At the Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific our name says it all. We bring together the finest collection of resorts in the Asia Pacific region. And this is very true for our member resorts in our most southern nations, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. As the rugby season has just kicked off, we thought it would be an apt time to acknowledge their achievements.

For the Hayman Great Barrier Reef, Australia

• Australia’s Leading Resort – Luxury Travel Gold List 2009
• Australiaís Leading Resort – World Travel Awards 2009
• Best Australian Resorts – Travel + Leisure US 2009
• World’s Best Awards – Conde Nast Traveler US 2009
• Top Overseas Leisure Hotels – Conde Nast Traveller UK 2009
• Five-Star Australian Hotel Executive Chef of the Year – HM Awards 2009

For the Huka Lodge, New Zealand

• Tatler Enduring Excellence Award 2010
• Top New Zealand property and 2 out of top 20 Australasia and Pacific Resorts – Conde Nast Traveller US Reader’s Choice Awards 2009
• Ranked 19th worldwide Food & Wine Resort special awards category – Andrew Harper’s ‘Hideaway Report’
• Top 20 International Hideaways Huka Lodge is the top Australasian property and globally ranked 12 – Andrew Harper’s ‘Hideaway Report’, Reader’s Choice Awards 2009
• Best for Service – Travel + Leisure US 2009
• First for New Zealand and 2nd out of 10 properties listed in Australasian Region – Travel + Leisure US 2009
• Gootrip Magazine – Top Ten honeymoon place in China to go
• Travel + Leisure 2009 China Travel Awards – Best New Hotels

For the Orion Expedition Cruises

• Best Adventure Tourism – Australian Gourmet Traveller Readers Choice Awards 2009
• Best Cruise Line – Australian Gourmet Traveller Readers Choice Awards 2009
• Best Small Ship – Cruise Passenger Readers Awards 2009
• Best Cuisine – Cruise Passenger Readers Awards 2009
• Best Adventure Cruise Ship – Cruise Passenger Readers Awards 2009
• Best Cruise/Sailing Experience – Travelling in Australia magazineís 20 Best Experiences Awards 2009

For Silversea

• World’s Best – Conde Nast Traveller x 9 Years
• World’s Best – Travel + Leisure x 7 Years
• Rated Number One luxury cruise line – Luxury Brand Status Index 2008
• Best Innovation in Products and Services – Italian Innovazione Marketing Oggi Awards 2009
• World’s Leading Small Ships Cruise Line – World Travel Awards 2009
• Five Star Diamond Award – American Academy of Hospitality Sciences 2009
• Best Luxury Cruise Line – Australia’s Luxury Travel & Style Magazine 2009
• Best Luxury Cruise Operator – Asia’s Travel Weekly 2008 & 2009

Here at the Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific our name says it all. We bring together the finest collection of resorts in the Asia Pacific region. With Chinese New Year celebrations just around the corner, we thought we would illustrate this by focusing on our member resorts in China and the world wide industry recognition that they have recently achieved and allow us to congratulate these partners again for their outstanding achievements.

For the Banyan Tree Lijiang, China

• Hurun Best of the Best Awards 2009 – Best Yunnan Luxury Resort
• Resorts Magazine Hospitality Award 2009 – The Best 100 resorts #85th
• China Hotel Starlight Award 2009 – Top 10 Glamorous Hotels Of China
• TTG China Travel Award 2009 – Resort Hotel Awards- Best Resort In China
• China Hotel Starlight Award 2009 – Best Spa Hotel of China
• Golden Pillow Award 2009 – China’s Top 10 Most Popular Resort Hotels of 2009
• CNBC Asia Pacific Property Awards 2009 – Best Hotel (China) category
• Kipling and Clark 2009 – Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Asia
• Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards 2009 – China Best 100 Hotels (98th)
• Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards 2009 – Best Spa Award
• Best Design Hotels Award 2009 – Design hotel of the year
• Asia’s Top 10 Sustainable Spas Awards 2009 – Voted of one of Asia’s Top 10 Sustainable Spas
• China Best Design Hotels Awards China 2009 – The Best of the Year Award

