The Estate Cooking Class	Uma Cooking Class
Duration: 1 to 2 hours Price: Rp 700,000++ per person Includes 2 hour cooking demonstration and practical class followed by lunch or early dinner	Duration: 2 – 3 hours Price: Rp. 1,000,000++ per person (maximum of 6 adults per cooking lesson) Includes personal chef, take home recipes, refreshments during class and lunch or dinner afterwards.
Held in the kitchen of Kemiri restaurant at Uma Ubud classes are friendly and informal. They cover traditional Indonesian fare, signature South East Asian dishes or COMO Shambhala healthful cuisine. Our chef will guide students through not only the cooking, but also the local ingredients and exotic herbs used in the specific dishes. You will gain fascinating insight into Balinese life, culture and beliefs while also being inspired to better health through the preparation of our cutting-edge COMO Shambhala Cuisine. A two-hour demonstration and practical class is followed by lunch or early dinner at which participants may enjoy their culinary achievements.	Taking place in Glow’s kitchen, Chris Miller, Executive Chef at The Estate guides students through not only the cooking, but also the local ingredients and exotic herbs used in the specific dishes. You will gain fascinating insight into Balinese life, culture and beliefs while also being inspired to better health through the preparation of our cutting-edge COMO Shambhala Cuisine. Classes are friendly and informal lasting two or three hours. They are followed by a lunch or early dinner at which participants may enjoy their culinary achievements. AmyJo Johnson, our Nutritionist, will offer advice on intelligent nutrition at classes covering the COMO Shambhala Cuisine.

]]> http://uniquetourism.com/news/20090107/cooking-master-classes-at-the-shambhala-estate-and-uma-ubud-and/feed/ http://uniquetourism.com/news/20081221/away-maerim-chiang-mai-grand-opening/ http://uniquetourism.com/news/20081221/away-maerim-chiang-mai-grand-opening/#comments Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:03:27 +0000 admin http://uniquetourism.com/news/?p=371 Astudo Hotel & Resort Management’s portfolio has been expanding rapidly across Thailand over the last two years. After successfully launching a increasing number of resort properties under its X2, Away and Le Bayburi brands, Astudo has the proudly presents her latest development Away Maerim, Chiang Mai.

Away Maerim, Chiang Mai, set on 25 Rai (40,000 square meters), is ideally located in the tranquil Mae Rim valley. This superb property provides the finest relaxation, a spa and excellent food and beverages. Understated rooms in huge sub-tropical surroundings offer lovely views over the surrounding mountains and a sense of calmness. A perfect place to relax and rejuvenate or to explore the well known Mae-Rim Valley.

The resort offers a combination of 7 different types of accommodation with a total of 42 rooms. The standard room facilities include individually controlled air conditioning, a mini bar, a personal safe and hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, DVD & CD player and satellite TV.

Away resorts are the epitome of peaceful hideaways. All resorts offer guests every opportunity to truly slow down and enjoy their holiday but at the same time provide an interesting and unique array of activities and tours to provide a perfect balance for your holiday. A key hallmark of Away Resorts is their relaxed casual atmosphere, blended with high levels of individual service.

The grand opening of Away Maerim, Chiang Mai will be on the 12^th December 2008 with the amazing offer “buy 1 night get 1 night free”, available from now until the 31^st of January 2009.

About Astudo Hotel & Resort Management

Astudo Hotel & Resort Management operates and manages X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com) and Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com). Away Resorts tend to be designed in a simple but comfortable manner with a distinctive tropical Polynesian theme and traditional Thai hospitality. The first Away resort opened in October 2007 in Koh Kood, followed by Away Tusita Chumphon in September 2008 and Away Suan-Sawan Mae-Rim, Chiang Mai in November 2008. Away Koh Phangan and Away Koh Samui are scheduled to open late 2009.

For more information about Astudo’s hotel management service, please contact Klaus R. Rauter, Group General Manager at klaus@astudo.com

The year concludes spectacularly for New Zealand’s iconic Huka Lodge

Two announcements within the same week draw 2008 towards an exciting close for this exclusive New Zealand property. With the fabulous new Alan Pye Cottage about to welcome its first guests, as well as a steady stream of awards and recognition from the world’s travel industry, it truly has been a big year for Huka Lodge.

