Archive for Destinations

14 Mar 2012

Norman Estates at Danang Beach Resort, Vietnam

No Comments Elite Living, News & Events, Vietnam

Norman Estates at Danang Beach Resort, VietnamElite Living is the showcase of only the finest of quality luxury lifestyle-living available throughout our world.

Elite Living is the opportunity to search, display, connect and secure premier quality Resort Residences and Vacation Homes from throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Savills is a global real estate services provider listed on the London Stock Exchange with an international network of more than 200 offices and associates throughout the Americas, the UK, continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, offering a broad range of specialist advisory, management and transactional services to clients all over the world.


Norman Estates at Danang Beach Resort, Vietnam

Norman Estates at Danang Beach Resort, VietnamDiscover the spirit of a Norman – inspired lifestyle “Norman Estates” is an internationally acclaimed luxury real estate brand inspired by Greg Norman and his lifestyle. The Norman Estates concept reflects his enthusiasm in creating a superior quality of life through excellence in design and uniqueness in location. Each Norman Estates project is individually designed to create an environment that combines the best of local culture with the latest design, technology and lifestyle features.

Enjoy the comforts of a world class resort. Just 20 minutes away from vibrant Danang City by car and within equally easy access of the ancient city of Hoi An, Danang Beach Resort is a high class residential complex and one of the largest and most well regarded property developments in Central Vietnam.

Norman Estates at Danang Beach Resort, VietnamWhether you are looking for a luxury home by the ocean, an exclusive villa adjoining a world class golf course or a high – end apartment with stunning island views, all accompanied by international standard facilities, this is the place to be.

Norman Estates features 33 exclusive, contemporary designed villas with maximized open spaces and views of the golf course. Discerning buyers have the opportunity to select from 4 thoughtfully designed floor-plans that integrate the best of local culture with the latest architecture, technology and lifestyle features.

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Plan your Elite Living Lifestyle today with Norman Estates at Danang Beach Resort, Vietnam

05 Mar 2012

Hey Big Tipper: Tipping Etiquette

7 Comments Cruise, News & Events

Are you the kind of person who leaves a tip?

Have you ever been chased down for a tip on leaving a restaurant or told by an irate waiter your tip was insufficient? Here are some first hand acouunts on Tipping Etiquette from across the globe

Let’s face it; the tipping system in North America is downright fickle, and at times flawed. I resent being exploited and inveigled into making up the shortfall of a poor salary. I feel sorry for the porters, water boys, waiters, and service staff in general who are at the mercy of the public’s generosity. I would rather see wage’s raised and service charges included, instead of carrying the guilt of having been foolishly generous or a stinky miser.

While travelling in North America I spend my time calculating how much I need to give for tips, and believe me, I was never very good at mental arithmetic. Instead of ogling the luxuries the New York department stores have to offer, I’m busy glaring at the bullet head of the aggressive taxi driver, trying to calculate how much tip to give him at the journey’s end so as not to ignite his wrath. I’m nervous all the time when in the States, less so in Europe, they are more civilized about tipping. Although, in some parts of Europe, where they see heavy tourist traffic like Venice, they too are very hostile if you have been less than generous. I remember vividly, slinking away from a second-rate restaurant in Venice, after failing to leave a “tip for the table” as we were instructed by the gorilla-like Maître D, “Flea bitten Australians” he flung after us as we scurried into the night.

I’m more relaxed travelling to countries that don’t necessarily expect a tip. It is not customary in the Asia Pacific, although the practice is gaining acceptance. India, China, Korea, and Taiwan discourage gratuities; at one time it was against the law, like most things, in Singapore. In Japan it is considered an insult, I like Japan’s attitude! Australia and New Zealand are more relaxed, preferring to put the onus on the customer, most establishments now include a service charge, although I have never seen anyone actually turn down cash!

Bangkok has come to expect tips from foreigners, our own fault perhaps, and 10% service charge is now the norm, but I often wonder if it is distributed fairly to the staff. I actually don’t mind tipping in resorts such as Thailand and Bali, the service is so good and the resorts are so physically beautiful. The locals earn very little and rely on the generosity of returning guests; I always try to remember the little people behind the scenes, give a tip to a gardener at the end of your stay, and his smile will stay with you until you return!

If you want to avoid tipping all together, go for high-end all-inclusive. Silversea luxury cruise lines discourage tipping, in fact everything is included during your cruise, if you wish at your discretion to single out exemplary service you can leave a tip in an envelope on your departure.

So Round up and relax!