For the Banyan Tree Sanya, China

• China Hotel Starlight Award 2009 – The Best New Opening Hotels of China
• Conde Nast Traveller UK Hot List 2009 – 10 Ones to Watch – Australasia
• Asia & Pacific Ocean, Conde Nast Traveler USA Hot List 2009 – 50 Hot Spas – China
• Conde Nast Traveler USA Hot List 2009 – Hot Hotels in China
• Golden Pillow Award 2009 – China’s Top 10 Best New Opening Hotels of 2009
• Hotels China 2009 The Annual China Hotel Awards – China Best Resort Hotel Top 10
• Gootrip Magazine – Top Ten honeymoon place in China to go
• Travel + Leisure 2009 China Travel Awards – Best New Hotels

For the Mandarin Oriental Sanya, China

• Hainan Hotel & Catering Association 2009 – Top 10 Hotel General Managers in Hainan / Top 10 Eco-friendly Resorts in Hainan Best Luxury Resort in Hainan,
• GZL 2009 – The Best New Hotel
• AsiaSpa Awards 2009 – New Spa of the Year
• The Bund “China Best Design Hotel Award” 2009 – China Best Vacation Resort
• Travel & Leisure (China) 2009 – Top 20 Selected Spas in China
• Destin Asian 2009 – Asia Luxe List 2009 – Best New Hotels and Resorts
• CNN Traveller 2009 – Top 5 Asia’s Luxurious Spa Hotels “Best for Privacy”
• Condé Nast Traveler (Spain) 2009 – World’s Fashionable New Hotels Hot List
• Voyage Magazine 2009 – Best New Resort in China
• Condé Nast Traveler 2009 – Hot List
• World’s 140 Top New Hotels
• Condé Nast Traveler 2009 – Hot List Spas, Top 50 Spas

“The best way to get to heaven is to take it with you” Henry Drummond

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Thailand.

It is early evening at the Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai Thailand; a pink mist rises and hovers halo-like above the burnished pagodas, the only sound is the gentle lapping of water and the soothing tinkling of brass chimes in the breeze.

My husband and I sit on our vast colonial veranda savouring the silence, whilst sipping a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. We have quickly settled into our spacious two-roomed suite, complete with enormous bathroom, guest bathroom, and sitting room. Although Thailand was never colonised, the suites are a fine reflection of European influences in Thailand. Recalling the grandeur of a by-gone era, the rooms are a treasure trove of Asian collectables, with high ceilings, sumptuous furnishing, and immaculate teak and polished Sino-Portuguese tiles, sourced from Burma.

Dhara Dhevi, Sanskrit for Star Goddess, is a lavish private compound meticulously constructed in inspiration of a historical Lanna Kingdom, set on 60 acres hidden away in the heartland of Northern Thailand.

We entered the compound by way of a chauffeur driven limousine, once in sight of the Palace gates; we transferred to a golf cart as no vehicles are allowed inside the compound. Transfer is by way of golf cart, traditional horse and buggy or bicycle. Heavy wooden drawbridges traditionally herald the approach of visitors.

Transported suddenly from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chiang Mai, we entered an ancient world. A world reminiscent of old Siam, a stage set for The King and I. Soaring mature trees line a cobbled avenue, flanked on either side by antique pavilions, Thai temples, and a ceremonial village green complete with ancient art instillations.

Ahead are the magnificent marble steps leading to a towering open-air pavilion and lobby, filled with Orientalia collected from all corners of Asia; Burma, Cambodia, China, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Like children, we spent the afternoon we arrived, exploring the vast grounds by bicycle. The Palace is enclosed by ponds, working rice paddies with water buffalo, lakes, ancient brick walls, amphitheatres, yoga pavilions, flanked by elephant, and warrior statues, surrounded on all sides by dense jungle. It is like an Asian Disneyland for grownups, but having said that everything you see is in fact authentic.

The choice of accommodation within the resort is as eclectic as the rare antique collection housed within. Traditional wooden rice barns, and stand alone teakwood villas overlook the fertile rice paddies, complete with, plunge pools or outdoor Jacuzzi, Salas or lap pools, they are erected in privately serene clusters and bordered by luxurious gardens.

