Relais de Chambord – France

The newly opened hotel offers 55 luxury rooms with breathtaking views of the aweinspiring Chateau de Chambord and combines heritage and wellbeing within a notable historic setting. The room rates start from EUR165 (Bt6,400) per night including breakfast.

Surrounded by private gardens designed by Christian Fournet, the country hotel brings together natural elements and warm atmosphere less than two hours from Paris. The rooms come in six categories overlooking the Chateau, Le Cosson River, Place Saint Louis or the forest of Domaine National and are adorned with lush velvet, wood and ceramics.

The Sukhothai Shanghai – Shanghai, China

Situated in the heart of vibrant Shanghai, this 201room contemporary luxury hotel was designed by the internationallyacclaimed Neri & Hu Design and Research Office. With some of the largest rooms and suites in the city, the floortoceiling windows offer sweeping views of the bustling landscape while natural furnishings create a sense of calm and warmth.

The room rates start from CNY 2,098 (Bt10,500) including daily breakfast, inroom refreshments a credit of CNY300 on food & beverage consumption and WiFi access. Led by Michelinstarred guest chef Theodor Falser, La Scala restaurant serves freshtoorder contemporary Italian cuisine from an open theatre kitchen.

For a moment of relaxation, The Spa Retreat provides Southeast Asian healing therapies and signature wellness programs, along with a Fitness Studio, 25metre heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room.

Seamlessly connected to the HKRI retail mall, the neighbourhood is also easy to explore on foot or by bamboo bicycles provided on property with People’s Square, Grand Theatre and Shanghai Natural Museum all nearby.

Canaves Oia Epitome – Santorini, Greece

This boutique hotel has carved out a peaceful spot just outside the main town, giving it the feel of a secret piece of paradise. It has 24 luxury villas in Classic Cycladic design that are perfectly positioned for soaking up the best sunset views on the island.

Spend the day relaxing by a private terrace and pool, guests can savour an evening by the private fire pit. Muted natural tones and a minimalist design add to the sense of peace, which is complemented by activities including daily yoga classes. The room rates start from EUR500 per night including breakfast.

akyra Sukhumvit Bangkok – Bangkok

Located on Sukhumvit Soi 20, the new boutique hotel offers guests reimagined urban accommodation in the heart of Bangkok. With natural wooden floors, crisp white linens and neutral colour schemes, the hotel offers 46 rooms and suites complete with floortoceiling glass doors that open onto spacious balconies, seamlessly merging indoors with outdoors.

Guests can unwind with a long soak in the bath before a night out or plan an evening in, and have dinner served in their room. The room rates start from Bt4,220 including breakfast.

This property is set to become the first new hotel in Asia to launch without singleuse plastic in its rooms or food and beverage outlets. The hotel will extend the ecofriendly initiative for guests on the go with stylish akyra stainless steel water bottles and reusable shopping bags presented on arrival.

Fendi Private Suites – Rome, Italy

Dominating the buzzing Via dei Condotti, this sumptuous palazzo originally belonged to a noble family and has been the prestigious headquarters of Fendi since 2005 – and the world’s very first Fendi hotel.

Featuring seven impeccably designed suites, the hotel epitomises the ultimate in elegance and offers exclusive access and immersion into the Fendi world. It redefines luxury for sophisticated travellers who are looking for privacy as well as a unique experience in the heart of Rome. The room rates start at EUR500 including breakfast.

The bedrooms are exclusive galleries to luxury style, with every element carefully chosen to create a sleek, peaceful space in which to unwind. Relax on furniture sourced from classic designers such as Hans J Wegner and Fendi Casa. Take in the views of city life outside or of local landmarks in photographs taken by Karl Lagerfeld.

After a day of shopping, return to Fendi Private Suites and join fellow fashionistas for cocktails at Zuma Lounge, followed by contemporary Japanese cuisine at Zuma restaurant located on the rooftop.

Find out more details at http://www.SLH.com.

Based on the opinions of frequent travellers from around the world, the beachfront resort was voted as one of the Top 25 Family Hotels in Asia and one of the region’s Top 25 Weddings Hotels by the independent poll. And thanks to idyllic island location nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, it was also selected as one of Asia’s Top 10 Holiday Destinations.

Smart Travel Asia’s Best in Travel Poll is designed to showcase the region’s best hotels, resorts and airlines in a wide range of categories. In its 14th year, the poll does not charge entry fees or offer voter inducements, meaning the results are a true reflection of global opinion.

