Travel and Leisure Asia | Global https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/ Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau Wed, 13 Dec 2023 22:00:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.4 https://images.travelandleisureasia.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/01/03185908/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngTravel and Leisure Asia | Global https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/ 32 32 Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas Offers a New and Secluded Haven on an Unspoilt Islandhttps://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/hotels/anantara-koh-yao-yai-resort-villas-offers-a-new-and-secluded-haven-on-an-unspoilt-island/2023-12-13T22:00:00+00:00https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/?p=148462Anantara Koh Yao Yai

TRAVELLERS SEARCHING FOR a new and secluded beach haven in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay will be thrilled to discover Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, perched on an unspoilt island that sits a 30-minute boat ride from Phuket and just 20 minutes by boat from Krabi.

The stunning Koh Yao Yai offers couples, families and groups an ideal space for reconnecting with each other, nature, and truly getting away from it all; enveloped by over a kilometre of golden sand beaches, verdant jungles and incredible ocean views that stretch to the horizon.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai
A secluded haven

The new all-suite, villa and penthouse resort stretches across 27 acres that were formerly a coconut plantation and features views of a deep blue bay ringed with limestone islets and rich with tropical birds. 

Step off the resort’s private jetty into a world of indulgent, exclusive luxury where all your cares seemingly melt away with the sea’s ebb and flow. Take a dip in a shaded swimming pool, find refreshments at the pool bar or dive beneath the waves and swim with colourful schools of fish. 

Indulgent Accommodations

Anantara Koh Yao Yai
Resort Birds Eye View

To call the resort’s 148 suites, villas and penthouses luxurious is an understatement. Each choice seamlessly melds classic Thai touches with every modern amenity.

The intimate One- and Two-Bedroom Villas offer true seclusion along the shoreline and are popular with couples looking to escape it all. Your private butler can meet any need during your stay, while complimentary bicycles and direct beach access provide opportunities for quality time.

Guests with young children adore the Family Pool Access Suites, finished with welcoming beechwood furniture and bunk beds as well as a terrace that lets little ones jump right into the resort’s family pool — complete with waterslides, smoothie bar, and movies at night — while parents watch from cosy sunbeds. Or choose a Family Sea View Suite with ocean vistas, an in-room slide and secret play areas.

Grand Family Sea View Suite
Grand Family Sea View Suite

Those looking for more indulgence can choose the 300 sqm Two-Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa with two ensuite bedrooms, eco-friendly grass roofing, private pool terrace with outdoor rain shower and the full attention of a private butler.

Wellness lovers appreciate the Wellness Lagoon Pool Villas, secluded from the rest of the resort and surrounded by serene garden and lagoon views. Enjoy yoga, workouts or meditation from your private pool deck before surrendering to a massage, facial or body wrap at your in-villa spa.

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When it’s time to go all out, choose one of the resort’s 366 sqm Sea View Pool Penthouses with endless Andaman Sea views, the assistance of eight dedicated butlers, two skylight-lit rain showers, oversized soaking bathtub with sea views, two dressing rooms, an infinity-edge pool and sundeck with cabana for complete outdoor relaxation. The most unique of these penthouses also features a glass-bottom infinity pool that can be viewed from the living room below.

Specialities to Savour

Beach Restaurant
Beach Restaurant

Guests hoping to dine on the finest fresh seafood set against the romantic sound of waves crashing won’t be disappointed at Beach Restaurant, Anantara Koh Yao Yai’s signature restaurant serving Thai and international seafood delights as well as dry-aged steaks and speciality sushi. 

Pakarang crafts delicately flavoured contemporary Thai favourites and an expansive breakfast daily, including live cooking stations, organic, lactose and gluten-free options. Step into the resort’s Japanese restaurant to enjoy traditional omakase menus alongside modern delicacies.

When thirst calls, head to the Pool Bar, Family Bar or Beach Bar to enjoy craft beers, fine wines, cocktails, smoothies, milkshakes and more. 

Incredible Experiences

Leam Hadd View
Leam Hadd View

Delight in a range of unforgettable excursions and immersive experiences, such as vintage sidecar tours to a rubber plantation, batik or tie-dye classes, island-hopping, mountain climbing, kayak outings to mangrove canals or longtail boat cruises to natural sand banks for candlelit dinners. 

The resort’s Kids’ Club is amongst Thailand’s largest, including a bubble pool with vacuum fountain ball shower, water slide, dance studio and activities such as recycled crafts, seedling planting, cooking classes and nature walks. 

The toddler zone offers expert childcare for one- to four-year-old guests, with a dedicated nap room, stimulating activities like baby yoga, and a restaurant serving all their favourite food and drinks. Throughout the resort, all the restaurants feature kid-friendly menus. 

Kids' Club
Kids’ Club

Anantara Spa offers the perfect escape for every guest, featuring five treatment suites to enjoy a wide array of massages, traditional Thai treatments, a hammam and one of the largest hydro pools in Thailand. 

With luxurious beachfront accommodations, incredible dining, and family-friendly amenities on a secluded Thai island, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas provides an ideal escape for every traveller.

For more information about Anantara Koh Yao Yai, please visit www.anantara.com/en/koh-yao-yai-phuket.


Article Sponsored by Anantara.
Images courtesy of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas
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Best Parenting Hack of 2023: Instead of School Vacation, Try School *on* Vacation. Everybody Wins https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/trips/family-travel/tl-kids-ayana-bali-guidepost-montessori/2023-12-08T09:54:50+00:00https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/?p=146772Guidepost Ayana

T+L Kids

MY TWO BROTHERS AND I all went to Montessori school. We started in nursery school, and I can still remember my first classroom vividly. Open-plan with movable walls and lots of natural light shining on the various learning stations scattered around the room. Towers of pink blocks in decreasing sizes tapering up to the top, or round pegs in increasingly wide widths or high heights, to teach proportionality. Long sticks of different lengths in candy striped red and blue to teach counting. Shapes for tracing. Sandpaper letters for learning the alphabet by sight and feel. Practical everyday items like locks and keys. Puzzles and flags and maps. 

Guidepost at AYANA
Courtesy of AYANA

We would spend the day moving from station to station at our leisure, doing what activities struck our interest, working together only if we first politely asked the other child—in addition to nurturing independent thinking and working, and stimulating a desire for exploration, a huge tenet of Montessori is politeness and empathy. At circle time, Miss Mitchell would gather us all to sit cross-legged together, sing songs and have hands-on lessons about the theme of the week. For Thanksgiving, for example, we filled baby food jars with buttermilk and shook them until our little arms were about to fall off to simulate how the pilgrims churned butter. 

I attended Montessori only through second grade, but you can see my memories have held strong. So, when I heard that AYANA Estate in Bali was launching a Montessori program for kids aged 2½ through 6, I knew I had to get one of my nieces there. 

Umbria at Guidepost, Ayana
Umbria at Guidepost at AYANA. Courtesy of Jeninne Lee-St. John

A legacy luxury hotel in southwest Bali, AYANA is probably best known for its Rock Bar, with its blazing sunset views over Jimbaran Bay, from which you have a clear view of the planes coming in for a landing at Denpasar airport. An engineering feat of mind over nature, the resto-club is built into the cliffs, is accessible only by one of two fun-tastic funiculars, and, despite the fact that it keeps expanding, remains one of the harder reservations to get in Bali. 

