THE BRIEF CHINA VISA CLAMP Getting a visa to China just got tougher. Those in need of short-term stamps are now required to produce return tickets and hotel vouchers. BAGS WILL COST Travel light and save; AirAsia has introduced a fee for handling checked baggage. Charges apply per piece up to a maximum 15kg. www.airasia.com STYLISH BALI The Anantara Resort Seminyak is now open on Bali's hippest strip. The mod five-storey resort offers roomy suites, two infinity pools, a spa and a rooftop bar. www.bali.anantara.com SHANGHAI INTRO The new five-star Swissotel Grand, Shanghai, has special introductory rates to celebrate its opening. www.swissotel.com BALI CHIC ESCAPES In Bali, at the C151 Smart Villas Seminyak an asking rate of US$1,200 per night with LCD TV, Jacuzzi, garden, Broadband, steam rooms and piped music in the pool. www.hannobali.com JET AIRWAYS TO HK India's Jet Airways launched a daily service Mumbai-HK on 14 April 2008 offering further options from the Far East to India.. www.jetairways.com BEIJING MILLENNIUM At the new Grand Millennium Beijing an introductory offer from Rmb1,388 per night. E-mail hotel RAFFLES N SAND In Dubai check out a Signature Suite at the Raffles at AED2,050 with airport transfers, breakfast, 24-hour butlers and WiFi. https://reservations.raffles.com MUMBAI HOTEL The Grand Sarovar Premiere has opened in Goregaon, Mumbai, the group's third. The hotel offers 98 rooms with contemporary décor.

Bhutan not an uphill task for musclebound bikers

Start training, inhale - at sea level - pack some acclimatisation tablets and head to the lofty heights of Bhutan for some muscle-wearying, pedal-spinning adventure, albeit with oodles of luxury. Running 7-17 July 2008, Uma Paro, in conjunction with Kona Bikes, is offering a cycle trip through five valleys (largely downhill runs accompanied by a support car), taking in local culture, remote villages, off-road trails, and riverside circuits. "Mountains and Monasteries - Bhutan by Bike" is available from US$3,946 (single occupancy, full board). Cyclists will stay six nights at Uma Paro and four nights at simple hotels en route. Mountain bikes are supplied, along with gloves and helmet. www.uma.como.bz

In Seoul, lie back and eat your art out

Shopping, eating, health, luxury - all are catered for at The Shilla Seoul's state-of-the-art facilities, but the hotel's "Leading Quest" package also includes a free ticket to the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art. On offer throughout 2008, get a Deluxe Single Room for US$267, plus the museum ticket, free breakfast, a cocktail and use of the fitness club and swimming pool. Spend US$359 and you'll get the spacious Grand Deluxe Double Room. www.shilla.net

Fit for Life? Well yes, at least in June, in Vietnam

Dust off those runners and sign up for the Mui Ne Triathlon, taking place on 1 June 2008. Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort & Spa is offering a special deal for all sporty types from 31 May to 2 June 2008. The three-day/two-night package is priced at US$105 per person (based on double occupancy) and includes accommodation in a Sea View Bungalow, breakfast (hopefully high in carbohydrates) and a 60-minute massage www.victoriahotels-asia.com

Singing in the rain in the Phuket monsoon

Constant downpours can be a damper on a beach holiday unless you're at one of those outdoor toilet resorts where you shampoo your hair and then wait for the rains. So the thoughtful folks at Phuket's Indigo Pearl resort are offering a pot of gold to those drifting away in a boat of rain-filled gloom. The "Rainbow Promotion" running till 31 October gives guests a voucher for a free night at the resort - including breakfast - if it rains for three consecutive hours on any day during their stay. Heck, don't scour the skies at 3am. That's not kosher. Complimentary nights can be redeemed on return visits until 31 October 2008. www.indigo-pearl.com

History, space, science and art, yes in Hong Kong

It's not often that "Hong Kong" and "museum" are mentioned in the same breath, but the city has some amazing displays to explore. To make it easy, The Luxe Manor has introduced a "Museum Package" offering a ticket to seven venues for seven days. Rates start at HK$1,400 per room per night. And if gathering all that information makes you peckish, the deal also includes afternoon tea at the hotel's restaurant, Aspasia. www.theluxemanor.com

