Asia is a land of contrasts: it is sophisticated, urbane, yet it is still very much rooted in tradition and culture. It is teeming with people, industrialized, and modern. It is mysterious, remote, and as mystical as a kingdom in a fairy tale. Asia is all of these things and much more; the luxury traveler will not only see the inside of opulent hotels, but also the hidden reaches of centuries-old villages and monasteries, the vibrancy of festivals, and the pride of a people who have changed so much and yet retain their traditions and culture. While many flock to the modern cities of Tokyo and Beijing, there are surprising gems to be discovered on the beautiful Asian continent.
Cambodia, once ravaged by war, is now a premiere luxury destination, offering visitors a chance to see how history and culture unfolded in this corner of the world. The architecture is rich and varied: one can witness the splendor of the Angkor Wat, a complex of temples that is incomparable in its design and its importance to the people of Cambodia. View the French-Colonial influence, the busy street cafes, and the incredibly rich natural vistas. Walk along pristine beaches that offer amazing views and even more amazing privacy and solitude. Like a phoenix, Cambodia has risen out of the ashes and is more brilliant than ever.
Bhutan, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, is a haven from the noise and frenetic pace of the world below. Quiet, tranquil, and remote, this Buddhist kingdom is ideal for travelers who want to luxuriate in the peaceful, clean air, to see beautiful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and to experience festivals that are feasts for the senses. Also nestled in this exclusive Himalayan retreat are premiere luxury resorts and hotels, personalized tours, relaxing spas, unique shopping, and enticing restaurants. Truly a hidden treasure for the discriminating traveler.
From the quiet of Bhutan to the bustling city of Dehli, India. India, too, is a country of contrasts, offering massive cities, secluded villages, awe-inspiring architecture, and the most revered temples in the world. You will find excitement and tranquility, crowds and solitude, world-class shopping and beautiful, tranquil gardens. You will have the privilege of seeing, hearing, smelling, and tasting an India that few people do, in the midst of festivals, cities, villages, and within modern hotels with intricate mosaics, stunning views, and thoroughly Indian charm.
One could make a career of traveling in Asia: there is enough to see for several lifetimes. The beauty of Asia is yours to discover.
By: Enid Glasgow
Posts Tagged ‘India India’
Asia Luxury Travel Today
January 16th, 2010India in Style – A Quick Guide to the Best Shopping and Luxury Hotels in India
January 13th, 2010
India: it’s the place of the majestic Taj Mahal; the most wondrous gift a man has ever given the object of his love. It’s where camels lurch across deserts of stones past whitewashed schools, and young girls carrying pots of water for great distances on their heads – a battered yet beautiful country, where the impact of all it has to offer will leave you forever altered.
This mystic land is rapidly developing into an ideal tourist destination, where cultural and architectural wonders mingle seamlessly with top-class luxury hotels full of modern comforts, and chic shopping destinations.
Luxury Hotels in India
There’s no escaping the fact that India is right up there with the world’s finest luxury travel destination. Pick up any top international magazine, and you’ll see that India gets more entries for luxury hotels and spas in annual compilations of ‘The World’s Best’ lists.
Oberoi Udaivilas: counted amongst the world’s finest luxury hotels for some years now, it sensationally adorns the shores of Lake Pichola with to-die-for views. The Kohinoor Suite, a 2650sqft mini-palace, comes with fountained courtyards, an immense private pool and breathtaking views over the City Palace and the Aravali Hills.
Wildflower Hall: if there were ever India’s answer to a fairytale European castle, this is it. Lord Kitchener’s erstwhile residence, tranquilly teetering atop pine and cedar slopes, has been splendidly restored in grand colonial style. Wood panelling and original artwork impart old world aura. Expect rooms with teak floors, quaint furnishings and staggering views.
Shopping in India
During your stay, be sure to make your way to New Delhi for some fabulous shopping opportunities in India’s fashion capital. The latest collection of Indian designers can be found at the Crescent at the Qutab, on Delhi’s southern edge:
Namrata Joshipura G-9, Ground Floor, The Crescent at the Qutab: Fashion editors from around the world snap up slim-fitting dresses with suggestively plunging necklines stitched in gold thread and for day, prim shirtdresses with fitted waistbands and Peter Pan collars in ladylike linen.
Balance G-5, Ground Floor, The Crescent at the Qutab: Rohit Bal, India’s best-known designer, shows off his talent for ready-to-wear items with richly embroidered blouses for women and handsome, silk dress shirts with motifs from delicate flowers to raging bulls.
Fish Fry G-10, Ground Floor, The Crescent at the Qutab: Manish Arora represents the next generation of local talent with his outrageous creations. Expect swing skirts festooned with a veritable aquarium of glittering underwater life of seahorses, octopus and starfish and statement-making coats with Indian gods and goddesses.
By: Tom Ingrams
