Asia's most sexy, glamorous & idyllic love-nests: The Sarojin, Conrad Koh Samui & Ariara.
JASSMIN PETER highlights spectacular, sexy, glamorous hideaways pandering to your every whim. Perfect for honeymooners, lovers and couples with a passion for sheer indulgence and in search of an idyllic love-nest.
Pristine beaches, easily accessible coral reefs, sumptuous cuisine with your toes in the sand, and your very own private island to enjoy. Sounds like a dream? It no longer is with The Sarojin's specially crafted Valentine's Day package, Shipwrecked With Your Valentine at The Sarojin. As the name suggests, get shipwrecked in style on Sarojin's private sand isle which stretches 11 kilometres on Khao Lak, Phuket and rests between the charming fishing village of Baan Nam Khem and the island of Koh Kho Khao. The resort is also encased by five spectacular national parks and world-famous dive sites, the Similan and Surin Islands.
Designed in a contemporary Asian style, the five-star resort's 56 deluxe residences are nestled within ten acres of tropical grounds which lead directly to the beachfront. Your room boasts a private garden and sala sundeck, couples' baths with waterfall showers, and plunge and relaxation pools which blend into the natural habitat. You're also entitled to the services of an attentive Imagineer tasked to create tailor-made experiences for the two of you. Also enjoy a fully equipped fitness centre, mountain bikes, sailing catamarans, sail boats, sea kayaks and windsurfing boards. And because kids under the age of ten aren't permitted to stay - tranquillity is guaranteed at The Sarojin.
Awake in luxurious surroundings and enjoy a lavish à la carte breakfast served with sparkling wine before being whisked away by a luxury car to the base of the Sri Phang Nga National Park. Stop en route to pick up local ingredients from the colourful Takuapa market, before being led through the stunning natural playground to the foot of a beautiful jungle waterfall where you'll enjoy a private Thai cooking class with The Sarojin's Chef or - if you wish to spring a surprise on your partner - arrangements can be made for a sumptuous banquet upon arrival at the ethereal waterfall.
Following your dining delight, jump on board the majestic Lady Sarojin private yacht for an intimate sunset cocktail cruise through enchanting mangrove estuaries. Expect to be waited on hand and foot with homemade canapés, a selection of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits from the open bar but keep an eye out because you'll pass through the most tranquil of settings on your way towards your exclusive, uninhabited island in the midst of the glistening Andaman Sea. Upon arrival at your sand isle, be welcomed by your personal butler and private chef. Start with cocktails as you watch the sunset and later dine on sumptuous fresh seafood cooked to your taste followed by an equally delectable dessert. Once dark, the candle-laced island comes alive with flickering lights - the perfect chance to cuddle up with your loved one and get lost in the moment. www.sarojin.com
ROMANTIC OFFER Shipwrecked With Your Valentine at The Sarojin is available until April 30. Price starts at THB85,320 (SGD3,555) for two, including three nights at the Garden Residence, a Thai cooking class and lunch by a jungle waterfall, a private cruise aboard the Lady Sarojin and exclusive 'shipwrecked' dining experience, daily à la carte breakfast served with sparkling wine and private airport transfers to and from Phuket Airport.
Lux it up
Blessed with breathtaking sunsets, the Conrad Koh Samui is set to redefine luxury resort lifestyle. Far from the crowds of the paradise holiday isle and set amid 25 acres of lush coconut plantation and dramatic cliff side landscapes, the resort features 80 free-standing villas boasting a private plunge pool and sundecks, Thai-style décor, tropical hardwood floors, Thai silk furnishings, local artworks and unique artefacts. Amenities include an espresso machine, gourmet mini-bar, LCD flat-screen satellite TV, an iPod, CD and DVD players plus high-speed internet access. You also have access to an oversized infinity pool overlooking a private beach, state-of-the-art gym and an on-site diving and sailing centre.
For further indulgence, book a treatment for two at the Conrad's beautifully designed Spa with its panoramic sea views. Opt for an innovative therapy or holistic treatments by Thailand's finest therapists. The interior design and programmes were developed in collaboration with Dr. Buathon, Thailand's leading authority on holistic healing. And if you're travelling with the little ones, drop them off at the Turtle Kid's Club which promises endless fun with cultural arts and handicrafts, games and play excursions. Babysitting services are also available. And for nature lovers, Conrad also has an on-site diving and sailing centre, a 130-metre floating pier and an outdoor yoga pavilion. www.conradkohsamui.com
Ariara - one of more than 7,000 islands which make up the Philippines - is an undiscovered gem of the Calamian Islands in the principality of Palawan. Here hundreds of uninhabited tropical islands are covered in part by jungle, edged with powder white sandy beaches and surrounded by coral reefs and azure waters. This 125-acre private island retreat is designed and staffed like a luxuriously appointed and impeccably managed private home. Accommodating up to 17 guests on an exclusive basis, Ariara is perfect for those looking to escape their busy lives via an exotic adventure with friends and family and of course lovers in search of a private paradise.
Contemporary in style and built with eco-consciousness, Ariara spans 25,000 feet and is fitted with furniture designed, made and upholstered in-house by local carpenters and craftsmen or outsourced to Filipino artisans. Sink into huge marble baths carved from single blocks of Romblon marble and wooden baths crafted using traditional boat building techniques. Laze on cushions made from tribal fabrics, and keep your belongings safe in intricately designed wooden chests carved by indigenous Palawan woodcarvers. Ariara's decorative flair is further accentuated by striking wall hangings, heliographs and ceramics.
Imposingly positioned at the end of the island's 120-metre pier, the Lodge is the focal point of day-to-day life on Ariara. The north wing comprises a marble-floored dining hall with a 12-metre high, vaulted ceiling, wall-to-wall glass doors which open to embrace the sea views and breezes and a first floor viewing gallery above with a shaded terrace. The south wing offers a spacious lounge leading onto the beach with an infinity pool and extensive deck area. Inside, oversized sofas and a cinema style projector offers a cosy cocoon to relax and unwind.
Ariara's eight spacious villas and suites are situated along the main beach with uninterrupted views out to the sea and neighbouring islands. Choose from a Jungle villa built on stilts with commanding views and shaded terraces underneath, or a beach cottage surrounded on two sides by wide verandas, with private terraces and secluded pocket gardens. For something unique, stay at the Lodge suite which is above the lounge and accessible only by a bridge from the gallery. It comes with an enormous platform bed and staggering views out to the ocean. The North beach villa is the island's most sought after and secluded accommodation in a more private position overlooking the north end of the beach. All bedrooms come complete with private terraces and gardens and are scattered with hanging chairs and hammocks. Many have vaulted ceilings, four-poster beds, walk-in wardrobes, enormous bathrooms and open-air showers.
You'll quickly realise life on Ariara is quite self-indulgent - rules are thrown out the window. You have exclusive use of this tropical island and the luxury of setting your own agenda, aided by a team of up to 30 friendly, discrete and intuitive staff - including a European Manager, PADI Dive Instructors and a Private Chef. You can also indulge in water sports, boating, exploring deserted islands and local villages, watch DVDs and get a pampering massage and manicure from resident therapists. www.ariaraisland.com, Email: bliss@ariaraisland.com
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