Enter the Dragon - this time in Beijing

Climb aboard a deluxe boat, sail back in time to the Qing Dynasty and sample what life was like for a Chinese royal. The Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing is offering an "Empress for a Day" package. Included is a roundtrip cruise on the River Dragon barge to the historic Summer Palace with a two-hour guided tour, an 'Empress Imperial Jade Journey' at CHI The Spa, a six-course feast at Blu Lobster restaurant plus accommodation. The price to live it up like an empress? RMB7,820 (US$1,117) per person for two nights. www.shangri-la.com

In Bali, detox then gobble a huge breakfast

Deliver those toxins a knockout blow at The Villas Bali Hotel and Spa. The resort's Prana Spa has a cleansing retreat from 24 May until 1 June 2008. The nine-day programme aims to replenish, rejuvenate and improve your resistance to pesky ailments. The US$2,729 price includes detox drinks and supplements, accommodation, daily yoga, massage and reflexology vouchers, a vegetarian welcome lunch and a (possibly much-needed) 'Breaking the Fast' breakfast. www.thevillas.net

Advice for the Maldives: indulge, indulge, indulge...

Because really that's all there is to do at the One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives. Indulge in your idyllic picture-postcard setting, the powdered sand, the sparkling sea, and in the spa's holistic health therapies. The resort's "Summer Indulgence" package gives you one complimentary night with every three paid nights. And there'll be no worries about going hungry; daily breakfast for two is included. Until 15 October 2008. www.oneandonlyresorts.com

Ten days in a picture postcard with four nights free

Why not enjoy the Maldives azure and relax a while longer? Cocoa Island is offering a "Summer Special" that offers seven nights for the price of five. And if that's not quite long enough to feel the sand between your toes and seawater on your skin, there's also the option of 14 nights for the price of 10. The offer is valid from 15 May to 15 October 2008 and rates start from US$590 per night. www.cocoaisland.como.bz

In Khao Lak the kids travel on elephants

Pack the bathing suits as well as the kids for easy-on-the-pocket family fun in southern Thailand. Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort is offering a room rate of US$115 per night with a second room at half price for those typhoon tykes. The deal includes daily breakfast and US$20 credit for activities that range from diving the depths of the Andaman Sea to elephant safaris and white-water adventures on bamboo rafts. The offer is until 31 October 2008. www.lemeridien.com/khaolak

No thrilla in Manila, just solid, dependable business

Business in The Philippines will be a breeze with Mandarin Oriental Manila's "Business in Manila" package. Choose either a Business Room (P8,800 single, P9,800 twin) or a Junior Suite (P9,800 single, 10,800 twin) and make use of in-room broadband Internet access with added extras of a daily buffet breakfast, one-way airport transfer, laundry or pressing for one item of clothing per day. www.mandarinoriental.com

Tips for Tokyo before your feet touch the ground

Japan Airlines has launched its first English-language guide to Tokyo. It's not for all passengers mind you, only for those travelling in first and business class. The 80-page guide has regularly updated information on most things you need to know about Tokyo (read: shopping and dining) plus sightseeing recommendations and the obligatory subway map, if not instructions on how to use a funky space-age toilet. From July 2008 the guide can be viewed as well on. www.jal.com

Lazing about is less costly in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai's new deluxe hotel, U Chiang Mai, will open its doors in June. To celebrate, the hotel is offering a rate of Bt3,400 for a Superior Room or Bt4,400 for the Deluxe. Relax in the spa, be as intellectual as you wish - if anyone's watching - in the hotel's reading room (housing an extensive collection of Chiang Mai historic literature) or just loaf about in your room, complete with a daybed and private balcony. The deal runs from 1 June till 31 July 2008. www.uchiangmai.com

Why lounge lizards should head to Phi Phi

Recharge your sluggish batteries on Thailand's Phi Phi Island. Zeavola Resort on the northern tip of the island is offering a three-night package with an extra night thrown in for free. The deal includes accommodation in one of the resort's villas, breakfast and complimentary WiFi. Not that you necessarily need the gadgets when you?ve got sand, sea and sun. Rates start from Bt9,000 per night until 31 October 2008. www.zeavola.com

