotels around the world.

UNITED STATES

Hawaii
Kohala Coast
Mauna Lani Resort 

www.maunalani.com


This is the place to go for true Hawaiian hospitality, authenticity and Aloha spirit. Embracing three miles of the Kohala coast, the spa at Mauna Lani resort has recently added a 1,000-square-foot aquatic body therapy pool to its repertoire, complete with body-temperature saltwater, underwater acoustics and a waterfall. It's here you'll find a treatment unlike any other: aquatic body therapy, where your therapist will massage your body as you float in the healing waters.

UNITED STATES

Nevada
Bellagio 

www.bellagio.com


The 65,000-square-foot salon and spa at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas is a soothing oasis featuring reflecting pools, water walls and a candle-lit meditation room. Relax after a day in the desert sun with pampering options such as the Island Sugar Polish with coconut milk and raw sugar, guaranteed to melt away stress and leave your skin baby soft. Take a yoga class, try the Watsu water therapy or enjoy your vacation with a loved one and splurge on a couples' massage.

AUSTRALIA

Queensland
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat & Spa
www.gwinganna.com


Retreat to the Southern hemisphere where everything moves at a slower, easier pace, especially at this idyllic, ecologically diverse rain forest resort. Even Gwinganna's signature spa treatment is a four-hour-long indulgence comprised of a soothing soak in a tub, an aromatic scrub, head massage, body wrap and a luxurious body massage. All-natural Australian botanicals are used in treatments in this healthy lifestyle retreat, which also boasts organic produce.

Tourism News Update

Caribbean leaders join forces on downturn updated 21 hours, 5 minutes ago
Caribbean leaders said they will push regional banks to provide more loans to builders and exporters, boosting jobs and trade to counter the world economic crisis.
Mexico suspects ex-drug czar took huge bribes from traffickers updated 2 days ago
Mexican authorities have detained the country's former drug czar on suspicion that he may have accepted $450,000 a month in bribes from drug traffickers, Mexico's attorney general said Friday.
Arrest of Interpol official sparks security breach concerns updated Wed, November 19, 2008
A vicious turf war between drug cartels and Mexican authorities that has left as many as 4,300 dead so far this year may have caused a breach in the internal security systems of Interpol, the international police organization.
Australia hopes Kidman film spurs tourism updated Mon, November 17, 2008
The film camera sweeps across the landscape, taking in flat plains, gushing waterfalls and a dusty country town. The color is brilliant, the emptiness palpable, and the soundtrack soars dramatically as warplanes bomb a city.
Georgia cycling event to take one-year hiatus updated Fri, November 14, 2008
The Tour de Georgia has canceled its 2009 race because of financial struggles, yet plans to return in 2010.
Global tourism feels the squeeze updated Tue, November 11, 2008
Turnout for the international tourism industry's most important event is at a record high this year as the sector struggles to cope with the financial crisis sweeping the world.
Creating jobs, infrastructure challenge India's growth updated Tue, November 11, 2008
To the litany of challenges that confront India's path to a better life, we can now add subdued economic growth as a result of the global financial crisis.
Sinking island's nationals seek new home updated Tue, November 11, 2008
The new president of the Maldives wants to relocate -- his entire country.
Inauguration prompts travel rush to Washington updated Mon, November 10, 2008
It may be freezing in Washington in January, but the city is a red-hot destination for people around the country and the world eager to see President-elect Barack Obama sworn into office.
Bhutan celebrates newest Dragon King updated Sat, November 8, 2008
Dance performances, archery and traditional sports -- such as snatching of the caps and pillow fights over a tub of cold water -- capped the three-day celebration in Thimphu of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's coronation as Bhutan's king

