< Previous80 COME SLEEP WITH ME81 With a superb panoramic view of Jade Dragon Mountain in Lijiang, China, backed by the signature all-inclusive vacation policy of Club Med, the end result cannot be anything else but an awesome and carefree holiday to remember. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich ASTONISHING VISTA as a trapeze. For those days when the weather may not be favourable, there is indoor yoga, wall-climbing, badminton, basketball and a heated water park measuring 1,500 sqm with splendid sliders, and much more. Kids will be delighted with the diverse activities organised by Mini Club Med – even I wished I was young again and able to experience those! ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ The familiar international TV channels do not make it across the border into China, resulting in only Chinese TV programmes. But luckily, it’s Club Med and there are tons of activities going on all day and evening, so guests are likely to forget about the television anyway. ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Club Med Lijiang welcomed us to its stupendous lobby with the jaw-dropping view of Jade Dragon Mountain after a smooth 55-minute ride from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. The welcome was lively, and the lobby was bright with a touch of local design and art here and there – the main focal point being a bold interpretation of the Naxi skirt behind the reception counter. Checking in was over in a flash and we were soon on our way to our room with our multi-function Club Med bracelets. The resort compound is low-rise and laid out as a traditional village. The three-storey building our room was located in was at the one end, meaning we would be able to imbue the surrounding nature to the fullest, especially the Cherry trees in bloom at that time. The resort architecture resembles that from ancient eras, particularly the gorgeous gable roof. The resort, embraced by verdant nature with a view of the majestic mountain, is picture-perfect and instantly removed thoughts of our daily routine back home out of our minds. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ Our Deluxe guestroom measured 40 sqm and could accommodate up to three guests. Contemporary wooden furniture was juxtaposed with fittings made from local fabrics, which Lijiang is famous for. The bed was so comfortable, the pillows fluffy and the sofa very inviting. For me, however, the highlight was the balcony with a mountain view, and I spent a lot of time on the lounger during our stay. The wardrobe was sufficiently large, and an ironing board was provided for our convenience. The bathroom was convenient for two with twin vanity sinks with magnifying mirrors, and included a bathtub. The in-room amenities were of top standard with a pleasant scent. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Baisha Restaurant is the hub at the resort and where quality local and international food CLUB MED LIJIANG No. 200, Group 1 Xinshan Village, Baisha Town, Yulong County, Lijiang, Yunnan, China W. clubmed.co.th/r/lijiang/y#resort is served in buffet form. The menu rotates daily to keep guests’ appetites happy, and there’s certainly something for everyone. The dining rooms are decorated differently in each zone according to the theme of copper, paper, wood and ceramic that was inspired by local craftsmanship. Outside normal mealtimes, guests can rely on the Noodle Bar as well as the snack buffet at Dayan, the main bar. The all- inclusive policy of Club Med also means free drinks, so go enjoy the chilled vibes. Cheers! ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ A signature touch of Club Med are the tons of varied, daily activities guests may join. For outdoor aficionados, I recommend to kick off the days with a Power Walk, during which you will be led through a local village and a meadow with spring, pond and a splendid natural view. It’s such a refreshing way to start the day, and my teenage daughter and I enjoyed the quality time together as well as had a blast. Otherwise, a walk along the resort’s jogging route, which is indicated by a coloured line on the ground, is also tempting. Other activities in fresh outdoor air include mini-soccer, archery, tennis as well 82 COME SLEEP WITH ME Nestled on the soft sands of Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, overlooking the Andaman Sea and hugged by Sirinat National Park, Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort is a haven of tranquillity. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya AN ISLAND OASIS FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Inspired by the fusion of modern tropical aesthetics and craftsmanship of the locals, Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach features a design narrative that exudes relaxed luxury and warm hospitality. The resort features 244 rooms and suites including pool access, private cabanas, and private pool suites. Ideal for couples and families alike, the resort's facilities include a lagoon pool, children’s pool, kids’ club and plenty of activities such as yoga, water sports, cooking classes and nearby excursions. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ Guestrooms start at 41 sqm in size and every room has a private balcony, while suites offer a sweeping ocean or resort view. Connecting rooms and family rooms are also available, ideal for families and those requiring more space. Their interior is timeless, relaxed and elegant, yet embraces the soul of Phuket by using local craftmanship from the bamboo fixtures to mid-century-inspired sculptural elements. The hand-painted Batik headboards not only showcase local artistry but also add a pop of colour and tropical vibe to the space. The bathrooms, very elegant with Italian tiles in blue hues, are spacious and stocked with premium amenities.83 LE MÉRIDIEN PHUKET MAI KHAO BEACH RESORT 81 Moo.3 T. Maikhao A. Thalang, Mai Khao, Phuket 83110, Thailand T. +66 76 603 699 E. rsvn@lemeridienmaikhao.com W. www.lemeridienphuketmaikhao.com ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Ocean Kitchen is a laidback Mediterranean restaurant located poolside that offers tempting bites, dip platters, crunchy salads and wood- fired pizzas. It’s also the best spot for having a drink at sunset. The Nook is a cosy café and boutique that features Thai, Indian and western set menus, thirst-quenching drinks, a great selection of craft coffees as well as grab-and-go food and delightful pastries. The boutique offers stylish beach essentials and local souvenirs. From dawn till dusk J’s serves up Thai dishes including distinctive Phuket ones, as well as international cuisine. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort allows guests to experience Phuket with a new perspective, and to savour vacation moments with a sense of casual luxury. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ The resort is located in the northern part of Phuket near a national park, which is very quiet and means a 40-minute journey to Phuket town and night-life. SPECIAL PROMOTIONCOME SLEEP WITH ME85 As one of the premier properties of the Best Western chain, this establishment in Jakarta offers a fusion of stylish, contemporary rooms and exceptional amenities in the bustling heart of Indonesia's capital, all with convenient access to transportation links. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya RETREAT IN STYLE an Indonesian noodle station, a variety of pastries, and sweets. One standout drink here is tamarind mixed with coconut juice and coconut meat, a truly thirst-quenching delight that I found myself ordering often. Dining in this hotel is unquestionably value for money, and the staff are friendly and prompt. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ The location provides unmatched convenience, my guestroom had everything I needed for a comfortable city stay, and dining was an absolute delight for me as I enjoyed trying many Indonesian dishes. My stay was pleasurable. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ One quibble that comes to mind is insufficient lighting above the mirror for female travellers. ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Situated 28 km from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Best Western Premier The Hive is ideally located within the thriving business district of Cawang. The hotel offers easy access to shopping areas, government offices and industrial zones. The four-star establishment is just a ten-minute drive from Halim Perdana Kusuma International Airport and mere minutes away from Cawang Station. For those seeking leisurely pursuits, Ancol, a coastal destination featuring beaches, theme parks, restaurants and recreational areas, is a quick thirty-minute trip away. Nearby, Cibubur Garden Diary offers nature-based experiences, providing insights into dairy farming and cow- related activities. With its proximity to the highway, this hotel ensures minimal travel time for guests. The property's ambiance is further enhanced by its outdoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and well-appointed meeting facilities. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ Best Western Premier The Hive offers a wide range of gurstroom types to cater to BEST WESTERN PREMIER THE HIVE Jl. DI. Panjaitan No.Kav. 3-4, RT.7/ RW.11, Cipinang Cempedak, Kecamatan Jatinegara, Kota Jakarta Timur, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13340, Indonesia T. +62 (0) 811 8138 809 E. gm@bwpremierthehive.com W. bestwestern.com various needs including Superior, Deluxe, and Suite. My stay was in a Junior Queen Suite with sprawling 60 sqm of space. It featured a dining table that was set with nice cutlery, a well- equipped pantry, a spacious and cosy sofa, a convenient work desk, and a breathtaking city view. The bed was impeccably clean and extremely comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The outdoor swimming pool is perfect for kids and an ideal relaxation spot for adults. t's a hotel where you can unwind by the pool enjoying your favourite drink, all the while soaking in the tropical city view. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Best Western Premier The Hive offers the convenience of 24/7 in-room dining, and I really appreciate the idea of being able to savour local and international dishes at any time, day or night. The hotel features two delightful restaurants and a cosy bar & lounge. Heather Cuisine offers a diverse range of international cuisines including American, Chinese, Indonesian, Italian and Japanese, and it’s where I particularly enjoyed their extensive breakfast buffet, which included When you think of Singapore, city streets of impressive skyscrapers tend to spring to mind. My recent stay at The Outpost Hotel Sentosa, however, offered a stay that was different and refreshing. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich TRENDY AND ADULT- EXCLUSIVE ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ The floor-to-ceiling glass window next to the check-in counter wowed me with a panorama of the ocean and the far horizon, and left the typical city view of Singapore’s skyscrapers I sipped happily on the welcome mocktail concocted by Pryce Tea and served in a sleek, shiny pineapple. The check-in process became a pleasure as I was asked to select five complimentary premium snacks and non- alcoholic drinks for my in-room minibar, and I was already keen to see my home for the night. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ Every guestroom measures 24 sqm, with the only difference being the view which may be of the sea, garden or pool. Mine was the sparkling sea, viewed through the floor-to- ceiling window next to the perfectly-made bed that I wanted to laze in all day and night. The black and white colour palette of the interior was lifted with playful hints of gold and metal. Although compact in size, the room was equipped with everything one would need on a holiday, from a Nespresso coffee-maker with complimentary capsules to bespoke tea blends by award-winning Pryce Tea, divine toiletries by APPELLES Apothecary & Lab, from Australia, and even an iron and ironing board. COME SLEEP WITH ME far behind me. The lobby’s distinctive black and white décor is a visual signal that The Outpost Hotel Sentosa is a trendy place, also solidifying the adult-exclusive concept here. 87 ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ There are two F&B outlets, both located on the rooftop (seventh floor) with a majestic vista of the coast. Sol & Ora, which is Latin for “the sun and the shore”, offers dishes from the Latin-Mediterranean region with finesse and a modern twist. The other outlet is 1-Altitude Coast, perched next to the infinity pool, with a menu of satisfying pool deck bites and drinks. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ In addition to the concept here which is different and refreshing, the attention to details is also key. The interiors are trendy and yet practical, such as the fast-dry tiles in the shower which mean that the second person to shower will not be met with a wet and slippery floor. The hotel also gets a brownie point for sustainability attempts, such as the in-room tap that provides drinking water filtered by nanofibre membrane technology. Last but not least, there’s the comfort and view – nothing beats waking up in a comfortable bed with an unblocked panorama of the coast! ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ The breakfast buffet does not offer a wide selection and many of the dishes are repeated daily. And since Singapore has great local food, the buffet would become much more interesting if local dishes were added to it. THE OUTPOST HOTEL SENTOSA 10 Artillery Avenue, #03-01 Palawan Ridge, Sentosa Island, Singapore 099951 W. www.TheOutpostHotel.com.sg88 COME SLEEP WITH ME For your next Balinese escapade, choose to stay at Best Western Kamala Jimbaran, where modern comfort meets affordability. This mid-scale hotel beckons travellers with an enticing blend of contemporary facilities and seamless connectivity, promising a happy island vacation experience. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya A BALINESE OASIS OF COMFORT AND CUISINE ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Nestled just 10 kilometres from Ngurah Rai Airport, a 30-minute drive away, Best Western Kamala Jimbaran promises easy access to Jimbaran Beach and Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) cultural park. Situated in the South Kuta part of Jimbaran, it serves as a perfect launching pad for exploring Bali's iconic attractions including Uluwatu Temple for captivating kecak dances and sunsets, and the pristine sands of Tanah Barak and Melasti. With 120 contemporary rooms and suites, this modern midscale hotel ensures a comfortable stay as you uncover the magic of the Island of the Gods. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ The 120-key hotel offers mostly Superior guestrooms, and a few in the Deluxe, Executive and Junior Suite categories. My stay was in a Deluxe Queen Room measuring 89 BEST WESTERN KAMALA JIMBARAN Jl. Raya Uluwatu No. 88X, Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia 80361 T. +62 361 4463 208 E. reservation@bwkamalajimbaran.com W. bestwestern.com 45 sqm with a balcony offering a nice view of GWK and Indonesia's tallest statue, measuring 121 metres high, within it. I was comfortable in the room and appreciated having excellent connectivity. Guests can take advantage of the swimming pool, restaurant, spa and lounge bar. Speaking of the spa, it's an oasis where you can unwind with a traditional Balinese massage, reflexology, or other rejuvenating treatment. For an extra level of comfort, in-room massages are available for a nominal fee. The hotel also offers three meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 120 people in theatre-style setup. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Kamala Restaurant is open 17 hours a day to ensure guests are never hungry. The breakfast buffet takes place here, offering a diverse array of Balinese, Indonesian, Western, Chinese and international food to energise you for your day of Bali adventures. Of course, here is where you can enjoy the rich flavours of Balinese dishes such as Sayur Urap, Ayam Suir Bumbu Pelalah, Pepes Tahu Jamur, and sweet delights such as Bubur Ketan Hitam and Kolak Pisang. If you're here with a special someone and would like a more private meal, the staff will happily arrange a romantic poolside dinner. The Cocktail Lounge is handy to stop at for snacks and beverages like tea, coffee and cocktails. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ I was very happy with the hotel's location, as in the vicinity is a treasure trove of local street food stalls and eclectic grocery stores that are open late into the night, offering a wide array of unique snacks and delicacies. If you're a lover of beach club vibes, look no further than Savaya Bali. With its iconic cube-shaped bar perched over Uluwatu's cliff and an infinity pool boasting breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, it's a beach club experience like no other. And the best part is that as a guest of Best Western Kamala Jimbaran, you’ll enjoy complimentary access if you show your key card, saving you the usual USD 10 entry fee. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ I was happy to have a balcony with a very nice view, but there was no chair provided in which I could relax and fully take in the fresh air.Next >