TRAVEL NEWS + DEALS
From Paro to cubist S'pore and with Kakao Friends in Bali
Bhutan Air's direct flights cut hours off HK-Paro — but only seven times a year. Singapore proves small is beautiful and Kakao Friends romp in Bali.
Bhutan here we come — nonstop
Bhutan Airlines (www.bhutanairlines.bt), which originally started as Tashi Air, is offering a series of unique fixed departure round trips between Paro and various destinations including Vietnam, Malaysia and more recently Hong Kong (from 29 January 2025). Seven round trips are planned for Hong Kong, covering peak holiday and travel periods. The new routing on A319s with seating for 126 (including a 12-seat business class) will not come cheap (from HK$6,745, for say 23-28 December) but it brings flight times from Hong Kong to Paro down to a very respectable three hours (better than Singapore) from the alternative of eight to nine hours with lengthy ill-timed connecting stops. If flying from Hong Kong, be prepared for a pink-eye 5.30am departure.
Andaz Bali (above left, www.hyatt.com/andaz) has launched its Kakao-Friends stays in specially themed Garden Pool Villas. This seems an unusual offering from a luxe villa resort but it's completely in line with the Andaz DNA. Pushing its version of unique stays and self expression, the brand recently ran a "Be Like No One's Watching" campaign to imprint its credentials. At the Andaz Bali property that neighbours the older and brightly refurbished Hyatt Regency, the stays serve up Kakao Friends everywhere, fun floaties and a tent for kids, and much more. Meanwhile Cube Social @ Boat Quay (above right, cubehotels.com.sg) is Singapore's latest capsule hotel but with a difference. Expect elegant upscale slip-in sleeping with 300 thread count linen, luggage space, childproof adaptors, a safe, mirror, table, and reading light. Families can squeeze in with cube combinations (pick queen beds, single beds, or private room). For mixers there's a lively bar area, all this is in a trendy converted shophouse district on the river.
Why it's party time in Pattaya
Melia Pattaya Hotel (melia-pattaya) has opened at this Thai seaside playground two hours from Bangkok with 234 rooms and expansive bay views. The 12-storey construct is on Pattaya Sai Song (2nd Road) and its Lay Beach Club fronts the sands right on Beach Road. Think rooftop sky bar with tasty treats, alfresco swimming pool with bar and lawn for events. Ladies can stretch out at the spoiling YHI Spa while kids are entertained at the well-featured Kidsdom (which includes a slide pool). Adrenalin junkies may avail of well stocked gym and suits can pop into the coworking space or explore meeting areas for that perfect handshake.This is a multi-functional escape with modern design accents that offer a cool and relaxed feel.
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On 1 September 2023 Bhutan (above left, bhutan.travel/) brought the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) down to US$100. The levy is valid until September 2027. Young children get special concessions too. In early 2023 the government opted to drop all-inclusive tour fees (US$250) and began charging a flat US$200 per head for foreigners (with a special Rs1,200 rate for Indians). The freebie was over. Hotels and tour operators complained that this was killing tourism as foreigners now had to pay the $200 personal fee and fork out separately for hotels, transport, and meals. This resulted in the cut. Indians don't require a Bhutan visa. Maldivians and Bangladeshis are also exempt from visas. The Hari Hong Kong (above right, www.thehari.com) not only offers vast views of its historic Wanchai District but is keen for guests to immerse themselves in a bit of local lore. What better than to combine a special one night room package for two at HK$1,800 with breakfast and an intriguing audio tour? Included in this engaging circuit is a meal on a sampan, the Noon Day gun, and a look at 'villain beating' practised by wizened ladies under a bridge to cast out bad luck and to harry tormentors. Also enjoy a private local family dinner, a hidden art collection, and a visit to a restored 1960s tenement block now a creative hub. The icing on the cake is Hari CEO and founder Dr Aron Harilela's account of his childhood memories and love of art. Tune in.
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