Meetings on Sentosa, in military barracks

Heading away with the work crew? The new Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa has a "Meet & Stay" package designed for groups of ten or more. For S$395 per guest, the deal includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and use of a meeting room with presentation facilities from 9am to 5pm (with coffee and tea provided). The resort, built on the site of an old 1930s military digs, has three pools and four restaurants. We're talking military barracks, not Barack Obama. Until 31 May 2008. www.amarasanctuary.com

How cool dudes save 20 percent in Cebu

Diving, windsurfing, parasailing or freestyling in the pool - at Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort & Spa, water buffs are spoilt for choice. Until 30 September 2008, this Cebu resort is offering accommodation for up to three adults (or two adults and two children) in an Executive Suite for P15,000 per night. Included is daily breakfast, a 15-minute foot reflexology session at CHI, The Spa, 20 percent savings at any of the resort's restaurants, and airport transfers. And if business is an absolute must, access to the exclusive Ocean Club Lounge with all-day snacks and WiFi is part of the deal. www.shangri-la.com

Where is the love? Try beachside Bali

Missing that all-important romantic spark? A few days in enchanting Bali may just relight the fire. The Westin Resort Nusa Dua is offering a "Rekindle Romance" package starting from US$255 a night. The deal includes accommodation in a Royal Beach Club Room, a candlelit dinner for two on the beach, an hour-long Balinese massage for the happy duo, plus airport transfers. There's a minimum stay of three nights which should be plenty long to get those flames a-blazing. Valid until 26 December 2008. www.starwoodhotels.com

Wat's up in Angkor? Unbridled luxury and temple passes

Stamina is vital to explore the grand and exceptional creations that are Angkor Wat. So why not make your visit to Cambodia all the more pampered? The cosy and stylish Hotel de la Paix in Siem Reap, is offering an "Ultimate Luxury Getaway" at US$1,389 with all sorts of goodies for you and your fellow temple-discoverer, including three nights? accommodation in a Deluxe Suite, daily breakfast, spa treatments, dinners, as well as the all-important temple passes for two days. Plus you?ll get your own private car and driver, English-speaking guide and complimentary use of iPods with narrative for temple tours. With all that mollycoddling, perhaps the stamina won?t be required after all. Valid until 30 September 2008. www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com

Ho Chi Minh new-look deal with unlimited Internet

Heading for Vietnam's capital? Pop by the Caravelle Hotel, now with a fresh face, after ten years in brisk business. Rooms are spruced up, TVs updated to LCDs, and DVDs and plenty of other amenities have been added. To celebrate, the hotel is offering the "Caravelle Signature Deal" starting at US$245 per night. For this you'll get unlimited Internet access, use of a private conference room for up to one hour per day, and privileges within the Signature Lounge for the whole day. These privileges include private breakfast, drinks, and evening cocktails and canapés. Valid till 31 August 2008. www.caravellehotel.com

Why guests will punch your lights out in Hong Kong

Vent some of that built-up angst and get fit at the same time. Hip hotel JIA Hong Kong is teaming up with "muay thai" boxing club Swish for a unique "weekend holiday" package. Pay HK$1,700 and you'll get two nights' accommodation in a studio room and a one-hour boxing session with a personal trainer. Upgrade to a suite for HK$2,000. The deal is on offer for through July 2008. www.jiahongkong.com

Hong Kong: Waiter there's an Octopus in my soup

Quite right. And it'll get you everywhere. Doing business in Hong Kong? Make it that much more economical with The Fleming's "BizTrav Package". Priced at HK$1,288 for a Superior Room, the deal includes breakfast, a stored-value Octopus? card (for HK$100 worth of public transport), airport transfers, complimentary wireless Broadband and access to the nearby California Fitness gym. The Fleming is located in the thick of the action of Wanchai and the ongoing deal is valid till 31 December 2008. www.thefleming.com.hk

Surfin' safari through Palawan on a banca

In the shockingly azure waters of The Philippines, expat-run Banca Safaris offers tailor-made tours to remote islands. The banca itself, the "Buri Princess", has been meticulously restored to ensure comfort on the high seas gazing at brilliant sunsets, white sand beaches and marine life. An eight-day safari runs at US$1,400 per person - all-inclusive. The Palawan Safari - "Forgotten Paradise" runs until June. www.bancasafaris.com

Suit yourself in Bangkok with a tailor in tow

At the Metropolitan Bangkok a range of packages to suit all styles and fetishes, including the "Bangkok in Style" deal at US$1,350 per room for three nights. Expect limousine transfer from the airport, Champagne, a tour with the Grand Palace on the menu, and either Thai boxing or cooking. Bring on the chillies or the gloves. Also get breakfast, massage for two and a session with a top tailor. Res.bkk@metropolitan.como.bz

Something cool? How about a Ladakh winter trek?