The winners of the fifth annual Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List survey were announced in Sydney, Australia this week amidst great anticipation. Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand was voted Best Overseas Boutique Hotel by tens of thousands of Luxury Travel Magazine’s subscribers and readers as well as Virtuoso travellers.

On the other side of the world in the USA, the 2008 Forbes Traveler 400 List, comprising the world’s very best hotels and resorts was announced. This annual list is arrived at by a panel of top international experts drawn from amongst the ranks of the most respected travel professionals. Huka Lodge proudly takes its place amongst the worlds very finest properties featured within this prestigious list.

Huka Lodge is the vision of entrepreneur Alex van Heeren and is a sister property of Dolphin Island, Fiji and Grande Provence Estate, South Africa. All three properties comprise The Huka Retreats – born from a desire to create the most exceptional hospitality for the world’s most discerning travellers.

Three days of fine dining, revelry and relaxation begin at Uma Ubud with the presentation of a special ‘Ang Pao’ to share good luck for the new year (it is a Chinese tradition to give a red envelope with a monetary gift - we will present you with a gift voucher instead). Treat yourself to a sumptuous meal at Uma’s renowned Kemiri restaurant and a rejuvenating COMO Shambhala treatment in lush Balinese gardens at Uma’s holistic Retreat. Gain insights into the colourful local culture and landscape on a guided morning walk among the rice paddies, or head out on a sightseeing tour in and around Ubud, the town of artisans.

Inclusions:

Terms and Conditions: Rates are subject to an additional 21% government tax and service charge. Rates are quoted in US Dollars per room per package and based on two people sharing. Extra person: under 12 years old free; over 13 years at USD$70 per person per night (B&B) subject 21% tax and service charge. Maximum of one extra person per room. Check in time after 2pm and check out time 11am. In order for the hotel to arrange transfers, please provide accurate flight arrival and departure details.

To book now or for more information please contact:
res.ubud@uma.como.bz
uma.como.bz

Anthony McDonald, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Astudo Holdings and Klaus R. Rauter, Group General Manager, have developed the success of the Thai-based company on its ability to work closely with small to medium sized local hotels and resorts to offer what the larger international chains cannot – highly personal service and distinctive local character, most often in locations away from the obvious tourist destinations. 

Astudo Hotel & Resort Management currently manages seven resort properties of different sizes, brands and market segments, with others set to open in 2009. The existing portfolio includes:-

• X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), pronounced ‘cross to’ because it conveys guests to another state of mind which is laidback luxury, is Thailand’s first chain of designer resorts. It launched its first resort in 2007 in Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and more recently added another X2 resort in Koh Samui located on Hua Thannon Beach (South Lamai), surrounded by an ancient forest. Both hotels are members of the Design Hotels.
• The Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com) name was introduced with the opening of another resort on Koh Kood, one of Thailand’s most beautiful yet undiscovered islands, with individual beachside bungalows aimed at promoting a more casual style which they describe as ‘slow tourism’. Since then, the company has added Away Maerim in the Maerim Valley, Chiang Mai and Away Tusita Chumphon to its portfolio, with resorts scheduled to open in 2009 in Koh Pha Ngan and another in Koh Samui.
• Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com), also managed by Astudo, comprises four luxury private villas for rent, each differently themed and situated on the tranquil beachfront of Pranburi, on the south west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. 

Based on the success of its operation since starting in 2007, the company is currently looking to expand its operation into destinations such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.

The Unique Tourism Collection specialises in representing luxury properties around the world.

Le Bayburi - Luxury Vacation Residences - Design Themes

There are four interior designs developed by international interior design firm DWP (Cityscape); Mediterranean Retreat, Pacific Hideaway, Modern Tropical and Scandinavian Vacation. Although each Villa is structurally almost identical, the interior and landscape designs are each unique.