“We are delighted to have been named one of Asia’s best resorts for families and weddings as these are two of our key target markets. To achieve success in one category would have been wonderful, but to feature twice is a fantastic achievement and testament to the skill and dedication of everyone in the team,” said Sabine Gabriele Lamberts, general manager of Santiburi Koh Samui.

“It’s also great to see Koh Samui named one of Asia’s top ten destinations. It is a true paradise and we are proud to showcase this idyllic island to guests from around the world.”

Set on a stretch of golden sand known as Mae Nam Beach, Santiburi Koh Samui offers a choice of exclusive accommodation, fine restaurants, upscale amenities and engaging activities suitable for all ages.

Family friendly facilities include a huge swimming pool, a well-equipped sports centre with a fitness centre, yoga studio and floodlit tennis courts and complimentary water sports, as well as a choice of expert-led classes such as Thai boxing and yoga.

Children are entertained at the Kid’s Club, which will be refreshed and upgraded before the next high season, while couples or parents can unwind at the Santiburi Spa or play a round of golf course and enjoy breathtaking views and surroundings at Santiburi Country Club.

With the most incredible setting for romance, turquoise seas, vast tropical gardens perfect for wedding, the resort’s suites and villas offer perfect private sanctuaries for honeymooners, especially the recently launched Grand Deluxe Pool Villas, which feature their own high walled gardens and private pools.

View the full results at http://www.SmartTravelAsia.com/travelpoll.

A SHELTER for fishermen and sea merchants during the monsoons in the late 1800s, Koh Samui is now home to a wealth of five-star resorts, making it a popular holiday retreat all year round.

After a 15-minute drive from Samui Airport, I find myself relaxing in the beautifully decorated lobby of the brand-new Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui Resort, which celebrated its opening with a classy red-carpet party last month.

Already attracting well-heeled urbanites wanting to get away from the city for a spot of pampering, the hotel has plenty to keep the visitor amused and well fed with specially designed activity programmes and great cuisine.

Perched on a headland overlooking a private beach, this new property belongs to Malaysia’s leading hospitality chain YTL Group and was built on a 146-rai plot of land that once housed a coconut plantation.

The resort features 175 exquisite suites and villas in elegant contemporary Thai design, with earth tones, coconut husks and other natural materials paying homage to the former landlord and echoing local architectural aesthetics.

“Koh Samui has long had a reputation for its charming island life, authentic Thai hospitality and culture. It’s a destination that is a perennial favourite amongst domestic and international travellers. We are privileged to be the second Ritz-Carlton to open in Thailand,” says Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, managing director of YTL Group.

“Now we have 10 Marriott International properties located across Asia-Pacific and Europe, plus upcoming developments in Japan and Malaysia in our expanding portfolio. We look forward to growing the dynamic 20-year relationship that we have enjoyed with Marriott.”

Unruffled and lush with coconut palms and other tropical trees, the guestrooms come in five categories – Ocean View Suites, Two-Bedroom Ocean View Suites, Ocean View Pool Villas, Ultimate Pool Villas and Villa Kasara – and range in floor area from 93 to 255 square meters.

Each room provides expansive windows to invite natural light in and an oversized terrace with a day bed where guests can enjoy either a view of the lush landscaped gardens or the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

I stay in a 93 sqm Ocean View Suite for two nights, my privacy ensured by a long zigzagging path that leads to my suite. The interior boasts towering sliding gates as functional partitions to underline the perfect harmony of scale and proportion.

I spend much of my free time curled up on the living room sofa binge – watching Korean drama series on a smart TV with satellite cables. The mini bar and coffee- and tea-making facilities keep me in good cheer and I occasionally boot up my computer in the compact working space that comes complete with complimentary Wi-Fi, USB hubs and electric sockets.

The bedroom is simple but elegant with a super comfy king-size bed with finest feather duvets and plush pillows to guarantee a good night’s sleep. There’s also a high-definition LCD television with satellite channels, backed up by a Bluetooth sound system so you can enjoy seamless entertainment no matter where you are.

The luxury natural stone bathroom offers a separate rain shower and separate toilet, while an oval-shaped bathtub stands in the middle and shares space with a double wash basin counter that’s well stocked with aromatic amenities created by Aspray London. An inspection of the en-suite closet reveals a safety box, bathrobes, slippers and laundry set.

