Travellers using promo code “YES2018” to book their stay via official websites will receive discounts up to 40 per cent from 22 hotels in popular destinations like Bali, Vietnam, Phuket, Khao Lak, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Hua Hin–Pranburi, Koh Kood, Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi. 

Valid for any stay from now until May 31, the room rate at X2 Vibe starts from Bt988plus per night. Cross to a new dimension of luxury at X2 and enjoy special rate starting from Bt3,440plus per night, or escape your busy life and free your mind at Away at special rates starting at Bt2,560plus per night.

As a part of Best Benefit Guarantee programme, the exclusive privileges include early checkin, late checkout, room upgrades, cash voucher, food and beverage discount and special discounts on next stay. 

More details can be found on http://www.X2resorts.com/yearendsale, http://www.X2vibe.com/yearendsale and http://www.Awayresorts.com/yearendsale

Shangri-La will provide more differentiated benefits and allows Golden Circle members to earn and redeem Golden Circle Award Points from local experiences and at over 500 restaurants and Chi, The Spa within Shangri-La.

Klook’s expertise in meeting the needs of the “on-the-go”, tech-savvy, millennial traveller will complement Shangri-La’s offerings and help define a new model of creating one’s own journey.

“By delivering additional hotel and in-destination features, we are strengthening the value proposition for guests in line with their widening needs and giving them more inspiring choices during their travels,” said Irene Lin, Shangri-La executive vice president, marketing.

“Collaborating with Klook will allow us to offer guests a deeper discovery of local experiences and we’re excited the partnership will open up many more memorable moments to guests in and beyond Shangri-La hotels worldwide.”

This month, the Klook Concierge service made its debut at Shangri-La Hotels in Bangkok, Singapore and Kowloon. Guests can discover and book Klook experiences throughout their stay via a tablet at the hotel concierge, even at the last minute, and redeem via a QR code or e-voucher.

“The luxury traveller is more tech-savvy than ever as they are seeking smart, convenient, and cash-free solutions, and we’re continually enriching Klook’s services to make the platform suitable and engaging for all types of travellers. We’re excited to be innovating on a series of initiatives with Shangri-La – Klook Concierge and Golden Circle redemption programme are just the start of an exciting partnership ahead,” said Anita Ngai, chief revenue officer at Klook.

Shangri-La will offer Golden Circle members 100 Golden Circle Award Points on every booking on the Klook Concierge, while Klook will offer a platform-wide discount of 5 per cent on its experiences until February 28.

All Shangri-La’s Golden Circle members have the option to redeem their points for selected Klook experiences in Singapore, Bangkok, Beijing and Shanghai this month. This will expand to over 60,000 Klook experiences in quarter three 2019, from must-eats and unique tours to local transport and popular attractions. The Klook activity redemption initiative with Golden Circle members is set to be the first of its kind for a luxury hotel group.

In 2019, Klook and Shangri-La will jointly launch various marketing initiatives, as well as make unique Shangri-La experiences available on the Klook platform.

 Shangri-La will provide more differentiated benefits and allows Golden Circle members to earn and redeem Golden Circle Award Points from local experiences and at over 500 restaurants and Chi, The Spa within Shangri-La.

Klook’s expertise in meeting the needs of the “on-the-go”, tech-savvy, millennial traveller will complement Shangri-La’s offerings and help define a new model of creating one’s own journey.

“By delivering additional hotel and in-destination features, we are strengthening the value proposition for guests in line with their widening needs and giving them more inspiring choices during their travels,” said Irene Lin, Shangri-La executive vice president, marketing.

“Collaborating with Klook will allow us to offer guests a deeper discovery of local experiences and we’re excited the partnership will open up many more memorable moments to guests in and beyond Shangri-La hotels worldwide.”

This month, the Klook Concierge service made its debut at Shangri-La Hotels in Bangkok, Singapore and Kowloon. Guests can discover and book Klook experiences throughout their stay via a tablet at the hotel concierge, even at the last minute, and redeem via a QR code or e-voucher.

