honeymoon chic asia

Whether you prefer a blissful beach or big city, relaxing cruise or romantic train holiday,adrenaline-pumping adventure or sensuous spa experience, this book is the perfectholiday planner for your next romantic getaway. Honeymoon Chic spells out all theoptions available – both destination and theme-based holidays – and provides a list ofcarefully hand-picked luxe resorts and hip hotels to ensure that your much-anticipatedgetaway will leave a permanent imprint in your memories. Also included are useful tipson how to make the trip extra special as well as ideas for destination weddings.

Honeymoon Chic will guide both newly weds orcouples looking for a romantic getaway on anunforgettable journey through Asia. There is anitinerary for every kind of chic vacation in thisbook; simply flip through the pages and explorethe multitude of sybaritic options suggested: hot-air balloon ride, candle-lit dinner under a blanketof stars, hideaway gourmet picnic on a sandbarlapped by azure waters, romantic riverboat cruise,traversing powdery-fine snow-capped slopes onyour skis, and more.Honeymoon Chic introduces readers to some ofthe newest and most luxurious destinations,resorts, spas and restaurants in Asia , promising torekindle romance, expand horizons and allow youto share unique experiences as a couple.THE CHIC COLLECTION

DESTINATIONSBALI CHICBEIJING CHICCARIBBEAN CHICCHINA CHICCROATIA CHICDUBAI CHICENGLAND CHICHONG KONG CHIC

INDIA CHICINDIAN OCEAN CHICITALY CHICKOREA CHICMALAYSIA CHICMEXICO CHICMOROCCO CHICNEW ZEALAND CHICSHANGHAI CHIC

SOUTH AFRICA CHICSPAIN CHICTHAILAND CHICTOKYO CHIC

LIFESTYLEECO CHICGOURMET CHICSPA CHIC

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asia honeymoonchichotels • resorts • spas • trains • cruises • destination weddings

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Based in California, Joe Yogerst has written formajor international publications like Condé NastTraveler and The New Yorker. His portfolio includesmagazine articles for Modern Bride and DestinationWeddings & Honeymoons. Honeymoon Chic is hisfourth title in The Chic Collection.

Julia Clerk travelled widely as a freelance writer. Infact, it was during her stint in Asia that she met JoeYogerst; they married in Hong Kong andhoneymooned at several Asian destinations. Inaddition to Bridal Guide, she writes for InternationalHerald Tribune and Thailand’s Beyond magazine.

Eliza Teoh is a Singapore-based editorial consultantwho thinks that you don't need an excuse to goaway on a romantic getaway. A former newspaperjournalist and sub-editor, Eliza dreams of astunning cliff-top wedding in an exotic land.

Briton Joanna Greenfield is a former editor of TheChic Collection and is currently based in French-speaking Lausanne, Switzerland, where she worksas a freelance writer and editor.

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contentscontents

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10Introduction 12

Honeymoon Tips & Ideas 16

Asia’s Best Mainland Beaches 20

Island Hopping Holidays 24

Bright Lights, Big Cities 30

Gourmet Getaways 40

Cultural Destinations 46

Action & Adventure 52

Ocean & River Luxury Cruises 60

Romantic Train Journeys 68

Spas & Wellness Retreats 74

Eco Chic Escapes 82

Winter Vacations 88

High-altitude Holidays 94

Destination Weddings 100

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honeymoonescapesTrains & Cruises

Bhutan

Cambodia

China

Indonesia

Laos

Malaysia

Maldives

Philippines

Singapore

Sri Lanka

Thailand

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Azamara Club Cruises 110Eastern & Oriental Express 112Road to Mandalay 114Royal Caribbean International 116

Amankora 118Uma Paro 120

Song Saa Private Island 122Raffles Hotel Le Royal 126Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor 128

Brilliant Resort & Spa, Chongqing 130Brilliant Resort & Spa, Kunming 132Grand Hyatt Shanghai 134JW Marriott Shanghai 136

Amanusa 138AYANA Resort & Spa 140Komaneka at Bisma 142Matahari Beach Resort & Spa 144Maya Ubud Resort & Spa 146Tugu Bali 148Uma Ubud 150Villa Babar 152Villa de daun 154Villa Sungai Bali 156Tugu Lombok 158

Amantaka 160

Avillion Port Dickson 162

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu & Coco Palm Bodu Hithi 166Cocoa Island 168Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa 170