“Our room types start from the Ocean View Suite. As the name implies, all these rooms face the sea and offer a great view of the sun setting over the Gulf,” says Mahmoud Skaf, area general manager.

Every morning, guests are spoilt with a colourful breakfast buffet at Shook! There’s Thai and Western cuisine as well as dim sum and a variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices to enjoy. The Pak Tai restaurant is a good place to experience a traditional southern interpretation of Thai cuisine using the finest ingredients sourced from local markets daily.

During the day, those wanting to stay in can sign up for muay thai and Southern-style Thai cooking classes. For families, there’s a snorkelling class in the Swim Reef, home to more than 50 species of fish.

The resort also offers a beachside pool, two floodlit tennis courts, a dedicated playroom and a Spa Village offering a wide range of holistic and rejuvenating spa programmes.

On Saturday nights, the resort turns the public courtyard into Baan Talat offering Thai street food favourites and cultural dance performances in an al fresco market-style atmosphere.

AT A GLANCE

High Point: Rooms are large and elegant with full facilities and a buggy service is provided to transport guests every 15 minutes.

Low Point: The private beach is a good spot to sunbathe but not for swimming because it is full of rocks.

Pay for it: See the website for the best rates

Find it: 9/123 Moo 5, Tambon Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani

Call it: (077) 915 777

Browse it: http://www.RitzCarlton.com/kohsamui.

The hotel has 523 guestrooms with the latest in state-of-the-art digital facilities and is surrounded by major historical sites including Heunginjimun, one of the “Eight Gates of Seoul” dating back to the 14th century.

“The opening of Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences heralds an era of new beginnings for the Novotel brand with the property’s first mixed-use flagship development that combines a hotel and residences,” said Patrick Basset, chief operating officer of AccorHotels, Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia.

“Seoul is the heart of the national design scene and competes on the world stage as a technological powerhouse. This stunning property combines these two strengths and transposes them onto experiential stays for leisure, business, and family travellers.”

Guests can scan QR codes assigned to each individual guestroom and enjoy remote access to room controls and amenity service requests with the iStay app that can be downloaded to their own phone.

They can also check out hotel information like facilities, latest promotions of food, beverage and accommodation at a smart kiosk or learn about Dongdaemun district through a media wall. The hotel even offers an electric car recharging station.

Under the “space within a space” concept, the floors are made with natural Korean flamed finished granite stone and walls combine the use of natural timber to capture the unique contrast of textures and colours, while iconic Heunginjimun leaves graced everything from guestrooms to bathroom doors.

The hotel offers 331 rooms with double, twin, or triple bed configurations and the 192 residences are designed for longterm stays in a layout of unique studio and 1-bedroom suite, featuring high-speed wireless internet, 55” full HD television and one-touch temperature control.

The executive, premier, deluxe rooms, premier and Dongdaemun suites are equipped with the GIGA Genie voice and touch system that allows guest to control the room temperature and access various amenity services and music streaming through a voice-recognition speaker.

The all-day dining Food Exchange restaurant serves a wide variety of Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western food and the Gourmet Bar introduces a range of French-inspired cocktails and beverages for an evening wind-down. The Social 21 rooftop bar is the perfect spot to enjoy an evening sunset overlooking the city skylines.

Online booking can be made at http://www.Novotel.com and http://www.AccorHotels.com.

With their prime locations and convenient facilities, the Onyx Hospitality Group hotel brands Amari and OZO are inviting shoppers to embark on retail vacations in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

JOHOR BAHRU

The Malaysia Mega Sale Shopping Carnival has just started and continues right through August, offering events and promotions that will keep even the most avid shopping enthusiasts on their toes.

Centrally located in the city’s business district, the Amari Johor Bahru provides easy access to the shops at Komtar JBCC and City Square, both just a short walk from the hotel.

Parents can focus on bargain hunting knowing that the kids are well taken care of and are having loads of fun at the Angry Birds Activity Park.

After returning to the hotel and with shopping bags off-loaded, enjoy a refreshing treatment at the Breeze Spa or take a quick dip in the outdoor pool.

Before leaving town, visit the Johor Premium Outlet, where luxury and boutique items can be found at discounted prices.

To add to the big savings, the Great Escape package on offer at the Amari Johor Bahru includes two nights’ stay in a superior king room, roundtrip transfers to the Premium Outlet and a soothing head-and-shoulder Breeze Spa massage.

All this year, rates start at 213 ringgit (Bt1,748) per night. Book a stay at http://www.Amari.com/johor-bahru.

