Situated to the south of Kyoto Imperial Palace, this is its fourth property and can accommodate up to eight guests. Aiming to maintain the beautiful Kyoto-style traditional houses, the Kyo no Ondokoro project offers unique accommodation, where travellers can stay and live like locals.

Occupying more than 180 square meters, it is a mixture of traditional Japanese design and modern art, boasting a living room that is used for performing a tea ceremony, a bathroom complete with Shigaraki-ware bathtub and a kitchen equipped with all kinds of kitchen appliances and tables so that guests can prepare their own meal. The villa also had Wi-Fi, washing machines with dryers and irons, making it a perfect choice for a long stay.

The room rates range from 50,000 (Bt14,500) to 100,000 yen per building. Other services include a left luggage area and a concierge corner to provide information on tourist attractions.

Find out more at http://www.Kyo-Ondokoro.kyoto/en/

The marble buildings with spires hide within the meadow. The play of space and terrain creates a strange view as if the hill is set inside a land of imagination. Labaris is divided into five chapters, as if one is flipping through a fairytale book. Each chapter comes with its own concept that is reflected in its building and garden. The architecture and landscape mix elements of Western and local descent that contradict yet fit together perfectly.

Set amidst beautiful garden and flowerbeds is Chapter 1, home to the Rabbit Cafe, a cute coffee shop. Warmth seeps in through natural light from big windows that go together with white interior and simple furniture made out of wood. A cup of special coffee with Thai coffee beans makes up the musttry House Blend Coffee that goes perfectly well with fresh bakery items.

Chapter 2 sits on the large lawn and serves as the lobby. A guide will lead guests through a maze to their rooms within two castles; Starry Castle and Midnight Castle. There are 60 rooms in total, divided into three types including Duplex, Grand Deluxe, and Deluxe. Each room is equipped with unlimited free wifi, free mini bar, a refrigerator, a large smart TV with cable channels. Guests can have a drink and enjoy the scenery at Roof Top Bar or Diren’s Deck, both of which are scheduled to open in October.

Chapter 3 is a mysterious place that houses the Laughing Stone Garden. It leads to the infinite Forest Mirror garden that will take guests to 10 Pool Villas. Each villa comes with a private pool and big living room, making it a perfect fit for couples and families.

Labaris Restaurant is in Chapter 4 and serves Thai, Western and fusion foods with high-quality ingredients sourced from all over the world. The special Western menus include Grilled Lamb Rack and Grilled Australian Angus Rib Eye while Thai traditional dishes such as ranjuan curry and mussaman lamb curry are also presented. Its bar also offers wines from around the world and signature cocktails. Nearby, there is a space for conference and event at Labaris Town Hall, a large ballroom that fits 120 guests. The room comes equipped and can be adjusted to suit different purposes. An outdoor area surrounded by lawn is also another venue that can house an intimate concert and romantic wedding in the garden.

Chapter 5 is the Meander Wanderer, a garden space with a pool called the Creek designed in the style of Loop Pool. There are both pool for adults (Nomadic Creek) and kids (Cub’s Creek) filled with fun rides. It’s a space for fun and learning for young explorers. The playground is made from special material that minimises injury from falling and slipping.

The hotel is on Thanarat Road, at KM 16 in Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima.

Call (063) 1900 1900 or visit http://www.HotelLabaris.com.

Room rates start at US$680 (Bt21,600) per night, but if you’re planning on more than just a weekend break, sign up for Bonus Nights. You get one extra night at no extra charge when booking a stag of five consecutive days and two bonus nights over seven days.

Daytime activities include aerial yoga, singing-bowl classes and “alchemy bar sessions”, plus cooking classes that cover Fijian cuisine, pizza and desserts.

At 5pm daily, guests can attend a Mixology Starter Class in which the bartenders share their cocktail secrets.

The weekly Bulatin schedule includes performaces of Meke (traditional Fiji-style) song and dance, costume making, trips to nearby villages and markets and even some coaching in the Fijian language.

For fans of watersports, Hauraki Adventures will take you snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing or fishing and the Tropicsurf gang will get you up on a surfboard.

Find out more at http://www.SixSenses.com/resorts/fiji/offers.

The property has recently undergone a US$7 million (Bt222.6 million) facelift adding 60 new luxury rooms in the timeless French colonial architecture that is intrinsic to the historic and cultural fabric of Siem Reap.

“Avani Hotels & Resorts’ first entry into Cambodia signals our ongoing commitment to offering an upscale experience to all intrepid travellers. We believe FCC Angkor will be home to the intrepid traveller seeking an authentic experience in the social hub of Siem Reap,” said Dillip Rajakarier, chief executive officer of Minor Hotels, the parent company of Avani Hotels & Resorts.

