A+D Issue12 text 037-064.

qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 44

Australians love going to Asia. Adore it. It’s so close, so varied, and, in whichever country we choose to lay
our heads, we can find accommodation that is setting the pace for comfort and refinement. Across Asia, the
stellar and discreet service, considered design, superior amenities and unrivalled privacy are hard to beat.
Such attention to detail is as big a drawcard as jaw-dropping landscapes and secluded beaches. A+D’s Best
Asian Resorts for 2008 captivate the senses and raise the bar even higher.

THE FORTRESS.
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 45

COURTESY OF HOTELS & RESORTS OF HALEKULANI

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

FOUR SEASONS TENTED CAMP GOLDEN TRIANGLE.

A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 46

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

F The Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is just that. Fifteen
luxurious tents secluded in the lush bamboo jungle of northern Thailand.
These are tents with a difference, however. They are appointed with
custom-made furnishings handcrafted in styles reminiscent of 19th-century
adventure expeditions, and the large outdoor decks take in views
stretching from Laos to Burma. There’s a minimum stay of three-nights for
optimum relaxation, and the package includes mahout training, elephant
trekking and spa treatments.

WE LOVE: Accessible only by river boat, private round-trip airport transfer

included
www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle

FOUR SEASONS TENTED CAMP GOLDEN TRIANGLE.

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

46 a+d
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 47

DHONI MIGHILI.

F Should you sleep on land tonight, or on the water? This is probably the
most pressing concern you’ll have when staying at Dhoni Mighili in the
Maldives. Six beautiffuly appointed Maldivian sailboats, or dhonis, are
matched with a beach bungalow for a very private land and sea adventure.
A dedicated crew of four are on call for each dhoni, ready to take you to
divine snorkelling spots, or perhaps just cruising around the island. As with
all Per Aquum properties, only the best will do when it comes to in-room
amenities and features, both on board the dhoni and back on dry land.

WE LOVE: Personalised menu options, daybeds on the deck

www.dhonimighili.com

a+d
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 48

CHEDI CLUB AT TANAH GAJAH.

F With only 20 villas and suites dispersed throughout five hectares of rural
landscaping, Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah in Ubud, Bali, offers the
ultimate in space and privacy. The serenity of the Ubud region seeps into
every aspect of the resort, from the furnishings and appointments through
to the discreet service. Outdoor baths and showers keep guests in touch
with the peaceful surrounds, while the spacious layout of the suites allow
flexibility for gracious entertaining.

WE LOVE: Open air amphitheatre, organic products at the spa

http://www.ghmhotels.com

48 a+d
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 49

F The spectacular natural setting of Commune by the Great Wall just

can’t be beat – each villa frames dramatic views of the graceful landscape
and the Great Wall. A fleet of 12 architects have created a jaw dropping
showcase of contemporary Chinese and Asian architecture which houses
furniture and other interior decoration pieces from Serge Mouille, Philippe
Starck, Kaname Okajima, Karim Rashid and Marc Newson among others.
Commune has all the mod-cons and facilities you’d expect from a five-star
resort, and a few you wouldn’t. There’s a gallery, a cinema and a plush
library decked out in peacock feathers. This isn’t just a resort, it’s a cultural
experience.
This swish collection of villas, managed by Kempinski Hotels & Resorts,
is just over an hour from Beijing Airport.

WE LOVE: Complimentary wireless internet access and mini bar, private

path to the Great Wall
www.commune.com.cn/en

COMMUNE BY THE GREAT WALL.

A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 50

RAYMOND HALL

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

SONEVA FUSHI DELUXE CRUSOE POOL.

F A thirty minute seaplane ride from Male, Maldives, brings guests to

the North Baa Atoll, and the island hideaway of Soneva Fushi. With
quirky charms like a ‘no shoes’ policy, absolute relaxation is requisite – MANDARIN ORIENTAL DHARA DHEVI.
and even more achievable. In-room technology and appliances are
secreted away to maintain a Robinson Crusoe ambiance, and villas
are separated by dense vegetation for optimum privacy. Like
F Set in over 60 acres of tranquil paddy fields and striking plantations, the
castaways in the lap of luxury, guests can enjoy over eight restaurants and
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi is a Chang Mai gem. From the
bars or discreet in-villa dining.
architecture and textiles to the rare collection of Northern Thai antiquities,
this resort offers a rich and picturesque journey through the history and
WE LOVE: Organic Garden Restaurant, PADI certification available at the cultural influences of Thailand’s Lanna region. Most of the villas have dining
diving school areas and outdoor plunge pools, while some might sport a steam room, a
www.sonevaresorts.com piano, or private study. The super-convenient onsite market, Kad Dhara, is
a small village built in the traditional style of northern Thailand. Guests
looking for a retail fix will find over twenty shops, including a tailor, jewellers
KIATTIPONG PANCHEE

and a book shop, without having to leave their luxe haven.

WE LOVE: The Dheva Spa, remote control lighting, the décor in the
Horn Bar
www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai
COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

SONEVA FUSHI ORGANIC GARDEN INTERIOR. MANDARIN ORIENTAL DHARA DHEVI.

