asialife HCMC 1 - AsiaLIFE Magazine

Kamu Lodge, LaosThis eco-tourist resort defines the term rather well. It is accessibleby a three-hour boat journey from Luang Prabang—and that is theonly way one can get there; no short cuts and once here, no runningaway to any bright lights, big city. But judging from the pictures thatspeak of lush green, scenic surroundings and only the sounds thatnature have to offer, who would want to leave? Built in 2009, theLodge consists of 20 traditional canvas roof tents, which are quiteplush inside—and travellers rave about the menu on offer. While theemphasis is on pure relaxation, there are activities like rice plantingand even gold panning (January to June) along with interacting withthe locals to keep you ‘busy’.kamulodge.comSoneva Kiri, ThailandThailand is blessed by stunning beaches, many of which regularlyfeature in the top ten categories of publications worldwide. But theremoteness of the locale of the Soneva Kiri by Six Senses is seeminglyunrivalled. Guests are flown on the resort’s airplane fromBangkok to the property on the island of Koh Kood where unspoiledbeaches and a sense of absolute nothingness await. Sure, one cantake in the beauty of the surroundings by walking around the islandbut for the more restless, there’s plenty of water sports, includingdiving on hand. Anyone familiar with the Six Senses knows thattheir spas are rather heavenly so this is a great place to truly unwindand rejuvenate without any threat of being awoken by noise.sixsenses.com/soneva-kiriMango Bay, Phu QuocNestled in the remote environs of Phu Quoc Island, Mango Bayprides itself on being an eco-conscious property committed to workingwith island locals to preserve the community. Built in 2004, thetropical property has stunning views of the bay, a restaurant thatserves up great meals and the serenity that is required for a true'switch off' experience. Simple cottages, complete with four-posterbeds and mosquito netting, outdoor showers and stone pathsleading up to them aid in creating an ambience of old-fashionedresorts; with none of the false luxe trappings found in other 'fancier'places. Here, one can while away the hours in the lush gardens, geta massage on the beach, or for some form of activity, take a boat ridearound the fishing village.mangobayresort.comAsiaLIFE recommendsproperties where slowingdown is on the menu.Terres Rouge Lodge, CambodiaThe hotel probably received its greatest boost when Time magazinesaid it had “the best bar in the middle of nowhere.” But TerresRouge has more than just its bar, Le Jovial Jarai. Located in themountainous Ratanakiri, the hotel, which used to be a former provincialgovernor's lakeside home, is owned by a former French paratrooperwho has taken advantage of the location’s remoteness andsurroundings and created a space that promises relaxation, withoutthe danger of one getting cabin fever. The hotel’s interiors deserve aspecial mention—stunning antique furnishings, open-style Balinesebathrooms—give the feeling that one has stepped back in time whenlife was sans any of the modern trappings that enslave today. Onecan hike, kayak or indulge in other sporting activities nearby but ifit’s slices of serenity you’re after, you won’t find it elsewhere. (Photoby Nathan Horton.)ratanakiri-lodge.comMekong Pandaw Cruise, Cambodiato VietnamNothing says slow like a riverboat journey down the Mekong River.And if you’re on the Pandaw ships which are built like colonial riversteamers, then it’s also a feeling of being stuck in a time warp—except, of course, all the amenities are luxe. Large spacious roomsin teak and brass furnishings and scrumptious meals enhance thejourney, which can literally be spent just watching the environs goby, metamorphosing along the route. The four day, three night cruisefrom Saigon to Phnom Penh includes brief stop overs for touristythings—visiting a floating market, a tour of Margerite Duras’ lover’shome to name two examples—but for those seeking to remain asclose to nature as possible, with the sounds of the water to soothethe nerves, nothing will stop you from staying aboard and daydreamingyour time away. (Photos by John Mc Dermott.)pandaw.comDalat Palace, DalatStating the obvious always has a lame sound to it but in certaininstances, one needs to do it in case the obvious has been relegatedto the back of the mind in the frenzy of all that is upcoming andnew. But a classic is a classic and the Dalat Palace (formerly SofitelDalat) is one example of an obvious property one can escape to. Forstarters, it is old world charm personified; its ambience too seemssteeped in history. Then there’s Dalat itself, green and serene, it isan ideal destination to escape the heat of HCM City—the thrill offireplaces in the rooms are enough to get you planning your nexttrip. With little to do but go for walks to take in the scenery of themountains or Xuan Huong Lake, this is an idyllic locale in whichto gather thoughts and introspect—or stuff yourself silly and sleeptill noon.dalatpalace.vn32 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 33