Amanpulo 172

Capella Singapore 174

Amanwella 176

Aleenta Resorts & Spa 178Siri Sathorn 180Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai 182Kaomai Lanna Resort 184Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi 186Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle 188Let’s Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort 190Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui 192SALA Samui Resort & Spa 194ShaSa Resort & Residences 196W Retreat Koh Samui 198Pimalai Resort & Spa 200Paradise Koh Yao 202Amanpuri 204JW Marriott Phuket 206Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa 208SALA Phuket Resort & Spa 210

Picture Credits & Acknowledgements 212Index 213

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introduction 13

Honeymoons and romantic holidays come in all shapes and sizes, and what you and your loverend up doing on your getaway depends on what you enjoy together – walking along an emptybeach, discovering a new city, climbing a mountain, exploring the wilderness, or experiencing ahybrid of several locations and activities. As the old Doris Day song goes,“Everybody loves a lover”.You will be amazed to find that no matter where you go, other people often get swept up in yourenthusiasm for one another. It is the perfect opportunity to make the most of the romanticvacation possibilities on offer throughout Asia.

There is no denying that some Asian destinations are particularly made for romance. Bali hasit all: chic resorts, secluded beaches, terraced rice fields and lush green highlands with enoughmysticism, culture and traditions to impress even the most jaded traveller. The abiding sense ofhistory, beauty, culture and refinement found in ancient places such as Kyoto, Angkor Wat andLuang Prabang put them in a league of their own. Huge cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok,Seoul and Singapore offer an excitement, vibrancy and bustle that are infectious. Moreover, whocould deny the appeal of one of the great testaments to love ever built, the Taj Mahal?

Some couples relish traditional romantic activities. Walk hand-in-hand along a desertedbeach in the moonlight while sharing your dreams and wishing upon stars. Soak in a bathtubwith scented bubble bath, surrounded by the glow of lots and lots of candles. Take a sleigh ridethrough the snowy countryside and then warm up by a roaring fireplace. Active outdoor couplesare more likely to dive straight into adrenaline adventures like skydiving, mountain climbing,bungee jumping or snowboarding. Still others choose the glam route: gourmet dinners,all-night dancing and endless shopping offered by big cities.

Honeymoons through the AgesNobody really knows where honeymoons originated, but there is certainly no lack of theories orlegends. From earliest times, and in just about every major world culture, the period immediatelyfollowing a wedding was considered special or sacred. The Book of Deuteronomy in the Bibleadvises that newly married men should abstain from fighting and be exempt from military dutyin order to “bring joy to the wife he has married”.

But honeymoons were not always happy occasions for the betrothed couple.The Vikings andmany of the Eastern European and Central Asian nomadic tribes were prone to kidnapping theirfuture wives from nearby settlements, an act that required them to go into hiding until thebride’s family no longer had murderous intentions. The Norse people called this period of hiding– and presumably getting to know one another in the Biblical sense – the hjunottsmanathr,which is believed by some to be the root of the word “honeymoon”.

Introduction

THIS PAGE: With its alluring blendof sand and sea, Coco Palm

Bodu Hithi resort in theMaldives has plenty of

secluded spots for couples toshare intimate moments.

OPPOSITE: The natural surroundings around the

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevinear Chiang Mai provides

opportunities for couples toexplore paddy fields,

plantations and rainforests.

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Island Hopping Holidays

Thailand – golden beaches, lushscenery, beach bungalows, boisterousclubs and spicy Thai food. The Samuivibe is being as individual as youwant to be. If that means party, party,party, you can find it in abundance.That whole backpacker scene in The Beach starring Leonardo DiCapriois abundant here.

The higher end of the resortmarket is personified by Four SeasonsResort Koh Samui (219 Moo 5,Angthong, Koh Samui, Surat Thani84140, Thailand; +66.77.243 000;www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui;see pages 192–193), which crawls up a jungle hillside on the island’snorthwest shore. Suites and villasoffer an amphitheatre view of the sea,sky and far-off islands. The secludedforest spa specialises in ancient andalternative treatments and therapiesincluding the New Moon Ritual, EarthGoddess experience, Chakra Crystalmassage and even one treatment thatblends astrology and palm reading.Couples can book a private spa salawith twin indoor and outdoor Thai-style massage beds, outdoor showerand bathtub, and a steam room orindoor rainshower.

Indian Ocean Escapes: The Maldives & Sri LankaThe ancient land of Serendib is ateardrop-shaped island at the tip ofthe Indian peninsula. It has been animportant centre of Buddhism sincethe 6th century AD and is the onlypredominantly Buddhist nationamong the Indian Ocean islands.Sri Lanka is a kinder, gentler versionof India, with a population of about18 million people. The landscape is

incredibly diverse: coral reefs andpalm-fringed beaches along the west coast, tea plantations in thehighlands and thick elephant- andtiger-infested jungle in the far south.The feeling of the British Raj lives onin much of the island, especiallyplaces like the old hill station atNuwara Eliyia and the fortress at Galle.