But AYANA is literally an estate, growing into a full-fledged town more and more each year. Their large spa enclave was voted best in Indonesia in our Travel+Leisure Luxury Awards, they care for monkeys and horses, in recent years they’ve added a beach, beach club, and a fourth hotel (AYANA Segara). And they’ve just debuted both an organic, permaculture farm full of indigenous breeds of crops planted in a golden spiral, and SAKA Museum, a first-of-its-kind in Bali celebrating Indonesian culture and history. 

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Most interestingly, they’ve taken the luxury hotel notion of “kids club” and just blown everyone else’s version out of the water. In 2023, AYANA launched a partnership with the famed Green School to create Green Camp, for 7- to 12-year-olds to learn about the world through the lens of nature conservation and food cultivation at an in-house farm and in their mangrove sanctuary. And AYANA has also opened an outpost of the world’s largest network of Montessori schools, Guidepost. 

The older kids can enroll in Green Camp for one, three or four days. The Montessori programming is available to the younger kids by the week or the month, which makes it appealing to parents who want a solid base of routine in their vacation and to the increasing number of digital-nomad families out there—”addressing parents’ hopes for a nurturing holiday for their children,” says general manager Giordano Faggioli—and even to residents of Bali with preschoolers. 

So, I went down to AYANA with my brother, Jaysen, sister-in-law, Shirley, and their daughter, Umbria, then aged 4¾, to check out Guidepost and to see what it would be like to mix a tropical holiday with Montessori school. 

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In the mornings, after breakfast we’d do a family activity: tour the farm (T+L tip: break off an ear of their corn and eat it raw—it tastes like it’s already been cooked and coated in sweet butter), run in the waves, tackle one of the various waterslides scattered around the resort. After lunch, one of us would take Umbria on the trolley to camp. She’d shed her shoes in a cubby and disappear into the classroom. Some days the teachers took the kiddos on expeditions around the grounds of the estate—one evening as we were walking through the gardens, Umbria showed me an edible flower and pointed out where the bees go in, as she had learned earlier—and on the camp’s closing day, all the families gathered for a singing circle and a scavenger hunt on the beach. But during most of the trip, the schedule left us grown-ups free in the afternoons for spa appointments, a jamu-making class, some breezy kid-free downtime with margaritas, or, that most adult of activities, work. 

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Then one of us would pick Umbria up, maybe squeeze in a little more pool time, pop to our rooms for showers then off for sundowners (proud to have taught her that word this trip) basically anywhere on this westward facing property… though of course the ocean spray over the banquette nestled in the front of a deck at Rock Bar provided the most dramatic denouement. 

Here, Umbria made friends with the DJ, who let her borrow his headphones for a bit while he taught her about his mixer board. At Kampoeng Bali, the traditional dinner theater that drums up an action-packed evening of mythology, dance, giant puppets and fire shows, Umbria made friends with one of the musicians, who let her borrow his mallet to tap out a tune. When we had dinner at Kisik seafood restaurant, the musicians actually had an extra instrument at the ready just for eager kiddos, which Umbria of course was so she wound up joining the serenade to a couple having a romantic private meal down the pier.   

Photos by Shirley Wang

All of which is to say, the entire AYANA estate is not just kid-friendly but in many ways a giant Montessori classroom itself—a sprawling campus where everyone seems happy to answer an inquisitive four-year-old’s questions and help her learn about the world hands on. Even the Japanese toilets provided a teachable moment! And as much as I love my niece and planned this trip around her wellbeing, I was also grateful to get some adult time with my brother and sister-in-law while she was at school, which I’m sure is what Faggioli means when he says, “We truly hope the entire family will enjoy the holiday they’ve been longing for.” 

Resort View Room
AYANA Segara Bali, resort-view room. Courtesy of AYANA

The Details

Guidepost at AYANA offers weekly and monthly Montessori school packages for children aged 2½ to 6. One-week Guidepost Adventure program: Tuesday through Friday, half-days including lunch IDR7,500,000++. One month (four consecutive weeks) Guidepost Children’s House program: Monday through Friday, half days IDR10,950,000++ or full days IDR13,350,000++. ayana.com/bali/guidepostayana; ayanabali@guidepost.id 

Green Camp AYANA relaunches in December 2023 for children aged 7 to 12, and are available for one-day experiences for parents and kids together (IDR1,870,000++ per day per guest), three-day programs for kids only (IDR5,615,000++ per day per child), and four-day programs with kids-only days plus one family day (IDR7,480,000++ per day per child). ayana.com/baligreencampayana

AYANA Segara is the newest hotel on the Estate. Resort View Rooms from USD486.59 net per night, including breakfast for two, and Ocean View Rooms from USD612.19 net per night, including breakfast for two. ayana.com/bali. 


Lede images by Shirley Wang.

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Indulge in the Perfect Couples Getaway Holiday in a Pool Villa at Villa Escape Burasarihttps://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/hotels/indulge-in-the-perfect-couples-getaway-holiday-at-villa-escape-burasari/2023-12-08T04:41:06+00:00https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/?p=146389Island Escape by Burasari

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE COUPLES GETAWAY at Villa Escape Burasari, where every moment is a celebration, each passion is pursued and pure happiness blooms for two kindred souls.

Set on serene Coconut Island, a ten-minute boat ride from Phuket, this luxurious five-star resort boasts only 15 exquisite private oceanview villas complete with spacious private pools, making them the perfect setting for an intimate indulgence, whether you choose a two, three or four bedroom version. 

Bask in the charms of a small island’s paradise, enveloped by long sandy beaches, perfect for frolicking in a symphony of tropical wonders. Revel in the resort’s enticing blend of lavish pools, magnificent beach, expertly landscaped gardens, award-winning spa and bespoke excursions that will live in your memory forever.

Alight on a wonderful weekend 

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Your dream weekend begins the moment you arrive at Phuket International Airport. You’ll be greeted by your friendly villa host in the lounge, who will guide you to a private speedboat, where a refreshing glass of sparkling wine awaits, a tantalising prelude to the unforgettable days ahead.

As you glide across turquoise waters for the 15-minute journey, the splendour of Coconut Island comes into view, an enticingly lush enclave. A seamless check-in experience awaits at your private pool villa, accompanied by awe-inspiring sea views and the expertise of your villa host, who stands ready to answer any questions and ensure an ideal stay.

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Inside your seaside sanctuary, every detail has been meticulously curated to evoke ultimate relaxation. Allow cold-scented towels to revive your senses as the resort provides refreshing spa treatments on arrival to release the stress from a long journey and beckon blissful anticipation.

As you step outside, feel the fine white sand between your toes as you relax on the beach before trying out the resort’s paddleboards. 

A candlelit table beneath a picturesque beach canopy

As the sun sets, an irresistible call to romance draws you towards a candlelit table beneath a picturesque beach canopy. Here, amidst flickering candles and vibrant mood lighting, enjoy a culinary symphony as the chef’s favourite dishes transport you to a realm of gastronomic bliss. 

You know that, long after this night fades, its captivating memories will live on in your heart.

Delight in a day of pleasures

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Your second day at Villa Escape Burasari begins with a rejuvenating yoga session on the powdery sands as you welcome the golden glow of the morning sun. Returning to your luxurious villa, a delightful surprise awaits you — a floating breakfast is arranged in your private pool.