“The luxury traveller is more tech-savvy than ever as they are seeking smart, convenient, and cash-free solutions, and we’re continually enriching Klook’s services to make the platform suitable and engaging for all types of travellers. We’re excited to be innovating on a series of initiatives with Shangri-La – Klook Concierge and Golden Circle redemption programme are just the start of an exciting partnership ahead,” said Anita Ngai, chief revenue officer at Klook.

Shangri-La will offer Golden Circle members 100 Golden Circle Award Points on every booking on the Klook Concierge, while Klook will offer a platform-wide discount of 5 per cent on its experiences until February 28.

All Shangri-La’s Golden Circle members have the option to redeem their points for selected Klook experiences in Singapore, Bangkok, Beijing and Shanghai this month. This will expand to over 60,000 Klook experiences in quarter three 2019, from must-eats and unique tours to local transport and popular attractions. The Klook activity redemption initiative with Golden Circle members is set to be the first of its kind for a luxury hotel group.

In 2019, Klook and Shangri-La will jointly launch various marketing initiatives, as well as make unique Shangri-La experiences available on the Klook platform.

The historic Authors’ and Garden wings, both restored in 2016, will remain open, including the two-Michelin-star Le Normandie, the Authors’ Lounge, the Bamboo Bar, Ciao Terraza, Sala Rim Naam, Terrace Rim Naam, the China House and the Ballroom.

In addition, the hotel’s spa and fitness facilities will remain fully operational. As both swimming pools will undergo renovation, alternative arrangements will be made for guests wishing to swim.

A major component of the River Wing work will be to enlarge the guestrooms. The overall number will be reduced from 338 to 301, while the number of suites will increase from 30 to 46. All rooms will have views of the Chao Phraya River.

Award-winning designer Jeffrey Wilkes of Design Wilkes is in charge of the interiors, which will feature updated amenities, bespoke Thai fabrics, skilfully crafted furniture and beautifully reconditioned artwork from the hotel’s collection.

The River Wing will reopen in October, in time for the start of the high tourist season in Bangkok.

Early this year, the group finally eliminated single-use plastic in its hotel rooms and restaurant outlets and introduced paper shopping bags, and biodegradable takeaway containers and cutlery as well. In the rooms, plastic water bottles have been replaced with glass bottles, and wooden pens and toilet amenities such as shower caps, shaving razors, Q-tips and toothbrushes made from cornstarch, and natural toothpaste have been introduced. Additionally, both properties also use intelligent air-conditioning systems that automatically turn off the units when the doors to the huge balconies are open. Paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and aluminium is separated, and either repurposed in some way, or sold for recycling.

Since it opened in 2011, the property in Chiang Mai has won much acclaim for its many initiatives to reduce the amount of waste it generates. All organic waste is either composted or turned into biochar (charcoal), which is mixed into the compost to make it richer and more nourishing for plants. This nutrient-rich compost is then used for resort’s lush landscaped gardens and grounds. It is also used in the ever-expanding vegetable and herb garden, a source for the delicious produce that the chefs and bartenders at the resort have come to rely on. The hotel also employs reusable woven bags instead of plastic garbage bags for waste collection, and vendors and suppliers are encouraged to deliver fresh vegetables and fruits in reusable string bags.

One of the most important initiatives that most guests may not even be aware of, is that the resort hired an internationally acclaimed mosquito expert to sustainably eliminate/limit mosquito breeding areas without the use of chemical sprays; fogging is now required just once a month. The hotel staff has further shared this knowledge and method with people living in the surrounding areas, thus broadening it into a community initiative.

“This involves us all, and the solution has to start with education. If we can change the mindset of a few people so that they adopt more sustainable practice in their daily lives, then all of us will benefit,” said Chris Stafford, chief operating officer of 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts.

“We are very pleased with the results so far, but there is still a lot to do. Our next objective is to eliminate individual plastic shampoo, conditioner and lotion containers. We need to find an option that ticks all the boxes, and that can take time,” added Anne Arrowsmith, the general manager of 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai.

Down in Bangkok, the sister property 137 Pillars Suites & Residences has also followed with environmentally friendly initiatives of its own. To conserve electricity, LED lights are used throughout the property, while an advanced Heat Pump System designed to save energy keeps the hotel cool all day. Room keycards have a green function that control the power used when no one is in the room, while motion detectors automatically turn off unneeded lights. Water is conserved through a two-step toilet flushing system, the high-tech sprinkler system in the gardens and an innovative pool treatment system.

