Stories tagged with luxury
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Thailand Appeals to Luxury Market
A noted industry expert has released a report demonstrating that Thailand is changing its image as primarily a destination for backpackers and is increasingly appealing to more upscale tourists.
A recent report was published in Luxury Travel Magazine indicating that the popular tourism destination in south-east Asia is rapidly gaining favor with travelers seeking luxury spas and the more personalized service of boutique accommodation.
Luxury Travel editor, Alyson Cook, commented that Thailand had been gaining popularity as a honeymoon destination.
She explained further: "The younger generation like the combination of a wonderful beach holiday in places like Ko Samui, [and] the opportunity to travel up into places like Chiang Mai [where they can see] elephants."
The magazine’s editor noted that it was particularly the ‘understated luxury’ that top hotels in Thailand offer that is unique. She said also that Thailand features in the top three long-haul destinations on Kuoni Travel’s list, on a regular basis.
Another noteworthy item from the 2008 Kuoni Long Haul Report includes the fact that the boutique luxury holiday market continues to do well, even in a gloomy global economy.
Well-to-do travelers continue to pay top dollar for expensive holidays and say that they want their travel experiences to be special and memorable.
Posted by: Andrew on 15 Jul 2008, 00:53 -
Rich Thai travellers speak out
In a recent survey undertaken by American Express, High-end travellers from Thailand declared they wanted a bit more minimalism when it comes to premium service. Words like flexibility and privacy came up, with the vast majority of those surveyed stating they preferred getaways that focused on privacy and exclusivity rather than being involved with a large group.
Many business professionals and luxury travellers were surveyed to reach the results, and one man who wished to remain anonymous said, "Privacy is very important to me, so I stay at less known, smaller hotels now - I feel more at home at these places. I'm worn out by large hotels and the crowds; it's all just too much. Boutique hotels are like going to your friend's house – comfortable."
It was also found that package holidays are out. Travellers want to be flexible and be able to go where the wind blows them a bit when on holiday instead of having a day’s itinerary to face in the morning. One man said, "A perfect travel experience is something I design myself. If I travel, I want to be the one who sets the schedule. I don't want to do things that are pre-arranged. You have to do many things in life you may not want to do. So when you relax, you want it to be your way, not in a box that someone else has created for you."
Posted by: DaveB on 23 May 2008, 20:24 -
Dairy gourmands in for treat at Millennium Hilton
The Millenium Hilton Hotel in Bangkok is high class all the way. The hotel is already well known for the five-star quality of its restaurants, and now it plans to go one step further by creating a special cheese room at the FLOW restaurant located in the hotel.
The room will be climate controlled to suit the cheese’s natural native environments, and controlled and monitored by cheese aficionados to assure premium conditions. Going too far, you ask?
“While the cheese room is common in Europe, the concept is just taking off in Asia. We thought it’s timely that we give this endearing ‘side-dish’ a dedicated spot in the heart of Bangkok,� says director of food and beverage at the hotel, Erwin Vanderveen. He went on to say, “We noticed that many food-lovers who frequent our award-winning restaurants and lounges request cheese, whether as a snack or as a dessert, but mainly more as a ‘social’ dish that creates a congenial mood for them to kickback and relax from a hectic day.�
And of course everyone knows what goes best with cheese, and a full range of complimentary wines will be available on recommendations form the experts.
Posted by: DaveB on 20 Apr 2008, 18:57 -
Mandarin Oriental offers ultimate luxury weekend
The new Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi resort in Chiang Mai has been rated as one of the world’s most extraordinary hotels and is now offering couples a chance to experience this ultimate luxury in a Romantic Escape Package. Until March 31st, visitors to the North will be able to benefit from special rates at this remarkable hotel.
Set in 60 acres of lush, purpose-developed grounds, the Dhara Dhevi is a living work of art, recreating temples, palaces, villas and gardens from ancient Mandalay and Lanna royal compounds. With its own paddy fields, exotic plantations and historically inspired architecture, this hotel is a unique experience akin to wandering into a timeless theme park of long lost kingdoms.
The hotel is like no other in Thailand, combining five star hospitality with a masterpiece in recreation of ancient buildings. And in addition to hosting royalty and major celebrities in its short life, the hotel is now making it possible for a wider range of travellers to afford the experience for a couple of nights.
Their package includes, airport transfers, a candle-lit dinner for two, served on the couple’s suite terrace, gift on arrival and complimentary bottle of wine, and a romantic flower bath, with accomodation in a Deluxe Colonial Suite including American buffet breakfast. This pampering cost US$1300 per couple and affords access to a range of facilities, as well as optional extras such as their world-class spa.
“We are confident all couples we welcome to Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi – whether they are celebrating their engagement or marriage, an anniversary or purely indulging in a romance-filled getaway - will agree their stay with us was the perfect romantic sojourn in one of Thailand and Asia’s most romantic destinations� said the hotel’s General Manager Mark Bradford.
For those who prefer an evening of hospitality to experience this stunning hotel, they can enjoy a drink in the Hotel’s Horn bar, or dinner at the Akaligo Mediterranean restaurant or Farang Ses, French Silver Service venue. At the hotel entrance are two highly recommended lunch restaurants, Le Grand Lanna (Thai) and Fujian (Cantonese).
For reservations email: mocnx-reservations@mohg.com
Posted by: Andrew on 13 Nov 2007, 17:14