The late Geoffrey Bawa – one ofAsia’s most influential architects –designed many of Sri Lanka’s morenotable hotels. Couples can admirehis unique “tropical modern” style inthe island’s cultural triangle, thecapital Colombo and the fabulousbeaches down south. Among Bawa’smany stunning waterfront hotels isthe Jetwing Lighthouse Galle(Dadella, Galle, Sri Lanka; +94.91.2223744; jetwinghotels.com), perched ona bluff above a wild stretch of coastnear the historic city of Galle. Everycolour, every column, every view wascreated to accentuate the site’snatural shoreline beauty. And if youshould want to renew your vows – or have a second wedding Sri Lankanstyle – the resort can arrange all the local trimmings including a poruwa (raised platform) decoratedwith flowers, local girls to singdevotional songs , Sri Lankandrummers, dancers and an ashtaka(holy man) to perform the ceremonyin Sinhalese.

Divers have long sought theMaldives for the lavish coral reefsthat surround the 19 atolls thatcomprise this tiny nation. In recentyears the islands have also beendiscovered by showbiz celebrities,international sports stars and anincreasing number of honeymoon


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425 km from north to south, Palawanis flanked by the Sulu Sea on one sideand the South China Sea on the other.It has more than 1,700 “outriders” –smaller islands, sand bars and coralreefs that wrap around the coast – a utopia for scuba divers, snorkellersand kayakers.

The coast features towering cliffsthat plunge straight into the sea,majestic rock outcrops and secludedwhite-sand coves that can only bereached by foot or boat. Limestoneformations predominate both aboveand below ground, including St Paul’sSubterranean River, an 8-km stretch oflimestone cavern that spills into theSouth China Sea. Locally based SakuraCharters (Rizal Ave Extension; PuertoPrincesa City, Palawan, Philippines5300; www.sakuracharter.com) runsliveaboard dive trips to the nearby

couples. Like a string of pearlsdangling from the tip of India, thearchipelago stretches due south intothe middle of the Indian Ocean. Thevast majority of the country’s300,000 people live in Malé, the livelylittle capital, and a handful of otherpopulated islands. That means thatmost of the Maldives is virtuallyempty, a perfect place for couples toescape the rat race and get far awayfrom the madding crowds.

Couples have nearly a hundredresorts from which to choose, mostof them located on private islandsand reachable only by float plane orprivate boat. Cocoa Island(Makunufushi, South Malé Atoll,Maldives; +960.664 1818; www.cocoaisland.como.bz; see pages168–169) personifies the Maldivesexperience, a stunning boutique

resort on a sliver of sand in whatseems like the middle of nowhere.The spacious over-water DhoniSuites hover above a turquoiselagoon, their wooden architectureinspired by the traditional dhonisailing boats that still ply theseislands. You and your lover canliterally walk out the back door anddown a flight of steps into the sea.

The Philippines: PalawanPalawan in southern Philippinesoffers something that has largelyvanished from the rest of the islandnation: unspoiled nature. It comes in myriad forms including vacantbeaches, vast tracks of virgin forest,secluded turquoise coves, naturereserves, marine national parks,sparkling coral reefs andunderground rivers. Stretching

Tubbataha Reefs marine WorldHeritage Site and day cruises to theunderground river.

The region’s swishest digs isAmanpulo (Pamalican Island,Philippines; +63.2.976.5200; www.amanresorts.com; see pages 172–173),a private island resort in the Sulu Seaoff the northeast coast of Palawan.The only way to reach the resort –short of piloting your own boat – isby scheduled charter flight fromManila. The 40 casitas, perched righton the beach or in the lush gardensbehind, are a modern take on thetraditional Filipino bahay kubo house.Tucked in the forest at the back ofthe resort, these villas featuresensuous two-person bathtubs nextto floor-to-ceiling windows that givesoaking couples a panoramic view ofthe jungle outside. ~ JY

THIS PAGE (FROM LEFT): Perched on stiltsabove the lagoon, Coco Spa at Coco

Palm Bodu Hithi resort boasts treat-ment rooms with private decks,plunge pools and bathtubs big

enough for two;couples can book a Dhoni Suite at

Cocoa Island, the Maldives.OPPOSITE (FROM TOP): Serenity and

boundless beauty are trademarks of the Four Seasons Resort

Koh Samui in Thailand;and its private spa suites,

surrounded by pristine rainforest.


