The pilgrim progresses
Tie up a visit to Cambodia's historical Angkor Vat temple with a
luxurious stay at a picture-perfect resort set amid a tropical
rainforest, located on the Thai island of Koh Kood.
Of course you can fly into Cambodia as a common tourist any time you wish to visit Angkor Vat. But if a bespoke experience is more your style, we suggest you make the trip via Thailand! Yes, because that way, you get to soak in culture and history packaged in luxury. All you need to do is to book yourself on to Soneva Kiri's special expedition and let the experts take over.
This lush Six Senses property, which is just about a year old, is located on the Thai island of Koh Kood in the Gulf of Siam. Once you're done sampling the local waterfalls, jungle treks and snorkelling excursions, the Soneva Kiri staff whisk you off on a temple tour that couldn't get more authentic or informed: it is guided by a professor associated with Unesco. The experience begins as you board Soneva Kiri's private plane for an hour-long flight to Siem Reap. Upon landing, you're whisked away by a luxury vehicle to the city of Angkor. The pace is leisurely, the comforts luxurious. You can choose to stay two or three nights at Angkor Vat, exploring the ancient remains of five centuries of Khmer civilisation. Take a helicopter ride with the professor to see remote temples in the jungle not usually open to the public. Visit the Walled City of Angkor Thom, meet Buddhist monks, see local artisans at work, and enjoy a meal amid the rice fields of Siem. End the trip with a candle-lit dinner date with history in the Angkor Wat complex. Now, that's something to write home about. More details are available at www.sixsenses.com
Pug marks
Now, track the tiger with a little help from the Taj. The hotel chain has tied up with & Beyond, Africa's leading ecotourism company, to launch Taj Safaris that takes you deep into the tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh such as Kanha, Panna, Pench and Bandhavgarh National Park. Take your pick from Taj Safari Wildlife Lodges on the tiger circuit and opt for any of the packages on offer. The Full Jungle Plan at Rs16,000 per person per night at any of these properties includes twice daily excursions into the jungle. The Limited Jungle Plan is for Mahua Kothi, Baghvan and Banjaar Tola, at Rs12,500. The Temple Tiger Odyssey includes a trip to Khajuraho, a cruise down the Ken river and an excursion to Panna National Park (at Rs9,500). Offer open till March 31, 2011. For details, log on to www.tajsafaris.com
New year 2011 in sin city
If you're a party animal, you know that Vegas is the place to be. And what better way to kick off the New Year than to be in the city that never ceases to party, never pauses to sleep. With little more than a month to go before the festivities flag off, you need to book now to catch the biggest parties of the year. Book yourself at Vegas' nightclub LAX for its New Year Eve party and ring in 2011 with celebrity host Kim Kardashian. Entry is pegged at $150(Rs6,650) though expenses can go as high as $5,000(Rs 2.21 lakh). If you prefer a theme party, head to the Mirage Hotel for its New Year 007 Party. Organised at nightclub Jet, you're charged $200(Rs 8,900) as entry and $2,500(Rs 1.10 lakh) for a full table service package. There are some great deals available at hotels as well. The Mandalay Bay Hotel is offering special rates starting at $70(Rs 3,100) for a standard room which you can upgrade to a luxury suite with its 'Exotic Escape Offer'. And if you want something more upmarket, there's always Caesar's Palace, where a 'Plan Ahead and Save' package gets you a 30 per cent discount. So what are you waiting for? Let the party begin.
No stop at shop
This Christmas, dodge the shopper's hat and have your job done for you by the best. Check into Hotel Amigo at Brussels where the hotel's shopping expert Linda Van Waesberge is standing by to act as your personal shopper. From luxury products to handmade pralines, she can procure them all. All you need to do is email your requirements to her, and have your wishlist delivered to your room. The offer is on till December 19, and available to anyone spending at least two nights at the hotel. www.hotelamigo.com.
Pillow talk
To match the funky look of their famous cafe, De Taart Van m'n Tante in the heart of Amsterdam, the owners have created a kitschfilled bed and breakfast outlet called Cake Under My Pillow just above. The place looks like a drunkon-colour pastry with bric-a-brac that include pink flamingos, a spaniel in porcelain and plastic cakes. The day starts with a complimentary breakfast and guests are invited to relax in the kitchen over a tea or coffee. Rates go from 110 euros (Rs 6,700) to 160 euros (Rs 9,747) per night.
Website:info@cakeundermypillow.com
Sparkling ride
The world's first crystal-studded cable car has made its appearance in Singapore. The LED-illuminated, sparkling metallic black and chrome cabin, strung on a monocable ropeway, links Mount Faber of Harborfront Tower with Sentasa Island and seats four persons. The cabin boasts ambient lighting and a state-of-theart sound system, and has Swarovski crystals dotting both the interior and exterior. The glass floor is enhanced with crystal elements while the large black leather seats have armrests covered with black glittering crystal fabric. The roof illumination is also through Swarovski glass panels. A ride costs $888(Rs 3,542) for a round trip. Those who want a more affordable ride can opt for one of the 67 black-and-chrome regular cabins, where a one-way journey costs $24(Rs 826) for adults and $14(Rs 482) for children. A one-way trip takes around 13 minutes at a speed of 3 m/s.
