'ROO ROUTE X FACTOR
AirAsia X adds Kuala Lumpur to Sydney flights starting 1 April, 2012. Sydney is the airline’s fourth Australian destination.
www.airasia.com
SHANGHAI LOUNGIN'
Doors are now open at the new 24-hour Langham Club Lounge in Shanghai’s The Langham Xintiandi.
xintiandi.langhamhotels.com
MALDIVES ARRIVAL
New Indian Ocean hideaway Dusit Maldives launches 6 February, 2012.
IRAQ: WILD WEST
Best Western Premier Erbil to open in Iraqi Kurdistan in 2012 bringing Western accommodation to this oil region.
SAINTLY IN SANYA
The St Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort is open on China’s Hainan Island. The resort is also home to an Iridium Spa.
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/
SAMUI REBORN
Koh Samui’s original luxury resort reopens 1 February, 2012, after an extensive revamp as the InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort.
www.ichotelsgroup.com
THAI TUNE UP
Pay-as-you-go value brand Tune Hotels opens first property in Thailand, in the southern border city of Hat Yai.
www.tunehotels.com
SAIGON SUSHI
Hotel Nikko opens in Ho Chi Min City. This is the second JAL property in Vietnam after Hotel Nikko Hanoi.
www.hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn
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Pattaya pootle for the curious and penurious
From the Holiday Inn Pattaya a “Super Saver Package” for those light of wallet after the New Year binges. Until 31 March, 2012, guests can collect across the board discounts like 30 percent off the room rate, 15 percent off of food and beverage, and 10 percent off spa treatments. Beached business travellers can surf to their heart’s content – and still stay dry – with free Internet access while two kids under 12 may stay with their parents and eat for free. The Holiday Inn is a beachfront hotel with ocean view rooms, a swimming pool and a long list of family friendly perks. www.holidayinn.com
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Love and lux at The Landmark HK
Enjoy a taste of the good life at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Until 31 August, 2012, the “Time for Two Package” showers guests with a bed in a Landmark Suite, breakfast at any of the hotel’s restaurants (or in bed), a 60-minute spa treatment, a four-course dinner at Amber and a private tasting session with the sommelier. Travellers can choose between other luxurious pursuits like being fitted by a Brioni master tailor, or an Audemars Piguet private shopping experience in the privacy of their own room. Bring a fat wallet along. The chubbier the better. This package is priced at HK$13,800 a night. www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark/
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One night in Incheon, South Korea
Busy business travellers not wishing to squander their layover in Incheon, can check out the “Explore Package” from the Hyatt Regency Incheon. One night is more than enough when W294,000 gets you a night’s bed with breakfast (either in your room or at the restaurant) and access to all health facilities. Most importantly, guests grab spots on a tour of Incheon with choices to visit the 620-year-old Heungryunsa Temple or a wholesale fish market and Korean garden district. The hotel is just three minutes from the airport and an airport shuttle service and late checkout (3pm) are included. The “Explore Package” is available all year through 2012. incheon.regency.hyatt.com
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Why Singapore is for lovers
Singapore-bound lovebirds might consider a stay at the Capella on Sentosa Island with the “Romantic Respite” package. For S$979 stay the night in a private villa and enjoy breakfast and two romantic cocktails each day. Spring for an extra two nights and score a private dinner around the reflecting pool. Still not romantic enough? Hand over an additional S$688 and tack on the “P.S. I Love You” spa package. This includes a foot ritual in a private garden as well as a full body massage, candlelit bath and a private tea serving. The “Romantic Respite” package is good through 31 March, 2012 and the spa package is valid right through 2012. www.capellahotels.com/singapore/
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Chiang Mai: tee for two and more
Now the “137 Pillars House Golf Experience” for golf nuts in Chiang Mai. Grateful golfers headed to Thailand’s north can expect roundtrip limousine airport transfers and two nights in a Rajah Brooke Suite at the 137 Pillars House with a welcome bottle of wine. Enjoy breakfast before heading out to the Royal Chiang Mai Golf Course. After 18 holes (including tee-off fees, a golf cart and a caddie per person) unwind with high tea at the hotel and a 60-minute Thai massage. The package includes two rounds of golf and is valid until the end of April, 2012. Prices start at Bt23,880 for one and Bt32,180 for two persons. 137pillarshouse.com
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Tiger spotting in New Zealand?