“As a luxury hotel, our clients want to know that we are doing as much as we can to ensure that their stay is as sustainable as can be and our goal is to not only meet those expectations but to surpass them,” said Bjorn Richardson, general manager of 137 Pillars Suites & Residences.

OVER THE decades, Koh Samui in the South of Thailand has welcomed an increasing number of luxury properties, among them the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Six Senses and Banyan Tree. The latest addition to this competitive market is Cape Fahn whose attractive location of “a private island on an island” is expected to draw discerning travellers.

Run by Cape & Kantary Hotels, the resort occupies the entire 15-rai of Koh Fahn off Koh Samui, ensuring that all illusive privacy in its 22 one- and two-bedroom pool villas are intimate yet spacious and boast vistas of the Gulf of Thailand.

The new luxury resort Cape Fahn is located on the small private island of Fahn off Koh Samui.

Open for just three months, the property quickly became known to the public after it was chosen as the romantic wedding destination of popular actress Jennie Tienposuwan who shared her romantic pictures online.

It takes about 15 minutes to get from Samui International Airport to the quiet Choeng Mon Beach from which Koh Fahn is separated by a strait just 300-metres wide. A Cape Fahn Hospitality Lounge has been set up on the shore of Choeng Mon Beach allowing guests to wait in comfort with complimentary refreshments, snacks, fruit, Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines.

The shuttle boat ferries guests over the 300metrewide strait from Choeng Mon Beach of Koh Samui to the resort.

The small shuttle boat that can accommodate about five people ferries guests over the strait to the resort in just five minutes. During low tide, it’s possible to walk across.

The Thai family-run Cape & Kantary Hotels has occupied Koh Fahn for the last 12 years ago but construction on the Bt350-million project only began three years ago. The most luxurious property in the company’s portfolio, it charges from Bt15,000 a night for a 300-sqm, one-bedroom villa to Bt47,000 for a 580-sqm, two-bedroom villa. Prices vary according to the season.

“As the property takes up all of Koh Fahn, it doesn’t get more private than this. However, it’s only a short walk or boat ride to and from Choeng Mon Beach so guests wanting some action can get over to the main island in minutes,” says Tirawan Pangsriwongse Tachaubol, the project development manager for Cape & Kantary Hotels.

The highlight of Cape Fahn is the 600-sqm, two-bedroom Fahn Noi private island pool villa that stands alone on the adjacent one-rai Koh Fahn Noi. Actress Jennie and her husband were the first guests to honeymoon here. If you want to be the next, it will set you back some Bt70,000 a night but the experience is exclusive and the panoramic view of the sea a real treat for sore eyes.

The living room in the Fahn Noi private island pool villa

I stayed in a 300-sqm, one-bedroom villa with a spacious tropical garden. The interior was clean and simple with natural wood and white the dominant themes and tie-dyed cushions in blue adding a pop of nautical colour. The living area boasts comfy sofas, an LCD TV and a DVD player, a fruit bowl and galamae – Samui’s favourite sweet treat.

The bedroom’s floor to ceiling windows overlook the swimming pool and gardens. The room is airy thanks to the vaulted ceiling and the signal of in-room wi-fi is strong enough. An LCD TV, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities are provided. What I liked most about the bedroom was the very comfortable bed topped with futon mattress and supportive pillows that promote restful sleep.

The tropical pool villa

The bathroom is spacious with a bathtub and separate wet and dry areas. There are two separate washbowls and vanity units on the left and right sides so you don’t have for your partner to finish brushing his or her teeth and you have adequate space to store your belongings. Two separate wardrobes are also available.

You can mooch around on the sun loungers on the private balcony, cooling off occasionally in the outdoor rain shower that is close enough to the bathroom door for direct access to the wet area.

The bathroom in the tropical pool villa

The resort offers three outdoor, beachside saltwater swimming pools – the main one with a sun terrace, the second for adults only and the third for the kids. If you want to go to other places in the resort but don’t fancy walking, you can call for a golf cart service to collect you at the door.