With succulent slices of tropical fruit, decadent pancakes, and artistically crafted lattes, you savour every spoonful and sip, preparing for the extraordinary adventures that await.

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Your local guide arrives to take you on a captivating journey through a nearby fishing village, immersing you in the pulse of the local community. Witness a symphony of colours and the genuine warmth of the locals as you gain a profound appreciation for the island’s rich heritage and the resilience and ingenuity of its people — from those who tap local rubber trees to the staff at a local pearl farm.

The tour makes you both quite hungry, and the guide brings you to a local floating restaurant. Each bite is a testament to the island’s culinary mastery and abundant offerings. And then, an invitation to partake in the ancient art of the island — a chance to fish alongside the locals.

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After returning to the resort, you prepare to take an outing on a longtail boat. Bathed in the sun’s warm embrace, the boat takes you to the ethereal Rang and Khai Islands, where you unpack a picnic prepared just for you to enjoy in nature’s unrivalled beauty.

For dinner, one of the resort’s expert private chefs can craft a menu of special seafood dishes made exactly to your liking. 

A fine farewell

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You rise from your slumber as morning breaks, feeling rejuvenated and at peace. Hand in hand, you meander to It’s Everything Restaurant, where a nourishing breakfast awaits. Savouring the flavours, you decide upon one last blissful endeavour — a glorious signature massage at Sunyata Spa.

As the departure time looms, fond farewells are exchanged with your villa host. The private speedboat emerges, beckoning you back to the mainland. As you depart, a whispered promise echoes in your heart — you will return to this paradise soon.

To book your own weekend Villa Escape Burasari, visit iescapevilla.com 


Article Sponsored by Island Escape by Burasari.
Images courtesy of Island Escape by Burasari.

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Chic Vive Océane, Danang's First and Only Premium Beach Club, Opens at Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spahttps://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/hotels/chic-vive-oceane-danangs-first-and-only-premium-beach-club-opens-at-hyatt-regency-danang-resort-spa/2023-12-05T22:00:00+00:00https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/?p=144318Vive Oceane

ESCAPE TO THE IDYLLIC SHORES of Danang’s Non Nuoc Beach and immerse yourself in the seaside city’s first and only premium beach club, Vive Océane.

The chic and exclusive destination at Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa offers a wide range of social and culinary experiences. Choose from shady alfresco decks or elegant indoor dining that provides a prime view of the beach club’s live show kitchens. 

Vive Océane

A mouth-watering menu of Vietnamese and international recipes will tantalise your taste buds, while the breathtaking ocean views provide the perfect backdrop for making memories on Vietnam’s stunning central coast.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa is a five-star family lifestyle resort featuring 198 rooms and suites, 144 residences and 18 villas, five outdoor pools, a fitness centre, art gallery and spa. 

Cocktails
FROM LEFT: Gin Basil; Soft Shell Crab Bao Lime; Summer Spritz

Vive Océane is just one of a diverse selection of restaurants and bars on the indulgent property. 

The delightful and newly updated Osteria Al Mare — named Vietnam’s Leading Resort Restaurant for 2023 from Best Hotels & Resorts 2023 — offers all-day Italian dining with a sharing concept while Terrasse has been refurbished and is open for pre-dinner drinks, artisan cocktails and inspired light bites, served on indulgent sofas beside brazero fire pits.

Traditional Vietnamese beach barbeques, in-villa barbeques and weekly themed dinners are ongoing and the resort is also set to host the interactive Le Petit Chef dining experience — making the resort a one-stop spot for destination dining in Danang. 

Breezy Beach Club Experience 

Vive Oceane

Inside the beach club, guests discover signature drinks and delightful dishes in an atmosphere of barefoot luxury by day, where they can relax on cosy sofas, catch some sun on picturesque daybeds and enjoy the company of friends and family.

After dark, the stretch of sand transforms into an exciting nightspot that draws Danang’s hippest crowd, perfect for sipping sundowners while enjoying live music and after-dark beachside vibes.

Every Friday night, the beach club hosts V.O.W. Night, which is free to enter and offers entertainment as well as a complimentary welcome cocktail.

The exciting new beach club will offer a plethora of festive treats this holiday season, including a four-course Premium Exclusive Christmas Dinner and the La Fete New Years Extravaganza with a French-Mediterranean sharing-style dinner and thrilling party to welcome 2024. 

Vive Océane is already attracting a wide range of discerning visitors — from hotel guests to in-the-know locals. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon with family, a romantic beachfront spot for dinner, or a place to dance all night on the sand with friends — Vive Océane has just what you’re looking for. 

Tantalising Tastes

Embrace a journey of gastronomic delight at the enchanting alfresco Vive Océane, a beachfront oasis that tempts tastebuds with an exquisite fusion of French-Mediterranean and Vietnamese cuisine. 

Visionary Executive Chef Pierre Tavernier beautifully captures the essence of local and seasonal ingredients — including the freshest locally caught seafood. Having honed his craft alongside the Michelin-starred chefs of Europe and Asia, Chef Pierre showcases his skill by curating a menu that celebrates the harmonious merging of cultures and flavours.

Each evening, dramatic scenes of culinary brilliance unfold from the live show kitchens, where Chef Pierre and his talented team craft a symphony of delectable dishes that elevate Vive Océane amongst dining and social experiences along this picturesque coastal stretch.

Whether you visit for sun-kissed beaches, gentle ocean breezes or the joyous sound of clinking glasses, Vive Océane transforms every visit into a magical seaside moment. 

Discover the ideal Danang venue for beachside cocktail evenings, private parties, team dinners, and wedding receptions. Offering culinary journeys through world-class cuisine, events at Vive Océane will be unforgettable celebrations of taste, ambience, and elegance.

Vive Océane

Let the city’s only beach club set the stage for your next fun-filled day or night, where memories are woven beside the sea.

For more information, visit viveoceane.com or email dining.reservation@hyatt.com or call +84(0)-236-398-1234


Article Sponsored by Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa.
Images courtesy of Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa.

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Enjoy Picturesque Holiday Getaways Paired with Festive Food and Pool Villa Promotions at Raffles Balihttps://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/hotels/enjoy-picturesque-holiday-getaways-paired-with-festive-food-and-pool-villa-promotions-at-raffles-bali/2023-11-26T22:00:42+00:00https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/?p=145431Raffles Bali Festive Seasons

Escape to Raffles Bali to enjoy an unforgettable holiday, complete with mouth-watering curated meals, breathtaking pool villas and personalised recommendations by expert Wellbeing Butlers.

Raffles Bali welcomes the festive season by unveiling a month of celebratory events, from seven-course dinners to pool villa promotions throughout December. 

Pool Villa

The luxury resort welcomes guests to celebrate the holiday season with enchanting festive celebrations and a picturesque holiday getaway as you and your loved ones gather in paradise to revel in the spirit of Christmas and New Year together.

Imagine celebrating the holidays in refined seclusion, nestled in one of the resort’s 32 spacious pool villas, now available at attractive year-end rates, admiring breathtaking views of stunning Jimbaran Bay and the resort’s secluded beach.

Secluded Beach
Secluded Beach

In between epicurean indulgences and festive events, wander through verdant gardens, take in the island’s multihued sunsets or sip a Bali Sling in the resort’s legendary Writers Bar. For deeper rejuvenation, visit Raffles Spa or the hillside treatment suite, The Sanctuary, where expert Wellbeing Butlers can advise you on a journey of bespoke wellness alongside cultural experiences and personalised itineraries, sharing with you all of the best that the Island of the Gods has to offer.