For fat cat golfers and adventurers, a chance to stay at three exceptional New Zealand properties. Designed by owner Julian H Robertson as a way to experience what he feels is the very best Kiwi Country has to offer, the trip runs NZ$14,500 for two and takes just eight couples across New Zealand’s North and South Islands. The “Tiger Tour” involves no tigers alas (it is named after Robertson’s high profile investment initiative – the Tiger Fund) but guests are promised a roaring good time and the trip includes all transportation, accommodation at three exceptional properties as well as green fees at three world-class golf courses, full meals including pre-dinner drinks and canapés and various activities. The “Tiger Tour” runs 12- 20 March, 2012. www.capekidnappers.com/TigerTour
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Samui: blessed are those that pay to play
From Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa, a new “Honeymoon Package”. Those with stars in their eyes and Bt13,500 per night to spare (minimum stay two nights) can spend their honeymoon in a deluxe room with outdoor Jacuzzi or luxuriate in a private pool villa with their own plunge pool overlooking the Gulf of Siam. Expect breakfasts served in the villa, an arrival glass of sparkling wine, a candlelit dinner with a bottle of wine, a 60-minute couple’s aroma therapy session, a blessing ceremony from Thai monks, a lantern floating ceremony and Internet access so you can live-tweet the whole thing. Airport transfers are also included. The package is available until 30 May, 2012. www.marriott.com
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How families chill out in Jaipur
Is the family looking to escape the chill this winter? Check out the Marriott Jaipur, now offering a “Winter Stay” package until 15 March, 2012. Winter revellers expect two breakfasts and a buffet meal for two adults and half off of the buffet for kids younger than 12. Children under 12 also bag their own room. A third guest can grab an extra bed and all meals for Rs2,500. This package includes a half-day limousine city tour and in-room Internet access. The package starts at Rs21,750. Stay for over two nights and grab an upgrade to a deluxe room. www.marriott.com
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In Taipei, every day is Valentine’s
Enjoy Valentine’s Day any day this year at the Regent Taipei. With the “Ultimate Romance Package” for NT$99,500 per night, wake up in a presidential suite while your butler brings the breakfast in bed. Grab afternoon tea for two and two cocktails in the Tai Pan lounge every evening. For dinner, unwind with a candlelit meal in the privacy of your room before a rose petal strewn bubble bath. This package also includes a Wellspring spa treatment for two and a guided trip to Pingshi, home of the Pingshi lantern festival, shopping with a NT$500 Galleria gift certificate and, for women, a personal photo session. Airport transfers included. www.grandformosa.com.tw
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Stay in style and linger awhile in Jakarta
From the Ritz-Carlton Jakarta Mega Kuningan, the “Treat You” package. Penny conscious travellers grab a chance to enjoy the Ritz’s club floor without breaking the bank. Until the end of 2012 guests can experience club level perks for US$378 a night. Stay for three nights and snag the fourth night free as well as Internet access and airport transfers in a Mercedes C-Class. Club level benefits include a dedicated concierge, five separate servings of food and drinks daily as well as two hours’ use of the meeting rooms and of course free WiFi. www.ritzcarlton.com
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Off the beaten path in Khao Lak
For thrill seekers, masochists and nature lovers, from The Sarojin Resort, an alternative to the typical Thai beach vacation: the new “Extreme Trekking Adventure”. This trek is not watered down for tourists. It covers eight kilometres of rough terrain including areas passable only by swimming. Before you are scared off by the promise that travellers will “beat their way through the untamed undergrowth using a bamboo cane” and “dodge painful black king ants’ nests”, remember this adventure also includes an over-the-top lunch on the summit of a flower covered mountain. And, when it is all over, there is a120-minute “Adventure Revival” spa treatment waiting back at the hotel. The deal runs US$1,259 for two people staying for three nights and includes breakfasts and all transfers. sarojin.com