After drinks in the ultra chic and seductively lit Horn Bar, named after the multitude of horned ornamental masks lining the walls, we were escorted along with our friends to dinner at the Fujian Restaurant.

The finest of Chinese cuisine is served in the Fujian, a delightful lacquer box, styled after a 1930’s Shanghai mansion. We made our way to the restaurant on foot, by way of a cobbled winding alley, surrounded by a wooden shuttered shopping village, brimming with handmade treasures. The seafood dishes and Peking duck pancakes were delicious as was the wine, served in handcrafted blown glass.

We fell asleep that evening with the gentle ringing of brass wind chimes and woke the following morning to the laughter of children and birdsong.

After a sumptuous breakfast on our patio, featuring fresh tropical fruit, and homemade yoghurt topped with fresh honeycomb, we walked through the palace grounds to the Dheva Spa and Holistic centre.

The Dheva Spa is the jewel in the crown of the resort, meticulously reincarnated from an ancient Burmese Palace. With its majestic teak roof climbing the seven steps to Nirvana, and the mythical titanic proportions of the catfish that inhabit the ponds surrounding the entrance, the spa offers one a fortunate entrée into the legendary and historical holistic treatments of South East Asia.

I had long been fascinated by the Ayurvedic treatment called Shirodhara, more commonly known as the Third Eye treatment of Lord Shiva. The treatment, makes the lofty claims of being able to calm the mind and body, rebalance the nervous system, improving the functions of the five senses, curing insomnia, anxiety, depression, and fatigue to name but a few.

Who would not be intrigued, but it does have a dark side so I have read with interest. It also claims to uncover forgotten memories, enlighten, and rid you of your negativity what did I have to lose? We admired the beautiful interiors as we wound our way through a subterranean network of treatment rooms.

After tea and a relaxing foot massage, we changed and proceeded to the couple’s treatment room. My husband had opted for a body scrub and massage, after warning him not to embarrass me by falling asleep and snoring.

Once on my treatment table I forgot all about him. My eyes were covered by squares of linen as the holistic therapist commenced the rhythmic pouring of medicated oil. The oil pours continuously onto your third eye in seductively hypnotic sway, resulting in a sense of deep relaxation and sense of well-being. My anxious mind was stilled. I felt serenely peaceful, calm, and within reach of the legendary Nirvana.

A blissful head and shoulder massage followed the treatment, which lasted for 60 minutes. Afterwards, my hair was wrapped in a linen towel, and I was instructed to leave the nourishing oil in my hair for as long as I could, and avoid any stimulants, such as caffeine or alcohol.

I left the man I arrived with there on the table, what was his name? And floated out of the Palace past the giant catfish and promptly lost my way back to my room.

My blissful state continued throughout dinner at the Grand Lanna Thai restaurant, as I sat mesmerised by the calm hand movements, and seductive dance steps of the beautiful Thai dance troupe. That evening, I slept for the first time in ages, like a baby.

The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi really is a magical resort, set in lavish opulence it offers something for everyone. Children find the grounds fascinating, with so much to explore, bicycles and horse and buggy rides, a kids club and activities geared to all ages. With many restaurants and two pools catering to their needs, the colonial and the kid’s favourite, Loy Kham overlooking the rice paddies. The Loy Kham pool has coconut palms jutting out over the water, a magnet for the kiddies to sit and jump from into the water.

The adults and honeymooners are well catered for, with many stylish bars and restaurants, shopping arcades, and the authentic Kad Dhara shopping village, demonstrating unique artisan skills and handmade crafts. Conducted art tours and yoga, conducted in a historical yoga pavilion is available daily. The Jum Sri Hall Library houses a wide selection of books and collection of journals, magazines, and newspapers. The atmosphere is inviting, teak lined floors with a nook to relax and have a cup of tea and biscuits.

Staying at the Dhara Dhevi really is a path to heaven, throughout our stay we were treated like royalty, we left relaxed, well fed, and enlightened, and leaving as one should, already on our way back!

“The journey is the reward” Taoist proverb

© Copyright 2010 Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific · All Rights Reserved.