HONG KONG

Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s shopping paradise, the OZO Wesley Hong Kong is the perfect base with a seamless blend of comfort and convenience, ideal for visitors to the summer sale running until August 31.

Just a few steps from the hotel, guests can kick off at Pacific Place, one of the most popular shopping malls in town. To find more red-sale tags, hop on the MTR at nearby Wan Chai station towards Causeway Bay and Times Square, where more mega-shopping complexes are located.

To start the next day fresh and recharged for more bargain hunting, guests can be assured of a great sleep thanks to the comfy beds, noise-free surroundings and blackout curtains.

Rates start at HK$921 (Bt3,898). Learn more at http://www.OzoHotels.com/wesley-hongkong.

BANGKOK

For the latest looks at affordable prices, the popular Platinum Fashion Mall is just across the street from the Amari Watergate Bangkok. Continue the shopping bliss at Central World and Gaysorn Village, both connected by the elevated and sheltered Sky Walk, and enjoy discounts on local designs and international brands.

After a day of retail therapy, refuel at the Asian street-market-inspired Amaya Food Gallery, which takes guests on a journey through the colours and rhythms of Asia with a variety of street-food favourites.

The Amari Watergate Bangkok’s Great Escape package offers a two-night stay in a Deluxe King room and a Bt1,000 gift card for happy spending at Central World. Enjoy more with 30-per-cent off at the Food Gallery and get easy access from the hotel to Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airport with complimentary one-way airport transfer by Toyota Camry.

All this year, rates start at Bt4,440 per night when booked online at http://www.amari.com/watergate/

 In Bangkok, guests can arrange their self-guided walking tour to explore Rattanakosin Island. The itinerary includes some of the classics – such as Wat Po, Wat Arun, and the legend behind their respective giants – as well as some local secrets including an unassuming roadside cart which has been selling soy milk pudding and grass jelly desserts for more than 50 years.

“The Sala boutique experience is reflected in SALA Journeys which showcase the destination through personal recommendations,” said Volkert Geertsen, general manager.

The Sala Journey continues upstream and back in time to the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Guests can spend 12 hours browsing around the quirky Million Toys Museum and enjoying Ayutthaya’s much-loved culinary delicacies and sweets like roti saimai, boat noodles and giant river prawns.

“We are excited to let our guests experience the destination as we do. Sala Journeys are designed by our team for guests to see, hear, smell, and taste the best of the destination,” said Nicolas Reschke, group director of business development, SALA Hospitality Group.

Further north still, a 12-hour sightseeing tour to Wat Ket unearths cultural and culinary treasures in Sala Lanna Chiang Mai’s riverside neighbourhood. From dinosaur-shaped dough sticks and herb-packed sai oua northern sausages to a famed young coconut pie and khao soi chicken noodle curry, travellers are in for a delicious adventure. Guests will also learn about the love story that built a bridge, as well as have the opportunity to delve into the local arts scene.

Find out more at http://www.SalaHospitality.com/en/blog-sala.

Over in Ayutthaya, the start of this important religious event is marked by the Aquatic Phansa Festival, which sees more than 200 colourful boasts floating down the ancient Lad Chado canal, beauty pageants and creative cultural activities.

Find out more at http://www.TatNews.org

Fun for all the family

The Murray, Hong Kong welcomes visitors to the SAR with a Summer Staycation package that’s available for stays between June 29 and August 31.

Room rates start from HKD 5,200 (Bt21,800) for a N2 Grand Room and HKD 7,900 for Signature Suite. The package includes daily breakfast for two adults and two children, a HKD2,000 dining voucher at Murray Lane, Garden Lounge and The Tai Pan, HKD2,000 credit for treatments and activities by Wellness, round-trip Peak Tram ticket for up to four persons, signature Murray cake with welcome gift and complimentary extra bed with additional sofa-sleeper for children.

Book your stay at Niccolohotels.com or email reservations.themurray@niccolohotels.com.

Malaysian indulgence

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur celebrates the completion of its renovations with the Club Indulgence package starting at MYR909 (Bt7,500).

Guests can enjoy a two-night stay in a newly-revamped Club Room, airport limousine transfer upon arrival, MO Club Lounge benefits (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and evening cocktails, use of the boardroom for two hours and five pieces of dry cleaning per day), 20-per-cent reduction on spa treatments at The Spa and late check-out until 4pm.

Online booking can be made at http://www.MandarinOriental.com.

