Guest experience is a mantra that is often – maybe too often – repeated in the hospitality industry. However, it remains true that today’s travellers are searching for transformative encounters and learning moments that are not only good memories but that broaden their outlook on life.
Let’s discover a selection of these unique experiences brought by hotels and resorts in Asia.
Adopt and release clowfish at award-winning Marine Discovery Centre on Koh Phi Phi
Eco-conscious travellers can adopt their own “Nemo”. They are invited to visit Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, a unique environmental facility that is dedicated to the conservation of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi National Park, the vast tropical reserve that surrounds the Phi Phi islands. This eco hub operates many important projects, including coral preservation, breeding and a release programme. For THB 9,000 net per person, guests will be able to choose and name their clownfish, and when the fish is strong enough, travel out by long-tail boat to release it on the anemone coral reef. Each adopting parent will receive a certificate of appreciation and will be named on the donor recognition wall in the Marine Discovery Centre.
Click here to know more about the Marine Discovery Centre.
Embrace the power of the moon at SALA Spa on Koh Samui
Nestled in the peaceful Garden Wing of SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, the SALA Spa is a haven of tranquillity. It has been uniquely designed to reflect the changing phases of the moon, including the half moon and dark moon and incorporates areas of light and shade, with moon-shaped elements and natural materials. The six treatment rooms are named after the planets of the solar system and all come equipped with soothing bathtubs, showers and twin spa beds. Separate steam rooms are also available. Guests can choose from a wide selection of treatments, including body scrubs, wraps and massages, all conducted by highly skilled spa therapists.
To know more, please click here.
Take a wooden raft to dine at an Ayutthaya-style mansion at The Slate Phuket
Your spirit of discovery will be aroused at The Slate Phuket, a whimsical art-inspired beachfront resort designed by Bill Bensley. It is also reflected in the resort’s dream-like gardens and dramatic restaurants, which showcase highly authentic yet innovative dishes. For example, Black Ginger is set in a traditional Ayutthaya-style mansion that appears to float above a tranquil lagoon. Only accessible via a wooden raft, this exquisite dining venue blends Phuket’s sensational street food with royal Thai culinary traditions.
Discover more here.
Relax in the only urban jungle located in one of the busiest districts of Bangkok
Nestled in Bangkok’s central business district, just 10 minutes’ walk from Ploenchit BTS skytrain station, Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort puts guests in the heart of the action. What makes this low-rise property truly unique however is its 1.2 acres of lush gardens, shaded by century-old trees, and its free form swimming pool, ensuring the resort feels blissfully removed from the bustling streets beyond the walls. Within this verdant oasis, guests can unwind in a wonderful world of wellness, with a healthy-living concept that is woven through every part of the resort – including its contemporary restaurants and bars.
More info here.
Indulge in spa pods inspired by the famous Vietnamese basket boats in Cam Ranh
Your spirit of discovery will be aroused at The Slate Phuket, a whimsical art-inspired beachfront resort designed by Bill Bensley. It is also reflected in the resort’s dream-like gardens and dramatic restaurants, which showcase highly authentic yet innovative dishes. For example, Black Ginger is set in a traditional Ayutthaya-style mansion that appears to float above a tranquil lagoon. Only accessible via a wooden raft, this exquisite dining venue blends Phuket’s sensational street food with royal Thai culinary traditions.
Discover more here.
Relax in the only urban jungle located in one of the busiest districts of Bangkok
Nestled in Bangkok’s central business district, just 10 minutes’ walk from Ploenchit BTS skytrain station, Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort puts guests in the heart of the action. What makes this low-rise property truly unique however is its 1.2 acres of lush gardens, shaded by century-old trees, and its free form swimming pool, ensuring the resort feels blissfully removed from the bustling streets beyond the walls. Within this verdant oasis, guests can unwind in a wonderful world of wellness, with a healthy-living concept that is woven through every part of the resort – including its contemporary restaurants and bars.
More info here.
Indulge in spa pods inspired by the famous Vietnamese basket boats in Cam Ranh
Newly opened at Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh, an elegant beachfront resort located on an 18km-long stretch of sand on Vietnam’s south-central coast, the spa’s modern design blends seamlessly into the hotel’s terrain and seaside location. The design of its seashell-shaped treatment rooms is inspired by the famous Vietnamese traditional basket boats, also used by the fishermen from Cam Ranh Bay. The Spa at Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh invites all visitors to experience the ultimate in wellness and comfort with a tailor-made spa menu based around the concept of ‘getaway, recharge and revive’.
Click here to discover more.
Admire a spectacular view while dining organically at Seven Seas on Koh Lanta
Located at Pimalai Resort & Spa, an iconic five-star retreat on the shores of Koh Lanta, Seven Seas offers a spectacular view from its elevated vantage point above Kantiang Bay. Surrounded by lush jungle and overlooking the azure Andaman Sea, Seven Seas serves up a level of cuisine that would not be out of place in any world-class restaurant across the globe. Key to the restaurant’s success is its focus on organic ingredients; Pimalai’s owner, Anurat Tiyaphorn, believes strongly in sustainable farming and operates his own fruit orchards, herb gardens and vegetable farms. The resort also works closely with small-scale southern Thai producers, including Koh Lanta’s native fishermen.
Find more here.
Dive into one of the largest pools on Koh Samui
Experience-driven, carbon-neutral beachfront retreat Santiburi Koh Samui features a huge swimming pool (50 metres long and 25 metres wide). The striking centrepiece of this high-end resort acts as a hub of relaxation, recreation and themed events and celebrations. In fact, it’s so big you can do laps and not even noticing games being played in other areas of the pool, or even a couple getting married on the “walk on water” mobile promenade. This is a pool where you will find space to do your thing and you won’t have to reserve your sun lounger before the sun rises. Nestled among 23 acres of landscaped gardens and coconut groves and a few steps away from a 300-meter-long stretch of private sandy beach, this is definitely a pool that must be added to your travel list.
Please check here.
Discover Bangkok’s historic Sam Yot district through the story of a Thai family
Charting the long and storied history of the Kittisuwan family who own Villa de Pranakorn, the Ancestors Hall in this boutique hotel, that has just opened, houses a unique collection of heirlooms and mementos from the past century. Explore this deeply personal space and discover both the roots of the hotel and the rich culture and age-old customs that have shaped this historic Bangkok neighbourhood.
