If you love travelling (like we do), we’re sure you’re always on the hunt for a new hotel or destination to head to for your next getaway! Here are some great spots and hotel deals to check out.
Indulge yourself!
Anguilla, Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka and Thailand: four glorious destinations for a beachside escape – and each of them home to a five-star ÀNI Private Resort. Ideal for a luxe getaway with friends or family, the resorts feature spas (with treatments as part of the all-inclusive price), gyms with personal trainers, pools, kids’ pool with waterslides, and in-house executive chefs and mixologists. Look forward to excursions such as boat rides in Phang Nga Bay at the Thailand resort or safaris in Sri Lanka.
Villa Vacay
Located on the hillside of Kamala Bay in Phuket, with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea, Baan Banyan is a gorgeous spot for a getaway. The full-staffed four-bedroom villa houses an 18-metre infinity lap pool, indoor and outdoor lounging and dining facilities, and a well-equipped fitness room; there’s private access to the beach, too. With four main master suites and two guest bedrooms, it’s an ideal setup for families or groups of up to 12. Prices from US$995 per night (low season).
City Stay
Six Senses Maxwell – the sister hotel of Six Senses Duxton – has opened in Chinatown. The 120-room property features a mix of modern and traditional design. There are five F&B outlets to explore, from Murray Terrace, a classic European-style brasserie, to Cook & Tras serving heritage Straits cuisine. Book through the Six Senses’ website and enjoy 15 percent off the best available rates for stays until 31 March 2019.
Heritage Hotel
There’s a stylish new staycation spot in town, with the opening of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore in the city’s civic and cultural district. The design stays true to the building’s historical colonial Art Deco and Victorian aesthetics while maintaining a contemporary edge. Rooms are spacious and feature mod-cons including a free-standing, deep-soaking bath, a Sonos audio system and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Holiday with a Heart
Rascal Voyages has teamed up with Conservation International Indonesia (CI Indonesia) to offer luxury cruising experiences that allow guests to contribute to conservation efforts in some of the most remote and protected waters in the world. The Exploration Series will have just eight exclusive itineraries each year and will be led by renowned scientists. Prices start at US$12,000 per night for groups of eight.
Festive fun
Looking for a fuss-free Christmas getaway? Flight prices soar over the holidays, so why not choose a destination that eliminates the cost – and hassle! – of a plane. Located in Indonesia’s Riau archipelago, and accessible by boat from Singapore, Telunas Private Island offers 15 over-water villas that are ideally set up for families. Everything is included in the stay, from transfers and meals to activities for the entire family. Younger guests can have fun fishing, jetty jumping, kayaking and racing hermit crabs, plus there’s an infinity pool and a private beach. The property also comes with a Kids’ Club, so mum and dad can enjoy some adult time (over-water spa massage, anyone?) knowing the little ones are having a blast.
Wine Weekend
Visiting Hua Hin in Thailand? Stay at seaside resort Amari Hua Hin, and take the short journey to the Monsoon Valley Vineyard, where you can explore the vineyard’s grounds, sample quality wines and even go on a “wine safari” to nearby Kuiburi National Park. Available from now until January 2019, the hotel’s Great Escape Package starts at $165 per night for a two-night stay. It includes afternoon tea at the Coral Lounge, a 60-minute muscle tension relief massage and candlelit set menu dinner at the Shoreline Beach Club.
CNY Getaway
Planning ahead for the Chinese New Year break next year? Escape the crowds and holiday in style in one of Scott Dunn’s chalets in Europe. Each of these spectacular properties comes with a private chef, host, shared in-resort driver service and optional private nannies or access to the Scott Dunn Explorers kids’ club. The week commencing 3 February 2019 is one of Scott Dunn’s best value ski weeks, so gather the brood and hit the slopes! scottdunn.com
Family in Town?
Millennium Hotels and Resorts has launched a new extended-stay package, Millennium Residence, where you can enjoy exclusive benefits and up to 25 percent off room rates for stays lasting seven to 21 nights. Participating hotels are Orchard Hotel Singapore, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, M Hotel Singapore, Studio M Hotel Singapore, M Social Singapore and Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore. The offer can be booked via millenniumhotels.com from now until 31 March 2019.
Save the Kiwis
A young kiwi has been released into the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari wildlife park as part of conservation group Kiwis for Kiwis’ new strategy to accelerate the bird’s numbers. Located near Hamilton in the Waikato region, the park is New Zealand’s largest predator-proof-fenced sanctuary and is preparing to house up to 500 kiwi chicks over the next five years. Tourists can experience and learn more about nature and wildlife, with proceeds going directly to conservation work.
Sky-high Delights
April 2019 will see work start on a new First Lounge for Qantas at Changi, and an expansion of the existing Business Lounge. Leading Aussie chef Neil Perry, who has been whipping up inflight meals and lounge menus for the airline for over 20 years, will be involved as Qantas Creative Director for food, beverage and service. Perry leads the Rockpool Dining Group culinary team and is an author of eight popular cookbooks and regular magazine columns.
Read more in our Travel section!
Family adventures in Switzerland
This article first appeared in the December 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