Fine and Festive Food

Loloan Beach Bar & Grill
Loloan Beach Bar & Grill

Let your palate embark on a culinary adventure at Rumari Restaurant and Loloan Beach Bar & Grill this festive season.

Visit Rumari for an exquisite seven-course Christmas feast that pays homage to the region’s abundant sustainable produce. Indulge in this decadent experience on 24 and 25 December as elements of tradition and festivity envelop you, truly igniting the holiday spirit.

If you’re seeking a relaxed yet sophisticated Christmas meal, Loloan Beach Bar & Grill invites you to an exclusive Christmas Brunch on the tranquil beachfront of Raffles Bali. Indulge in an array of inspired Chef’s Creations, including exquisite gourmet pastries, artisanal cheeses, and a divine seafood platter. To elevate this feast, the finest wines are available to complement each tantalising nibble perfectly.

Loloan Beach Bar & Grill presents a smorgasbord of enchanting evening celebrations as the festivities continue from Christmas to New Year. From Lobster Night to Barbecue Night, Italian Night, and more, each evening boasts its own captivating theme, sure to be as fun as it is delicious. Running from 26 to 30 December, these unforgettable events are accompanied by live entertainment, creating an atmosphere that embodies the season’s joy.

New Years Delights

Festive Seasons' Brunch
Festive Seasons’ Brunch

Get ready to welcome 2024 at Loloan Beach Bar & Grill, where the New Year festivities will begin with an unforgettable culinary journey on 31 December 2023. Prepare to indulge in a sumptuous six-course degustation menu, accompanied by an irresistible dessert buffet and the opportunity to revel in festive ambience as you count down to a happy new year ahead in incredible surrounds.

New Year’s Day at Raffles Bali brings the opportunity to savour the elegance of an iconic Raffles Brunch leisurely, served overlooking the beach. Relish a unique selection of mouth-watering creations, from delightful amuse-bouches to artisanal pasta and decadent cheeses to plated degustation desserts, ensuring the holiday joy persists throughout the day.

Extend the holiday cheer from 2 to 6 January with an enthralling series of themed evening celebrations featuring Butcher Night, Oyster and Champagne Night, Spanish Tapas and Sangria Night, and more, each accompanied by live entertainment for an unforgettable experience.

Krug Champagne to celebrate the festive season, Raffles Bali
Krug Champagne to celebrate the festive season

Finally, the festivities culminate in a traditional Orthodox Christmas Dinner on 7 January 2024 with a meticulously curated five-course menu by Chef Gaetan Biesuz, an unforgettable dining experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Escape to paradise this festive season with Raffles Bali’s enchanting celebrations and picturesque holiday getaways. From epicurean indulgences to wellness retreats and bespoke cultural experiences, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Island of the Gods.

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Festive dining celebrations start from IDR 1,350,000++ per person. The festive villa offers start at USD 3,067++ for stays between 24 December and 7 January and begin at USD 3,867++ for a two-night minimum stay over the New Year.

For more information and reservations, please visit www.raffles.com/bali or contact dining.bali@raffles.com or call (+62) 361 2015 800.


Article sponsored by Raffles Bali.
Images courtesy of Raffles Bali

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Lavish Stays, Award-Winning Dining and Thrilling Adventures Await at Resorts World Sentosahttps://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/hotels/lavish-stays-award-winning-dining-and-thrilling-adventures-await-at-resorts-world-sentosa/2023-11-20T21:00:00+00:00https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/?p=140958Resorts World Sentosa

Experience the vacation of a lifetime filled with celebrations, adventures and culinary delights at Resorts World Sentosa.

EMBARK ON A JOURNEY TO Resorts World Sentosa, where dream getaways are brought to life. Enjoy exclusive experiences and endless festivities while staying at an indulgent range of spaces that feel luxuriously far from the city.

Tempt your taste buds at award-winning signature restaurants, where flavours intertwine to create a world of culinary delights, from delectable seafood to enchanting Asian spices to captivate your palate.

Two-Bedroom Beach Villa with Lap Pool
Two-Bedroom Equarius Villa with Lap Pool

Dive into unforgettable encounters nearby, swimming alongside majestic marine life and revelling in thrill-inducing adventures at Adventure Cove Waterpark.

And rest assured your stay contributes to a better world since the resort is committed to responsible luxury through collaboration with environmentally sustainable suppliers, avoiding single-use plastics and championing energy and water conservation. 

Signature Stays

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At Resorts World Sentosa, each accommodation offers a distinct retreat suited to your desires, be it exclusivity beyond compare or spaces tailored for family vacations.

Equarius Hotel is nestled on the edge of a verdant rainforest, creating a paradise for nature enthusiasts and families. Awake to lush views of the verdant forest or the awe-inspiring ocean from your balcony. Get closer to nature by hiking any of the resort’s trails or delve into the excitement of the resort’s renowned family attractions.

Ocean Suites, Resorts World Sentosa
Equarius Ocean Suites

To up the indulgence factor, book a stay at Equarius Ocean Suites, a lavish townhouse-style stay with luxurious facilities, and the personal attention of a dedicated butler.

Enjoy the sunset from your upper-level open living area with outdoor patio and Jacuzzi, or relax with a captivating underwater view of over 40,000 marine creatures from the lower level.

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Discover serenity at Equarius Villas, tranquil tropical retreats that offer supreme peace and the service of your own butler. 

To truly be enveloped in nature, choose Equarius TreeTop Lofts, thoughtfully crafted to bring the beauty of nature indoors. Bask in the splendour of the grand living room, indulge in the en-suite bedroom’s tranquillity and relish the terraces where harmonising birds and the sounds of the rainforest accompany breakfast.

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Art connoisseurs will adore Hotel Michael, a sanctuary that pays homage to visionary architect Michael Graves. Here, incredible interior design meets vibrant colour palettes and inspiring installations are meant to be contemplated.

Special Experiences

Dive Programs at S.E.A. Aquarium
Dive Programmes at S.E.A. Aquarium

Enhance your stay at Resorts World Sentosa with exclusive encounters and immersive behind-the-scenes tours to transport you to a world of wonder.

The S.E.A. Aquarium VIP Experience allows an expert to unveil the secrets of the enchanting marine world. Enjoy a guided tour with all questions answered, priority access, behind-the-scenes glimpses, exclusive mementoes, a commemorative photo and more.

Experience Universal Studios Singapore like a star.

With the Universal Studios Singapore VIP Experience, you can explore the thrills of the park with a guided tour and enjoy red-carpet treatment with VIP access to rides and shows during your tour. Plus, enjoy exclusive benefits such as complimentary refreshments, a private Meet-and-Greet, commemorative souvenirs and more.

Take the plunge in the S.E.A. Aquarium, with a range of dive programmes available for beginners through experts. Deepen your connection with nature through the AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty Course. Dive into the Open Ocean Habitat and Shark Seas Habitat to encounter majestic shark species, including the endangered Silvertip, Sandbar, and Scalloped Hammerhead sharks. Learn about ongoing conservation efforts to protect these majestic fish.

Delightful Dining

Ocean Restaurant

Resorts World Sentosa offers endless choices of dining experiences.