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46 honeymoonchic

Cultural Destinations

Anyone who thinks culture andhoneymoons are poles apart needs aquick-potted lesson in history. Thequest to discover history (with ahuge dose of culture) is how moderntravel started in the early 19th

century. A group of young writers,painters and poets called the YoungRomantics roamed Europe, NorthAfrica and the Middle East in searchof the historical icons of Westerncivilisation – the Great Pyramids, theAcropolis and the ruins of the RomanForum. Along the way they oftenguzzled too much wine, munchedtoo many olives and fell in love withone another, as well as locals theymet in exotic foreign lands. Quitenaturally, they romanticised theplaces where all of the wonderfulencounters took place in books,poems and paintings that are nowconsidered the classics of that era.

Extrapolate the concept by twohundred years and a couple ofthousand miles farther east, and whatwe have today is Asia, the perfectplace for a romantic journey back intime and amongst exotic cultures.What is more romantic than walkinghand-in-hand amongst the ruins ofAngkor Wat; watching a liveperformance of the Ramayanabeneath a full moon at thePrambanan temples in Indonesia;sleeping in a real palace in Jaipur; orsneaking a kiss in one of the manifoldtemple gardens of Kyoto? Asia is idealfor a honeymoon or romantic getawaythat combines culture and romance.

Love Amid the RuinsHue, in central Vietnam, is like ahologram: the image depends

From the jungle-shrouded temples of Angkor to the giant stupa of Borobudur,from the Forbidden City to the Taj Mahal, Asia overflows with world heritagesites and time-honoured cultural gems that appeal to the serious historybuffs, intrepid travellers and couples with a heightened sense of romance.


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entirely on your angle of view. It isan intriguing city, and one of themost dazzling in all of Asia: a city ofgardens filled with lotus ponds, tree-shaded avenues and the tantalisingsmell of flower blossoms; a city ofthe arts that gave birth to anarchitectural style that mixesmythical creatures, chromaticcolours and ostentatious decoration,a sort of Oriental baroque; as well asa water town that spreads along thebanks of the slow-flowing PerfumeRiver (Song Huong).

The city’s sprawling Citadel –home of the Vietnamese monarchyuntil 1945 – is now a huge open-airmuseum; while some of the palacesare left in ruins, others have beenrestored to their former glory.Upstream from the city, and bestreached by riverboat, are the opulentroyal tombs, every bit as impressiveas Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, and farless crowded. For the adventurous atheart, journey from Hue to Hoi An ona motorbike with Hue Riders(www.hueriders.com) or go on asurfing safari down to Lang Co Beachwith its long, white-sand strand andturquoise lagoon.

Southeast Asia’s most celebratedruins, and one of the great treasuresof human civilisation, is Angkor innorthwestern Cambodia. Most of the attention goes to a singlelandmark: the massive Angkor Wat.The ancient metropolis actuallysprawls across an area of 200 sq km,which includes hundreds of templesand palaces built between the 9th

and 14th centuries AD when Angkorwas the centrepiece of the mightyKhmer civilisation.

THIS PAGE (FROM TOP): The ruined city ofBagan (Pagan) in northern Burma

(Myanmar) comprises over 5,000temples, shrines and palaces;

among Angkor’s many ancientmonuments are the solemn stone

faces of Bayon Temple.OPPOSITE: A magical dusting of snow

covers Beijing’s Forbidden City,once the seat of China’s imperial

dynasties and now a leading cultural tourism attraction.

A visit to the main temple ishighly recommended, but the bestsunsets at Angkor are from thesummit of Bakheng Hill, where you cansnuggle up beneath a templededicated to Lord Shiva to watch thegolden orb slowly sink over theCambodian rainforest. Couples canchoose to walk to the top or share ahowdah on the back of an elephant. Ifyou feel like having a picnic amid theruins, it’s best to choose one far awayfrom the madding crowds, like jungle-shrouded Ta Prohm temple, where theroots of the giant kapok trees growaround the ancient stone walls likelovers locked in immortal embrace.

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Winter Vacations

Many of the trimmings of winterromance come from Western culture– chestnuts roasting on an open fire;riding in a one-horse open sleigh andsmooching beneath the mistletoe. Itis no longer uniquely so; now it’spossible to plan a cool white getawayin Asia. Like a winter storm bearingdown from Siberia, snow culture hasswept across the region. The result: ablizzard of cold-weather resorts withworld-class skiing and snowboardingamenities, eclectic eating and après-ski life, and rooms with roaringfireplaces, hot tubs and goose downcomforters. From Japan to China, andMongolia to India, avid travellerspack their woollies, get togged up indesigner winter gear and ski orsnowboard down the powdery snow-capped mountain slopes atAsia’s top winter resorts fromDecember through March.