Located across from the Royal Independence Gardens and Royal Residence, it stands on the land that was once home to the elegant mansion of the French colonial governor, and the renowned Foreign Correspondents Club and a popular meeting place for local and international journalists, celebrities, and travellers from around the world.

Surrounded by several day and night markets, eclectic restaurants, and the popular Pub Street in walking distance, the hotel also provides easy access to such historical sites as Angkor Wat and the Preah Ang Chek Prea Ang Chorm shrine.

“We are excited to be working with Avani Hotels & Resorts as they are exceptional operators of lifestyle hotels, and well aligned to promote and position the FCC Angkor and FCC Collection brand. The new FCC will also be a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, joining us in the commitment to deliver extraordinary, engaging and unique experiences to our global guests,” said Susan Devine, owner’s representative, FCC Angkor – managed by Avani.

The enhancements have perfectly blended the colonial structures with contemporary designs inspired by Cambodia’s natural beauty and Khmer culture, which extend across the pedestrian bridge to the newly built extension.

Throughout the property, the exotic environment of verdant gardens, Khmer contemporary art, and exclusive European design accents create a sophisticated, residential feel, a signature concept for the heritage property.

Along with the new and refurbished rooms and suites, FCC Angkor has updated and expanded its facilities. A brand-new bar called Scribe now complements the Mansion’s renovated restaurant, where guests can experience relaxed, personalised service whether sipping a refreshing signature cocktail or dining on authentic Cambodian cuisine featuring fresh, local ingredients. Other additions include a spa, pool, and lounge – spacious and breezy, surrounded by colourful, fragrant greenery, where guests can enjoy a drink, mingle, and chat.

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

LOCATED RIGHT in the centre of one of Thailand’s best-loved resort towns and ideal for accessing both the local nightlife and culinary scene, the five-star Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa is undergoing a massive makeover to provide a superior holiday experience for leisure and business travellers.

Fronting on to the tranquil, pristine beach, this 295-room property was opened in 2001 and has earned accolades for its iconic design that allows all guests to admire the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Thailand from their private deck.

Accommodation can be divided into four main types – Classic, Deluxe, Premium and Executive – ranging in floor area from 42 to 450 square metres. The six newly refurbished floors are home to Premium Ocean View rooms, Executive Junior Suites and Executive Ocean Suites.

Elegant with a modern minimal look, all the renovated rooms and suites boast contemporary Thai-inspired interior decor and soft neutral colours that create a warm ambience. The lobby is dominated by a prominent water feature that flows into the adjacent landscaped garden.

During the day, gym rats can enjoy their workouts at the fully equipped fitness centre while sportsmen can burn off excess energy on the tennis and squash courts, play table tennis or get some laps in at the pool.

Overlooking the beach and turquoise sea, the heart of the resort is home to the large lagoon-style swimming pool with water slides surrounded by comfortable sun loungers.

Part of the next phase of the facelift, the 200-square-metre Sukhothai Suite is still a popular option for families. It has two bedrooms and a large living room with a dining area and pantry corner, and the private sun deck is a great place for a small party. The marble-finished bathroom has a whirlpool bathtub and separate rain shower and toilet.

Guests staying in Suites and Executive rooms receive access to the Resort Lounge and can take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi, equipment business support, continental breakfast, pre-dinner cocktails and canapes and refreshments throughout the day.

I spend two nights in a 42sqm Premium Ocean View room that is cosy and spacious with a high ceiling and dark wood parquet floor. Everything is controlled with advanced in-room technology like motion sensors and it also boasts a smart charging station with several plugs and USB hubs. The decor is very Thai down to the miniature khon mask and handcrafted headboard depicting scenes from the Ramakien epic.

There’s a king-size bed but I prefer to lounge on the comfy sofa bed surfing the complimentary Wi-Fi Internet and international channels on a 40-inch HDTV. There’s also a work desk with ergonomic chair, eco-friendly features and extra power outlets.

The fully stocked minibar corner provides tea and coffee making facilities and alongside is a wardrobe packed with an ironing board set, hairdryer, safety box, bathrobes and slippers. The bathroom is luxurious with the premium fittings, a double-washbasin counter, a walk-in hydrotherapy rain shower and separate toilet.

I wake early and flop down on my balcony’s sofa bed watching the emerald waters wash over the white sand as I sip hot tea.

The Market restaurant starts the day with a full international buffet line of Thai delicacies, Chinese dim sum, Japanese dishes, salad bar and a fresh juice corner.