Chifa! – Singapore’s first Peruvian-Chinese restaurant headed by chef Ruben Rodrigo, he curates a menu that offers an array of produce from his motherland

FSI – Feng Shui Inn offers authentic Cantonese cuisine, including handmade dim sum, stir-fries and double-boiled soups.

Osia – Osia Steak & Seafood Grill celebrates Australia’s finest meats and seafood, grilled lovingly in its wood-fired ovens. 

t65 – Having retained a Michelin Star for the last three years, the culinary team will take you on an award-winning culinary adventure as they abandon the formality of fine dining without compromising culinary quality or artistry.

Syun – Helmed by celebrity chef Hal Yamashita, Syun promises its diners gourmet fusion delights to make their dining experience unforgettable.

Soi – Immerse in the aromas and flavours that define the heart of Thai cuisine at Soi Social.

Whatever you crave, Resorts World Sentosa’s dining options will satisfy every palate.

Moments of Wellness 

Resorts World Sentosa
Free-form pool at Equarius Villas

Treat yourself to self-care with Moments of Wellness, Resorts World Sentosa’s programme of curated indulgences designed to rejuvenate.

Experience audio-guided nature treks in Sentosa’s great outdoors accompanied by island stories to listen to on- or offline. 

Finish a healthy morning by refuelling with wholesome breakfasts featuring organic salads, gourmet cheeses, fruits and detox drinks that elevate your well-being.

At Resorts World Sentosa, surrender to indulgent stays, exceptional dining and unforgettable adventures, knowing every moment will become a wonderful memory

Stay updated with exclusive hotel packages and book direct for a guaranteed reservation and have a peace of mind, please visit www.rwsentosa.com/en/promotions/hotels


Article Sponsored by Resorts World Sentosa.
Images courtesy of Resorts World Sentosa.

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Soneva Soul Offers Transformative Wellness Fusing Ancient Healing with Modern Science in the Maldiveshttps://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/trips/wellness-and-spas/soneva-soul-offers-transformative-wellness-fusing-ancient-healing-with-modern-science-in-the-maldives/2023-11-13T21:06:00+00:00https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/?p=143074Soneva Soul

Soneva Soul offers wellness designed to get results while reconnecting mind, body and soul.

STEP INTO A REALM OF DEEP HEALING at Soneva’s Maldivian resorts, where the Soneva Soul concept has made Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani coveted destinations for transformative wellness experiences.

Soneva Soul
Photo by Aksham Abdul Gadhir

Indulge in bespoke journeys that last from three days to two weeks, each tailored to your needs and guided by resident experts in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and naturopathy. The addition of cutting-edge integrative medicine, invigorating fitness sessions, and holistic nutrition make it a comprehensive retreat.

The Foundation Programme works to reset and recharge you in three days. The transformative Sleep Programme optimises sleep health and overall well-being by combining targeted treatments with cutting-edge solutions, and the revitalising Detox Programme restores optimal metabolic function with a nourishing menu free of dairy, gluten and refined carbohydrates.

Soneva Soul
Photo by Stevie Mann

Soneva’s approach to wellness fuses ancient healing traditions with modern science. Alongside traditional therapies, guests can explore innovative treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and cryotherapy.

Guided by the principle of ‘lifestyle evolution’, Soneva Soul empowers you to realise your greatest potential in the stunning surrounds of the Maldives.

Soneva Fushi

Soneva Soul
Photo by Stevie Mann

The Soneva Soul complex at Soneva Fushi is designed to reflect its serene surroundings in the island’s lush jungle. Its tranquil setting is reflected in the two-storey building’s design, which is centred around a water feature. A plethora of treatment rooms, including Ayurvedic consultation and treatment spaces, beauty rooms, and a flotation tank are connected by picturesque stepping stones and walkways.

Guests can relax before or after treatments in sound pods that play meditative music or aroma pods that surround them with atomised essential oils. The wellness destination offers Ayurvedic remedies, yoga, massages, body treatments, vitamin therapy, and integrative medicine, including auto-haemotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen, cryotherapy, prolotherapy, and platelet-rich plasma therapy. 

Soneva Jani

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At Soneva Jani’s Soneva Soul centre, wellness seekers have two complexes to choose from — the original Overwater Spa and the new Island Spa.

Whether you prefer panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon from the Island Spa’s yoga pavilion and meditation platform or to indulge in rejuvenating rituals at the Overwater Spa, both options offer open-air treatment rooms with the calming sounds of ocean waves.

[gallery ids="143064,143065"]

Start each day meditating on soft white sands with either group or one-to-one yoga sessions. Go for a relaxing stroll along raised walkways that wind through the Island Spa’s treetops, which also house relaxation areas, consultation rooms, and suites dedicated to state-of-the-art integrative medicine therapies and functional fitness. Consult with resident experts, visiting wellness specialists and healers from around the world to help you realign your wellness goals and provide guidance and support throughout your journey.

Transformative Wellness Offerings

Treatment
Photo by Sandro Bruecklmeier

Immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of ancient healing wisdom and modern innovation at Soneva Soul. This sanctuary of wellness offers an array of transformative experiences that promote true healing and health. 

Integrative medicine combines traditional practices with scientific advancements to optimise well-being while regenerative therapies heal you from the inside and restore vitality. Mindful movement fosters a profound connection between the physical and spiritual self and creative nutrition supports wellness through plant-based cuisine and adaptogenic foods. To fuse the mind-body experience, serene spaces offers an ideally calming retreat experience.

Soneva Soul
Photo by Stevie Mann

To elevate the offerings even further, Soneva Soul has introduced a new range of health-supporting and beautifying programmes to leave you revitalised and radiant. Nutritional consultation with private tasting allows an in-house doctor to address your unique health concerns and create a four-week meal plan while skilled chefs prepare a personalised tasting menu. Constitutional hydrotherapy assists with digestive issues, respiratory conditions, broken bones, and headaches through therapeutic water treatments. The deeply indulgent medicinal herb bath soothes body and mind, eases sore muscles, and promotes restful sleep.

For those looking to enhance their beauty, skin rejuvenation offers microneedling, intradermal PRP injections, and medical ozone therapy that improves skin quality, minimises fine lines and wrinkles, and enhances suppleness. Localised fat reduction lets you achieve a perfect silhouette using medical ozone to break up fatty tissue and lip enhancement treatment combines nanoneedling and PRP exfoliation to reduce lines and endow youthful fullness. 

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Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani offer wellness seekers the chance to immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of healing wisdom and modern innovation through the Soneva Soul concept. 

The resorts offer an extensive range of wellness treatments, state-of-the-art integrative medicine and bespoke programmes that enable guests to relax and move forward on their healing journeys. 

For more information on Soneva Soul‘s Transformative Wellness, please visit: soneva.com/soneva-soul


Article Sponsored by Soneva.
Images courtesy of Soneva.

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La Veranda Resorts Phu Quoc – MGallery Offers Ideal Winter Escapes in Paradisehttps://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/hotels/la-veranda-resorts-phu-quoc-mgallery-offers-ideal-winter-escapes-in-paradise/2023-10-31T22:00:00+00:00https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/?p=140454La Veranda Resort

Escape the winter chill in stunning Phú Quốc with your special someone at La Veranda Resorts Phu Quoc – MGallery.

AS WINTER DRAWS NEARER, the tropical paradise of La Veranda Resorts Phu Quoc – MGallery beckons, offering respite from the cold on picturesque Phú Quốc island in Vietnam’s idyllic southwest.