A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 51

AD
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 52

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

OBEROI WILDFLOWER HALL.

F A 45-minute drive from Shimla in India is the magnificent Oberoi

Wildflower Hall. Situated at 8,350 feet in the Himalayas, this lair among
the peaks is set in 23 acres of pristine pine and cedar woods. The rebuilt
residence of Lord Kitchener, Wildflower Hall is reminiscent of the grand
style of India’s colonial past. Given the location, one expects the views to
be awesome, and they are. Add to that plush rooms with hand-knotted
rugs on teak floors and spacious marble bathrooms, and the Oberoi is a
quite simply a mountain paradise.

WE LOVE: Outdoor Jacuzzi, personalised butler service

www.oberoiwildflowerhall.com

ZAFFERANO
52 a+d
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 53

AD
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 54

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION
ONE&ONLY MALDIVES AT REETHI RAH.

TRISARA.

F Phuket’s north western coastline remains largely undeveloped, making

the location of the Trisara resort a serene option in this otherwise bustling
and popular destination. With its own private bay, this boutique collection
of 39 villas and suites offers the ultimate in seclusion.
All villas have their own substantial private swimming pools and
stunning views of the Andaman Sea. The lounging is sublime, but for the

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

more active there’s a range of luxury motor yachts for full or half day
expeditions and professional PADI scuba instruction and certification.

WE LOVE: Lychee and lemongrass martinis, private dining

www.trisara.com
ONE&ONLY MALDIVES AT REETHI RAH.

F Privacy goes a step further at the One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah.

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

Occupying one of the largest islands on North Male atoll, this head turning
resort is the very definition of refined tranquillity. The generously sized and
elegantly appointed Grand Beach Villas have private 25m² pools and
canopied day beds while the Water Villas summon with netted wraparound
hammocks suspended over the water. Guests can opt to dine in the
resort’s spectacular restaurants, order a personal beach barbeque from
the villa dining menu, or relish in the seclusion of their villa with a personal
chef.

WE LOVE: Over-water double treatment suites at the spa, electric buggy

service
www.oneandonlyresorts.com

TRISARA. a+d
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 55

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

BULGARI RESORT & HOTEL, BALI.

F Traditional Balinese design meshes flawlessly with Italian style at the

Bulgari Resort & Hotel, Bali. Furniture, fabrics, and utensils like flatware
stemware and ceramics have all been made by local artists and designers
in conjunction with Bulgari. It’s an elegant blend. Villas feature open-air
living pavilions, plunge pools, and informal dining lounges. The centrepiece
Bulgari villa boasts three bedrooms, a home theatre and a built in bar for
PICTURE BY BANYAN TREE HOTELS AND RESORTS

svelte entertaining. The Bulgari Signature Experiences at the spa are

beyond indulgent with the Double Bulgari Royal Lulur seeing four sets of
hands hard at work on you and a loved one.

WE LOVE: Italian apertivo overlooking the Indian Ocean, local market

tours with a personal shopper
www.bulgarihotels.com
BANYAN TREE DOUBLE POOL VILLA.

F Dinner on board ‘The Sanya Rak – Promise of Love’, a traditional long

COURTESY OF KIWI COLLECTION

boat at the Banyan Tree Phuket, is romantic and healthy. A taste of

refinement became even more delicious last year when the resort was the
first in Thailand to ban all trans fats from its menus. The resort’s Spa Pool
Villas are near flawless, and include in-villa spa, private pool, jet-pool,
outdoor shower and sunken bath to keep you clean, or not so. The
Banyan Tree’s new DoublePool Villas are also turning heads and garnering
awards. Each has two private pools and two bedrooms, making for an
ideal destination for a group close friends traveling together. They’ll put
your name up on a plaque outside your villa, if so desired.

WE LOVE: Open-air sunken bathtubs, daily in-villa cooked breakfast

www.banyantree.com
PICTURE BY BANYAN TREE HOTELS AND RESORTS

BANYAN TREE SPA POOL VILLA.

BULGARI RESORT & HOTEL, BALI.

a+d
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 56

THE ISTANA.

F Nestled among some of the most highly rated surf

breaks in the world, The Istana in Uluwatu, Bali, is an
acutely intimate destination. Five cliff top suites cater
for just ten guests at a time, making for a very exclusive
vacation spot or wedding destination. Walled on two
sides by folding glass doors, the bedrooms are divine. Canopied beds,
indoor/outdoor bathrooms, and generous walk-in closets keep all guests
truly cosseted. West Javanese green granite stone lines the main infinity
pool, making for a serene ocean palette of turquoise and blue. It’s one of
the most inviting pools in Bali, and you won’t have to share it with dozens
of other guests.
WE LOVE: Chauffeured personal car on standby, ‘Dotcom’ entertainment
room
www.theistana.com
DATAI POOL.
F If jungle treks with plenty of bird and wildlife watching from a base of
luxury appeals, make the red balau timber, black granite and white marble
haven that is The Datai your next vacation hotspot. Nestled amongst 40
million year old virgin rainforest in Malaysia, the resort blends modern cool
with opulent indulgence. The superior villas boast a 37” flat screen TV,
Bose sound system, Lavazza espresso machines and oversized daybeds.
There’s an 18 hole golf course adjacent to the property, and a private
beach for exclusivity.

