TRAVEL NEWS + DEALS
A sleep cure in Bali and some industrial chic in HCMC
Take in the sights of Bali and then enjoy some of the best sleep with the help of a curated package; or try an industrial chic stay in HCMC.
Now Bali welcomes sleepyheads
For peripatetics racked by sleepess nights as they jet from New York to Singapore and Tokyo, a soothing 'Art of Slumber' package from Tanah Gajah (www.tanahgajahubud.com), a Resort by Hadiprana, Ubud, up in the cool hill country of central Bali. If you're in need of laboratory conditions to switch off, this may be it. Apart from sleeping blissfully in a charming boutique resort spread over acres of verdant rice paddy dotted with stone Ganesha statues, there's a 90-minute massage combining shiatsu with Balinese, Thai and Swedish techniques. Then head for a 'Melukat' cleansing ritual that restores calm and declutters the mind before sampling a melatonin-boosting three-course dinner. Back at your private villa find a special music selection and chamomille-infused tea with pandan and ginger. Start the enxt day with a spot of yoga. Priced at US$2,140 for two over two nights (till 31 March 2025).
Ambassador Cruise (above left, ambassadorcruise.com/) has launched its 'One Adventure Two Wonders' experience that takes visitors on an idyllic Vietnam coastline glide through Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay with their majestic limestone karsts. The three-day two-night cruises include sights around the bays, caves, and perhaps tai chi. The two luxe cruise boats that do these combined runs come with 39 and 46 well appointed cabins, all with private balconies. Coming on the heels of Janu Tokyo in March 2024, Aman announces the arrival of Janu Dubai in 2027 (above right). The green-feel nature-leaning Janu Dubai will offer 150 keys (including some for exclusive residences) and a members' club. Expect the usual thoughtful wellness escape, fitness, fine dining and event space in a designer escape.
Industrial chic in Saigon
Keeping in mind the needs of the demanding business traveller with an eye on design and detail, HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong (binhduong.hiivehotels.com) just north of Ho Chi Minh City's international airport in a fast developing business and industrial area, offers a breezy well-lit industrial chic environment for all purposes. The space is attractive for both short and long stays. Expect contemporary meeting rooms, a communal mingling HUB for work and play, a well equipped gym, dining choices from Japanese to Vietnamese (with a sports bar too) and an elegant lifestyle feel. There is a laundry facility on each floor. An opening offer of 20% off is available for early bookers. This is a fresh dimension for the Fusion group that has expanded from luxe resorts to city stays and business hotels.
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On 1 September 2023 Bhutan (above left, bhutan.travel/) brought the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) down to US$100. The levy is valid until September 2027. Young children get special concessions too. In early 2023 the government opted to drop all-inclusive tour fees (US$250) and began charging a flat US$200 per head for foreigners (with a special Rs1,200 rate for Indians). The freebie was over. Hotels and tour operators complained that this was killing tourism as foreigners now had to pay the $200 personal fee and fork out separately for hotels, transport, and meals. This resulted in the cut. Indians don't require a Bhutan visa. Maldivians and Bangladeshis are also exempt from visas. In April 2024 (above right) the mega-bed Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre (www.mercure-icon-singapore-city-centre.com/) arrived with an inventory of 989 keys. This Chinatown inspired creation features lobby LED artworks and catchy shophouse heritage depictions. This is entirely apt. As guests step out into the neighbourhood bustle they are immediatelty in the thick of the shophouse action from Club Street on to Ann Siang Hill and Duxton Hill. This Chinatown street is where some of Singapore's more venerable Chinese clubs first originated. Rooms at this Accor property serve up light-filled rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies and eco-friendly amenities.
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