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Taking care of business in Bangkok
Bangkok-bound pinstripers check out the “Business Solutions Package” from the Hansar Bangkok. For Bt9,000 the first night and Bt6,600 for every proceeding night snag a stay in an Urban Suite complete with BMW airport transfers, daily breakfast, WiFi and free rein of the minibar. Also bag access to the Hansar Executive Club Floor with all the associated benefits: from nightly cocktails to use of meeting facilities for up to 15 people. The “Business Solutions Package” is good until 15 December, 2012. Meeting rooms are subject to availability. hansarbangkok.com
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Himalayan endeavours in Himachal, India
An antidote to the crowd and chaos of Indian cities, The Chalets, Naldehra, is a series of pinewood cabins high in the hills of Himachal Pradesh. With its current discount package, for Rs14,990 serenity-seeking adventurers and families on holidays can bag a two-night stay in a private chalet with breakfasts, dinners and an in-room welcome cake. Executives and golfers also do well as The Chalets adjoin a golf course and offer conference facilities. Children under six stay free but any older and they should be prepared to fork over Rs2,999, or Rs5,999 if they are over 12. www.chaletsnaldehra.com
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Jakarta massage a traffic beater
For travellers looking to get the most out of a stay in the Indonesian capital, an“Enjoy Jakarta Package”from the Mandarin Oriental. For US$253 per night, bag breakfast, unlimited Internet access and an hour long traditional Indonesian massage for two. Throw in a free room upgrade and you’ll be enjoying Jakarta in style. The package is good until 31 March, 2012, but best to book soon as the room upgrade is subject to availability. www.mandarinoriental.com/jakarta/
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Mellow out in Malaysia
Looking to escape the stress and strain of Kuala Lumpur? Head to The Club Saujana Resort, just 35 minutes from downtown, for the “Pamper and Rejuvenate Package”. For RM1,072, spa-goers can expect a one night stay with room service breakfast for two, as well as two 60-minute traditional Balinese massages. If the kind of therapy you’re craving is of the shopping variety, a shuttle service to the nearby malls is also included. Just don’t buy more than you can carry; the shuttle drops you off but you are on your own getting back. This package is good until December 2012. www.theclubsaujanaresort.com
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Shanghai spa free for all
To celebrate the launch of its new Chuan Spa, a “Spa Indulgence” package from The Langham Xintiandi Shanghai. For Rmb2,700 expect all the spa treatments you can handle as well as accommodation and breakfast for two. The only limitation on the spa treatment free for all is that you must reserve your first two treatments in advance and you cannot book more than two differing treatments simultaneously. Sounds reasonable unless you happen to be an eight-armed Indian goddess. This package runs until 29 February, 2012. xintiandi.langhamhotels.com
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Big breakfasts in Guangzhou
Celebrate the grand opening of the Sheraton Guangzhou with a comprehensive “First-rate Offer”. For Rmb1,280 a night, grab breakfast for two and breakfasts for up to two kids (under 12 years old). Also for the kids, an extra bed, a tour to an organic farm and access to lake activities. Shuttles to downtown and airport transfers are also available free of charge. This package is valid until 29 February, 2012. www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/
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Cambodia two in one for culture boffins
From Raffles, a package tour to Cambodia including two historic hotels: Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap, and Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh. For US$6,300 two travellers enjoy a “Journey Through Cambodia”. Start with a two night stay at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal then another two nights at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Activities run the entire gamut from temple visits to cooking lessons. The package also includes limousine airport transfers, breakfast, Internet access, butler service, high tea, a buffet lunch, a four course à la carte dinner and a 90-minute spa treatment. All inclusions are for two people. The package is good through December 2012, but it does not include transportation between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. www.raffles.com/phnom-penh/, www.raffles.com/siem-reap/