For Real Alpha Males and lovers of hardship and the joys of team-bonding - high altitude winter treks through some of the most stunning snow-clad landscape anywhere. Walk through the Ladakh and Zanskar valleys to the far north of India in the high folds of the Himalayas with the help of Ladakh Ecological Footprint. www.ladakhecologicalfootprint.com

One night in Bangkok - or more - for the well heeled

At the swish JW Marriott Bangkok, wonderfully positioned on bustling Sukhumvit in the midst of business and shopping, a "One Night (or More) in Bangkok" package with accommodation for two, breakfast, set dinner for two at the Nami Japanese restaurant - at Bt7,900 for one night in a Deluxe Room, Baht15,600 for two nights or Bt23,400 for three nights. bookmarriott@marriotthotels.com

Yes, Koh Samui, Thailand, is for romantics

At the hotel-and-villa Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa a "Romantic Package" available year round for two to three nights with airport transfers, chocolates, breakfasts, a one-hour massage at Quan Spa, and a three-course slap-on-the-calories dinner for two at a beach sala overlooking the ocean. A Deluxe Room will set you back Bt21,000 for a two-night stay while three nights are Bt26,400. bookmarriott@marriotthotels.com

If you must insist on meetings, try Vietnam

Vietnam's top-drawer oceanfront escape, The Nam Hai, Hoi An, serves up some special meetings packages for 2008 starting as low as US$40 per delegate. The "Vietnam Meeting Package" is at US$40 per person for a half-day or US$50 per person, full-day. With a minimum of five persons, this package offers a meeting room with WiFi and of course flowing coffee, tea and pastries. The full-day "Nam Hai Meeting Package," starts at US$70. Alternatively cough up a bit more and enjoy a spoiling villa escape. www.ghmhotels.com

A killingly good time in the footsteps of Genghis Khan

Beat the traffic and head to Inner Mongolia where a three-day two-night package will have you stomping around Huhhot in the footsteps of Genghis Khan, the great Mongolian unifier and scourge of Europe. Stay at the new Shangri-La Hotel, Huhhot and sample, among other things, an evening on the grasslands in a Mongolian yurt (tent), a half-day city tour, museum visits, and excursions into the countryside. Huhhot is a one-hour flight from Beijing. slhh@shangri-la.com

Siam-style meeting packages in City of Angels

In the City of Angels - Bangkok for the uninitiated - an "Executive Meeting Package" at Siam City Hotel for Bt1,200 per person each day. This gives you an indoor or garden-view meeting room, from 8.30am to 5pm, three breaks, coffee, lunch and a range of equipment including an LCD projector. Group room rates are priced at Bt4,200 net (single) and Bt4,500 net (double) for a Deluxe Room inclusive of breakfast and free Broadband WiFi. Valid for up to a maximum of 20 persons until 31 October 2008. sales@siamhotels.com

Why Yalong Bay, Sanya, is for lovers

In China's answer to Hawaii, on the little-known tropical island of Hainan in the far south, a "Romantic Experience Package" at the Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa, set in breezy tropical gardens with a private beach in the showcase Yalong Bay area. Get a Deluxe Room at Rmb1,270 per night with breakfast for two, flowers and chocolates, and a candlelit dinner at the IZE restaurant. Yes there's one breakfast in bed too. The package runs until 31 December 2008. sanya@hilton.com

Dive into the blue in Thailand

In Thailand the rebranded Centara Hotels and Resorts (formerly Central), is offering a range of Scuba Dive Packages for beginners and pros. Multi-lingual instructors will guide you through clear waters around Krabi, Phuket, or Samui. Ogle at fish or let them gawp at you. Opt for stays at the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, Centara Villas Samui, Centara Karon Resort Phuket, Centara Villas Phuket, Centara Kata Resort Phuket or Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi. The packages run till 31 October 2008 with four nights' accommodation with breakfast, airport transfers and diving, from about Bt28,550 (low season) per person, to Bt35,550. centara@chr.co.th

