Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa
One of Thailand’s better kept secrets and located in Trang Province, south of the more popular Krabi, the resort is situated on Changlang Beach, within the Chao Mai National Park.
GETTING THERE: It’s a three-to four-hour drive from the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s more convenient, however, to fly in as the resort is just over an hour away by car from Krabi International Airport. Trang Airport is closer but caters only to domestic flights.
TOP ATTRACTIONS: The sea, of course! All of Anantara Si Kao’s 138 deluxe rooms and suites have magnificent views of the Andaman Sea. If you like sunsets, be prepared for exquisitely colourful displays when the day comes to an end. Off Changlang Beach are dozens of islands you can explore, especially Koh Mook and its stunning Morakot (Emerald) Cave. Excursions can be arranged if you want a day out on the gorgeous Andaman to snorkel or dive, or even just for a change of scenery at the resort’s exclusive Beach Club on the nearby island of Koh Kradan. The resort’s rooms are separated into two wings, one for families and the other for couples. Both have their own pools, so, depending on the kind of break you’re looking for – family vacation or private rejuvenation, for example – you’re sure to enjoy exactly what you’re looking for.
DON’T MISS: The Anantara Spa is justifiably famed for its rejuvenation treatments and the outpost at Si Kao definitely lives up to its reputation. Set over water amid lush tropical gardens, the spa is a haven of serenity and pampering. Try the Signature Massage, a unique blend of oils and purpose-designed massage that concentrate on the body’s meridian lines to simulate blood circulation, relax muscles and clear any blockage of energy.
WHEN IN TRANG: There is plenty to do at Anantara Si Kao, from cooking and yoga lessons, to language classes and beach and water sports. The resort, however, maintains a close relationship with the surrounding communities, supporting local arts and crafts, traditions and the environment. Depending on your interests, you can go dugong watching, try your hand at nipa palm weaving or even get caught up in the excitement of the neighbouring kickboxing tournament.
sikao.anantara.com
The Blue Mansion
In the World Heritage Site of George Town, Penang. Also known as the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, this is one of the more storied buildings in a city that is internationally recognised for its unique and historic architecture and culture.
GETTING THERE: It’s easy getting to Penang: it’s a three-and-a-half hour drive or an hour’s flight to the Penang International Airport from the Klang Valley. If you prefer to sail, the Tanjung City Marina is the place to berth your yacht as it’s literally in the heart of George Town.
TOP ATTRACTIONS: Staying at The Blue Mansion is a singular experience. Steeped in history and heritage that dates back to the late 19th century, this flamboyant building boasts 38 rooms, five courtyards, seven staircases (including a gorgeous cast-iron spiral staircase) and 220 windows. Currently managed by Samadhi of Kuala Lumpur’s Villa Samadhi and Tioman’s JapaMala Resort fame, only 18 rooms are available in this boutique hotel, all individually themed and decorated with period furniture, precious heirlooms and antiques. Once ensconced within, you’ll feel as if you’ve transported to an earlier era, one that’s simpler but no less luxurious, thanks to all the usual modern amenities.
DON’T MISS: The Blue Mansion conducts three daily guided tours that give you an ideal of how unique this building is – from the Victorian stained glass windows and Staffordshire floor tiles, to the carved Sichuan screens and magnificent Teochew chien nien (porcelain cut and paste shard work).
WHEN IN GEORGE TOWN: The Cheong Fatt Tze Restaurant serves traditional Cantonese and Sichuan cuisines as well as more modern Chinese cuisines, expertly prepared and impeccably served. Still, it would be pity if you didn’t make time to sample Penang’s world famous street food, or explore George Town’s historic enclaves of Little India and Chinatown. Since The Blue Mansion is in the heart of the city, getting around is a breeze. However, the hotel staff would be more than happy to arrange guided tours and even share tips on where the best char kuey teow is.
thebluemansion.com.my
Marina Bay Sands
One of the city state’s premier destinations, the integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore includes a 2,561-room hotel, convention centre, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall, a museum, two theatres, seven ‘celebrity chef’ restaurants, the world’s largest atrium casino, and, of course, the 340m-long SkyPark that overlooks it all.
GETTING THERE: Whether you decide to fly off from the Subang Skypark or KLIA for an hour-long flight, or choose to take a four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, both methods incur approximately the same amount of total travel time when you factor getting through airport security into account. From experience, we’d recommend flying especially during peak season or on weekends.
TOP ATTRACTION(S): At the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. From shopping at the flagship boutiques of the top luxury brands which count Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Bulgari and Richard Mille among them, to feasting at world-class restaurants such as Adrift, Pizzeria Mozza and Long Chim, it’s entirely possible to lose yourself at Marina Bay Sands. Arts and culture aficionados may also pay a visit to the ArtScience Museum for a taste of history or enjoy a live performance/concert at the MasterCard Theatres, which frequently make showings of Broadway Musicals. And, of course, there’s the casino if you’re feeling lucky.
DON’T MISS: Surrounding the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort are numerous amenities tailored to every type of lifestyle. Running-enthusiasts among you will certainly enjoy the numerous scenic jogging routes in and around the Gardens by the Bay. Those looking for a fun night out in town need not look further than Clark Quay, which boasts numerous bars, nightclubs and gastronomic centres with a beautiful riverfront view and is well within walking distance from Marina Bay Sands.
WHILE IN SINGAPORE: Where does one begin with the Lion City? Despite the off-handed jokes everyone makes about Singapore being a teeny-tiny island, there’s more than enough places to visit and things to eat to keep even the most jaded traveller entertained. From going on a shopping spree on the iconic Orchard Road, a Sunday stroll in the Botanic Gardens to getting down and dirty in Geylang for cheap and cheerful street food, it’s safe to say that there’s truly something for everyone.
marinabaysands.com