“Many guests are Europeans and usually stay for about a week. Thais, on the other hand, come for an average of two nights. Guests can hold a private birthday or wedding party for around 50 people and feel that the entire island is their own,” says Tirawan.

Hue restaurant

Dining options include the beachfront-poolside, all-day dining restaurant called Hue – the Thai word for “hungry” with 90 per cent dedicated to southern-style street food. The restaurant can also arrange a romantic and private four-course dinner on the beach as the sun goes down. The food’s good but the time between ordering and the arrival of the dishes at the table needs to be improved.

Perched on the cliff is another restaurant called the Crest and this is the best spot to view the breathtaking gulf and the sunset. In the morning, it’s a venue for breakfast and though the buffet line is not plentiful, the quality is good. Khao tom pla kapong (boiled rice soup with sea bass) is very flavourful and the fresh fruit juices are refreshing. In addition to the buffet line, other dishes can be ordered a la carte, among them khao pad goong (fried rice with shrimp) and kanom jeen bai chaplu phu talay (crabmeat yellow curry with chaplu leaves and rice vermicelli).

Floating breakfast

For guests who want their first meal of the day in their private pools, an in-room breakfast service – the Floating Breakfast – is available though it will set you back Bt900 per person. The large floating tray comes with various breads, eggs, sausages and hams, salads, fruits and fresh juices. I personally think it’s overpriced, though it may be a major draw for your Instagram photo. Having breakfast at the Crest (included in the room rate) is better – the food is good and the view terrific.

In the evening, the Crest also offers a seven-course dinner for Bt3,200 per person and after dinner, guests can move to the adjacent bar that stays opens until midnight.

The spa is not yet complete so the only treatment available so far is Thai massage. Other activities include yoga, Thai boxing, kayaking and guests can hire a Cape yacht to explore the neighbouring islands.

“We also hold a Moonlight Cinema (outdoor cinema) and have a food sommelier for guests to learn about Thai fruits and how they can be transformed into other products,” says Tirawan who is planning to open another two properties under Cape and Kantary brands in Pattaya.

AT A GLANCE

High point: The location is private and immersed in nature but not too far from the heart of Koh Samui.

Low point: As it’s in the initial stage of operation, several services are not yet fully complete.

Pay for it: See the website for the best rates.

Find it: 24/269 Moo 5, Tambon |Bo-Phut, Amphur Koh Samui, Surat Thani

Call it: (077) 602 301 or Reservations Centre at 1627

Browse it: https://capefahnhotel.com

This new luxury property, which is expected to open in 2020, features 49 guestrooms and villas varying from Deluxe Seaview, Deluxe Seaview Pool Garden, Sky Suite Seaview, Seaview Pool Villa and Beachfront Pool Villa rooms. Every unit offers a sea view and first-class facilities to ensure guests will experience the ultimate convenience and comfort during their stay.

Located just a 15-minute drive away from Samui International Airport, it also houses a signature restaurant and pool beach bar, a large swimming pool, a fully equipped high-tech gym with available yoga classes, a garden and a spa.

“This launch marks our further steps to expand the U Hotels & Resorts brand into key world-class tourism destinations. Samui is an all-time top beach destination in Asia thanks to its natural variety and quality as well as its convenient infrastructure,” said Jonathan Wigley, chief executive officer of Absolute Hotel Services Group.

“I am confident that U Samui will be all the buzz once it is opened, for its superb location on a scenic and peaceful beach in the Bophut area, which is only minutes to the airport and entertainment areas of Samui, in addition to the company’s expertise in boutique deluxe hotel management with customised services.”

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

The sale offers everyone a good opportunity to book hotels in advance for a great trip with loved ones during the festive season.

Book from today to November 27 through the website and/or the Hotels.com mobile web page for travel between before March 31.

The Black Friday Sale offers a wide range of accommodation choices all over the world. For snow in a cosmopolitan city, New York is recommended by the website. Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve with a stay at the Hotel, located near famous landmarks such as Time Square, Broadway, and Statue of Liberty. The modern hotel also provides luxurious facilities and warm welcoming services.

Another choice at the top on everyone’s bucket list is Japan. Hotels.com presents a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the Japanese hospitality spirit with special hotel deals in Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.

