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Travel Notes
local news and expert tips for the jetset
LOVIN’ IT
For a guide to Southeast Asia’s best boutique hotels, look to i love it here , by seasoned luxury traveller and magazine editor, Tony Watts.
The book includes honest reviews of 36 of the region’s chicest properties, each tried and tested by Watts and his wife, who have lived in Asia for 10 years.
Watts names Siem Reap’s Amansara ( tel +855 (0)63 760333, www.amansara.com ) as his favourite. “The service here is sublime. They know what you want before you even do,” he vouches.
For more of his recommendations, get the book from www.loveitthere.com. Priced at US$29.90.
NEW AND NOTED
For colonial charm with all the modern trappings, check-in to Naladhu ( tel +96
(0) 664-1888, www.naladhu.com ), one of the latest resorts to open in the Maldives on coral-ringed Velighandu Huraa. Each of the 19 luxurious ocean houses sprawls over 225sq m, and features furnishings that hark back to Dutch colonial Sri Lanka.
After a dip in the private plunge pool, wash up in the open-faced shower from where you can look out (and enjoy the spectacular Maldivian view), but others can’t see in. The villas indulge connoisseurs’ tastes with an espresso machine and a cellar stocked with wine and cheese.
Also look out for Naladhu’s on-sta? yoga and meditation instructors who are available for private lessons or group sessions. A butler service forms the icing on the almost-too-perfect cake.
GHOST HUNT
For thrill-seeking of a di?erent kind in Singapore, try the Supernatural Evidence Trail , a ghost tour of the island’s “paranormal hotspots” to see some of its spookiest locations. Supernatural Director, Fahmi Rais says the tours can be addictive, as over 30 per cent of their clientele are repeat customers. Supernatural tours, which run from 11pm to 5am, are conducted once every odd month. Group tours cost SG$18 per person and private tours can be arranged through www.supernatural.sg
SET SAIL
For that extra something in Phuket, enjoy a day on the Banyan Tree’s two new yachts, the Sea Gypsy and Pi Marn . The private cruise takes you through beautiful waters to explore limestone formations and mangrove forests.
Onboard each yacht is a personal butler equipped with snacks, over 20 cans of beer, four bottles of wine, and enough soft drinks to keep you going for weeks!
The day journey is priced at US$700++ per couple. For more information, call Banyan Tree Phuket at tel +66 (0)76 324374 or visit www.banyantree.com for more information.
MOBILE MUSIC
Plug into the Nimzy Vibro Max to listen to your personal playlist wherever you go. This 550g device turns any flat surface into a speaker. Just connect it to a laptop or MP3 player and place it on the floor, countertop or desk. Reach for the card-sized remote to adjust volume, treble or bass. Perfect for those who love their music as much as their travel. Available online at www.widget.co.uk and priced at £79.99.
As a concierge at the Shangri-La Golden Flower Xi’an ( tel +86 (0)29 8323-2981, www.shangri-la.com/xian ), Penny Wang’s job is to know the city of Terracotta Army fame inside out. Here, she shares her insights on the former gateway to the Silk Road.
Tell us one thing about Xi’an that many visitors haven’t heard about.
Many people go to the Shaan Xi History Museum, but most of them don’t know that there’s an ancient mural there that can only be seen if you request for special permission from the museum in advance. They are original 8th century murals that depict people and their way of life during the Tang Dynasty. It takes about an hour and costs RMB150.
Where can you go to acquire genuineXi’an handicrafts?
The Muslim Market on Muslim Street has tri-colour glazed pottery (usually in yellow, green and brown) and shadow puppets made from horse or donkey skin. These have very detailed carvings portraying fairytale characters.
Any tips for shoppers who are perusing at Muslim Market?
Be prepared for the shopkeeper to show you the desired price on a piece of paper or calculator. You either write or key in the price you want (think of your budget and slash it by half to begin negotiations) and pass it back to them.
In Muslim Market, be aware that it can be considered rude to touch items that you’re not keen on buying. Only handle items that you are genuinely interested in to avoid o? ending.
After shopping, head to Jiasan restaurant inside the market to try some of Xi’an’s Muslim dumplings. These delicious halal parcels are made with slivers of beef or mutton, and steamed with Arab seasoning.
What should everyone who’s going to see the Terracotta Army know?
It’s two degrees cooler there than in town, and the walk from the parking lot to the actual warriors takes about 20 minutes, so you should bring a coat in colder months. Aim to be there during lunchtime to avoid the crowds.
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