WE LOVE: Morning and evening nature walks, the Datai Massage

at the spa
www.ghmhotels.com

THE ISTANA.

DATAI POOL.
56 a+d
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 57

5AMAN RESORTS.

THE SPA AT THE LEGIAN.

F Situated on Bali’s serene southern coast, The Legian’s landscaped

THE POOL AT AMANPURI.
F As the flagship property of the Aman Resorts group, Amanpuri Phuket
doesn’t get much rest. Its magnificent midnight blue pools and evening
torch-lit barbecues are as popular as ever at this genteel Thai haven.
Oceans of teak and rattan have beckoned and soothed many a weary-
traveller-in-the-know for some time. They’ve just celebrated their 20th
anniversary with a significant gym upgrade, which may prove handy – a
new restaurant, Naoki, is wowing guests with a French Kaiseki menu.
French techniques with a Japanese sense of artistry grace plates under
the watchful eye of Chef Naoki Okumura. Paradise just got better.
gardens and lotus ponds complement the surrounding landscape in
discreet harmony. This bespoke property will spoil you for life. Ploh linens,
Apple iPods and private stocked pantries await all guests. Those staying in
The Legian or The Seminyak suites also enjoy a personal butler and
private car with driver. The Beach House is the ultimate in honeymoon
indulgence with a private 16m infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
WE LOVE: Stunning bathrooms, complimentary ice cream by the pool for
kids
www.ghmhotels.com

WE LOVE: Salas – private dining decks, extensive and gorgeous library

www.amanresorts.com
AMAN RESORTS.

POOL AND TERRACE AT AMANPURI. THE LEGIAN’S STUNNING BATHROOMS.

A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 58

THE CHEDI CHANG MAI.

F The stunning lines of The Chedi Chang Mai seem more akin to a
cutting-edge modern art gallery than a luxury resort in northwest Thailand.
A newbie to the GHM portfolio of uber-luxe retreats, The Chedi offers
relaxation and seclusion in the heart of Chang Mai. The Chedi Club Suites
offer complimentary mini bar, airport transfer, butler service and access to
The Chedi Club Lounge. You’ll want to move in. The dining is top-notch,
with private dining rooms and an extensive wine list just adding to the
appeal.

WE LOVE: Cigar menu at the Terrace Lounge, beauty treatments

at the spa
www.ghmhotels.com

F The Balé in Nusa Dua Bali is a stylish retreat with wellbeing in mind.
Organic produce and holistic spa treatments conspire to revitalize guests
as they relax and unwind. Each guest pavilion has its own private
swimming pool, and deluxe pavilions spoil further with a LCD TV in the
bathroom. While leaving such a well-appointed villa might be hard, the lure
of the main swimming pool – one of the most spectacular in Asia – is
difficult to resist. Also beckoning is the Masters in Residence program at
the spa. Specialists in all manner of holistic practices spend a limited
period at the resort, and are on-hand for guest workshops and
consultation.

WE LOVE: Hi-fi with MP3, spa cuisine at Bliss restaurant

www.thebale.com

58 a+d
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 59

THE BALÉ.

THE BALÉ.
A+D Issue12 text 037-064.qxd:A+D 13/2/08 8:48 AM Page 60

2008 Portfolio of the Year:

Kiwi Collection
his bespoke collection of properties never misses a

T
stable.
beat. The website features only the most dazzling and
awe-inspiring of destinations. In fact, eight of our
Best Asian Resorts this year are in the Kiwi Collection

The website is an escape unto itself, with customised

search options going beyond just a destination. Visitors can
search for the perfect holiday accommodation based on their
interest in anything from heli-skiing to wildlife, from jungle
setting to modern architecture. Want to go diving off an island
with boutique style accommodation? Not a problem. Kiwi
Collection recommends The Racha in Phuket, Thailand.
If the website wasn’t seductive enough, Kiwi Collection also
produces glorious hardcover coffee table books that are, quite
simply, the ultimate travel brochure.

www.kiwicollection.com

THE FORTRESS.

F New on the scene, The Fortress in Galle, Sri Lanka is setting a

cracking pace for others to follow. With Dutch and Portuguese colonial
influences, this resort blends the grace of the past with a cutting edge
future. Plasma screens and Bose DVD players and sound systems in the
rooms combine with the sleek design of bars and restaurants to create an
uber-modern oasis in the Indian Ocean. In keeping with Per Aquum’s
‘personalise you stay’ philosophy, guests can nominate pillow preferences,
the colour of their Frette linen, and other desires before they even arrive.

WE LOVE: Super king 7ft by 7ft beds, resort naturalist and turtle hatchery
www.thefortress.lk

a+d
THE FORTRESS.