• Mediterranean Retreat - Designed in an award winning Mediterranean theme, this villa is romantic, comfortable and completely relaxing. Guests enjoy a feeling that unique to the region, adding to what will no doubt be an experience of a lifetime.
• Pacific Hideaway - Pacific Hideaway villa is inspired from pacific island and northern Australian beachfront homes. The villa has a warm natural feel to it, with an island hideaway feeling that supports a relaxing and private vacation break. Like all the villas, the Pacific Hideaway is directly on the beachfront, with absolutely uninterrupted views from almost every area of the villa and outdoor areas.
• Modern Tropical - A more traditional Asian tropical design so popular in the regional is reflected in the contemporary design of this villa. For those guests who either haven’t experienced that Asian tropical experience or enjoy this style of accommodation, then this villa is one of the best you will ever find. Very much in keeping with the surrounding area and resorts the tropical feeling of the villa is only further improved by the glorious outdoor living areas and absolute beach frontage enjoyed from every area of the villa.
• Scandinavian Vacation - For those people who want a completely new vacation experience, this beachfront villa is decorated in a blend of modern and traditional Scandinavian material and furniture. It provides a refreshing change for those people who are looking for something different in terms of a vacation experience. The design makes the most of the indoor – outdoor living area, and the fabulous ocean views from all areas of the villa.

Condé Nast Traveler magazine (USA) is celebrating the 21st year of its celebrated annual Reader’s Choice Awards. The November 2008 edition contains the highly anticipated results with nominations from the 32,633 readers who participated in the Top 100 Reader’s Choice Awards, acknowledging the best in the world for hotels, resorts, cruises, islands and cities.
Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand is ranked as the top New Zealand property within the Top Australia/Pacific Resorts section of the awards, taking second place overall out of 20 properties throughout the region.

Huka Lodge has been consistently listed amongst the world’s top resorts for many years, a reputation deservedly gained for maintaining the highest levels of service, cuisine, hospitality and style as enjoyed by the world’s most discerning travellers.

Huka Lodge is enhancing the guest experience even further with the opening of the Alan Pye Cottage in December 2008. This new exquisite two-suite cottage will become a companion to the existing and celebrated Owner’s Cottage at Huka Lodge.

Huka Lodge is the vision of entrepreneur Alex van Heeren and has two sister properties Dolphin Island, Fiji and Grande Provence, South Africa. All three properties comprise The Huka Retreats, sharing extraordinary global locations and offering a sublime hospitality experience to guests.

Uma Paro has put together an exclusive seven-night programme over the festive Season, which culminates in memorable events on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Included is a menu created by Chef Jillene Slui, an archery tournament and traditional music and dance performances – a unique memory to take home from this culturally rich adventure.

The seven-night programme (which can begin on any day between the 20th and 29th December 2008) incorporates the region’s most inspiring sights. These include visits to Paro town, the Haa Valley and the capital city, Thimphu. There are also insightful trips to local Dzongs. The highlight will be a visit to the magnificent Taktsang Goemba (the Tiger’s Nest) Monastery.

Guests are accompanied by their personal, English-speaking guide and driver and are offered the perfect combination of action and downtime – you will want it to enjoy the resort’s COMO Shambhala Retreat and a relaxing Hot Stone Bath.

The Christmas and New Year Package is available from $3,419 per person (based on two sharing), including all taxes, government fees, full board, guiding and airport transfers.

In this two centre, ten-night package, enjoy the best of Asia’s most dynamic capital, staying at the Metropolitan Bangkok for a night of revelry on your way to and from Uma Paro, Bhutan. It couldn’t be easier: we take care of your four hour-long flights from Bangkok to Paro, and all transfers, making the route to Shangri-La easier than ever before.

The combination is perfect for those who want to shop, eat and indulge before retreating to the quiet and inspiring Himalayan vistas to experience complete immersion in Bhutan’s extraordinary landscape and cultural heritage - and perhaps some more shopping for that unique Christmas gift from the Land of the Thunderdragon - maybe an elaborate thangkha painting, some woven fabric, a selection of fabulous postage stamps, a singing bowl or a prayer wheel.