After roaming around the town to check out some new chic cafes, I’m back to the hotel for my 60-minute Thai massage treatment at Eforea Spa, and visibly relax as the therapist uses traditional techniques to release my tight muscles. It has nine treatment rooms with panoramic windows overlooking the ocean and lush garden as well as Japanese bath and Jacuzzis.

I book a table for the Barefoot BBQ Night that’s available on every first Saturday of the month. The buffet is set up on the beach and serves a variety of grilled seafood dishes and other western delicacies.

Among the dining options, Hua Hin’s tallest roof-top Sky Bar is the best spot to watch sunset and have specially tailored cocktails, while the Hua Hin Brewing Company serves a variety of craft beers, live music and DJ tunes until late night. The rooftop White Lotus restaurant is the only place in Hua Hin where diners can enjoy a dim sum buffet and a la carte dishes prepared to Szechuan and Cantonese recipes.

IF YOU GO

High point: Guestrooms are airy and clean.

Low point: More than 50 per cent of guestrooms and public spaces look old and are still waiting for their facelift.

Pay for it: The resort is offering guests up to 35- per-cent discounts when booking a room by March 19 for any stay between March 20 and February 2020.

Find it: 33 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin, Prachup Kriri Khan

Call it: (032) 538 999

Browse it: https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/thailand/hilton-hua-hin-resort-and-spa-HHQHIHI/index.html

This is the first Mandarin Oriental property in China’s capital and will be promoted as the city’s most luxurious boutique hotel. It will boast chic design and architecture, exceptional dining facilities and a spa offering the latest wellness and beauty facilities.

The hotel, which takes its name from the lively Wangfujing district, occupies the upper two floors of WF Central, Hongkong Land’s premium lifestyle retail mall with 130 tenants, including 20 brands debuting in Beijing or China.

With easy access to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and central business and financial districts, the hotel has 73 spacious guestrooms of at least 55 square metres – among the largest in Beijing.

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing has two stylish restaurants and a rooftop bar – all with access to a spectacular garden terrace.

Cafe Zi will offer allday dining, specialising in Asian cuisine and featuring a lunchtime dim sum selection created by Michelin-star Hong Kong chef Wong WingKeung.

Mandarin Grill + Bar will feature classic grilled dishes with interiors by Adam Tihany. MO Bar will serve innovative cocktails.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing will have four suites offering the refined wellness and beauty treatments for which Mandarin Oriental is famed, as well as a 25metre glassroofed pool.

The National Museum and the National Art Museum of China are close by. The historic hutongs (alleyways), known for their charming courtyard homes, are also dotted around the district, as are ancient, tucked-away temples.

“Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing will become the prime hotel address in Beijing this winter, offering supreme comfort, impeccable service, incredible cuisine and an unmatchable garden terrace view of the Unesco-listed Forbidden City,” says general manager Mark Bradford.

Following in the footsteps of its sister Rosewood Phuket, which opened on the coast of southern Thailand in 2017, this 30-storey property is situated on Ploenchit Road and will reshape the Bangkok skyline by occupying two connecting highrise structures that create a modern tribute to the Thai spirit, while its “Sense of Place” philosophy will be reflected through architectural design and carefully curated decor, spa and dining experiences.

Inspired by the wai – the graceful Thai gesture of palms pressed together in greeting, the hotel will be conveniently connected to the BTS Station amidst a luxury enclave of embassies, new office towers and upscale malls.

“Rosewood Bangkok represents an exciting new expression of ultraluxury hospitality in Bangkok,” says Thomas Harlander, the hotel’s managing director.

“It will be a symbol of the emergence of the country’s capital as a hub of creative style and design for the region. Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy will also be thoughtfully interpreted in modern yet authentically Thai fashion through the entire hotel, from its design to all its experiences. We aim to provide a portal to all the many fascinating sides of this captivating capital and culture.”

Until May 31, the hotel invites its loyal customers to join its #WaiBangkok campaign by sharing a different and more contemporary side of Thailand’s capital to illustrate “why” they love Bangkok.

The campaign will feature a photo series by distinguished photographers Chanipol “Tum” Kusolcharttum better known as Rockkhound and Scott Woodward whose  works are often seen on the glossy pages of National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler and the New York Times.

Participants can post their own fresh and compelling images of the city on Rosewood Bangkok by using the hashtag #WaiBangkok and tagging Rosewood Bangkok’s Facebook or Instagram account @RosewoodBangkok.  The winner will receive a Bt100,000 credit to spend at the hotel.

To celebrate Rosewood Bangkok’s entry into the market, the ultraluxury hotel presents special promotions until June 30 and online booking can be made at RosewoodHotels.com.