Ritz Carlton

The rugged Al Hajar mountains make a rustic backdrop behind the fortress-like Al Bustan Palace, which overlooks a canopy of perfectly-manicured lawns and an expansive half-mile private beach. Authentic Arab influences run throughout the hotel and its 150 rooms to remind guests of the rich and ostentatious Arabian culture. Beautifully-designed interiors are an artistic combination of old and new, fusing local traditions and art deco hints to create a unique melange of Middle Eastern culture and art. Particularly notable is the spectacular 125-foot-high domed atrium lobby, which, along with the ornate wall covers and intricate carvings has earnt the hotel the extravagant reputation as the ‘Jewel of the Sultanate’. Its idyllic location and range of facilities gives guests the opportunity to indulge in a number of watersports or simply relax in one of the five outdoor pools. Four exquisite dining options from alluring beachfront restaurants provide guests with spectacular sea views while they savour exceptional flavors from around the world.

Set amid lush rolling hills and rice paddy fields, surrounded by the mandapas for which it is named and overlooking the Ayung river in Ubud, there’s scarcely a more picturesque location for a peaceful getaway then at Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. Each of the 60 private villas and suites is attended by a personal butler and features its own outdoor space with views of the natural scenery in abundance. Guests can relax on their terrace, in their private pool or within the elegant interior, or opt to venture out to enjoy the resort’s outdoor vitality pool, indulging in a light snack from the pool bar. Full relaxation is guaranteed at the spa, where local herbs are used in ancient therapies, or in the fitness center where yoga pavilions overlook the river’s waters. Dining, meanwhile, is a delight: with four outlets to choose from, guests can enjoy fresh cuisine from Bali and beyond in beautiful settings.  

Phulay Bay offers a total of 54 spacious, well-appointed one-bedroom villas or pavilions with contemporary Thai décor and either a private tropical garden or ocean view. All accommodations feature distinctive touches such as flat screen televisions, large indoor baths, spacious walk-in wardrobes and delightful verandas furnished with lounge beds. The villas have enhanced amenities, including private outdoor baths and plunge pools. The resort’s spa, part of the renowned ESPA spa group, has 11 treatment rooms designed to accommodate both individual or couples’ treatments. Phulay Bay has four restaurants offering both casual and formal dining. Guests can also design their own culinary adventures beyond traditional restaurant settings, such as a beach barbecue, a sunset dinner, or a picnic on the beach. The resort also features a fitness center and shopping boutiques. Finally, to ensure that all your needs are met, a personal butler is available 24 hours a day. Phulay Bay is 40 minutes from Krabi International Airport.

Singapore’s newest luxury hotel enjoys a superb central location with magnificent views over Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline. Its 608 rooms and suites are the largest in the city and come luxuriously equipped with the latest technology and fittings, including 46” LED TV, free WiFi, IP phone, iPod dock, electric blinds and top-of-the-range bed fittings and bathroom amenities. The hotel also boasts 7 acres of landscaped gardens, an amazing 4,200-piece contemporary art collection, including works by Frank Stella, Andy Warhol and Dale Chihuly, and easy access to the retail and dining outlets at Marina Centre.

A seat of Chinese cultural heritage and a rapidly developing modern metropolis rolled into one, Nanjing is a former capital and still one of the nation’s most important cities. Historical attractions include memorials, museums, and cultural landmarks such as the renowned Fuzimiao Confucius Temple, which lies adjacent to a bustling strip of shops and restaurants set amid traditional architecture. The Ritz-Carlton Nanjing is located in the heart of the Xinjiekou business district just 30 minutes from the airport. The hotel features the modern, sophisticated styling synonymous with the Ritz-Carlton brand, coupled with nods to classical Chinese aesthetics like earth and bamboo-toned accents and furnishings. The property is comprised of 297 guest rooms and 37 suites, four bars and restaurants, a luxurious spa, and an indoor pool and fitness center.