Sassy’s Travel Guide: Short Haul

Without doubt one of the unique selling points of living in Hong Kong is its unbeatable location on the world map. Destinations that for millions around the globe are seen as long-haul far-flung countries are for us within the wonderful realm of short-haul weekend away targets! With flying times of less than four hours serviced by low-cost airlines, there is almost no excuse not to take one or two days off work, treat yourself to a long weekend and head out on some Asian explorations.

Asia is a continent rich with culture, history, delicious food and breathtaking scenery. There are beach holidays for when you just feel like lounging, trips to World Heritage sites for those seeking intellectual development and even private islands for those seeking the ultimate luxury. Asian hospitality is unrivalled and sure to guarantee you the luxurious getaway you so deserve… but with so many exceptional holiday destinations on your doorstep, it can be hard to choose where to go next. To get your hit list started we have put together our picks for the ultimate short haul breaks in Asia and even nabbed you some wonderful special offers to tempt you onto that plane and holiday bound.

The Chedi Club, Bali
Nustled away in the undulating hills of Ubud, The Chedi Club comprises of only 20 private villas dotted around their sprawling grounds. The rooms are sure to indulge you with traditional Balinese furniture, free mini bars and giant baths but the main selling point of this restorative resort is its setting. Surrounded by rice fields it has an agricultural stillness induced by the mesmerising and calming views of farmers tending to their crops. Lingering breakfasts at the restaurant, free afternoon tea and sunset cocktails and a fascinating tour of the local area with your own personal butler all combine to ensure that The Chedi Club will become one of your favourite hotels.

See our full review of The Chedi Club here.

SASSY DEAL: On top of the fantastic offers available on The Chedi Club website, such as stay 3 nights pay for 2, all Sassy girls will receive the following perks if you quote SASSY when following up your online booking:

–        A complimentary mojito for two (either upon check-in or at anytime during their stay)
–         Complimentary laundry throughout the stay (no limit to the number of pieces per day)

The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 975 685

www.ghmhotels.com/en/chedi-club-bali/home#home

Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand
Aman hotels are famed around the world for setting the bar in terms of luxury travel. With striking architecture, beautiful pavilion rooms, exceptional levels of service and an incredible position perched on a hillside over a white sand beach, the Amanpuri is no exception. A favourite of the well travelled, the Amanpuri is a stalwart on the Phuket hotel scene – the rooms are enormous and indulgent, the restaurants beautifully located, the facilities incomparable. Spend your days lounging on the beach sipping fresh fruit juices, enjoy free sunset afternoon tea and dine to a backdrop of traditional live Thai music. The ultimate destination for pure relaxation.

See our full review of the Amanpuri here.

Amanpuri, Pansea Beach, Phuket, Thailand, +66 76 324 333

www.amanresorts.com

Satri House, Luang Prubang, Laos
One of the most beautiful World Heritage sites in Asia, Luang Prubang is an incredible destination rich with French colonial architecture, local Buddhist culture and incredible sightseeing to be done along the Mekong River. The area is home to a host of hotels but we think that when staying in a place of such historic important, it’s only right to rest your head somewhere in keeping with the charm and heritage of the area and Satri House makes for the perfect destination. Located far enough on the outskirts of town to provide tranquil serenity but close enough in to explore local sights by bicycle, the traditional furniture, calming ponds and a distinct feel of being wrapped in the colonial past of Luang Prubang makes Satri House the ideal base for exploring this exceptional part of Laos.

See our full review of Satri House here.

SASSY DEAL: All Sassy girls receive a complimentary room upgrade where available PLUS if you make your booking through Mr & Mrs Smith, you also get a complimentary Silversmith membership. Simply call the Mr & Mrs Smith team to book after the 2 June, then send Satri House an email about the booking to redeem the upgrade!

Satri House, Luang Prubang, +856 71 253 491

www.satrihouse.com

Alila Villas Soori, Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia
Bali has no shortage of beach front hotels, many clustered around Seminyak, but amongst the hustle and bustle you can sometimes lose the true Balinese spirit. Alila Villas Soori is solitarily located on the South West coast, the only hotel perched by a beautiful black sand beach. Its striking design of bold, dark colours and strong geometric lines and angles will make you feel uber-trendy and chic, whilst all rooms have a private pool either overlooking the ocean or the tranquil rice fields and ooze style, technology and unrivalled seclusion. What’s more, the choice of restaurants and on and off site activities will keep you busy enough to feel satisfied whilst relaxed enough to simply enjoy your incredible villa in the heart of a real Balinese beach area.

See our full review of Alila Villas Soori here.

SASSY DEAL: Stay for 4 nights and only pay for 3! To redeem, book direct with Alila Villas Soori and quote “Sassy Hong Kong”. Valid from the 1^st May to 19^th December 2012 (excluding 16^th July – 15^th September); based on room-only Internet rates.

Alila Villas Soori, Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 894 6388

www.alilahotels.com/soori

Some of our other top picks:
It’s impossible to stop at only four favourite short haul destinations! There are too many countries to explore, to many hotels to stay at. So if the above don’t tickle your travel taste-buds then have a look at some our other top picks below:

 Amanpulo, Phillipines
The ultimate honeymoon destination, Amanpulo is located on a private island only reachable by private jet. Think turquoise waters, your own private stretch of white sand beach, heavenly sunsets and you have yourself possibly the most exceptional holiday you will ever take.

Read our full review of the Amanpulo here or visit their website.

The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
Close enough into the centre of Hoi An to explore one of Vietnam’s most wonderful towns but secluded enough to promise you beach-front relaxation, The Nam Hai is the perfect indulgent base to explore this neck of the woods. With frequent special offers and being such a short flight from Hong Kong, we say there is no excuse not to go!

Read our full review of the Nam Hai here or visit their website.

So that’s it for our short haul round up and we haven’t even touched on some wonderful countries like Bhutan, Borneo, Singapore and more (we’ll save those for next time!). Take advantage of Hong Kong’s plentiful public holidays, book some extra time off work and make the most of Hong Kong’s pivotal location in the centre of Asia.