La Veranda Resort's Extension Building
Extension Building

This colonial beachfront gem offers three enticing packages focused on wellness, gastronomy, and value for couples, ensuring unforgettable experiences tailored to your every whim.

Known for award-winning excellence, La Veranda has received accolades, including Best Hotel Spa in Travel + Leisure’s Luxury Award Asia Pacific 2023, Asia’s Leading Boutique Resort 2023 in the World Travel Awards, and Best Oceanview Spa 2023 in the Haute Grandeur Awards. 

Memorable Ocean View
Memorable Ocean View

The charming resort draws inspiration from the grandeur of a 1920s French island mansion and beckons you to take a journey of tranquillity and relaxation. Every detail has been crafted to ensure unforgettable escapes.

Stepping into the resort, you’ll find yourself enveloped in a sense of timeless elegance. Each of its 74 rooms, from Deluxe Garden rooms to La Veranda Ocean Villas, offers a sanctuary adorned with unique period collectables, deep private balconies, and high ceilings. It is a space where you can lose yourself in the grace of a bygone era.

Le Bar
Le Bar

On the property, guests enjoy a culinary journey combining fine French cuisine with authentic Vietnamese flavours at The Peppertree, where stunning ocean views transport you to another world. For casual all-day dining and themed buffets, head to Le Jardin, located between a beach deck and lush garden. Indulge in organic cocktails and live entertainment at Le Bar, where a breezy terrace offers front-row seats to captivating sunsets. Or nourish yourself with a premium salad from Organic Garden, featuring herbs and spices grown in the resort’s backyard.

TĨNH Wellness Sanctuary
TĨNH Wellness Sanctuary

Beyond the exquisite accommodations and dining options, the resort offers a range of amenities that cater to your well-being. Rejuvenate body and mind at the TĨNH Wellness Sanctuary, a spacious haven spanning 1500 sqm. Let skilled therapists pamper you with artisan organic oils and restore your natural balance. Engage in yoga classes, spa treatments, or learn first-hand healing traditions in traditional massage courses.

La Veranda also has a dedicated Romance Concierge ready to curate personal experiences that range from enchanting weddings and vow renewal ceremonies to proposals on the beach and candlelit dinners in the enchanted garden.

Signature Proposal, La Veranda Resorts Phu Quoc
Signature Proposal

With winter packages focused on wellness, gastronomy, and value, it’s time to experience ultimate luxury and relaxation in an amazing tropical setting that will surely chase away your winter blues.

Gastronomy Getaway

Chef-At-Your-Table, La Veranda Resort
Chef-At-Your-Table

Embark on an enchanting tropical escape paired with Michelin-level fine dining at award-winning The Peppertree, the island’s only fine-dining destination.

Collaborating with top celebrity chefs, La Veranda presents a culinary masterpiece in the form of a five-course gourmet Xin Chao dinner. 

Immerse yourself in four choices of exquisite set menus showcasing the pinnacle of gastronomic excellence. Gastronomy Package includes airport transfers, welcome drinks, daily yoga, and the option of early check-in and late check-out when available.

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Experience a heavenly two-day, one-night stay with Xin Chao for two, starting at 331 USD++ for a stay in a Deluxe Garden room with breakfast.

Savour the Savings

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Begin a romantic sojourn in paradise with the resort’s enticing Holiday Saver package. Indulge in a four-day, three-night getaway filled with delectable breakfasts, sumptuous lunches and exquisite dinners included.

Toast to love with complimentary cocktails by the beach and unwind with a rejuvenating Thai massage for two. Delight in buffet-style breakfasts at the Main House, leisurely lunches at Le Jardin or Paradiso, and enchanting dinners at The Peppertree, where you will sample the Chef’s Mix & Match, a mouth-watering five-course set menu. 

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Enjoy the added luxuries of round-trip airport transfers, a one-time free in-room minibar, complimentary welcome drinks, invigorating morning yoga, and convenient bus transfers to Bai Sao. Early check-in and late check-out are included, as available.

This magical experience, including three daily meals and a cocktail, awaits you at prices starting from 950 USD++ for a stay in a Deluxe Garden room. 

Wellness Journey

Organic Ingredients by Le Spa
Organic Ingredients by Le Spa

Escape to a realm of complete serenity on a transformative wellness journey at La Veranda. The three-day, two-night retreat includes a blissful one-day Detox Wellness Journey or Burn-out Recovery Journey in the tropical haven. 

Awaken your senses with morning yoga or tai chi, followed by an indulgent and nourishing breakfast. Experience the rejuvenating power of a 90-minute full body therapy, enjoy a wholesome wellness lunch, and find inner peace through afternoon meditation.

Sunset Ritual
Sunset Ritual

Let the expert staff pamper you with a 60-minute focused body treatment before engaging in an enlightening health and wellness talk. Your day culminates in a mindful dinner. 

Sip three revitalising wellness beverages throughout your stay, including cold-pressed juices, vibrant smoothies, and refreshing tonics. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip airport transfers for two, complimentary welcome drinks and the flexibility of early check-in and late check-out when available. 

Under The Stars Dinner
Under The Stars Dinner

Your transformative three-day, two-night Wellness Journey awaits, with prices starting at 569 USD++ for a stay in a Deluxe Garden room with breakfast.

All three packages are valid for bookings made through 23 December 2023 for stays from 1 November 2023 through 30 April 2024.

Book your Winter Escape today at La Veranda Resorts Phu Quoc – MGallery by visiting laverandaresorts.com/special-offers.

La Veranda Resort's Own Private Island
Own Private Island

CONTACT
La Veranda Resort Phú Quốc – MGallery ☆☆☆☆☆
Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong Ward 
Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Tel: +84 (0) 297 3982 988
Email: contact@laverandaresorts.com


Article Sponsored by Veranda Resorts.
Images courtesy of Veranda Resorts.

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Discover the Unexplored Philippines’ Tropical Island Paradise of MIMAROPAhttps://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/destinations/discover-the-unexplored-philippines-tropical-island-paradise-of-mimaropa/2023-10-31T08:41:14+00:00https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/?p=141939MIMAROPA

From beach jaunts in Mindoro Oriental and Occidental to forays into history in Marinduque and Palawan and challenging adventures in Romblon, it’s time to visit MIMAROPA.

THE SOUTHWESTERN TAGALOG REGION of the Philippines, also known as MIMAROPA, features a host of undiscovered destinations — each one a tropical paradise waiting to welcome you. 

MIMAROPA is an acronym for the provinces the name represents, including Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. Within this region are places known for beautiful beaches, relaxing islands, and stunning natural scenery.

Though this area is home to popular spots, including El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa City and Puerto Galera, there is also a range of less-known — but no less enchanting — places to explore on your visit to the area. 

Palawan, Philippines
Palawan, Philippines. Photo by ©Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Nestled into the western corner of the country, it feels worlds away from the bustling hubs of Manila and Cebu. MIMAROPA is an adventurer’s dream come true, where world-class boating, snorkelling, surfing, hiking, and diving are within easy reach.

With unspoilt white sand beaches, unbelievable diving spots, and ancient ruins in lush jungles, this island cluster is beloved by intrepid visitors who visit to experience a vibe not found elsewhere in the Philippines.