Asia boasts the world’s largestand highest mountain range in themighty Himalayas. In addition tohuge amounts of snow – and theplanet’s largest collection of snow-capped peaks – the range claimsmore glaciers than anywhere outsidethe polar regions. Sapporo innorthern Japan lies on the samelatitude as Sun Valley, Idaho. China’sYabuli ski resort is around the samelatitude as the renowned winterresorts of Grenoble in France andZermatt, Switzerland. Korea’s winterresorts are at about the samelatitude as California’s MammothMountain and Aspen, Colorado.

Anyone who thinks the Asianslopes aren’t up to scratch shouldconsider the fact that countries in theregion have hosted two Winter

Asia may not seem like the most obvious place for a winter vacation. But withcopious amounts of snow in the northern parts of Japan, China and Korea,and the world’s greatest mountain range stretching across the north of India,there is plenty of scope for skiing, snowboarding and other cold-weatheradventures that stoke the fires of winter romance.

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Olympics. Several resorts are regularstops on the world professional skiingand snowboard circuits. Contrary tocommon belief, holidaymakers don’thave to be pros to enjoy Asianwinters. All the top resorts offerschools for those who want to learnthe basics. For those who don’t, thereare plenty of other cold-weatheractivities: sledding and snowballfights, hot springs and soothing spas,winter wildlife watching andstargazing, shopping and nightlife.These, plus some of the best food onecomes across anywhere in the snowsports world, will certainly make it amemorable escapade.

Japan: Blessed with Snow & Hot SpringsWith a long tradition of winter revelry,Japan offers more cold-weatherrecreation options than any otherAsian nation. Sapporo and Naganohave both hosted the Winter Olympicsand remain bustling hubs of cold-weather sports and après snow action.Winter resorts like Niseko and Furanoare found up and down the length ofthe rugged Japanese Alps, some ofthem are very accessible from majorcities and convenient for daytripswhile others require overnight staysand are more remote. At these resorts,outdoor winter spas and hot springsare also popular, and provide differentlevels of comfort, some rustic yet chic.

“Blessed by Snow” is Sapporo’smotto, and indeed the northernmetropolis has a longer, harder winterthan any other major Japanese city.The capital of Hokkaido Island placeditself squarely on the world snowsports map in 1972 when it staged

the first Winter Games ever heldoutside Europe or North America.

Mount Teine, a one-hour drivenorthwest of the city, is where theOlympic slalom and giant slalomwere contested. It’s actually twoseparate areas (Highland andOlympia) that operate as one resortwith interchangeable lift tickets.Teine’s varied terrain makes it idealfor both novices and experiencedskiers and snowboarders. Six lifts,including a new express quad chair,whisk couples to the top of sevenmarked runs and a huge off-pistebackcountry area with fresh powderthroughout the winter. Even if youand your partner aren’t intoperfecting your downhill, the viewsfrom the top are breathtaking,providing gorgeous panoramas of an endless snow-covered Hokkaido.The action doesn’t stop at sundown:Teine offers night skiing, followed byaprès-ski revelry in Sapporo’s rowdySusukino nightlife district.

Sapporo’s other claim to winterfame is the annual Snow Festivalheld in February. More than twomillion people flock to this week-longwinter wonderland of concerts,beauty pageants, snow sports andaround 400 outdoor snow statuesand ice sculptures. The climax of thefestival is an international icesculpture competition in Odori Park,that draws teams from more than a dozen nations.

Onsen (communal baths and hot springs) are a long and honouredJapanese tradition. They vary in sizefrom large natural pools wheredozens of people can soak, tointimate private bathing for two.

THIS PAGE (FROM TOP): Ice climbing is oneof the newer (and more

challenging) winter sports;South Korea is Asia’s hotbed

for snowmobiling;snow monkeys soak in the

hot springs of Japan’s JigokudaniYaenkoen Park.

OPPOSITE: Asia offers a surprisinglylarge and varied selection of

places for snow play and cold-weather fun.




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120 honeymoonchic

It has been called the last Shangri-La of themodern world, a mystical peaceful landsteeped in tradition that lies enclosed withintowering ancient mountains. Bhutan, alandlocked country located east of theHimalayas, is a relatively secluded andunspoilt place, for it has long controlled theinflux of visitors in order to preserve itsdistinctive culture and beautiful landscapes.

The approach towards Bhutan’s onlyairport in Paro, via the national carrier DrukAir, is a sight to behold. The pilot skilfullyskirts hilltops while making tight turns as theaircraft descends in ever-decreasing circles. Aten-minute drive away from the airport, UmaParo sits atop a tree-lined hill overlooking thetown and the fertile Paro Valley. One may seefarmers tending to their crops, as well as localinhabitants engaging in a favourite nationalpastime: a friendly archery contest.

