ASIA 3-5 20/10/09 11:18 Page 56
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the popular resorts of Kuta , Nusa Dua and
Sanur in the south of the island this winter.
“On the east coast, Alila Manggis is a beau-
tiful property. It’s just a short drive from the
unspoilt cultural village of Candi Dasa ,” says
Travel 2 Asia product manager Kerry Towers.
She recommends Seminyak, north of
Kuta, for clients looking for more vibrant
nightlife.
“It’s only just up and coming for British
holidaymakers but is very well established
in the Australian market, which means it
has lots of trendy bars and restaurants,” she
explains.
Sample price: Travel 2 offers one week’s bed
and breakfast from £1,089 at Alila Manggis and
£1,289 at the luxury Anantara Seminyak. Both
prices include Malaysia Airlines flights from
Heathrow.
■ travel2.com
Langkawi
Renowned for luxury accommodation,
Langkawi is less developed than Malaysia’s
other main holiday island, Penang.
“It has fantastic, white sandy beaches
nestled beneath rolling mountains,” says Laguna Beach Resort Water Park in Phuket. The Laguna area is pressing ahead with expansion as the island’s hotel capacity increases
Louise Turner, Virgin Holidays Far East
product co-ordinator. Ritz-Carlton are among the big names that Mandarin Oriental Sanya costs from £739 with
“It also has mysterious caves and pockets have opened in the beach resort of Sanya W&O Travel Tropical Locations. Dragonair
of virgin rainforests dating back millions of on the Chinese tropical island of Hainan in flights from Hong Kong are included.
years. the last year. ■ tropical-locations.com
“The Holiday Villa Beach Resort and Spa is W&O Travel Tropical Locations introduced
a perfect winter pick, with its own private the island this year. Hoi An
beach. The hotel has snorkelling and diving “We needed a beach extension from Hong Vietnam boasts several emerging beach re-
facilities, allowing guests to explore the Kong that was easily accessible and provided sorts. Destinations such as Nha Trang and
colourful reefs.” an alternative to the Philippines,” explains Phan Thiet have been boosted by interna-
Sample price: Virgin Holidays offers one week David Kevan. tional chains including Novotel and luxury
on a room-only basis at the Holiday Villa Beach “Frankly the demand has been slow but brand Evason.
Resort from £939 for Heathrow departures be- I do see long-term potential. Culturally, the Hoi An is a good choice for clients looking
fore November 27. island is a bit barren – so it is essentially a to do more than just sunbathe. As well as an
■ virginholidays.co.uk four-day beach retreat after a touring holiday. excellent sandy beach, it boasts a pictur-
“Currently the main market for the hotels esque old town that has been designated a
Sanya tends to be China, Hong Kong and Russia.” World Heritage site by Unesco.
Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La and Sample price: A three-night add-on at the There is lots of local culture to enjoy, from
historic buildings to intriguing craft shops,
street markets and excellent restaurants.
Hoi An has grown in popularity as access
has got easier. The nearby city of Danang is
served by flights from Bangkok and Singapore.
The resort is also a good base for visiting
other cities in central Vietnam, including
historic Hue.
Sample price: Hoi An is among four Vietnamese
beach resorts added to Funway Holidays’ latest
Far East programme. Bed-and-breakfast rates
start at £20 per person per night at the Hoi An
Trails Resort.
■ funway.co.uk
Destinations such as Nha Trang have been boosted by international chains including Novotel and luxury brand Evason
56 23.10.2009
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