This lush Six Senses property, which is just about a year old, is located on the Thai island of Koh Kood in the Gulf of Siam. Once you're done sampling the local waterfalls, jungle treks and snorkelling excursions, the Soneva Kiri staff whisk you off on a temple tour that couldn't get more authentic or informed: it is guided by a professor associated with Unesco. The experience begins as you board Soneva Kiri's private plane for an hour-long flight to Siem Reap. Upon landing, you're whisked away by a luxury vehicle to the city of Angkor. The pace is leisurely, the comforts luxurious. You can choose to stay two or three nights at Angkor Vat, exploring the ancient remains of five centuries of Khmer civilisation. Take a helicopter ride with the professor to see remote temples in the jungle not usually open to the public. Visit the Walled City of Angkor Thom, meet Buddhist monks, see local artisans at work, and enjoy a meal amid the rice fields of Siem. End the trip with a candle-lit dinner date with history in the Angkor Wat complex. Now, that's something to write home about. More details are available at www.sixsenses.com
Now, track the tiger with a little help from the Taj. The hotel chain has tied up with & Beyond, Africa's leading ecotourism company, to launch Taj Safaris that takes you deep into the tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh such as Kanha, Panna, Pench and Bandhavgarh National Park. Take your pick from Taj Safari Wildlife Lodges on the tiger circuit and opt for any of the packages on offer. The Full Jungle Plan at Rs16,000 per person per night at any of these properties includes twice daily excursions into the jungle. The Limited Jungle Plan is for Mahua Kothi, Baghvan and Banjaar Tola, at Rs12,500. The Temple Tiger Odyssey includes a trip to Khajuraho, a cruise down the Ken river and an excursion to Panna National Park (at Rs9,500). Offer open till March 31, 2011. For details, log on to www.tajsafaris.com
If you're a party animal, you know that Vegas is the place to be. And what better way to kick off the New Year than to be in the city that never ceases to party, never pauses to sleep. With little more than a month to go before the festivities flag off, you need to book now to catch the biggest parties of the year. Book yourself at Vegas' nightclub LAX for its New Year Eve party and ring in 2011 with celebrity host Kim Kardashian. Entry is pegged at $150(Rs6,650) though expenses can go as high as $5,000(Rs 2.21 lakh). If you prefer a theme party, head to the Mirage Hotel for its New Year 007 Party. Organised at nightclub Jet, you're charged $200(Rs 8,900) as entry and $2,500(Rs 1.10 lakh) for a full table service package. There are some great deals available at hotels as well. The Mandalay Bay Hotel is offering special rates starting at $70(Rs 3,100) for a standard room which you can upgrade to a luxury suite with its 'Exotic Escape Offer'. And if you want something more upmarket, there's always Caesar's Palace, where a 'Plan Ahead and Save' package gets you a 30 per cent discount. So what are you waiting for? Let the party begin.
No stop at shop
This Christmas, dodge the shopper's hat and have your job done for you by the best. Check into Hotel Amigo at Brussels where the hotel's shopping expert Linda Van Waesberge is standing by to act as your personal shopper. From luxury products to handmade pralines, she can procure them all. All you need to do is email your requirements to her, and have your wishlist delivered to your room. The offer is on till December 19, and available to anyone spending at least two nights at the hotel. www.hotelamigo.com.
Pillow talk
To match the funky look of their famous cafe, De Taart Van m'n Tante in the heart of Amsterdam, the owners have created a kitschfilled bed and breakfast outlet called Cake Under My Pillow just above. The place looks like a drunkon-colour pastry with bric-a-brac that include pink flamingos, a spaniel in porcelain and plastic cakes. The day starts with a complimentary breakfast and guests are invited to relax in the kitchen over a tea or coffee. Rates go from 110 euros (Rs 6,700) to 160 euros (Rs 9,747) per night.
Website:info@cakeundermypillow.com
Sparkling ride
The world's first crystal-studded cable car has made its appearance in Singapore. The LED-illuminated, sparkling metallic black and chrome cabin, strung on a monocable ropeway, links Mount Faber of Harborfront Tower with Sentasa Island and seats four persons. The cabin boasts ambient lighting and a state-of-theart sound system, and has Swarovski crystals dotting both the interior and exterior. The glass floor is enhanced with crystal elements while the large black leather seats have armrests covered with black glittering crystal fabric. The roof illumination is also through Swarovski glass panels. A ride costs $888(Rs 3,542) for a round trip. Those who want a more affordable ride can opt for one of the 67 black-and-chrome regular cabins, where a one-way journey costs $24(Rs 826) for adults and $14(Rs 482) for children. A one-way trip takes around 13 minutes at a speed of 3 m/s.