Fly and Drive for Benz

Switzerland’s luxury 7132 Hotel in Vals is offering a Fly and Drive package for those joining its Mercedes-Benz driving training session on September 13.

Priced at CHF576 (Bt19,300) for double occupancy and CHF776 for single occupancy, the package includes a two-night stay in a Deluxe or House of Architects room between September12 and 14, helicopter flight, on-road safety training in the afternoon, return with the helicopter to the hotel, breakfast buffet and free admission to the 7132 Thermal Baths.

Register at 7132.com/en/packages.

Benefit with Best Western

Best Western is providing all its members with a $20 Best Western Travel Card after their first stay this summer. Travel must be booked and fulfilled before September 3.

The Best Western Business Advantage benefits include preferred rates, automatic Elite Level Status Upgrades, 10-per-cent more bonus points, exclusive promotions, free annual memberships to Tripit Pro, the all-in-one travel organiser, as well as enrolment in Avis Preferred, which helps speed up the car rental process.

Sign up at http://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/best-western-rewards/business-advantage.html.

THE CHARM of French colonial elegance and the slow life are turning Luang Prabang into the hottest destination in Southeast Asia not just for tourists but also for luxury hotel chains, with the brand-new Rosewood the latest resort to open in the ancient royal capital of Laos.

Offering six-star hospitality and great cuisine, the Bt600-million project owned by Thailand-based Elysian Development, has been five years in the making, transforming the lush valley on the edge of Luang Prabang into an upmarket holiday retreat reminiscent of the late colonial era.

Hilltop Tent

“My family operates two boutique hotels in Luang Prabang and I decided to build this new project to provide travellers with more of a luxury experience. The location is perfect for tented-style villas and we are fortunate to hold a 50-year lease on the land,” Rena Udomkunnatum, Elysian Development’s managing director, explains.

“In line with Unesco’s restrictions, our designs stay true to Luang Prabang’s traditions. The roofs are the basic shades used by local residents used, all the buildings are low-rise and the architecture is a blend of classic Laotian and French colonial style. This matches Rosewood’s philosophy of giving ITS properties an authentic ambience.”

Just a 10-minute drive from the heart of the old town into the countryside, the resort occupies 16 rai and boasts 23 one-of-a-kind guestrooms, villas and tents, designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley.

The options include Riverside Rooms, Suites and Villas, Waterfall Pool Villas and Hilltop Tents, ranging in floor area from 48 to 90 square metres. During the low season, the room rates start from US$670 (Bt22,100) and go up to $1,200.

Designed on the theme of a Laotian Hill Station, each unit has a private swimming pool, oversized balcony and outdoor wooden bathtub that allow guests full privacy, extra comfort and a chance to indulge in the beauty of nature.

Riverside Villa

“It’s the one-of-a-kind place, embraced by a mountain range and waterfall. Today, we all live in fast-paced city and this is the good place to resource ourselves by enjoying the slow life. It’s a small property from a group with experience in luxury accommodation,” says Sonia Cheng, Rosewood Hotel Group’s chief executive.

“The design celebrates local culture and history, blending arts, cuisine and a holistic approach that links with our DNA philosophy – ‘A Sense of Place’,” she continues.

Inspired by the notion of a gracious French host – perhaps a diplomat or retired expatriate – the Bill Bensley team sourced and collected furnishings and artefacts for thoughtful placement in specific rooms to reflect the personalities and interests of travellers who might have stayed here over a century ago.

Guests might discover newspaper clippings and illustrations from the early 1900s, vintage Kodak cameras, the cutting-edge technology of the time, even croquet mallets from 1900 in homage to French obsession with the sport when a female team from that country competed in that year’s Olympic games.

A bathroom in a Riverside Villa

“It’s a beautiful valley. I created a sprawling walkway along a waterway and the rooms are designed one by one to give different details of the different stories,” Bensley tells The Nation.

“We have taken great care in looking for original artefacts, paintings and illustrations for each individual room, combing through Parisian flea markets, antique stores and vintage-ware collections. It was important to capture how the travellers of the time were hosted and made to feel at home.”

Hemmed in by a lush tropical forest, the opulent lobby is graced with a fireplace and elephant-inspired furnishings, reminding guests that this land was once a path taken by elephants as they made their way to the creek.

Overlooking to the landscaped garden, the Great House restaurant serves a selection of farm-to-table-dining and Lao specialities influenced by the cuisine of historic royal courts.