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Valentine’s all year round on Samui
Looking for a romantic escape this year? Check out Hansar Samui’s “Indulgent Valentine’s Package”. For between US$1,037 and US$1,437, depending on the date and room type, enjoy a complete tropical romantic retreat: three nights stay in a sea view room, breakfast, a romantic private dinner for two, a massage lesson for couples, a candlelit floral and milky chocolate bath, reiki session and herbal steam, topped off with a signature chocolate glow massage and brunch in bed with butler service. Valid 16 January to 19 December, 2012. www.hansarsamui.com
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At home for Shanghai surprise
Until February 28, 2012, enjoy special rates at Jia Shanghai. The newly renovated boutique hotel is offering studio rooms for Rmb1,000 a night and studio plus rooms for Rmb1,200 a night. The deal includes WiFi, use of the laundry room, as well as conference and office facilities for up to two hours, and Jia’s signature lobby spread of cake, wine and soft drinks. Additional surprise festive extras will be on offer during the holidays. www.jiashanghai.com
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Jaisalmer retreat fit for a rajah
Desert lovers seeking exotic escapes need look no farther than Suryagarh in Rajastan’s Jaisalmer. This imposing sandstone edifice, part medieval fortress and part modern luxury resort offers pleasure seekers special rates for the first months of 2012. For Rs25,000 score a two night stay in a palace room, with breakfast and dinner for two included. If you need further incentive to make your way to Rajasthan, the hotel will cover your extra taxes that tend to make a pig’s breakfast of the hotel checkout bill. But hurry, this deal is only good until 30 March, 2012. www.suryagarh.com
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More hearts afire in Phuket
From the Sri panwa Phuket, the “Valentine @ Sri panwa” package. Splash out Bt72,500 to get three nights in a pool suite with a romantic couple’s spa treatment, a five course candlelight dinner, a 15 percent discount on all massages, 10 percent off on all food purchases, breakfast, free WiFi, airport transfers and a bottle of sparkling wine. Everything you need for a romantic vacation, even a late checkout. Bag a pool villa for Bt102,260 or go all out on a luxury pool villa for Bt110,060. The offer runs till 15 April, 2012. www.sripanwa.com
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Have cake and eat it too in Bangkok
Smack downtown, and bang next to a BTS SkyTrain station, the designer getaway Hansar Bangkok comes up for its first anniversary. Join the celebration with a special birthday package. For Bt15,000 guests enjoy a two night stay, breakfast, unlimited WiFi, a romantic dinner for two and a glass of sparkling wine with chocolate cake. For a more intimate evening feel free to enjoy the bubbly and cake in the privacy of your room. The hotel is chic yet informal with spacious rooms offering timber floors and the rustle of silk. This package is valid till 31 May, 2012. www.hansarbangkok.com
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Shanghai surprise – weekends only
From the PuLi Hotel and Spa in Shanghai’s Jin An district, “The PuLi Winter Weekend Retreat” at Rmb1,888. Weekend travellers score a deluxe room, a choice of four different daily breakfasts, an hour-long aroma spa treatment for two, complimentary soft drinks from the minibar and free WiFi. Keep an eye on the small print as this package is only valid for those arriving on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The deal is good until 29 February, 2012. www.thepuli.com
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Villa welcome in Koh Samui
Now is your chance to enjoy that private island villa you’ve always wanted. Discounts of 25 percent are available till the end of July 2012, at Baan Ling Noi on Koh Samui’s north coast. In February the rate works out to US$412.50. The villa’s four air-conditioned en suite bedrooms are grouped around an infinity pool and overlook the woodland below. Along with ubiquitous rain showers, two bathrooms offer over-sized terrazzo soaking tubs. www.baan-ling-noi.com
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Singapore for business or pleasure