Whether you visit for the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes, laid-back towns such as Coron, San Vicente, El Nido in Palawan; Boac in Marinduque; and Puerto Galera, heart-pumping experiences or local culture that is, as yet, untouched by modernisation, every visitor comes away from MIMAROPA with a unique tale to tell.

Read on to discover the top unexplored corners of the region’s provinces.

Oriental Mindoro

Oriental Mindoro is known for pristine beaches and excellent dive sites, but it also contains beautiful waterfalls, indigenous tribes living traditional lifestyles, and mangroves rich with local wildlife. During a visit to the province, you can visit charming villages, learn about local culture, and get into the rhythm of island life. 

White Beach, Puerto Galera
White Beach, Puerto Galera. Photo Courtesy of TPB Philippines

Puerto Galera is a popular beach town and one of Oriental Mindoro’s best destinations. It’s perfect for scuba diving, with an average visibility of up to 40 metres, diverse marine life, including barracudas, reef sharks and sea turtles, unique night diving opportunities, and the opportunity to explore coral gardens and underwater wrecks that are suitable for beginners. 

Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark, MIMAROPA
Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark. Photo Courtesy of Department of Tourism – MIMAROPA Office

Puerto Galera is known for lively nightlife in the town centre and on the beaches. The area around Silonay Mangrove Forest is where the most spectacular mangrove forests sit, and several local companies offer enriching tours. 

Oriental Mindoro also has a range of lesser-known destinations including Calapan City and San Teodoro. Set your sites on these up-and-coming places if you like your getaways to be calm and quiet. 

Tamaraw Falls, Philippines
Tamaraw Falls. Photo Courtesy of TPB Philippines

When venturing inland in Oriental Mindoro, be sure to make a stop at the multi-level Tamaraw Falls. It’s one of the area’s biggest natural attractions, with cascades streaming down a craggy cliff in the middle of an untouched forest and perfect for swimming and picnicking. The falls are about 45 km from Puerto Galera and can be reached by bus or jeepney and a 15-minute hike on a well-marked path. 

The Bulalacao Islands of Target, Suguicay, Pocanil and Buyayao are ideal for visitors searching for a destination quieter than Puerto Galera. Discover old-fashioned fishing villages, expansive white sandbars for walking, small huts for camping and a true back-to-nature experience. 

Occidental Mindoro

Pandan Island, Philippines
Pandan Island. Courtesy of TPB Philippines

Look no further than the private Pandan Island for a magical and luxurious getaway in Occidental Mindoro. Featuring just one resort and can be accessible via private boat transfer from Abra de Ilog or via fish landing (BFAR) in Sablayan. Pandan Island is loved by couples for its romantic atmosphere and couple-friendly activities, such as plunge pools, fine dining, and a world-class spa.

Though far-flung by most estimations, Apo Reef Natural Park is worth the trip for nature lovers. The protected marine park has an extensive coral reef and dolphins can often be spotted. Once there, visitors enjoy snorkelling in clear waters to see the area’s colourful corals and tropical fish, including schools of angelfish, surgeonfish, and jackfish. For the truly adventurous, try rustic overnight camping under the stars.

Apo Reef Natural Park
Apo Reef Natural Park. Photo Courtesy of Department of Tourism Philippines

Mount Iglit-Baco National Park is another worthwhile destination in Occidental Mindoro. With unforgettable hiking in a protected mountain region dotted with indigenous Mangyan villages, guests are sure to feel, learn, and experience things they have not seen before. 

Mount Iglit-Baco National Park
Mount Iglit-Baco National Park. Photo Courtesy of Department of Tourism – MIMAROPA Office

Reaching this area requires a bus or jeepney journey and a hike to reach the trailheads. Once there, treks range from casual afternoon hikes to challenging, multi-day camping endeavours that are best accomplished with hired guides and porters. Along these routes, visitors have reported seeing tamaraw buffalos, families of wild pigs, and cloud rats. 

Marinduque

Torrijos White Beach, in the town of Torrijos, is one of the stars of Marinduque. With its powdery white sand — which draws comparisons to Boracay without the crowds and high prices — this is a worthy stop on your next visit to the region. The sunsets and sunrises are colourful, the beach is fringed with palm trees, and swimming conditions are near-perfect. Stay in a rustic beach bungalow and feast on fresh Filipino-style seafood at beach stalls, or take a boat tour to nearby coves, islands, and snorkelling spots. 

Torrijos White Beach
Torrijos White Beach. Photo Courtesy of TPB Philippines

For an idyllic getaway with off-the-grid appeal, set your sights on Maniwaya Island. With only a few local beachfront huts, most visitors only spend a day on this island, but it is a secluded paradise for those looking to escape it all truly. Explorers can fill their days by hiking to hilltop and island hopping before relaxing with freshly grilled seafood on the beach. 

Maniwaya Island
Maniwaya Island. Photo Courtesy of TPB Philippines

Gasan Church is another draw for fans of history and Spanish-era colonial architecture. Originally built in 1660 by Jesuit missionaries, it’s one of the country’s oldest churches, with a colourfully intricate ceiling mural displaying scenes from Jesus’s life and a unique design that throws patterns from sun beams across the altar. To learn more about the ancient pilgrimage site, an onsite museum details the church’s storied history.

Gasan Church, MIMAROPA, Philippines
Gasan Church. Photo Courtesy of TPB Philippines

Romblon

In Romblon province, visitors can expect to discover untouched beaches, adventure galore and places to push sporting skills and endurance to their limit. 

Cresta de Gallo
Cresta de Gallo. Courtesy of Department of Tourism

If you’re after seclusion, Cresta de Gallo is an ideal choice. The small, remote island is perfect for day trips and camping on the beach under the night sky. With fine sand and clear waters, you’re set to have a great day whether you take in the underwater marine life while snorkelling or beachcombing and take in the area’s unique rock formations with your feet in the waves. 

Cantingas River, MIMAROPA
Cantingas River. Photo Courtesy of Department of Tourism – MIMAROPA Office

For a more active destination, aim your paddle for the scenic Cantingas River, which twists through lush jungle for incredible views of flora, birds, and colourful butterflies. It also is a premier place for cliff jumping for thrill seekers. At various points along the river, rocky outcroppings create pools perfect for a refreshing dip, while waterfalls provide serene ambience. Trekking along the river’s banks offers a look at rural villages, while crossing the rivers and hopping over boulders provides a challenging workout. 

Mount Guiting-Guiting, MIMAROPA, Philippines
Mount Guiting-Guiting. Photo Courtesy of Department of Tourism – MIMAROPA Office

 If you’re an adventurer looking to push your visit further, Mount Guiting-Guiting is a bucket list destination for many hikers. The steep climb is one of the country’s most challenging but pays off with rarely-seen 360-degree views where the sunsets and sunrises are legendary. Hiring a guide for this mountain is recommended, which provides bragging rites for all that reach its summit. 

Palawan

Palawan is one of MIMAROPA’s more famous provinces, drawing thousands annually to El Nido and Puerto Princesa. However, Palawan offers much more for the traveller willing to search further. 

Black Island, Busuanga
Black Island, Busuanga. Photo Courtesy of TPB Philippines

Black Island, in Busuanga, has only a few cottages and unusual powdery white beaches that glimmer like gemstones in the summer season. It is where sea turtles like to sun themselves far from the crowds. In contrast to the light-hued sands, dark limestone karst make this luxurious getaway perfect for taking dramatic landscape photos here.