Illinois banks on Obama buzz to boost tourism updated Fri, November 7, 2008
Chicago's tourism Web site beckons visitors to "experience the city the Obamas enjoy." The Illinois Bureau of Tourism plans to launch a three-day getaway promotion featuring Barack Obama sites. And tour guides at the Old State Capitol in Springfield may get new scripts to stress two important sp...
Bright tile roofs hint at Dubrovnik's dark past updated Fri, November 7, 2008
It's been called "the Pearl of the Adriatic," but standing high above Dubrovnik's formidable ramparts, I study what the recent war did to this jewel of a city on Croatia's coast.
F1 turns to India as a force for the future updated Fri, November 7, 2008
Formula One calls itself as a world championship. Yet going into 2009, it does not have races in North America, Africa or India.
EU gives bleak economic outlook for 2009 updated Mon, November 3, 2008
The European Commission forecast Monday that the economy in the 15 countries that use the euro will barely grow next year, expanding just 0.1 percent as the financial crisis hits hard.
Where is Portugal's Tiger? updated Fri, October 31, 2008
It's a question that I have asked myself for a long time. Why can't Portugal produce a top golfer?
In November's Business Traveller... updated Thu, October 30, 2008
In November, CNN Business Traveller continues its special on how the travel industry is being affected by the financial crisis, this time focusing on tourism and destinations.
Crash revives talk of Asia's Bermuda Triangle updated Wed, October 29, 2008
The two-seat Taiwanese fighter jet disappeared last week during a routine training mission over the Taiwan Strait. Debris and body parts were found the next day, but authorities are at a loss to explain what happened.
Sparkling Cape Town easy on a budget updated Wed, October 29, 2008
One of the world's most beautiful cities is probably one of the cheapest.
Picturesque Wales a welcoming getaway updated Tue, October 28, 2008
Here, amid and around the ruins of the medieval Tintern Abbey, the solace and serenity recalled so poetically by William Wordsworth is almost palpable to 21st-century visitors.
Saudi stocks tumble with world markets, oil prices updated Sat, October 25, 2008
The Saudi Arabian Stock Exchange began the week Saturday with its largest decline in four years, a reaction to the world's tumbling markets and oil prices, an economist said.

November 21, 2008

The Le Méridien Hotels in Thailand : Mixing contemporary culture with its European heritage

Mixing contemporary culture with its European heritage, Le Méridien creates a culturally refined, meaningful and stimulating atmosphere which inspires participants to celebrate the beauty of a moment and the possibilities for insight that live within common occurrences.

Guests discover more than just a new destination. They discover a new way of seeing things.

Currently, Le Méridien is a global hotel group with a portfolio of more than 120 luxury and upscale hotels in over 50 countries worldwide. The majority of its properties are located in the world's top cities and resorts throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and the Americas.

Le Méridien Bangkok
Now accepting reservations for arrival on or after December 1, 2008.Le Méridien Bangkok sits in the heart of Bangkok's tourist precinct and central business district. Assuming a prime position on Surawongse Road, the hotel is conveniently located to prominent business and banking headquarters, embassies, entertainment, shopping centres, and sightseeing attractions.Beyond the 282 spacious guest rooms and suites, the hotel features a pan-Asian restaurant, a swimming pool, and a spa facility in addition to a wide range of meeting and banquet spaces.

Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi Golf Resort & Spa - Opening December 1, 2011
Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi Golf Resort & Spa will be home to the Summit Windmill Golf Club, featuring an 18-hole, Nick Faldo-designed golf course, as well as an upscale serviced apartment complex with 72 apartments. The resort will also be conveniently located approximately three miles from the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport.The resort will feature 214 guest rooms, 900 square metres of meeting space, a health club, a 1,395-square metre spa, a swimming pool, and a business centre. A variety of cuisines will be served at the resort's three restaurants.

Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel
Situated on Wireless Road, Plaza Athénée Bangkok resides in the heart of Bangkok's most beautiful tree-lined avenue in the city's central business and diplomatic quarter. Easily accessible to Ploenchit sky train station, Lumpini Park's jogging tracks and paddle boats, and numerous shopping malls such as Central World, Siam Paragon, and MBK Shopping Center, the hotel is a tranquil haven in a vivacious city.

Plaza Athénée Bangkok offers a full-service spa, a breathtaking outdoor pool surrounded by exotic Thai-style gardens, a fitness centre, and squash courts. The restaurant also includes five restaurants two lounges, a wide range of meeting facilities. All 378 spacious guest rooms and luxurious suites boast views over the ever-changing Bangkok skyline.

Le Méridien Chiang Mai
Perfectly located on Chang Klan Road, Le Méridien Chiang Mai is in the heart of the central business district with easy access to the famous Night Bazaar and seven kilometres from Chiang Mai's domestic and international airport.

The 384 sophisticated guest rooms with stunning views overlooking the majestic Doi Suthep Mountain, are the ideal blend of historical and modern, with hi-tech touches such as High Speed Internet access and a high-definition LCD TV for today's traveller. Two restaurants and two bars offer a variety of dining experience inspired by international and Italian culinary. Exotic cocktails, fruit infusions, a wide range of coffees, and a selection of light snacks may be found at our two bars.

A new way of seeing things awaits your discovery at Le Méridien Chiang Mai, where local and regional inspiration reflects both its European heritage and authentic northern Thai style.

Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand

Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort

Le Méridien Pattaya Resort- Opening December 1, 2011
Set to open in 2010, Le Méridien Pattaya Resort is ideally located along Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, Thailand. The beachfront resort will be part of Pattaya's first five-star beachfront resort development. Two separate towers will accommodate our five-star resort hotel as well as The Sails, a high-rise condominium complex.

The resort will offer 239 guest rooms, approximately 1,030 square metres of meeting space, three food and beverage outlets including one all-day dining restaurant, a gift shop, and business centre. Recreational facilities will include a fitness centre and a full-service, eight-treatment room, 365-square meter spa, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Only 156.5 kilometers from Bangkok, the resort will be less than two hours from the new Bangkok International Airport and only six kilometres south of Central Pattaya, providing close proximity to department stores, clinics, restaurants, and various entertainment venues.

Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort
Located in the tropical paradise of Phuket's Western coast on a secluded cove, Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort is set amidst 40 acres of lush foliage, sprawling golden sands, and the emerald Andaman Sea. A mining centre during the 16th century, Phuket employed many Hakka Chinese miners, and China's rich cultural influence can still be seen on the island today as well as the colourful influences of Portuguese explorers.

The hotel features six meeting rooms, two lagoon-size swimming pools, four tennis courts, a pair of air-conditioned squash courts, a world-class spa, a variety of land and sea sports facilities, a discovery centre for kids, and a historic Margaret Lee cruiser that offers unique cruise adventures. 10 restaurants and bars allow for a gastronomic journey around the globe. The 417 superior rooms and 53 luxury suites are enriched with a local Thai design, complementing the resort's tropical setting. These, along with superb amenities, provide creative holidays that are delivered with comfort.

The resort is just minutes away from some of the celebrated sites of Phuket, including the lively shopping and restaurant district of Patong, the 29 ornate temples that dot the island, hiking trails through ancient limestone caverns, and scuba diving through the Andaman Sea's translucent indigo waters.

Vana Belle Samui Resort & Spa - Opening April 1, 2010

 

More at http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/index.html

Khao Lak Hotel and Travel Guide at khaolak-hotels.com

SPA DESTINATION'S SELECTED!
 
khaolak-hotels.com providing information for many spa and resort in Khao Lak, the exotic destination of Thailand's beach.
 

Khao Lak, located just north of Phuket Island on the gorgeous Andaman seaboard, is one of Thailand's most peaceful resort destinations. No less than three national parks are embraced by the surrounding hills that sweep down to this lovely stretch of coastline with beaches that go on for miles.

Khao Lak offers a rare oasis for relaxation, with a superb combination of cool tropical forest, lovely beachfront accommodation and expansive white sand beaches. And those beaches are more beautiful than ever. Following the tsunami, Khao Lak has made a remarkable recovery with newly refurbished hotels providing a quantity and quality of accommodation never before seen in this area. Revitalised resorts have upgraded their facilities, created more stylish rooms and added ambient features like soothing lotus ponds, serene gardens and infinity pools.

 

Khao Lak Hotel Recommendations

Palm Galleria Resort

Surrounded by beautiful national parks and situated beachside, Palm Galleria is in the lap of Mother Nature herself. Khao Lak is a beautiful region to visit.

From US$ 74* (THB 2,442)
Hot Deal
Superior Room

Valid from Now - 19 Dec '08

Khaolak Laguna Resort

Khaolak Laguna Resort..... 80km away from Phuket International Airport across the bridge to the main land by Phuket-Takuapa Route.

From US$ 134* (THB 4,422)
Hot Deal
Siam Chalet

Valid from Now - 19 Dec '08

La Flora Resort & Spa

The elegant, boutique La Flora Resort & Spa is located right at the beautiful beach of Bang Niang. Only an one hour ride from Phuket International Airport

From US$ 150* (THB 4,950)
Special Internet Rates
Deluxe Room

Valid from Now - 20 Dec '08
*: prices are inclusive of taxes, service charges and subject to exchange rate fluctuations

 
Top 10 Khao Lak Hotels
1 : The Briza Beach Resort Khaolak
2 : Le Meridien Khaolak
3 : Takolaburi Cultural Spa & Resort
4 : Khaolak Merlin
5 : The Sarojin
6 : La Flora
7 : Baan Khaolak
8 : Andaman Princess Resort & Spa
9 : Royal Bangsak Beach Resort
10 :

Best Western Palm Galleria