With a club lounge and pool now open, two packages from the new Oasia Hotel Singapore. Pinstripers can sample the “Business at Oasia” package. At S$350 a night, they can bag a club room, free WiFi, meeting room access and free dry cleaning/laundry for up to two pieces a day. Leisure travellers can take advantage of the “Holiday Savers” package that entitles them to a whopping fifty percent off their second night and 25 percent off all subsequent nights. The “Business at Oasia” package is good through 31 March, 2012. The “Holiday Savers” package is good through Chinese New Year. www.oasiahotel.com
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Macau: walk on water, or just get wed
From the Banyan Tree Macau, new wedding packages allow guests to wed on a floating stage surrounded by loved ones poolside. The basic package can accommodate up to 480 guests starting from 6,888 patacas per table of twelve and includes complimentary Champagne, pre-ceremony photography, floral centrepieces, free corkage, fruit cake, personalised table menus, a mock wedding cake for photographs and of course the banquet itself. No need to worry about restless in-laws either as the Banyan Tree will provide mahjong with Chinese tea. www.banyantree.com/en/macau/
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Saigon spa surprise with two-wheel treat
Until 31 March, 2012, at the New World Saigon Hotel, an opportunity for a two-day comprehensive spa experience. The “All Senses” package starts from US$486 and includes two nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room along with a 90-minute spa treatment, daily buffet breakfast, and a chance to explore Saigon like a local with a half-day tour on a vintage Vespa scooter. Top it all off with a two-hour river dinner cruise. www.saigon.newworldhotels.com
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KL – welcome to the Casbah
From the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, an “Enchanting Escape” package at RM650 per night with a free breakfast for two as well as dinner at the Casbah restaurant with free flow of cocktails. Yes, you heard that right, free flowing cocktails. Also enjoy a room upgrade, as well as a complimentary extra bed for the little one. Have business to do? Enjoy the inroom Internet. Have business to put off? Ten percent off on spa treatments should do the trick. Offer valid until 28 February, 2012. www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur/
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Kid freebies galore in Bali
From the InterContinental Bali Resort, a “Family Time Out” package. For sun worshipper parents, the InterContinental’s new family package offers accommodation starting at US$265 with sufficient distractions for the younger set. The package offers children their very own turtle backpack upon arrival. This comes fully stocked with colouring book and pencils as well as a drinking cup that can be refilled with juice, milk or soda at any hotel restaurant, anytime, free of charge. Children also get free access to Planet Trekkers, a supervised kid’s club. Complimentary roundtrip airport transfers included. This package runs until 31 March, 2012. www.bali.intercontinental.com
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Pick your pleasure in Brunei
From The Empire Hotel & Country Club Brunei, a variety of packages to suit every taste. Golf nut? Spa addict? Or perhaps you just like to eat. The Empire is offering a trio of packages to suit any kind of guest. Stay one night and receive a free round on The Empire’s 18-hole golf course. Or stay a night and enjoy an hour long Balinese massage. If that all sounds too healthy for you, how about a four-course dinner instead? Packages are good for two and all include free breakfast. Deals range from B$357 to B$387 and are good right until March 2012. theempirehotel.com
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Here’s wat’s up in Angkor
From La Residence d’Angkor, an “Angkor Escape”, an all-inclusive three-night package. With this all-in-one Angkor experience guests receive complimentary airport transfers, as well as free WiFi, free breakfast, a three-course dinner for two, and an entrance fee for two for Angkor Wat with a private guide and picnic lunch. If all this freewheeling has got you a little bit frazzled, La Residence will also throw in a complimentary meditation session with local monks. The package is good till end 2012 and starts at US$245 for a three-night stay. www.residencedangkor.com
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Yoga in Gokarna but first consult a map