Port Barton is a small fishing village off the beaten path in San Vicente, and travellers rave about its calm atmosphere. It’s an emerging destination with rustic charm. By day, visit waterfalls such as Pamuyan Falls or island hop to swim. Divers will appreciate the chance to visit small shipwrecks and unspoilt coral reefs. After dark, wade into the water to see the bioluminescent plankton.

Port Barton, San Vicente, MIMAROPA
Port Barton, San Vicente. Photo Courtesy of Erwin Lim

Another draw to the province for archaeology fans is the Tabon Cave complex in Quezon. Nicknamed the ‘cradle of Philippine civilisation,’ it is thought to have been inhabited 50,000 years ago, and the fossils of The Tabon Man, possibly the oldest Homo sapiens sapiens fossil evidence in Southeast Asia, were excavated. The limestone caves contain a host of wonders, from stalactites and stalagmites to birds and bats, in a striking natural setting.

Tabon Cave Complex, Quezon. Photo Courtesy of George Tapan

No matter which province and destinations you choose to visit, your visit to the region will stay with you for years to come. For more information on what to do and where to go in MIMAROPA, visit the region’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dotmimaropa2016. You may also visit thephilippines.online or download the Travel Philippines App on Google Playstore or the Apple App Store.


Article Sponsored by Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.

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Immerse Yourself in Festive Fun During Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa's Oceanic Holiday Celebrationhttps://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/hotels/immerse-yourself-in-festive-fun-during-hilton-maldives-amingiri-resort-spas-oceanic-holiday-celebration/2023-10-27T04:52:52+00:00https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/?p=140881Hilton Maldives Amingiri

Enjoy Santa visits, pool parties and New Year’s Eve fireworks with Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa’s immersive holiday programme

HILTON MALDIVES AMINGIRI RESORT & SPA joyfully extends a warm embrace to holidaymakers this December, unveiling “Oceanic Whispers,” a curated programme of vibrant experiences brimming with the spirit and charm of the festive season.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri

Inspired by the captivating colours of the underwater world, this exceptional holiday lineup promises to captivate with fun-filled events and elevated moments.

Indulge in a visit with Santa Claus, witness the magical illumination of festive tree lighting, and immerse yourself in themed pool parties and holiday parades. Prepare to be spellbound in a place where every moment is a celebration, transporting you to a world of holiday wonder.

A sparkling Christmas lighting ceremony
A sparkling Christmas lighting ceremony

As the curtains close on 2023, raise your champagne glass and relish breathtaking fireworks, illuminating the sky in farewell to the old year, knowing there is no better place to experience this grand spectacle than the stunning Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa.

Fun-filled Festivities

Christmas beach party
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner

Immerse yourself in the enchanting hues of the Indian Ocean as Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa unveils its exciting themed festivities, beginning on December 21 with a sparkling Christmas tree lighting ceremony, followed by festive Christmas Eve cocktails hosted by General Manager Gaurav Thakur.

The joy continues on Christmas morning as Santa Claus arrives with a splash, heralding a day filled with revelry at events, including a Christmas parade and themed pool party. Guests can also set off on a gorgeous sunset cruise with Santa, followed by a Yuletide buffet at Habitat.

Set off on a gorgeous sunset cruise
Set off on a gorgeous sunset cruise

On December 31, embark on a marvellous journey as the beach transforms into an extravagant spectacle for Hilton Maldives Amingiri’s New Year’s Eve gala dinner. Bask in the luxuries of a champagne lounge and savour live entertainment at the countdown party before being captivated by the glittering fireworks as the clock strikes midnight, welcoming the arrival of a new year.

Perfect for Young Guests

One-Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villas
Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa

Welcoming families, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa has One-Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villas that are designed for utmost family comfort. These spacious havens cater to up to two adults and two kids below the age of 12, or three adults with a plush king-sized bed and a sofa bed. The resort also offers a range of baby-friendly amenities, ensuring a hassle-free stay.

Adventures abound at the Krakengiri Kids’ Club, where a team of caring professionals leads creative activities, from outdoor games and seaside picnics to treasure hunts and artistic sessions. Seashell crafts, cupcake decoration, marble painting, and sand art inspire young imaginations.

Krakengiri Kids' Club
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Aura Pool Bar

For older children, the rooftop lounge, Re:Fuel, invites them to indulge in colourful milkshake workshops. Alternatively, Amingiri Spa offers tailored kids’ experiences, including meditation, invigorating workouts, and soothing massages.

Tasteful Gastronomy

Hilton Maldives Amingiri
Origin

Celebrate the festive season in style with Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa’s exclusive dining and entertainment experiences. Savour five-course pairing menus at Fire & Smoke: Chef’s Table Under the Stars, featuring wood-fired specialities, while Beach Shack serves up a seafood-themed buffet along with live music by the shore. Indulge in sumptuous holiday favourites at Habitat’s themed buffets, or relish a five-course Burgundy Truffle menu paired with international wines at Origin.

At Aura Pool Bar, partygoers are invited to themed festivities dressed in their finest costumes, complete with tiki afternoons, flair bartending shows, and afternoon pool parties with Negroni and canapé sundowners. Aura Cocktail Lab’s expert mixologists conduct kombucha workshops, mixology master classes and cocktail pairing dinners. Unwind with wine tastings, gin and Negroni flights, house-made chocolates, and festive high teas at Eden Champagne and Gin Bar and Sip Tea Lounge, respectively.

Oceanfront Wellness

Amingiri Spa

International holistic healer Coco Maruno will hold a second residency at Amingiri Spa from December 15, 2023, through January 31, 2024. Maruno is known for her transformative energy healing techniques, including Tibetan sound therapy, reiki, and kundalini yoga.

The spa will also debut new seasonal wellness rituals like Timeless Water Memories — a relaxing treatment incorporating gua sha eye lifting, invigorating scalp massage and a personalised ocean-inspired fragrance. 

Heart-pumping Thrills

Hilton Maldives Amingiri
Beach Walking

Around the resort, guests can join daily mindful activities like sunrise yoga, aqua pilates, and fun runs. Friendly sporting matches of beach volleyball, badminton and tennis allow an enjoyable fusion of fitness and fun.

Water lovers can snorkel, cruise at sunset, plant coral, or join marine biology talks. Beautiful nearby dive sites allow you to engage with curious batfish, clownfish, turtles, and rays. 

Whether you prefer downward dogs as the sun rises, snorkelling with snappers or getting your heart pumping with friendly beach sports, this Maldivian resort inspires active travel alongside ocean adventure.

Exclusive Benefits

Overwater Pool Villa
Two-Bedroom Overwater Pool Villa

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty programme. Members who book directly on the hotel’s website can access instant benefits.

Current packages include the Amingiri Experience, guests with complimentary daily breakfast and savings on stays of three nights or more in a One-Bedroom Overwater Pool Villa. Maldivian Bliss includes a complimentary upgrade to half-board meals, shared return premium speedboat transfers and savings on stays of three nights or more in One- and Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas, the Overwater Suites and Two-Bedroom Overwater Pool Villas.

Dive with Hilton includes multiple dives, villa accommodation, daily half-board, transfers, and additional benefits for five- and seven-night stays. These offers are available on bookings through November 30 for stays through December 26, 2023. 

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To learn more and book your getaway, please visit www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mleaihi-hilton-maldives-amingiri-resort-and-spa


Article Sponsored by Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa.
Images courtesy of Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa.

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