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T R AV E L – A S I A
From bucket list experiences, through to the most luxurious and jaw-dropping places to stay, eat and drink, Alice Frances discovers the very best Asia has to offer for 2022 and beyond
ONCE IN A
LIFETIME Do
Hit the snow in style in Japan
Niseko, Japan Considering Japan’s top ski-resorts get more than twice the snow dumping that world-famous Utah and Colorado get in a year, it’s not surprising skiers are now flocking to Japan. And, for a high-end experience, there’s now no beating up-and-coming Niseko, located in Hokkaido, just south of Sapporo. After a day carving through the Champagne-powder sski-fields, you can then unwind in an onsen (hot spring), right next to a towering, active volcano. In the past two years, several five-star resorts have opened, including a Ritz-Carlton and W Hotel, alongside boutique stores and fine-dining restaurants, making Niseko a new favourite among A-listers. niseko-village.com/en
to the orangutan. Try the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Northern Borneo where around 60 to 80 orangutans live wild and free across the 43sq km of protected land. Many of the nearby hotels in Sandakan offer a shuttle service to the reserve — or it’s a short 45-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu where you’ll find five-star resorts, including a Mariott, Hyatt Regency and Shangri La.
Make a wish at the Sky Lantern Festival Pingxi, Taiwan Though lantern festivals are common in Asia, this is a cut above the rest. Held in the remote mountain town of Pingxi, its low light pollution and stunning cliffs make it the perfect spot to view the annual sea of luminous lanterns rising from the dark. Book in now for the February 2023 festival where you can write your wishes on your lantern and send it up into the heavens for good luck in the New Year. Stay in Taipei at the luxurious Shangri La Hotel, from where a private car can take you to the spectacle. eng.taiwan.net.tw
Take a five-star cruise through Southeast Asia
Experience India aboard Asia’s most luxurious train
Rajasthan, India Recently named Asia’s Leading Luxury Train at the 2021 World Travel Awards for the second year running, there’s no more opulent way to see India than aboard the Maharajas’ Express. With fine dining and spaciously appointed luxury cabins, there are four itineraries to choose from, ranging from three to six-night stays. It’s hard to go past the Indian Splendour though, which runs from Delhi to Mumbai over six nights, taking in a game drive at Ranthambore National Park and a lavish dinner at Rambagh Palace along the way. the-maharajas.com
See orangutan in the wild
Malaysian Borneo Treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime experience, exploring Asia’s largest island, where you’ll find some of the world’s oldest rainforests, home
Singapore to Hong Kong, China Take in some of the world’s most blissful beaches — as well as buzzing cities and glorious temples and monuments — aboard this Silversea cruise that has it all. Starting in Singapore, this 14-day itinerary takes in Ko Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue before arriving in Hong Kong, with a few days spent at sea to truly enjoy the lavish facilities on board. Each spacious cabin comes with butler service, plus there are eight restaurants to choose from, lounges, cafes, a spa, casino and cinema — but no crowds, with cruise numbers limited to ensure one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the business. silversea.com
Watch turtles hatching on a remote Malaysian island
Turtle Islands National Park, Malaysian Borneo Known locally as Pulau Penyu, this picturesque spot is also the nesting site of the endangered green hawksbill turtle. Stop by for the day to take your chances on seeing one, or opt to stay overnight on the island, where you can take in a sunset stroll on the beach before dinner, then settle in for the evening’s show. Come nightfall, female turtles crawl up the beach and lay their eggs, which are whisked away to the hatchery to protect them from predators. Follow your park ranger for a tour of the hatchery, where — if you’re lucky — you may even get to witness a turtle hatching.
Stay The Oberoi Amarvilas
Agra, India You really can’t go past the Oberoi for a room with a view. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on your own private balcony and watch as night falls over the Taj Mahal and it lights up in all its majesty, right in front of you. All rooms at this truly decadent five-star resort come with marble ensuite bathrooms and personal butlers, while larger suites include private sun decks and loungers, living and dining spaces — as well as a luxurious marble bath that overlooks the Taj Mahal. oberoihotels.com
Amiana Resort Nha Trang
Nha Trang, Vietnam If you’re planning a trip with young children or teens in tow, look no further than this Amiana Resort — the Luxury Family Resort Global Winner at the recent Luxury Hotel Awards 2021. You’ll likely not want to leave the sprawling grounds, nestled on a private white-sand beach with multiple, giant saltwater and freshwater pools, a world-class spa and mudbath, restaurants, kids club and watersports centre. But if you can tear yourself away, there’s a plethora of excursions available, from snorkelling and fishing trips, to shopping and cultural trips to the nearby heart of Nha Trang — many offered on push-bikes or Vespas. amianaresort.com
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives
Fari Islands, Maldives To really get away from it all, there’s no better spot than the Maldives. One of the newest — and most luxurious resorts — is the Ritz-Carlton,