If you’re looking for a restorative vacation, the “Lifestyle Holiday” package from SwaSwara Gokarna in South India is worth a look. At SwaSwara, yoga classes are just one of the ways to get in touch with your inner hippie. Take a spin on a traditional potter’s wheel, enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, or harvest your own vegetables and cook them alongside the hotel chef. The package includes all tariffs, meals and yoga lessons as well as airport transfers and runs at Rs136,500 for seven days. Good until 30 April, 2012. www.cghearth.com/swaswara/
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How to say “I do” on Mai Khao Beach
From the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach, the “Stay Romantic” wedding package for blushing brides and grooms to be. Those willing to part with Bt75,000 can enjoy a beachside wedding with a huge many frills. The package includes an overnight stay in a deluxe ocean-facing room with breakfast, as well as everything you need for the ceremony: flower arch, bouquet and cake. Valid until 31 October, 2012. www.holidayinnresorts.com/phuketmaikhao
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Welcome the dragon in Macau
In the new “Macau Spa Experience package” from the Mandarin Oriental Macau, guests are invited to enjoy their choice of two spa treatments in the comfort of their own suite. Guests may choose between the seemingly intimidating “Macanese Dragon Experience” or the “Spices of Portugal” spa treatments. The package is good until 30 May, 2012, and costs HK$3,788 for a night, with buffet breakfast for two and a choice of spa treatments for two. www.mandarinoriental.com/macau/
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Down on the farm in the Philippines
At The Farm, San Benito, a comprehensive health and wellness resort, visiting health nuts can enjoy 30 percent off for accommodation, meals, medical services and spa treatments. Ask for the “Healing Healthy Holiday” package. Another promotion, good until 31 March, 2012, offers visitors a chance to spend the day at The Farm with one meal plus beverages, an hour long spa treatment, participation in daily wellness activities and use of all of The Farm’s facilities for P4,000. www.thefarm.com.ph
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Twenty-five percent off in Dubai no mirage
With the “Extended Stay” package from the One & Only Royal Mirage in Dubai travellers can feel free to take their time. From 6 January, 2012, till end December, 2012, guests at the Royal Mirage who stay for five nights or more will receive a 25 percent discount on the best available room rate. Keep an eye on the fine print as a smattering of blackout dates do apply. It still doesn’t come cheap but will not unduly exercise the wallet. royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com
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Rajasthan winter warmer
For travellers looking to escape the cold winter months, the Park Plaza Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, is offering a package to warm the body and soul. For Rs10,999 guests get a two-night stay with complimentary airport or train station transfers, a 15 percent discount on spa treatment and laundry, and Rs1,000 to spend at the hotel’s restaurants. Valid until 31 March, 2012. www.sarovarhotels.com
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Heavenly Xian deal for road warriors
To celebrate its arrival in December, 2011, the Westin Xian is offering travellers a “Heavenly Retreat” package. For Rmb1,380 per night, guests not only receive accommodation in a deluxe double room, they also get breakfast and two complimentary tickets to Xian’s Qujiang Arts Museum. This is perhaps the best way to get acquainted with this city’s unique history, which goes well beyond the popular terracotta warriors. The package is valid until 30 June, 2012. www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/
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Coke’s free but pay for sherry at Kerry
The Kerry Hotel Beijing is celebrating its rebranding (from Kerry Centre) with a comprehensive new package for those first few special guests. Until 26 February, 2012, for Rmb2,288, guests can pick up club room accommodation with access to the Club Lounge, plus WiFi-enabled limousine airport transfer (one way), Rmb300 credit for dining, free inroom WiFi, complimentary minibar (for soft drinks), and airport butler-on-arrival service. www.shangri-la.com
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How to linger longer in Shanghai