“Faith is an island in the sun, but proof is the bottom line for everyone.” Paul Simon

Trisara, Nai Thon Beach Phuket

A sugary sickle of sand and expansive ocean views rise up to meet you as you traverse the sweeping drive to the stylish Trisara Resort Phuket.

Trisara, meaning Gardens in Heaven, has been meticulously planned, with 42 private villas, all with wraparound sun decks embracing an uninterrupted view of the Andaman Sea. Each guest enjoys the luxury of an infinity pool and sensual outdoor showers, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, offering the utmost in privacy. The design of Trisara was personally and cleverly overseen by resort group director, and General Manager, Anthony Lark.

Once shown to our villa we fell into a coma of relaxation, whiling away the afternoon hours in the strategically placed sun lounges, sipping chilled wine and eating hand dipped chocolate. A sweet little privacy angel has been thoughtfully provided for each guest to ensure uninterrupted solitude.

The Villa is easy on the eye and comfortable underfoot, creamy earth tones and strip tease silks. An expansive bathroom has a peek a boo sliding wall that allows the bather views of the sunset whilst preparing for pre-dinner cocktails.

Walking along the private bay at sunset we came upon a mesh enclosure protecting the nesting sea turtles, a magnet for the kiddies, along with the salt water lap pool surrounded by private sun beds.

A red ball of sun disappeared beyond the horizon leaving a balmy evening; we enjoyed our wine, a gentle breeze licking at our faces, as we browsed the extensive dining menu. The loquacious and sociable Thai staff walked us through the menu featuring authentic Thai dishes and contemporary international cuisine. We found whatever we desired, on and off the menu, the chef was only too happy to indulge our request.

The rippling ocean reflected the flickering votives as we strolled back to our villa; we slept with the door flung wide, the sound of the waves washing onto the beach below.

The following morning we woke as if from a trance to the flaring light over the sea. A fresh faced boy delivered a delicious breakfast which we ate in the shade of a palm tree. After a brisk walk about the grounds, discovering the magnificent privately owned residential villas. We walked back along the beach past the newly appointed massage pavilion, checked on the progress of the nesting turtles and negotiated the suspended jetty to take a dinghy out to Banana Beach for lunch.

The wind had got up and the sea was choppy, after about twenty minutes we arrived stiff with sea spray, to a grinning group of tourists, lolling about drinking cold beer under a huge old tree. A raven eye boy met us on the sand with menus as we took a place in a shaded spot, where he quickly produced cold drinks. The local restaurant, family run, and housed under a thatched roof, serves simple local seafood. Fresh and delicious with lots of garlic, we feasted on grilled prawns and reef fish washed down with ice cold beer.

Trisara Resort offers a state of the art fitness centre and exercise equipment for those who overindulge at lunch, or a game of tennis, on courts, which are floodlit at night, but most guest would probably prefer to spend the afternoon being pampered in the breezy pavilions of the Trisara Spa.

The Spa offers a signature Royal massage, performed by three therapists using organic products. Yoga, meditation, Reiki, Nia, Pilates and a selection of body, wraps, facials and beauty treatments are performed by consultant healers. Whilst adults indulge at the spa, the children are entertained in the recreation room, with movies, games and other structured activities.

Phuket has the luxury of being surrounded by beauty. With magnificent bays, famous for the limestone cliffs, that rise majestically out of the ocean, and sandy beaches, bordered by coral reefs. The neighbouring islands, some the location for movies can be explored daily, Trisara has a flotilla of luxury motor yachts available for full or half day cruising.

On our final evening an unexpected storm blew in from the ocean, the wonderful staff at Trisara quickly relocated us to the indoor dining pavilion where we were once again, overwhelmed by the simply delicious variety of cuisine.

I quickly visited the gift shop to buy some exquisite silk items, before once again checking on the sea turtles progress before going home to bed.

We left early the following morning, already planning our return, the sun by now a red ball above the incredible blue of the ocean. Standing sentry outside the villas, were the little privacy angels, dutifully guarding the sleeping guests within.

“The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.”

© Copyright 2010 Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific · All Rights Reserved.