CENTURION ESCAPES The Appeals of the Off Season There’s nothing wrong with the buzz of the smart set – indeed, there are many wonderful things about travelling comme il faut – but the otherworldly peace of discovering places at more unexpected times has its virtues as well, says Rob Crossan, who profiles a handful of surprisingly engaging summer destinations FRESH PERSPECTIVE 1. Thailand C ome June and July, Thailand has a secret climate phase known only to the truly savvy traveller. Dismissed as the monsoon season, there is actually a dry spell that can run for many weeks at this time of year. It’s a period when crowds are low, yet the sun still radiates happiness on, among other places, Trisara ( trisara.com), the familyowned, super-luxe Phuket hideaway that’s recently undergone a massive renovation, adding new residences, spa treatments and restaurants to burnish the beguiling, all-villa resort’s impressive credentials. Meanwhile in Bangkok, the Mandarin Oriental ( mandarinoriental. com/bangkok) looks its shimmering best as well in summer, and there are few more genteel ways to enjoy the Thai capital than to start the day on the outdoor Riverside Terrace for the sumptuous buffet breakfast before taking the hotel’s own boat across the river to the teak-wood spa building to indulge in a lemongrass treatment. Farther along the Western side of that lazy, slow moving river, The Peninsula Bangkok ( bangkok.peninsula.com) exudes tranquillity amid the urban maelstrom with its three tiered outdoor pool the perfect place to find quietude on another typically sun-scorched afternoon. For a true feel of a more traditional Thailand, take the riverboat on Saturday mornings which gently chugs out to the Guan Yu, a 300- year-old Chinese temple, for a yoga class. ◆ The Peninsula Bangkok PHOTOS CXXXXXXXXX UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS WITH FINE HOTELS & RESORTS CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM/FHR
PROMOTION HONOR HOTELS & RESORTS • YUN SHU DALI Honor Hotels & Resorts' Yun Shu Dali is a modern golfthemed hotel near Cangshan mountain and the Yin Xian stream. It is adjacent to the ancient imperial Chongsheng Temple, Dali Ancient Town and other places of interest, as well as being only 40 minutes' drive from Dali airport. Recognised by Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the design of the hotel aims to become a luxurious golf-themed brand in Dali and Yunnan as well as an extraordinary destination for golf enthusiasts from all over the world. The hotel name “honor" – homonymic from a Chinese word that originates from the Bai language meaning “blue sky, white clouds” – vividly indicates the excellent location and surrounding environment of the hotel. The overall structure of the hotel consists of eight courtyard villas and 23 contemporary guest rooms, all designed around the themes of elegance, tea, joy and hermitage. The rooms offer chic luxury accommodation and are carefully bedecked with thoughtful details to amuse and delight. With our unique living rooms and decked terraces, guests can enjoy natural daylight all year round. The hotel is equipped with all manner of affiliated facilities: an all-day dining restaurant, a deluxe cigar bar, a wine bar, a 10-person meeting room, an indoor golf simulator, a relaxing infinity pool as well as a gym and spa. Honor Hotels & Resorts' Yun Shu Dali is a truly ideal destination for both golf enthusiasts and recreation tourists in the Yunnan province, with timeless hospitality delivered flawlessly. Canghai Golf International Community, Dali Yunnan Province, P.R. China, Tel: +86 872 2421111 honordali.com CALL YOUR CENTURION TRAVEL SERVICE FOR MORE INFORMATION
