landscaped gardens at Rayavadee, Krabi, Thailand.
Yoga amidst the rice paddies at the Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
In the cooler climes of Bhutan, Japan, Taiwan and Korea, splendid views of misty forested mountains, cultivated plains and settlements, gurgling rivers and steaming hot springs soothe the senses. Nature treks, hiking and mountain biking are on offer for the physically active. Here, too, the focus is on health and well-being and a resort’s spa, often designed around mineral hot springs, is generally its reason for being. Spas have also become a significant feature of the tropical resorts of the equatorial belt, offering an extensive menu of authentic massages, pampering body treatments and other wellness therapies in beautifully appointed open-air pavilions or indoor rooms. Most integrate traditional Asian medicinal practices, particularly Ayurvedic practices, with Western philosophies to produce a wide array of slimming, detoxification and revitalizing therapies, and most employ exclusively designed spa products based on the healing properties of local aromatic ingredients. Spiritual and holistic treatments like yoga, reiki and meditation classes conducted in serene landscaped settings are a popular option. Some spas offer new and quirky treatments, such as crystal and gem therapy.
Attention to all things culinary is also important in Asia and many of the resorts’ restaurants focus on dishes prepared with local ingredients, some grown organically on the premises. Produce fresh from the sea is a feature of the restaurants at beachside and island resorts. At some resorts, guests, including an increasing number of die-hard “foodies,” can also take cooking classes and learn about the local culture through the dishes—after they have visited the local market to help purchase the ingredients.
The hospitality industry in Asia not only offers a wide range of luxury resort options for the affluent tourist but also the opportunity to absorb Asia’s rich cultural heritage and a huge array of outdoor activities suited to the warm, tropical climate. Local events and festivities are complemented by cultural visits to local markets, crafts villages, museums, temples and tribal settlements. For those who love the sea, the pristine beach resorts in the Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia that are highlighted in this book have some of the finest beaches and dive spots in the world. The whole gamut of water activities is available for both the novice and the experienced adventurer—surfing, snorkeling, waterskiing, parasailing, kayaking, scuba diving, high-speed rafting and game fishing. Complementing the sea, a magnificent swimming pool—or often pools—usually with a dramatic infinity edge, is invariably a focus of Asian resorts. Whether it is a luxurious resort inspired by sun, sea and sand or a cool-clime resort that capitalizes on its unusual mountain or river setting, this book contains a visual feast of the best Asian-inspired resort experiences.
A sweeping view of the Paro Valley from the hillside Uma Paro resort.
The snow-clad Himalayas viewed from the pass at 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) above sea level.
Uma Paro Bhutan
Located in one of the most isolated and beautiful corners of the world, the tiny and remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Uma Paro, opened in 2004, is a luxury romantic getaway like no other. Just 10 minutes from Bhutan’s only airport, the hotel, perched amidst blue pine forest overlooking the Paro Valley, enjoys magnificent views of the peaks above and the rice paddies, wheat fields, streams, scattered settlements, temples and monasteries below. The hotel’s stunning location, combined with its strong Buddhist traditions, creates a serene and, for many, spiritual experience.
The staff at Uma Paro wear charming traditional Bhutanese costumes.
The heart of the hotel, the former home of a Bhutanese nobleman, is a three-story structure in vernacular style, with a flat roof, stark white stucco walls and painted wood window borders. Inside, low timber-beamed ceilings and white walls vividly painted by local artists with traditional motifs combine with bukhari stoves, textile carpets and cushioned seating to exude a charm reminiscent of a country home. Nine villas, crafted by traditionally trained Bhutanese artisans, with Zen-inspired interiors containing luxury amenities such as private therapy suites, are scattered around the 38-acre (15-hectare) wooded hillside site and are accessible by golf buggy.
A traditional bukhari fireplace in one of the villas set against a wall decorated with Bhutanese paintings.
Paintings on ceilings and walls are an attractive feature at the resort.
In the typically Bhutanese circular dining room, named appropriately Bukhari after the centrally placed fireplace that warms the room, broad windows allow splendid views of the dense pine forest. The menu features traditional Bhutanese offerings such as dried local pork and hearty soups made from handmade noodles, as well as contemporary interpretations of neighboring cuisines, including Indian dishes from the charcoal tandoor oven.
The holistic heart of Uma Paro—and the main reason for its existence—is the Como Shambhala Retreat. The emphasis at its treatment and steam rooms, gym and indoor pool—with outdoor sundeck— is less on beauty than on yoga, massage and Ayurvedic medicine as staff strive to offer physical as well as spiritual wellness. For physical adventure, the hotel offers overnight trekking and camping expeditions, day walks, mountain biking, archery and rafting.
Prayer bells at one of the hillside temples in the vicinity of the resort.
The three-story main building in vernacular style.
Address: Uma Paro
PO Box 222, Paro, Bhutan.
Tel: +975 8 271 597
Fax: +975 8 271 513
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.uma.como.bz
The resort's well-equipped gym and yoga studio overlook the Paro Valley.
A wooden tub in the four-room spa.
The view from a villa terrace.
A butler delivers room service.
Amankila Bali
An hour’s drive from Bali’s international airport at Denpasar, Amankila is the ultimate luxury retreat for romantic, spiritual, cultural and activity pursuits. Set on a beachfront plateau
