A Jubilee Wanderlist Across Asia

Touchdown in Hong Kong and meet your private guide for your transfer to your hotel, the Peninsula, known as the “Grande Dame of the Far East.” Start off with a splash and choose to have your group roll up in an entourage of Peninsula’s signature green custom Rolls-Royce Phantoms. Freshen up and get ready for this evening’s cocktail cruise around Victoria Harbor which sits between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Take in one of the world’s most beautiful skylines and toast to the beginning of your adventure as the sun sets beyond Victoria Peak. Once darkness sets, watch the city light up with a sensational multimedia extravaganza, known as A Symphony of Lights. From your boat, you will have the best view of the iconic buildings on both sides of the river transformed by the audiovisual show. If you choose to charter a private junk, continue your party onboard with food and drinks into the night. Alternatively, have dinner at one of Hong Kong’s many raved-about restaurants, options range from classic local favorite to world- class fine dining.

Today discover Hong Kong’s culture, downtown sights and people through its food, from dim sum, wontons, and noodles to roast goose, rickshaw noodles, and pineapple bread. Taste your way through old neighborhoods of Central and Sheung Wan, open markets and off the beaten path in Hong Kong’s bustling commercial area on this walking food tour. In the afternoon, head up to Victoria’s peak to survey the island from this famous vantage point. Then travel south of the island to Stanley Market, lively shopping lanes full of clothing and souvenirs stretched to the beach. Take your time inspecting the market’s tchotkes with more snacks in hand, or enjoy the seaside breeze and scenic views while walking on the wide promenade. Finally take a private sampan ride around Aberdeen fishing village and see how local people still live on boats in the harbor, now equipped with modern comforts such as satellite TV, washing machines and refrigerators. In the evening, opt to indulge in late-night revelry on your last night in Hong Kong and head to Lan Kwai Fong or SoHo, a couple of Hong Kong’s most popular nightlife hot spots. Choose your party style, from wine pairings in chic lounges to brushing shoulders with celebrities at the hottest nightclubs.

In the morning, pack up and take a premier jetfoil across the channel to Macao, enjoying the ride in your own private VIP cabin. Once a Portuguese colony, Macao has a dramatically different ambience from Hong Kong, between the ornate architecture of the old city and the Las Vegas-style glitz of its high-rolling casinos. Spend the day taking in Macao’s iconic sights such as the Macao Tower where daredevils can opt to skywalk or bungee, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, a Portuguese basilica of which only the Baroque facade remains. Take a bike ride around the Coloane fishing village and see the local shops and colorful temples. Don’t forget to try the famous Portuguese egg tarts, a cinnamon flavored custard nestled in a flaky puff pastry crust. For dinner, amongst the many world-class options available, we recommend sampling food from Macao’s colonial heritage at the famed Fernando’s, a farm to table restaurant serving Portuguese favorites and homemade sangria, perfect for a raucous fun time with friends and family. Continue into the night on the ritzy Cotai Strip, lined with luxury hotels, mega- entertainment complexes that house Vegas-style casinos, Michelin-starred restaurants, distinguished shows, shopping, and international class nightclubs. Opt for a car and nightlife guide who can help maximize the good times. Overnight at the Ritz-Carlton Macao, an all-suite property with world-renowned hospitality.

After breakfast, catch a flight south to Bangkok, the exciting capital of Thailand, known for its golden temples, bold-flavored cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Transfer to the Sofitel So, a trendy contemporary hotel whose interiors were designed by famed couturier and design legend Mr. Christian Lacroix. Spend the afternoon at leisure, whether by the pool, at the spa or venture out on your own to nearby Sathorn, a spirited neighborhood packed with restaurants, bars, contemporary art galleries, and shopping. If you happen to be in town on the last Saturday of the month, join Sofitel So’s hosted SO Pool Party and enjoy casual bites, cocktails and sun-kissed frivolities. In the evening, it would be remiss to not experience Bangkok’s nightlife with a local expert and private car. Far from the heavily-touristed and well trodden Khao San road experience, explore the bohemian and trendy neighborhoods in the heart of Bangkok, flushed with international-quality cuisine, upscale bars, and hip clubs. Try salted firefly squid, locally distilled gin, and crab cake Benedict all in one night if you wish.

Start off the day with an exciting private Muay Thai lesson at one of Bangkok’s foremost gyms. Muay Thai is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand, developed hundreds of years ago as a form of close-combat utilizing the entire body as a weapon. In the afternoon, embark on a private long-tail boat to see how locals live in Bangkok’s canal-side neighborhoods. Stop alongside a small temple and receive an auspicious blessing from the resident monk. Take to the skies in a private helicopter to see Bangkok’s majesty from above, from the Chao Phraya river and its crisscrossing waterways, skyscrapers, and neon tented night markets, to golden temples and green spaces. Tonight, opt for another kind of food and nightlife experience that will take you to the Bangkok streets and close to its people. Explore renowned street food destinations and local favorite eateries from open air night markets to streets lined with carts, hawking charred satays, fragrant noodles, and coconut milk desserts.