Our exploration comprises three days of guided walks through the Paro Valley, visiting the Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, the National Museum, Drukgyel Dzong and the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakhang. At each site, guests will be exposed to the subtle intricacies of this ancient Buddhist land, learning about its people, culture and deep-set religious traditions. This aspect of Bhutanese society is made vital with time for witnessing a puja, or worship, in a local monastery, meeting with monks, listening to their age-old chants, providing a chance to witness yet more of their exquisite arts tradition (the 13 traditional arts and crafts - Zorig Chusom). To further experience Bhutan’s staggering Himalayan landscape, shoppers can choose to spend a day at the weekend market and handicraft shops in the capital, Thimphu. In addition, take a day trip to the remote Haa valley where the Bhutanese continue their rural existences amid the emerald fields and forests where time has stood still for decades. Returning to our comfortable home in the Himalaya, Uma Paro, after each day’s adventures - accommodation is included on a full-board basis in Bhutan, excluding beverages - there is plenty of free time to relax, enjoying the peace, views and the swimming pool.

DAY 1 Monday 1st December
Arrival at Bangkok International Airport check-in at the Metropolitan Bangkok Our airport limousine service will ensure that you arrive in style at the Metropolitan Hotel Bangkok where our guest services staff are on hand to assist with shopping and sightseeing programs. Perhaps you would rather just relax in the COMO Shambhala health club — our largest city retreat yet. After a sumptuous five-course dinner at our award-winning Cy’an restaurant, a night of fun awaits either at the Met Bar or any one of the many nightspots for which Bangkok is famous.
Overnight: Metropolitan Bangkok

DAY 2 Tuesday 2nd December
Mountain flight, arrival, check-in, show round and easy walk. The morning flight to Bhutan is spectacular. It approaches the Himalayan range — Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga can be seen — before the final descent into the Paro Valley. Uma Paro staff will welcome you at the airport for the 10-minute transfer to the property. We invite you for a short, guided walk in the afternoon in and around Uma Paro for orientation and acclimatisation.
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 3 Wednesday 3rd December
Daywalk Zurig Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, Paro Town & Kyichu Lhakhang Wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zuri Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum (open Tuesday-Saturday) with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to visit Rinpung Dzong - ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. The trail then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town. A few kilometers north of Paro, we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree which bears fruit all year round.
Duration: 5 - 7 hours (depending on time spent in National Museum and Paro)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 4 Thursday 4th December
A Day Out in the Haa Valley Day Start early for the drive to Haa via Chele La (pass) which at 3810m is the highest road pass in Bhutan, snaking upwards through blue pine and rhododendron (Etho Metho) forests for 35km. On a clear day the view sweeps away to snow-dome of Bhutan’s highest peak Mt Jhomolhari (7314m). After a bracing walk along the prayer flag bedecked ridge it is down into Haa (by bike if you prefer) - the whole drive should take no more than 2.5 hours. Wangchulo Dzong is presently occupied by the Indian Army, however this makes for a quirky experience.
Having visited the bazaar it is a short walk along the Haa Chhu (river) to a picnic spot. At Lhakhang Karpo (the White Temple), many young monks await to offer a warm, noisy welcome and may accompany us to the nearby Lhakhang Nagpo (the Black Temple). The Haa valley only opened to foreigners in 2002 due to its proximity to the border with Sikkim and Tibet. This unspoilt valley harks back to a simpler more traditional time. For those who would rather a walk than to visit Haa we recommend a 3-4 hour hike up to Kili Goemba an ancient nunnery, topping out at Chele La. A further option, once back (by vehicle or bike) in the Paro Valley, time permitting, is a 20 minute walk out to the dramatically positioned Dzongdrakha Goemba complex.
Duration: 7 - 9 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 5 Friday 5th December
Free Day For relaxing around Uma Paro enjoying the facilities (swimming pool, steam room, gym, daily complimentary yoga classes etc) or perhaps trying some other activity like the Bhutanese national sport of archery, or maybe a therapy such as the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath.
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 6 Saturday 6th December
Day Out in Thimpu The capital of Bhutan sprawls up the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu. The centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimpu is a bustling town where traditional ways mingle with modern introductions. The drive from Uma Paro to the capital takes about 1.5 hours and sights worth seeing include the following, time and local conditions permitting:

Market Days: Thimpu’s main markets day is Saturday and can easily lose a couple of hours wandering amongst the colourful stalls before heading into town for more shopping opportunities.
BBS Tower Viewpoint and Takin Compound: On the way to the viewpoint over Thimpu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast which some say looks like a beestung moose.
National Memorial Chorten: Bhutan’s third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, died before his plan came to fruition. However, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace.
View of Trashi Chhoe Dzong: the “fortress of the glorious religion”, was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashi Chhoe Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Entrance may be granted to guests only after 5pm but the nine hole golf course alongside makes for a quirky photo opportunity.
National Institute of Traditional Medicine: Still dispensing traditional herbal and other medicines, made from plants, minerals, animal parts, precious metals and gems. A working facility for research and the treatment of local people the tour is fascinating (Open Monday to Friday).
National Textile Museum: Providing an insight into the living national art of weaving this museum exhibits fine examples of all the major weaving techniques and the changing styles of gho and kira over the years, with weavers demonstrating their skills on traditional back looms (Open Tuesday-Friday and half day at the weekends).
Folk Heritage Museum: If there is still time we may visit this replica of a traditional Bhutanese house as it would have looked 100 years ago and as many Bhutanese families still live to this day (Open Monday to Friday) Please note museum, monastery, temple and dzong opening days and times can and do vary with national holidays and events such a visit by a member of the Royal Family or auspicious ceremonies
Duration: 7 - 10 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Guided with picnic or sample typical Bhutanese fare at own expense in local restaurant
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 7 Sunday 7th December
Paro local weekend market, Paro town shopping and Bhutanese farmhouse visit An early morning start ensures we reach the local market at the best time and whilst on a smaller scale than Thimpu’s market it is no less interesting with items to look out for including fresh and dried chillies, chugo the hard yak cheese threaded onto strings and chewed by young and old alike. Traditional bamboo bows and arrows also make for great gifts and these can be found in various local shops along with colourful prayer flags and excellent examples of typical woven fabrics used to make the traditional dress - Gho for men and Kira for women. Later our friendly farmer, Tshering, will show you round his farm in the valley and introduce you to his family before offering you a cup of tea.
Duration: 5 - 6 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 8 Monday 8th December
Chhubjakhar Monastery Walk. Ascend from Uma Paro through blue pine forest to a viewpoint amongst prayer flags on ridge. The path continues up the ridge then traverses to Gemjo La Goemba (monastery) high above Uma. Hopefully one or both of our old friends Mindu and Passang will be there to meet us. A wide plateau flanked by orchards and forest is reached after a short climb from the monastery. Linger here awhile soaking up the magnificent mountain views and exploring the ruined fortress, deserted farmhouses and nearby Chhubjakhar monastery. There is now the option to either head off on a longer walk for further exploration or turn back for Uma Paro.
Duration: 5 - 7 hours depending on which option is taken
Difficulty: Moderate
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 9 Tuesday 9th December
Highlights of the Paro Valley - Taktsang Walk & Drukgyel Dzong. One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goemba defies logic, gravity, and reason. Legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet.

To avoid the hot sun an early start is advisable for the two-hour climb, via the cafeteria, to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall (visit monastery if it is open - with sufficient notice Uma Paro can arrange a permit). We retrace our steps or alternatively (time permitting) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control northern route to Tibet. The route is picturesque, and the site of dzong magnificent (from here, only two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by Mt Jhomalhari). This evening you are invited for a firelit farewell dinner in our courtyard at Uma Paro.

Duration: 7 - 8 hours

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (ascent should not be attempted until at least third day in Bhutan, after acclimatization has occurred, riding ponies are available at an additional charge)

Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 10 Wednesday 10th December
Depart Bhutan for Bangkok Druk Air departs in the early morning. In Bangkok, your limo awaits for the transfer to the Met and once checked-in, the rest of the day is free for more exploring and shopping in the capital city before another great dinner at Cy’an.

Overnight: Metropolitan Hotel, Bangkok

DAY 11 Thursday 11th December
Depart Thailand Our limo whisks you back to the airport for your onward flight.

Package Inclusions:

• All Bhutanese Government Visa Fees, Taxes and Royalties
• Accommodation on a full board basis throughout (excluding beverages)
• The Services of an experienced English-speaking Bhutanese Uma Paro Guide
• Entry permits and fees
• Transport including airport transfers
• Mineral water on all days out
• Welcome drink at Uma Paro
• Complimentary scheduled 1 hour daily yoga class whilst at Uma Paro (except Sundays)
• Complimentary use of the swimming pool, library and gym at Uma Paro In order to take advantage of the FIT surcharge waiver guests must arrive and depart on the scheduled Druk Air flights to and from Bangkok on the 1st and 11th of December (any other flights will attract the FIT surcharge ($30 pppd for two people and $40 pppd for single travelers).

Maximum Group Size 12 people (minimum 3 people)
The group will be led by one of Uma Paro’s highly trained and knowledgeable Bhutanese guide throughout. All main luggage is transported for you and you will only have to carry whatever you require for that day’s walks or tours. All single travelers benefit from their own room throughout.

Uma Paro provides complimentary drinking water for all guided itineraries. If you have any special dietary requests, please let us know in advance. Where stated, trips include lunchtime picnics prepared by Uma Paro’s chefs.

Throughout your stay you have the option to participate in a range of extra Outdoor Activities at an additional charge.

Private airport transfer is available at an additional charge.

Please read this document in conjunction with your confirmation letter and pre-departure information.

Please Note: This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described. Be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness.

For more information on Uma Paro, including the full range of itineraries and services we offer (including individually guided trips, tailor-made itineraries, groups and the hosting of special events), please refer to the website www.uma.como.bz or email info.paro@uma.como.bz.

Sareeraya, the new resort set to open in Thailand’s stunning yet relatively undiscovered Chaweng Beach at the quieter northern end of Koh Samui, will offer guests a unique environment which combines Oriental chic with tropical luxury. 

Named after the ‘Princess of the River’, the resort has created a bespoke service which includes a concierge, personal butler and a ‘footman’ to accompany guests on excursions around this picturesque enclave. There are 49 exquisitely appointed suites and villas, including many with private plunge pools, Jacuzzis and rain showers.

Facilities include a dramatic  main swimming pool with bar and a separate children’s pool, a library, four massage gazebos and a restaurant which serves international cuisine and signature dishes, many based around the local fresh seafood. 

Sareeraya is offering Australian travellers a special package to celebrate its opening, with two complimentary nights offered when guests pay for four nights. The offer is valid from 15 December 2008 to 31 October, subject to availability and excluding 22 Dec 2008 to 5 Jan 2009.

The package includes complimentary pyjamas with guests’ names embroidered in Thai, daily breakfast for four days, free transfers to and from the airport and complimentary mini bar, excluding liquors.

The Unique Tourism Collection, which specialises in luxury properties, has been appointed to represent Sareeraya in the Australian market, complementing its portfolio of other high end resorts in Thailand and throughout Asia. See www.sareeraya.com Email: salesadmin@sareeraya.com

Enjoy a stay at the Metropolitan, home of the legendary Met Bar and magnificent Nobu restaurant. Experience the serene COMO Shambhala Urban Escape and relax in the stylish, stress-free environment of your City Room.

City Room: £99 per night

To make a reservation, please CLICK HERE

This offer is valid from 19th December 2008 to 18th January 2009, subject to availability. Rates are room only and subject to VAT at 17.5%.

The offer is applicable only to employees of the travel and hospitality industry. Proof of employment (travel agent ID or a letter from Human Resources on company headed paper) must be presented at check-in alternatively the room will be charged at the best available rate.

Website metropolitan.como.bz