All the rooms and suites at this resort,part of the award-winning COMO Hotels and Resorts group, incorporate indigenousaesthetics and have been embellished bytraditional artisans. The same buildingtechniques and materials – handcraftedstone, wood and tiles – which the locals haveemployed throughout the years, areresponsible for the resort’s structure. Guestswill appreciate the resort’s attention to detail: the “bukhari” wood-burning stove ineach villa; the flower-motif artwork thatdecorates many a wall, eave or bracket; andthe Shesham wood furniture, hand-stitchedIndian cotton bedcovers and gorgeous hand-knotted Nepali rugs.

At the resort’s Bukhari restaurant, guestscan savour hearty local fare such as dried localpork (sicum paa) with Bhutanese chillies andhandmade noodles in soup (bathup). Those

Uma Paro

THIS PAGE (FROM LEFT): Uma Paro provides a tranquil place

for contemplation,hidden among the trees;

the bright and airy bedroomsare furnished with natural

fabrics and polished woods.OPPOSITE (FROM LEFT): Couples can

arrange for a private dinner inthe courtyard, with a toasty

fire to keep them warm;enjoy the forest view while relaxing in the

hot stone bath house.


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at the COMO Shambhala Retreat. Two privatemassage rooms perfect for couples arelocated in a small hot stone bath house out inthe nearby pine forest.The popular BhutaneseHot Stone Bath and Massage is a traditionaltherapy using hot river stones, which helpsrelieve deep-set muscle aches and pains,followed by a relaxing massage.

Off-site, there is a wide range of activitiesfor guests, including hiking, customised toursand yoga retreats to immerse couples innature and in Bhutanese culture. Withinwalking distance are some of the country’smost historic attractions, including thegravity-defying Taktsang Goemba.

bhutan 121

Paro Bhutan

who favour organic produce will be pleased to note the use of local cheeses, apple vinegar, honey and wild mushrooms in thekitchen. Couples wanting to dine in privatecan choose to have a candlelit meal for two in the comfort of their villa, or in thecourtyard or archery field – the staff arehappy to assist in making your romantic stayat Uma Paro an unforgettable one. The resortalso offers a marriage-blessing ceremony forcouples, with monks conducting ceremonialprayers in an intimate shrine room.

In keeping with the natural theme of theresort, a range of recuperative Ayurvedictreatments and holistic rituals is available rooms

9 Superior Double Rooms • 9 Deluxe Rooms •2 COMO Suites • 8 One-bedroom Villas •1 COMO Villa

foodBukhari (Bhutanese, Indian, Western) •COMO Shambhala healthy cuisine

drinkhotel bar

featuresCOMO Shambhala Retreat • gym • indoorheated pool • library with Internet access

nearbyTaktsang Goemba (monastery) • DrukgyelDzong (fortress) • Kyichu Lhakhang (temple) •Rinchen Pung Dzong (fortress) • Ta Dzong(National Museum) • Paro town

contactPO Box 222, Paro, Bhutan telephone: +975.8.271 597 facsimile: +975.8.271 513 email: [email protected]: www.uma.paro.como.bz




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Tugu Bali

“Tugu”, in the language of Indonesia, meansmonument, and true to its name, the TuguBali is a living monument of all thatis beautiful in the classic representation ofBali through art and culture. Monumental toois the devotion of the hotel owners to createamongst this grandeur an all-encompassingromantic destination whose authenticityremains unmatched.

The location of the resort, at CangguBeach on the southwest coast of Bali, wasspecifically selected for its privacy andromantic ambience. Thatched-roof buildingsnestle against the dune line and the sound

of waves is ever present. Watching the sunsetwhile walking hand in hand across the sandalongside the swell of the Indian Ocean is one of the simplest yet most romantic things to do here.

Like the other members of the Tugu Hotelfamily, authentic antiques and artwork fromJava, Bali and the surrounding islands arefeatured throughout the hotel. Eachcollection tells its own story; be it myth orlegend, they bring the romance of the past tolife. One of the most romantic suites, the PuriLe Mayeur villa, was built around the true lovestory between Belgian painter Adrien-Jean Le

THIS PAGE (FROM TOP): The beautifullydecorated rooms are designed

with couples in mind;the stunning Bale Sutra diningroom reflects both Peranakan

and Balinese culture;the Puri Le Mayeur suite sits in

the middle of a lotus pond.OPPOSITE (FROM TOP): Enjoy a private

al fresco picnic in bed;a romantic dinner can be

had in the garden.



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Bali Indonesia

Mayeur and Ni Polok, the legendary Balinesedancer. As the story goes, Le Mayeur visitedBali in 1932, intrigued by its fascinatingculture. He started painting and took Ni Polokand two other dancers as models andinspiration for his paintings. Although he onlyintended to stay for eight months, he soon fellunder the spell of Bali and that of Ni Polok,whom he wed after a three-year courtship.They lived the rest of their lives in Bali andtheir romance resonates today in the Puri LeMayeur villa which houses some of theoriginal Le Mayeur paintings and woodcarvings of their first home, crafted by a blindman who worked for the couple. Everythingabout this villa, also the hotel’s dedicatedhoneymoon suite, speaks of love, from the redand gold colour theme in the bedroom to theornate wood panelling and timber columns.

One of the most attractive features of thisvilla is its position in the centre of a large lotuspond. A small bridge over the pond leadsguests to a dining pavilion. In the evening, litonly by candles and flare torches, this alcovesets the perfect mood for a romantic dinner.

Choosing from a range of gourmet,traditional and modern cuisine, couples canindulge in their favourite foods or venture into the undiscovered and new. In thePeranakan-inspired room, Balinese dancerscan entertain couples while they dine orguests can take part in a theatrical re-enactment of a Majapahit King’s parade,complete with entourage and grand dinner.The hotel also has a “point where you wish”policy – point to where you want to have your dinner, and a table will appear, almostmagically, upon your command.

rooms1 Honeymoon Villa: Puri Le Mayeur Villa •9 Dedari Suites • 9 Rejang Suites •1 Kampong Suite • 1 Walter Spies Pavilion

foodBale Agung (Western, Babah Peranakan,Indonesian) • Bale Sutra (Babah Peranakan andChinese) • Bale Puputan (Royal Balinese) •Waroeng Tugu (Javanese and Balinese) •Black Chamber (Western, Chinese, Indonesian)

featuresspa • pool • private plunge pool • Jacuzzi • artshop • surfing • snorkelling • diving • fitnesscentre • wireless Internet • cookery classes

nearbyNirwana golf course • Tanah Lot Temple •surfing • Seminyak shopping and restaurantdistrict

contactJalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu Beach, Bali,Indonesia, 83352telephone: +62.361.731 701facsimile: +62.361.731 708email: [email protected]: www.tuguhotels.com



202 honeymoonchic

Paradise Koh Yao

Located on the small, unspoiled island of KohYao Noi, in between Phuket and Krabi, theParadise Koh Yao is a quiet refuge overlooking400 metres of soft, white-sand beach and theclear waters of Phang Nga Bay. The lushjungle and striking limestone cliffs thatbackdrop the resort form one of the mostbeautiful sea sceneries in Southeast Asia. Thedistinctive rock formations rising out of thesea house many hidden caves and lagoons,which can be explored by canoe or kayak.

Paradise Koh Yao comprises 70 tropical-style studios and villas, each designed toharmonise with the environment – thesurrounding rice paddies and rubber treeplantations are thoughtfully conserved andincorporated into the landscape features. Allresidences have open sala living areas and

semi-outdoor bathrooms for glorious views ofPhang Nga Bay and the clusters of nearbyislands. Just slide back the partition doors fora refreshing al fresco shower amongst nature.So picturesque is this area that it has servedas the setting for movies such as the JamesBond film The Man with the Golden Gun, aswell as The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Couples on romantic packages will get toenjoy being “abandoned” on one of thesesecluded islands with a luxury picnic hamperand a bottle of Prosecco. Lounge on the beachmats under a bright parasol or take a dip in the glistening sea in absolute privacy. Aboat will return later to bring you back to theresort for more pampering. A couple’s spasession at the Paradise Spa is a treat for all the senses. The tropical outdoor spa features

THIS PAGE (FROM TOP): The HilltopPool Villa features a spacious living area;

bold colours characterise the modern design;admire the glorious

view from your private plunge pool.

OPPOSITE (FROM TOP): The bedroomis a peaceful haven,

surrounded by lush greenery;the limestone formations are

geological phenomena.

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Phang Nga Thailand

a waterfall Jacuzzi and a herbal steam cavesauna built right into the rock formation of the resort. Massages and spa treatmentsuse only natural products and take place in salas overlooking the bay. Honeymooners can indulge in special spa treatments,which include a selection of body scrubsfollowed by an aromatherapy massagedesigned to balance the spiritual centre.Health-conscious couples hoping to rechargetheir minds and bodies can choose from an a-la-carte menu of wellness activities such as yoga sessions, Vipassana and Mantra-style meditation instruction, qigongclasses and nutritional guidance.

For private dining, enjoy a delicious five-course gourmet dinner with Frenchchampagne under the palm trees on the

beach. The resort’s two restaurants serveinternational cuisine, with mouth-wateringThai dishes and grilled seafood, as well aslight Mediterranean fare, including authenticwood-fired oven pizzas.

As part of the resort’s honeymoonpackage, couples are taken on a private trip ona long-tail boat to nearby Koh Hong to explorethe caves and mangrove forests, snorkel andhave a picnic lunch. “Hong” in Thai meansroom, and the limestone landforms creatingroom-like, enclosed lagoons are a definitehighlight. Other excursions that can bearranged include village tours, nature walksand elephant trekking. Adventurous types will love the views while biking through thejungle or rock climbing at one of 50 spots on Koh Yao Noi and the neighbouring islands.

room1 Hilltop Pool Villa • 6 Pool Villas • 16 JacuzziDeluxe Studios • 20 Jacuzzi Studios •28 Superior Studios

foodSeafood Grill (Thai, international, seafood) •Al Fresco (Mediterranean)

drinkPool Bar • Beach Bar

featuresParadise Spa • yoga • pool • gift shop

nearbyHong Island • James Bond Island • MuslimVillage on Yao Noi Island • snorkelling • diving •canoeing • rock climbing • mountain biking

contact24 Moo 4, Tambol Koh Yao Noi,Amphur Koh Yao, Phang Nga 82160, Thailandtelephone: +66.076.584 450facsimile: +66.076.584 499email: [email protected] website: www.theparadise.biz

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Whether you prefer a blissful beach or big city, relaxing cruise or romantic train holiday,adrenaline-pumping adventure or sensuous spa experience, this book is the perfectholiday planner for your next romantic getaway. Honeymoon Chic spells out all theoptions available – both destination and theme-based holidays – and provides a list ofcarefully hand-picked luxe resorts and hip hotels to ensure that your much-anticipatedgetaway will leave a permanent imprint in your memories. Also included are useful tipson how to make the trip extra special as well as ideas for destination weddings.

Honeymoon Chic will guide both newly weds orcouples looking for a romantic getaway on anunforgettable journey through Asia. There is anitinerary for every kind of chic vacation in thisbook; simply flip through the pages and explorethe multitude of sybaritic options suggested: hot-air balloon ride, candle-lit dinner under a blanketof stars, hideaway gourmet picnic on a sandbarlapped by azure waters, romantic riverboat cruise,traversing powdery-fine snow-capped slopes onyour skis, and more.Honeymoon Chic introduces readers to some ofthe newest and most luxurious destinations,resorts, spas and restaurants in Asia , promising torekindle romance, expand horizons and allow youto share unique experiences as a couple.THE CHIC COLLECTION

DESTINATIONSBALI CHICBEIJING CHICCARIBBEAN CHICCHINA CHICCROATIA CHICDUBAI CHICENGLAND CHICHONG KONG CHIC

INDIA CHICINDIAN OCEAN CHICITALY CHICKOREA CHICMALAYSIA CHICMEXICO CHICMOROCCO CHICNEW ZEALAND CHICSHANGHAI CHIC

SOUTH AFRICA CHICSPAIN CHICTHAILAND CHICTOKYO CHIC

LIFESTYLEECO CHICGOURMET CHICSPA CHIC

www.thechiccollection.com

asia honeymoonchichotels • resorts • spas • trains • cruises • destination weddings

honeymoonchic

hotels •resorts •

spas •trains •

cruises •destinations w

eddingsthechiccollection

asia

Based in California, Joe Yogerst has written formajor international publications like Condé NastTraveler and The New Yorker. His portfolio includesmagazine articles for Modern Bride and DestinationWeddings & Honeymoons. Honeymoon Chic is hisfourth title in The Chic Collection.

Julia Clerk travelled widely as a freelance writer. Infact, it was during her stint in Asia that she met JoeYogerst; they married in Hong Kong andhoneymooned at several Asian destinations. Inaddition to Bridal Guide, she writes for InternationalHerald Tribune and Thailand’s Beyond magazine.

Eliza Teoh is a Singapore-based editorial consultantwho thinks that you don't need an excuse to goaway on a romantic getaway. A former newspaperjournalist and sub-editor, Eliza dreams of astunning cliff-top wedding in an exotic land.

Briton Joanna Greenfield is a former editor of TheChic Collection and is currently based in French-speaking Lausanne, Switzerland, where she worksas a freelance writer and editor.

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