Hotels.com offers travellers who want to take a break from the bustle of Tokyo to take a leisurely stay around the Sumida River at Share Hotels Lyuro. Guests will enjoy full amenities and friendly services while appreciating the tranquillity of Sumida River.

Designed by internationally acclaimed French architect Jacques Garcia, this 138-room luxury hotel offers an alternative aesthetic with European style, melding tradition and modernity.

Situated in the heart of Singapore’s bustling Chinatown where rich cultural heritage meets modern vibrancy, Six Senses Maxwell is housed in a colonial-style 19th century heritage building that has received the Urban Redevelopment Authority Architectural Heritage Award.

While paying homage to the building’s storied past, yet still presenting Garcia’s affirmed baroque style, the guestrooms and suites are graced with the brass, lacquer and marble mini bars to the handmade Lafroy Brooks bathroom fixtures.

The interior public spaces, all unique given the architectural style of the original building, come together harmoniously and add to the hotel’s charm. The hotel presents five food and beverage concepts – ranging from Murray Terrace, a classic European-style brasserie, to Cook & Tras, a social library restaurant and bar influenced by heritage Straits cuisine.

The beautifully-appointed Rose Lounge & Bar features banquette seating, club chairs, cocktail tables and bar seating, and offers champagne and other bubbles alongside white and rose wines, spritzers and the signature Rose Bellini.

Quintessential spirits bar Garcha’s serves an impressive collection of spirits, comprising small batch and artisanal whisky, tequila, gin, rum and vodka. Guests can also enjoy their spirits served tableside from an after-dinner drinks trolley.

Four of the five food and beverage concepts are located on the ground floor lined with lush tropical foliage that follows the length of the building, where guests can enjoy the outdoor seating area of the charming five-foot terrace.

An old-fashioned ice-cream tricycle is expected to become a popular complimentary treat for in-house guests. The building rooftop features Max’s Edible Garden complementing the 25-metre rooftop lap pool and gymnasium.

Spa pods will open in early 2019 and guests can enjoy signature massages, facials, and beauty treatments. New neighbourhood experiences will include the MacRitchie Treetops Walk, Botanic Gardens Exploration Tour, Civic District Discovery Walk, and a Black & White Iconic Heritage Homes Tour.

These complement the current guest offerings at Six Senses Duxton, which include complimentary Traditional Chinese Medicine consultations, tea appreciation sessions, yoga and well-received local heritage tours.

To celebrate its opening, guests can save 15 per cent when booking their stay online through http://www.sixsenses.com/hotels/maxwell/destination and take advantage of daily breakfast, welcome amenities and unlimited Wi-Fi access.

Guests booking an allinclusive package can enjoy a complimentary massage and an improved selection of beverages as well as free ice cream for young visitors. Guests on Half Board will be able to choose a healthy breakfast on the beach at Edgewater restaurant at no extra charge though reservations are required.

The resort also hosts a weekly Tapas Night and a Carnivore Night, where guests can talk to the Outrigger butcher regarding preferred cuts of meat. On the beach and poolside, guests can order cool drinks from a new flavoured water station.

Guests arriving early will be greeted with a free breakfast or lunch at the Mercado restaurant before check in time at 2pm. Those arriving after restaurant opening hours can enjoy a complimentary cold dinner platter served in their room.

A new arrival and departure lounge will also allow guests to relax, even if they haven’t booked an early check in or late checkout.

“Outrigger’s new valueadded services will add a few more ‘wow’ moments to our already highly acclaimed guest satisfaction levels. Guests are on holiday. We want to give them a completely relaxing experience,” said Cyrille Carmona, general manager of the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort.

Opened in April 2014, the stunning deluxe property with 181 seafacing rooms offers a breathtaking beachfront location alongside the turquoise lagoons of the Indian Ocean. A 45minute drive from the airport to the nature reserve of Bel Ombre, this luxury resort blends the needs of the most sophisticated traveller with the charm and tradition of an early 18thcentury Mauritian sugar cane plantation.

It features the locally renowned Plantation Club (famed for its Mauritian dining), a wide choice of relaxed dining outlets, a kids’ club, Navasana Spa, and many water sports (including kite surfing).

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