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Perhaps
Bali has you thinking about a wider reaching
Asian honeymoon? As long as you've come this
far, it seems only natural to add some other
local flavors. That is why, on this honeymoon,
we take you to Bali to experience the luxury
of this magnificent island, and then on to Thailand
and Hong Kong for additional and different views
of Asia.
After
a long flight, you arrive in Denpasar, the capital
of Bali, full of anticipation. With good reason
- a short 15 minute drive from the airport brings
you to the Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay,
where you will have the run of your own 2100
sq. ft. Balinese compound. How can this be called
a hotel? It feels more like living in the company
of Balinese emperors - the spaciousness of your
villa, an incredible view of the Indian Ocean,
your own private garden and plunge pool. The
life of royalty - what a way to start your honeymoon!
To relieve any residual travel stress, we have
arranged for a pampering couple's massage at
the resort's fantastic spa. Should you choose
to leave your compound, you will have a number
of options at your fingertips. Consider a round
of championship golf, or perhaps a visit to
the ancient Uluwatu temple, perched on a steep
cliff overlooking the sea in a most dramatic fashion.
Four days relaxing in the lap of luxury, what
could be better?
How
about another three days, this time in the rolling
hills of central Bali, outside the town of Ubud.
An hour's drive north will take you to Amandari,
arguably the most exclusive resort on the island.
The approach here is true "old school" - the
accommodations are unassuming yet luxurious,
the food is delicious, the service is impeccable
and the setting is the definition of serene.
You may be tempted to spend all your time within
the confines of the property but be sure to
venture out as the area is rich with sights
and activities. Take a mellow trek through vibrant
green rice paddies; hop between the nearby crafts
villages to watch artisans in action; and visit
the Monkey Forest to see, well, monkeys. Your
hosts at Amandari will arrange for you to attend
a local festival, and if the timing is right,
you may be lucky enough to see the Monkey Dance
performed during a full moon.
The
sometimes-surreal environment of Bali is a perfect
way to start your honeymoon, but now it's time
to move on to Bangkok for some urban fun! The
refined Peninsula Hotel is your home for the next
couple of days. Situated right at river's edge,
it's easy to set off on your city adventure.
While
you are here there is so much to see and do!
The gilded Imperial Palace will astound you
- the use of gold and color is like nothing
you have ever seen. Because Bangkok is built
around a series of canals, a great way to observe
daily life is from a "longboat." We'll arrange
for a private afternoon tour, which will allow
you to see places unreachable by road, plus
you'll avoid traffic congestion! For those with
an eye for clothes, a visit to one of Sukumvit
Road's many tailors is a must (we can point
you to our favorites). In just a couple of days,
these amazing people can create perfectly-fitted,
custom-made suits, shirts, blouses or slacks
at a fraction of what they'd cost in New York
or Los Angeles. Plus, the nightlife here is legendary
- whether one observes or partakes, it is quite
a scene.
After
a few days exploring frenetic Bangkok, you'll
move north to Thailand's second city, Chiang
Mai, where you will be staying at the incredible
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi. Indulge in
the resort's luxurious facilities - tennis,
pool, spa, and even a gourmet cooking school.
Or, enjoy the peacefulness of your private
villa, created out of an authentic former rice
barn and set in the midst of lush foliage. Should you need anything, simply call
your butler!
Attractions
and activities outside of the resort are plentiful.
Visit a striking temple and spend time with
Buddhist monks helping them practice their English
and learn how they worship. Take an excursion
into the countryside to meet an indigenous hill
tribe, or participate in an elephant safari
through the jungle. Chiang Mai is also the place
to shop for traditional arts, crafts and silk.
Most are made locally in the surrounding villages.
Having
had a good taste of Thailand, you now depart
for your final destination - the exciting city
of Hong Kong. The splendid view of Hong Kong
Harbor and Hong Kong Island from your room at
the famous InterContinental Hotel will keep
you mesmerized for hours.
After
soaking up the skyline for a spell, stroll over
to the Felix Restaurant at the top of the Peninsula
Hong Kong for a chic dinner with incredible views.
While you won't have an abundance of time in
Hong Kong, you will be able to see quite a lot
due to its relatively compact nature. On your
agenda: take the Star Ferry from Kowloon to
Hong Kong Island and explore daily street life,
do some shopping in the markets, and above all,
be sure to take the tram to the top of Victoria
Peak in time for sunset and the reverse view
of the Harbor. Simply gorgeous.
You'll
fly home from Hong Kong, and as you do, you'll
take stock of your incredible honeymoon journey.
In Bali, beauty, relaxation and culture; in
Thailand, fantastic sights and exploration;
and in Hong Kong, lively animation and imagery.
When you reminisce years from now, you will
still look at one another with knowing smiles.
Who
will enjoy this trip
Those interested in experiencing a broader range
of Asian cultures and sights while still staying
at top-notch hotels and resorts. Those who would
like to mix romance and mysticism with excitement
and activity.
Who
should avoid this trip
Those who would prefer to minimize travel time.
Those who would rather not move from place-to-place.
Those who do not have an interest in traveling
outside of Bali. Note that it's also possible
to create a Thailand-only itinerary.
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