A globetrotter’s guide to the gems of the East
A globetrotter’s guide to the gems of the East
INNER PEACE IN ANJI
Crisp mountain air, meandering lakes and 60,000 hectares of greenery underscore a magnificent setting for Alila Hotels and Resorts’ first property in China, Alila Anji. The hillside resort sits in the country’s first national ecological county, where tea plantations and plum trees encircle a “village” of 74 villas and rooms appointed with native woods, bamboo, stone and soft furnishing. While tranquil lake views are reason enough to make the trek, a gourmet picnic (of Chinese farm-to-table cuisine) in the lush bamboo forest will surely take your breath away. alilahotels.com
WHAT TO PACK: Aviary-inspired Lady Dior bag, Dior. Sunglasses, Chanel
HIGH TEA IN SRI LANKA
If you have dreams of mountain trekking but can’t sacrifice luxury trappings, head to Ceylon Tea Trails. The world’s first tea bungalow resort is perched at 1,250m on Sri Lanka’s Golden Valley, where the crème de la crème of Ceylon teas are harvested for the world—and your afternoon tea, served on fine bone china. Strap on your Timberlands when you emerge from one of five grand colonial-era villas (there’s a 24-hour butler service and a chef as well), so you can hike up Adam’s Peak, the 2,243m high mountain, alongside pilgrims of all religious leanings. resplendentceylon.com
WHAT TO PACK: Bangles, Hermès. Sleeveless kimono, Carolina Herrera
SAIL THE ARCHIPELAGO
The best way to explore Southeast Asia is to do like our forefathers did: Sail the high seas. Set off in style aboard Si Datu Bua (meaning “beloved princess”), a 164ft handcrafted Silolona Sojourns vessel that cruises the historic spice route, spanning the Sulawesi Sea to the mountains of Toradja. Revel in three luxurious cabin-suites, traditional gourmet feasts, warm Asian hospitality and deep tissue massages on deck under the splendid sails, or dive deep into the crystal blue waters and discover remote islands along the way. silolona.com
WHAT TO PACK: Printed dress, Coach. Sandals with Monogram-inspired jewel flowers, Louis Vuitton
LUXURY IN LANGKAWI
This 99-island paradise is a mere 80-minute flight away, but if you are staying at the St. Regis Langkawi, you might as well pack for Saint Tropez. The first luxury resort in the last decade to debut in Langkawi, a UNESCO Geopark, it is the epitome of relaxed glamour. There are 85 suites and four overwater villas (all with plunge pools, and one with glass floors), fine dining experiences in beach house settings and wellness journeys at Iridium Spa. Swim into “open waters” with its 600m-long white sand beach, which melts into a private, 100,000sqm natural salt lagoon that flows into the Andaman Sea. starwoodhotels.com
WHAT TO PACK: Hat; natural canvas and calfskin trolley, Brunello Cucinelli