There's spring in the air in Shanghai

Until 31 May 2008 at the Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World, a "Spring Business Package" for pin-stripers priced at Rmb1,888 per night (for a three night minimum). You get a night in a Superior Room (single or double), breakfast for two, and a couple of alcoholic beverage coupons. The hotel in the central Puxi district is 47 storeys with open views and easy access to the nightlife of Xin Tian Di and the Nanjing pedestrian mall. reservations@radisson-nw.com

Phuket spa getaway for drooling honeymooners

At the extensive and versatile JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa a "Spa Romance Experience" from three-to-six nights with accommodation for two, airport transfers in a Benz, American breakfasts - no scrimping on eggs - and one three-hour Mandara Sunset massage. All this from Bt26,500 for three nights in a Deluxe Sala Garden View till 31 October and Bt 34,500 (November till 20 December 2008). bookmarriott@marriotthotels.com

Bangkok spa experience will scrub you till shiny

At the exquisite Sukhothai Bangkok, an oasis of designer Thai luxury, a celebratory "Spa Botanica Experience" package at Bt18,470, double room, with a three hour treatment for two persons including an assortment of scrubs, massages and facials. A single person can avail of the package at Bt12,900 per night. If this is not enough pampering for you, try the "Luxury" package at Bt61,500 per person for a two-night stay in a Deluxe Residence Suite with watercress-milk body-cleansing, a chrysanthemum bath and much more. www.sukhothai.com

Olympics package in Beijing for long-stays

At the Marco Polo Parkside Beijing an "All Inclusive Olympic Package" from 7-24 August 2008 in a Superior Room from Rmb8,000 (single) with all meals and snacks. Really. What's the catch then? Well, you'll need to confirm a seven-night stay. Then eat your heart out. Who wants to watch boring sports and crowds anyway? www.marcopolohotels.com

Swing out on the greens in Angkor

In Siem Reap, Cambodia, swing out at a new Nick Faldo course and stay at the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa where a three-day, two-night all-inclusive package runs at US$251 per person. The "Nick Faldo Golf Package" includes stays in a Superior room with breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers and a round of golf with a caddy in tow. Yes, there's transfers to the course and back. The deal runs till 30 September, 2008 on a twin sharing basis. www.victoriahotels-asia.com

In the Maldives toss away that wallet

In the Maldives at the One&Only Kanuhura, a wallet-humbling, if divine, "One&Only Private Affair", package at US$810 for a couple in sore need of champagne, a 50-minute massage, candlelit dinner and even a "Romantic Bath Ceremony" with more bubbly and fruit dipped in chocolate. Hang on though. This does not include the room, which is separately priced at US$515 per night for a Beach Villa. info@oneandonlykanuhura.com.mv

Floating fresh ideas in Thailand

At the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, a "Float Out Meeting" for four to ten persons on an open-air pontoon in the sun-dappled lagoon. Why champ at the bit indoors when you could catch some rays and bob about pretending to listen to your boss? Follow up with a Floating Market theme party with boats groaning with all manner of delicacies rippling by at the wave of a chopstick. The resorts function areas can manage anywhere from 20 to 400 persons and if required an air-conditioned marquee can be set up holding up to a thousand. eventsales.phuket@luxurycollection.com

New villas with butlers in Phuket

The long-awaited Dusit Laguna Villas at the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket will open in mid-July 2008. Guests can pamper themselves at Bt58,500 per villa per night from 15 July to 14 October 2008. An Ocean Front Pool Villa will set you back Bt68,650 per night. Service includes 24-hour butlers on call, high-speed Internet access, and discounts on spa facilities. dusit@lagunaphuket.com

Siam Square for shopping - and business

At the Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, a "Business Pleasure" package for pin-stripers on the go including secretarial services in the business centre and a meeting room to swing that deal. Starting at Bt5,100++ per night, single, guests can expect complimentary local calls, free use of Internet in-room, one hour massage, and some complimentary pressing. There's free WiFi in public areas and a further 30 percent discount on dry-cleaning. Valid until 31 August 2008. www.novotelbkk.com