Tag Archives: luxury resort

Viceroy Los Cabos Luxury Resort is One of the Top 20 Resorts in Western Mexico

Sitting at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, staring out across the horizon off the Sea of Cortés in Baja California, Los Cabos has been a land of merriment and mystique. A holiday destination of stark desert landscapes and striking blue waters, the popularity of Los Cabos as a vacation heaven has ebbed and flowed but since the end of the Second World War, jet-set Hollywood elite like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sophia Loren, Mick Jagger, and Elton John have made it their holiday destination of choice.

Now, it’s not just stars, since 2017, Los Cabos has seen 20% more tourists, the highest growth in a decade. Mexico’s 1,000-mile-long Baja Peninsula has grown immensely with tourism infrastructure since the 1950s but today’s modern dreamscape promises anything but the predictable thanks to a slew of new architectural and luxury concepts like the recently renovated Viceroy Los Cabos.

Viceroy Los Cabos Luxury Resort is One of the Top 20 Resorts in West Mexico

Entering through a sculpted iron portal and artisan wooden door, the sensory experience truly begins as guests are greeted by the sound of water, the conceptual central element brought to life throughout the resort. Voted one of the top 20 resorts in West Mexico, the Viceroy Los Cabos luxury resort is one of the key reasons that the remote, exotic destination with cobblestone streets, adobe houses, jacaranda trees and a central square in front of a church dating from the 1700s.

Designed by Mexican architect Miguel Angel Aragonés, the Los Cabos luxury resort was conceptualised to take advantage of the gorgeous topography provided by the Mexican peninsula. Architecturally stunning, the Viceroy resort leans into its beachside location on the Sea of Cortez. Inspired by the azure waters, Aragonés made water a key feature within the Los Cabos luxury resort.

The self taught architect created abalast cubes which hide the hotel’s rooms and suits and latticed timber structures which house the Viceroy luxury resort’s food & beverage and wellness facilities on a series of reflective pools – incorporating the core elements of beachside resort living – water, sand and sea into its core aesthetic of white, blue and natural sand tones.

One of the most unique places to stay in Los Cabos, the Viceroy is a futurist luxury resort which stands in stark contrast of the historic Colonial streets of San José del Cabo. With a dreamscape design embracing the natural beauty of water throughout every facet of the resort, the newly renovated Viceroy Los Cabos is a canvas for discovery with  alluring experiences and camera-friendly scenescapes around every turn. Completely reconceptualized and brand new to the resort are a beachfront pool and bar, a refreshed and vibrant lobby and arrival experience, new dining venues, and a state-of-the-art fitness center curated by Los Angeles-based celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak.

The “Arch” – one of the famed touristy sites in Los Cabos

 

Wa Ale is Myanmar’s first Luxury Island Resort in the Mergui Archipelago

Paradise is not meant to be easy to reach and just off the southern tip of Myanmar, lies the Wa Ale Island Resort, a gem among the over 800 islands comprising the Mergui Archipelago. These rainforest drops in the sparkling Andaman sea are untouched by modern civilisation and major aviation routes, hence the limestone and granite rich lands and be described in a word – pristine.

The islands of the Mergui Archipelago enjoys an immense lack of infrastructure, making the gorgeously natural islands virtually inaccessible to tourists and curious natives. With access only by chartered boat, these remote, untouched islands create the kind of exclusivity that high net worth types would enjoy. Hence, the Wa Ale Island luxury resort, located within the archipelago’s Lampi Marine National Park, fits the definition as the ultimate island escape.

“Wa Ale is exclusive and untouched, and will remain so because the resort and Lampi Island are under the control of the Myanmar Forestry Department,” – Christopher Kingsley, Wa Ale Island Resort co-founder

Hidden within a cove, shielded by forest and other natural barriers, the intimate Wa Ale island retreat is Myanmar’s first high end luxury resort overlooking the majestic Andaman sea and the island’s neighbouring, awe-inspiring granite formations.

The pinnacle of eco-chic, the Wa Ale island resort comprising 11 luxurious tented beach villas and 3 treetop villas are designed and developed to enhance the natural, unspoiled beauty of its lush environment. Best experienced barefoot, Christopher Kingsley, Co-Founder of Wa Ale Island resort is not planning to turn the area into another Phuket or Maldives, saying, “It will never be overbuilt, even if the rest of the archipelago is. We would rather see less tourism and keep the beauty of the area pristine.”