The Gruest House restaurant 

The adjacent Elephant Bridge Bar presents a stunning view of the river, perfect for a relaxing evening drink or whiling the afternoon away. Guests can enjoy light snacks, simple and healthy fare, and refreshing hand-crafted cocktails and beverages that use local herbs and spices for a tropical twist.

For complete relaxation, the Rosewood Spa soothes body and soul with the traditional holistic wellbeing programmes that combine Laotian healing remedies and Western techniques.

All therapies draw from nature to support life and healthy living, while experts help guests select native herbs, plants and fruits from the organic garden in the resort to create the tailored treatments.

Find out more at http://www.RosewoodHotel.com.

The stunning seafront destination features a wealth of family-friendly facilities, such as a kids’ club, an outdoor pool and a children’s pool with a sandy play area. There’s even a children’s buffet counter at the lively restaurant Makan Kitchen, and kids are welcome at the spa too.

TeddyVille, the museum, houses Malaysia’s largest collection of teddy bears, including some of the first teddies ever made.

An introductory promotion has room rates starting at 300 ringgit (Bt2,464) per night for guests booking direct via the resort’s website. And admission to TeddyVille is discounted 20 per cent.

“We fully understand the needs of families travelling with children,” says general manager Linda Giebing. “With more than 1,000 teddy bears on show, TeddyVille is a one-of-a-kind museum that will delight all visitors.

“We also offer other special, activities such as ukulele lessons and kids’ cooking classes to ensure that children staying with us have an enjoyable experience that last a lifetime.”

Overlooking Miami Beach and the turquoise seas beyond, Double Tree Resort by Hilton Penang features 316 rooms and suites, including Family Rooms connected by hallway doors to create a private sanctuary.

The spa offers treatments for kids six to 12 years old.

Find out more at (+60 4) 892 8000.

The airline currently operates 42 weekly flights to Bangkok and the new 787-10 is deployed on flight SQ983, departing Bangkok at 8.05pm, while the return flight SQ982 depart Singapore at 5.30pm.

Book a flight at http://www.SingaporeAir.com.

Imaginary stories in Milan

The luxury Armani Hotel Milano, Italy is joining the “Racconti Immaginari” exhibition by Paolo Ventura, which is on view at Armani/Silos until July 29, with a special package on the same theme.

Starting from Euro 634 (Bt23,700), guests can stay in an Armani Deluxe room, tuck into an American breakfast at Armani/Ristorante, sip a cocktail in the panoramic Armani/Bamboo Bar and visit the exhibition at Armani/Silos for free. Complimentary room upgrade and late check-out are also offered subject to availability.

Set up your plan at http://www.ArmaniHotelMilano.com.

Shoes and high tea

Art lovers booking a stay at Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou between this Saturday and Tuesday can take advantage of the Head Over Heels Suite Experience as part of the “Shoes: Pleasure and Pain” exhibition being held in collaboration with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

The package starts at CNY4,500 (Bt22,800) and covers a one-night stay in a Club Executive Suite, a guided tour of the V&A “Shoes: Pleasure and Pain” exhibition at TaiKoo Hui Mall, afternoon fashion high tea for two at The Taikoo Lounge, a 75-minute foot therapy treatment at The Spa for two, Oriental Club Lounge privileges and complimentary leather shoe polishing service.

Online booking can be made at http://www.MandarinOriental.com/guangzhou.

Bargain buys from Bespoke

Bespoke Hospitality Management Asia introduces the Mid-Year Sale promotion offering guests the chance to save up to 40 per cent when booking a room via X2 and Away website by Sunday.

Valid for stays until November 30, room rates start from Bt1,199 per night for X2 Vibe hotels, Bt1,909 for Away resorts and Bt3,269 for X2 resorts and villas.

Check out the best rates at http://www.X2Lobby.com/mid-year-sale, http://www.X2Vibe.com/mid-year-sale and http://www.AwayResorts.com/mid-year-sale.

Love blossoms in Kanagawa

The much-loved Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival returns to Kanagawa in Japan’s Kanto region from July 6 and 8.

Devoted to the love story of Princess Weaver Orihimeboshi and the cowherd Hikoboshi, the streets and bamboo trees will be trimmed with beautiful lanterns in different designs, while visitors can also enjoy a colourful parade, cultural performances and a walking street boasting a variety of local delicacies and handicrafts.

Find out more at http://www.Jnto.or.th/newsletter/tanabata/.