Celebrating the Langham Xintiandi’s new lobby and ballroom, the return of the “Linger Longer” package. The longer you stay, the more you save with discounts starting from 10 percent off for a two-night stay all the way up to 20 percent off for four nights or more. Add in free Internet, enough complimentary minibar credit to keep you happily tipsy and access to the Chuan Spa, and you have all the makings of a stress-free stay in one of Shanghai’s trendiest districts. The hotel will even cover the cost of your laundry. Valid until 29 February, 2012. xintiandi.langhamhotels.com
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In Niseko, the schuss won’t pinch
SkiJapan.com is offering a series of incentives to entice nervous skiers back to Japanese slopes. Australian travellers weary of Tokyo can now fly into Sapporo directly via Hong Kong and enjoy one to three days of Hong Kong sightseeing en route. Skiers who stay for five days will be rewarded with a free night’s stay, two free nights for a one-week stay and four free nights for two weeks. Feeling important? Spring for the VIP package, which includes limousine airport transfers, champagne and a fully stocked refrigerator. Still nervous? If your government elevates its Japan travel warning, SkiJapan.com will refund all your money. To get your free nights you must travel before 2 March, 2012. www.skijapan.com
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Winter panoramas in Hong Kong
At the Hotel Panorama by Rhombus, in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, a “Winter Haven” deal at HK$1,248 for a Deluxe Gold room with free breakfast and Internet. Or spring HK$1,848 for an Executive Club room with lounge access and more. Visit the AVA Restaurant and get 20 percent off meals. Valid until 29 February, 2012, winter deals also at Hotel LKF in Lan Kwai Fong from HK$1,788, and at the newish Hotel de Edge in Sheung Wan, just off Central, at HK$998 per night. www.rhombusinternational.com
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Distinctly local, in Seoul
At the Renaissance Seoul Hotel, an immersive “Discover Korea Package” to experience traditions and culture first-hand – with a difference. Stay a night in a typical Ondol Suite, with dinner for two and a bottle of knee-weakening makgulli (rice alcohol) at the Sabiru Korean restaurant. Also get an escorted visit (in a limo) to enjoy a traditional musical, Miso, based on a classic tale. Later, don Korean garb and snap away. Also included in the deal are a duty-free discount coupon, and club lounge extras including breakfast and evening tipples. All this for W899,000. It will exercise your wallet somewhat, but then, you’ll be truly local and that’s not an easy flavour to find. marriot.com/selrn
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Meets for mates in Tsim Sha Tsui
From the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, an “Executive Meeting Plan” for 2012 starting at HK$780 per person with a raft of goodies including, function space from 8am to 5pm, business lunch, two coffee breaks and more. All this for a minimum of 15 persons. Free scribble pads too for those who find Power Point too dull. The hotel offers 530sq m of creative function space. hongkong.tsimshatsui.hyatt.com
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Why happy honeymooners head to Hainan
The swish St Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, set amidst verdant grounds and spacious lagoons along the beachfront, opens in November 2011 with a “Grand Opening Package” available till 31 March, 2012, at Rmb4,388 per night for a two-night booking (with third night complimentary stay) for two with airport transfer, breakfast, lunch or dinner, and a 60-minute Iridium spa treatment if you tarry one night longer. Or try the “Luxury Suite Offer” at Rmb11,111 for two nights with champagne and that spa workout. www.stregis.com/sanyayalongbay
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Laos: no throbbing in the temples now
At the 24-room boutique Kiridara Luang Prabang that opened June 2011, a “Sense-Sational Package” with roundtrip airport transfers, two night stay, breakfast and three-course dinner plus a relaxing herbal steam bath with a 90-minute massage at US$600 for most of the period from 1 November, 2011 to 31 March, 2012. Enjoy the resort’s infinity pool and Laotian spa. Rooms range from 33sqm to an elephant-swinging 75sq m. Take your pick. Winter is the best time to visit the scenic heritage temple town of Luang Prabang. Lie back and do it at your own speed. www.kiridara.com
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