Using a variety of reclaimed natural wood, and decorated with stylish bamboo furniture, quirky villa interiors are matched by unblocked ocean views, sensual outdoor showers and private decks in all villas. Guests looking for direct beach access and larger living areas for a more communal family experience can choose these Tented Beach Villas. For couples and romantic getaways, there’s always the more private settings of the thatched Treetop Villas.

Myanmar’s Wa Ale is the World’s Most Exclusive Resort

I thought Alila Manggis was exclusive and remote but Myanmar’s Wa Ale island is probably the world’s most exclusive. You can only get to the island through specialised, authorised travel arrangements made with the resort; so other than natural beauty, there will only be a total of 28 guests at any one of time to share 38 square kilometres of lands untouched by man and pollution.

The ASEAN Marine Heritage Park is home to a burgeoning population of animal species – in fact, strap on a waterproof Go-Pro and go swim, dive, surf and snorkel amongst whale sharks, dolphins, dugongs, turtles and manta rays. If the hallmarks of island living are not your thing, put on your jungle boots and hop on a kayak and paddle to explore the island’s mangrove forests, stop in a clearing or two and then trek through the jungle experience exotic wildlife like gibbons, macaques, pangolin, and numerous bird spices.

“Wa Ale” in the Moken tongue meaning “center island”, is under the protection of the Lampi Foundation, created to help local authorities in conservation and social efforts. The resort is itself constructed using reclaimed and local materials; Concordantly, each of Wa Ale’s 14 villas have been constructed by local craftsmen to have minimal impact on the environment whilst providing luxurious comfort.

The definition of Eco-chic

“We are all about giving back to nature and the local fishing communities. We would like the world to understand that supporting us supports this great conservation effort” – Christopher Kingsley

Not only is Wa Ale Island Resort donating 20% of annual net profits to the Lampi Foundation, it’s also giving 2% of its room revenue. Christopher and wife, Farina, have already seen some success in saving the native sea-turtle population nesting on Wa Ale. The locals were initially hunting the nests but when the Kingsley’s brought the Wildlife Conservation Society to the educate the community through videos and talks, conveying the provenance and importance of sea turtles in Myanmar’s history, the community has managed to rejuvenate the population of sea turtles across three years, to over 7,500 amphibians and over 30 nests each year. If the guests so wish, Wa Ale arranges night tours to observe the nesting process.

Farm to table, dining at Wa Ale is equal parts eco-socially-friendly as they are a culinary experience, fresh produce harvested from the resort’s own chef’s garden and fresh seafood caught daily from the Archipelago provide a nourishing Asian- and Mediterranean-inspired menu that changes daily.

Experience Wa Ale Resort in Myanmar

 

Lexis Suites Penang is the perfect resort for a luxury getaway

Located along Teluk Kumbar’s seaside, facing a breathtaking sea view, Lexis Suites Penang is your best choice for a weekend getaway on the island.

Staying authentic to its maxim as a “luxurious resort by the beachfront‘, the five-star Lexis Suites Penang offers deluxe staying experience with its 222 suites, first-level facilities and of course, breathtaking views!

Featuring two types of rooms, Executive Pool Suites and Premium Pool Suites,  both are equipped with two king-sized beds, a steam room and a balcony pool, where you can overlook the serene view of the sea.

And every Monday to Sunday, from 3 PM to 7 PM, a hi-tea session will be served at the Sky Lite Bar located on the 25th floor. So,  you can unwind yourself with the cooling sea breeze, delicate bites and a stunning sunset view.

(Tip: Don’t leave until the sunset tint the sky red. Trust us, it’s worth the wait!)

 

Visit www.lexissuitespenang.com or call 04-628 2888 for more information.

Club Med announces a global partnership with Lacoste

Two brands hailing from France, Club Med and Lacoste, have come together for a global partnership in Asia.

As part of this partnership, Lacoste has just unveiled a new capsule collection of its iconic L.12.12 polo shirts in navy, white and red and decorated with an emblazonment of Club Med and 45, to pay homage to both brands’ French roots.

And this new capsule collection will be sold in resorts across Asia Pacific and on Lacoste’s website www.lacoste.com. This also marks the first time a “45 collection” t-shirt can be purchased outside of Club Med resorts.

And to celebrate the launch of the collection, Club Med organised a week-long sports celebration in their resorts, dedicated to golf and tennis.

The partnership was announced at Club Med Bintan Island and on the partnership, Henri Giscard d’Estaing, President of Club Med says, “I am very pleased to celebrate the launch of the partnership with LACOSTE, with whom we share the passion for sport in addition to communal French values and roots. In our resorts, the presence of the LACOSTE ambassadors will enable us to offer our clients an improved holiday experience under the sign of sport, discovery, and amazement”.