Leave Bangkok and take a morning flight up to Chiang Mai, the former seat of the Lanna kingdom and the second largest city in the country, known for its misty mountains and laidback atmosphere. Arrive in town and head to Warorot Market, a busy hive of activity and where Thai locals do their shopping. At a local restaurant, try Issan (northeastern) cuisine for lunch, marked by its fresh and bright flavors. Then, visit Wat Prathat, a Buddhist temple perched at the top of Doi Suthep. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and scenic countryside, and after climbing down, relax at a hidden waterfall at the foot of the mountain. Travel just outside of the city and into the tranquil Mae Rim valley and check into your hotel, the exclusive Howie’s Homestay, where you will be the only guests. This multi-million dollar privately-owned home turned luxury hotel is a Bill Bensley design and boasts open-air pavilions, romantic gardens, Royal Thai Lanna- styled villas. Relish the breezy evening together with an intimate dinner with an array of delicious homecooked Thai dishes, and taking in the mountain and rice terrace views.

Spend the day outdoors, taking advantage of Chiang Mai’s lush forests. In the morning, meet the official national animal of Thailand, the elephant, at one of the elephant sanctuaries that practice rescue and rehabilitation. Start with a brief training session to learn how to interact and care for the elephants, feed them fruits, then escort them to the river where you will learn to properly bathe them. Take a trek into the mountains alongside your new pachydermal friend. In the afternoon, go  zip-lining high up in the trees. If you wish, step out at night and stroll the night bazaar, a fun space to pick up unique tchotchkes and sample delicious street fare. If it is a weekend, check out the popular Saturday and Sunday Walking Street Markets where shoppers from around the region gather to shop, eat, and enjoy street entertainment on a long pedestrian-only street.

Today, fly onward to Singapore, a world recognized economic powerhouse yet also the smallest country in Southeast Asia. In the late afternoon, take a sunset flight on the Singapore Flyer, a massive observation wheel with 28 air-conditioned capsules. In your own private capsule, sip a glass of champagne as you take in amazing unhindered views of Singapore and beyond. Once dark, opt to visit Marina Bay Sands, one of Singapore’s iconic sights, a luxury casino-resort megaplex with celebrity-chef restaurants, high end mall, entertainment facilities, and SkyPark. Watch the visually stunning ‘Spectra,’ a short outdoor light and water show displayed along the promenade. Stroll the promenade, shop or check out the casino. Don’t miss the opportunity to take coveted photos at the pool on the 57th floor, named the world’s largest rooftop Infinity Pool, with the Lion City’s skyline in the backdrop.

Singapore is the multicultural home of ethnic Chinese, Malays, Indians, Arabs and Eurasians, as well as expatriates from all over the world. Today, discover the the three ethnic enclaves of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam and learn how these societies blended to create Singapore’s unique cultural landscape. For a special lunch, opt to have a home-cooked meal with a local host at their home, an authentic opportunity to gain insight into Singaporean cuisine and quotidian lifestyles. With a variety of hosts from all walks of life and backgrounds, meet someone who will share stories and food that suit your interests. In the afternoon, head to the Boat Quay area, a historical region that was once a thriving trade port, and get on a bumboat to explore the waterways and see iconic landmarks such as the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles and the Merlion. See the Supertrees, another Singapore icon, at the Gardens by the Bay. Considered one of Asia's best street food scene, don’t miss Singapore’s famed dishes from chicken rice and char kway teow noodles to laksa and chilli crab which can all be found at the many hawker centers, showcasing multi-ethnic Singapore cooking at its best. For foodies wanting the authentic experience, do as locals do and embrace the supper culture of late night dining on an evening food tour that goes beyond midnight.

Leave Singapore behind and head to your final destination, Bawah Island, a true barefoot luxury getaway composed of five lush jungle islands, three crystal clear lagoons, and 13 ivory powder beaches. A quick ferry ride and seaplane will take you to the island resort. Alternatively, live it up and charter a yacht to sail just 160 nautical miles from Singapore to Bawah. Unwind and spend the day swimming and enjoying water sports in the pristine lagoons.

Spend the day as you please and take advantage of Bawah Island’s multitude of guided activities and experiences. Hike the trails and explore the lush environment, play a game of tennis, partake in wellness programs at the yoga pavilion and pampering treatments at the spa, and indulge in holistic meals and fresh seafood.

While away the penultimate day of your adventure at leisure. Hop on your chartered yacht or one of Bawah’s boats and head out to sea for snorkeling and diving in the Anambas archipelago. The resort is committed to environmental and ocean conservation, building according to environmentally sustainable development guidelines which lends to a flourishing reef teeming with marine life. Let the spirit of exploration take you to nearby islands where you can kayak through the mangroves, discover remote beaches, and create lasting memories. End the day with bespoke cocktails from the bar at dusk while taking in the all-encompassing views of the turquoise lagoon and surrounding islands, and an open-air cinema screening under the stars.

After a fresh tropical breakfast, make your way back to Singapore to catch your flight home.