01 Mar 2012

Bunga Raya Island Resort

No Comments Beach, Boutique / Intimate, Couples / Honeymoon / Romantic, Destination Spa / Wellness Resort, Elite Episodes, Elite Resorts Presents, Family Oriented, Heritage / Historical, Island, Jungle, Malaysia, News & Events, Resort, Rustic, Villas

Tropical Luxury As sensual and exotic as the hibiscus flower that bears its name, Bunga Raya Island Resort is a romantic and luxurious jewel set on a coral reef island off the coast of Borneo. A secluded island hideaway of 48 timbered villas, the resort is framed by white sand beach on one side and the centuries old virgin jungle on the other. Hillside private villas reflect the simplicity of the Borneo architectural style.

Each private villa is rough hewn and terraced into the hillside reflecting simplicity of the Borneo architectural style, blending seamlessly with the comforts for the most sophisticated and discerning luxury traveler.

The marine park of your dreamsFacilities include the Jungle Spa, Sauna, Ice Room. Certified PADI Dive Centre, Snorkeling, Kayaks and Jungle Trekking, 30m infinity-edge pool, Wireless Internet. A fleet of boats from 28ft for island hoping to the luxurious 64ft Rafflesia. Excursions to Monkey Sanctuary, River Rafting and Mt Kinabalu climb.

The First Elite Episode from Enchanting Malaysian Borneo

Beach front dining When you book any room at the Bunga Raya Island Resort through Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific for a minimum of 3 nights, you will automatically receive the best rate possible and a 1 hour couples massage in the Spa free of charge!

What’s more, if you book a Plunge Pool Villa or Treehouse Villa and stay a minimum of 3 nights you receive the above and be able to purchase a a romantic dinner package (valued at RM500++) for two for the amazing rate of RM150!

Take a dipWhen making your booking on the Elite Episode page, please quote “The First Elite Episode from Enchanting Malaysian Borneo”.

E T C | Book now | Email now | Map | Elite Episode

To find out more about natural magic of this fantastic resort and to make your reservation, visit the Bunga Raya Island Resort page at the Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific.

28 Feb 2012

World’s most expensive cruise

No Comments Beach, Couples / Honeymoon / Romantic, Cruise, Family Oriented, Floating, Floating (Ships, Yachts, Houseboats, Riverboats), News & Events, Resort, Special Promotions

The world’s most expensive luxury cruise package is up for grabs and comes with a price tag of $A1.5 million per couple.

Once at sea the pair will stay in Silver Whisper's Royal Suite, which has two bedrooms, two marbled bathrooms, dining area and two balconies.

The 124-day holiday onboard Silversea Cruises‘ vessel Silver Whisper departs from Los Angeles in January 2013 and includes visits to 28 countries, including French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia.

The package, offered by UK cruise retailer Six Star Cruises, carries a price tag of STG1 million ($A1.49 million) – or nearly $A12,000 per day per couple.

Once at sea the pair will stay in Silver Whisper’s Royal Suite, which has two bedrooms, two marbled bathrooms, dining area and two balconies.

The trip starts with the holidaymakers being whisked away from their home or hotel in London by helicopter and flown to a London airport. At the airport the couple will dine on Beluga Caviar, priced at a STG4,000 ($A5,967) per kilogram.

The pair will then fly to the United States by private charter onboard a Boeing business jet that features mahogany panelling and gold-plated fixtures. During the flight a Michelin star chef will create a 10 course tasting menu for the couple.

Once at sea the pair will stay in Silver Whisper’s Royal Suite, which has two bedrooms, two marbled bathrooms, dining area and two balconies.

The Silver Whisper.

The cruise package also includes a four night pre-cruise stay at the iconic Beverley Wilshire Hotel in Beverley Hills, Los Angeles, and a four night post-cruise stay in a six-bedroom villa in Miami, Florida.

Six Star Cruises company director Mal Barritt said that despite economic uncertainty in Europe, he believes this holiday package will sell well.

“We have listened to what some of our most discerning customers say they look for in a holiday and have created the most desirable cruise holiday in the world,” he said in a statement.

The four-month cruise departs the UK on January 1, 2013 and those looking to get on board can opt for a less expensive option – Ocean View Vista Suite for the entire 115-day cruise are available from US$48,114 ($A45,018) per person, double occupancy.

E T C | Book now | Email now | Elite Experience | Elite Episode

For more information about Silversea, visit Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific

24 Feb 2012

Easter Holiday at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai

No Comments Special Promotions, Thailand

Celebrate Easter at the Lanna-inspired wonderland of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai and enjoy the very special holiday.

With room rates starting from THB 17,599*, stay for two nights and receive a choice of one of the following benefits:

 

  • Daily Buffet Breakfast for two
  • Roundtrip airport transfers for two
  • 80-minute traditional therapies for two
  • One Thai set lunch or dinner (food only) for two at Le Grand Lanna

*Rate is per suite/villa per night and subject to 18.5% service charge, government tax and provincial tax.

To book this special offer, please click the Book Now button, contact Elite Travel Consultancy and request “Easter Holiday”.

E T C | Book now | Email now | Elite Episode | My Elite Episode

For more information, visit Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai at Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific