Local news and expert tips for the jetset

NEW AND NOTED

BANYAN TREE MALDIVES
MADIVARUThere is a string of stylish new hotels opening or due to open across Thailand in the coming months, including the Gajapuri Resort and Spa on sunny Koh Chang’s Kai Bae beach. The sprawling collection of villas boasts its own private beach at the front and lush rainforest at the rear.

Bangkok Airways’ boutique property Sukhothai Heritage Resort is sure to raise local standards in the ancient capital when it opens this September while new heights have already been reached in Pattaya, where the Amari hotel group has made a five-star addition to its existing Amari Orchid Resort in the shape of the Ocean Tower. Taking bookings from 1 September onwards, the 297-room building includes the Amari hotel group’s well-known Sivara Spa.

Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru (North Malé Atoll, tel +96 (0) 664-3147, www.banyantree.com/maldives) will open in July and features tented pool villas with spa beds under marquee-style crowns (below).

And get ready to plan your holiday to Koh Samui for next year when the 70-villa W Resort and Residences plans to open its swanky doors on Mae Nam beach.

HIGH LIFE FOR LEASE

The first of its kind in Asia, Azurea allows individuals and companies the chance to have use a private yacht without the fuss of owning and maintaining one. Th ink timeshare – just with boats instead of hotel rooms. Membership, tiered at either gold, platinum or diamond, gives you access to three crafts: motor (53 feet), luxury (73 feet) and mega (130 feet, above).

Perfect for parties or vacations, the three Azurea yachts include a concierge and gourmet meals onboard. Chef Shirley Raphael, who dishes up treats for the luxury and mega-yachts, was once the personal chef to former Malaysian Prime Minister Mohamad Mahatir. Gold memberships start at US$37,000 for three years. www.azurealifestyle.com

TIME TO SING

Th e all-new Time Out Singapore City Guide is as good as (if not better than) keeping a local expert on hand to answer all your questions, teeming with insider recommendations on what to do and where to do it.

Included in the book’s guru tips is a trip to Seletar Air Base, described as a good way to travel back into British colonial Singapore, followed by beer and chicken wings at the Sunset Grill & Pub (140B Piccadilly, East Camp, tel +65 6482-0244).

Available from all good bookstores or visit www.timeout.com/shop to purchase online at US$31.99 each.

GOOD SHOT

If you are after a camera that is simple to operate but full of features, the Canon Powershot A570 is ideal. Th e user-friendly 7.1 mega-pixel camera lets you choose between automatic or fully-manual modes, with up to four times optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. This shutterbug takes top shots without the fuss, and is ideal for both the beginner and advanced photographer. From all authorised Canon dealers. Recommended retail price is S$469 (US$300). www.canon.com

ENTER THE DRAGON

Lonely Planet’s team of intrepid writers have spent months exploring all across China to find out the best of what the rapidly changing country has to offer for the 10th and latest edition of Lonely Planet China (left , US$31.99, available at www.lonelyplanet.com). Once regarded as the handbook of the backpacker, the useful information also includes many more upmarket options. Two of the book’s authors share their insider tips on three cities in the Middle Kingdom:

 

“There’s an contemporary, nontouristy side of the Guilin that a lot of people don’t see. Binjiang Lu or Puxing Lu are the places to go for the hottest restaurants and nightclubs. It’s just as hot further south in Jinghong, especially in the summer. Locals often take aft ernoon siestas to tackle the fierce midday sun, so rousing a clerk or shopkeeper can be next to impossible at this time. It’s best to wait until things cool off at the end of the day.” – Eilis Quinn, author of Guilin and Jinghong chapters

“Not many people know about Shenzhen’s thriving art community. One of the best places to admire modern and classical art is at the He Xiangning Art Gallery (tel +86 (0)755 2660-4540, www.hxnart.com) in the Overseas Chinese Town.” – Julie Grundvig, author of Shenzhen chapters

LOVING LAOS

The spotlight at the Lao Ecotourism Forum (www.ecotourismlaos.com/forum2007) happening 26-29 July, is on responsible ways to view the country’s archaelogical and natural wonders. A new traveller’s guidebook on responsible tourism destinations in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam is going to be launched at the event. Steven Schipani of the Lao National Tourism Administration reveals more.

What are your favourite ecotourism outings?
In Pakse, Xe Pian National Protected Area for bird-watching, elephant rides and trekking and the Mai Singsampanh village, where you can take a one-day nature walk through a wild orchid reserve.

In Luang Prabang, there’s a three-hour walk that begins at Long Lao village. If you are interested in longer trekking, rafting or multi-sport programmes, book a trip with Green Discovery Laos (tel +856 (0)71 212093, www.greendiscoverylaos.com) or Lao Youth Travel (tel +856 (0)21 240939, www.laoyouthtravel.com).

Why is eco-travel and sustainable tourism important?
The golden rule is: we should always treat others as we would like to be treated. This applies to the world around us too. We all share the same planet, so we should treat our environment and people of other nations with respect.

LAO NATIONAL TOURISM
ADMINISTRATIONWhat can travellers to Laos can do to help?
There actually many very simple things you can do while on holiday. Support Lao people by employing local tour guides whenever possible. Don’t buy antiques or wildlife products, and refrain from climbing on the monuments or removing artefacts from any of the historical sites.

What are some must-sees in Laos?
When at the Plain of Jars, organise your time so you catch the spectacular sunset at Jar Site Two (Na Kho Village). Also, a boat ride on the Mekong river through Champasak province’s Four Thousand Islands is a must.