The Luxury Traveller

Ultra Fabulous Luxury Hotels in Asia

The era of bland hotel interiors is over. As technology has ushered people into the ultra modern era, so too has it invigorated a previously neglected industry. Hotels have become funky, uber modern and a little bit cheeky with their decor. Asia has been leading the pack for quite some time.

Reflections Rooms, Bangkok
Reflections Rooms is, at its heart, an art project. Its concept is to wed artistic expression with living space. The tone is always colourful, kitsch and accessible to everyone. Each room is inspired by the individuality of artists, freedom of expression and recycling for the uber modern lifestyle.

Reflections Rooms has 17 unique rooms, each specially designed by talented Thai artists, commissioned by art impresario and owner Anusorn Ngernyuang. The artists also create innovative products for everyday use which are on sale. Their expressive paintings and objects are on display at the funky gallery-restaurant, combining artistic soul, great food, and the buzz of Bangkok street life.

Ultra hip and ultra modern, this hotel also delivers on the technology front. Rooms feature: internet connections, satellite TV, DVD player, air conditioning, a mini bar, karaoke, and an international phone.

Gallery Hotel, Singapore
It's not difficult to spot the Gallery Hotel with its vivid facade overlooking the Singapore River. In fact, its unconventional architecture drew much interest from the public when it first opened. One of its most eye catching features is its cantilevered lap pool, walled by glass on three sides, with a partially exposed bottom, while another wow factor would have to be the "smart wired" rooms that have lights and air-conditioning controlled by computerized sensors.

Coined the "Hotel that Inspires" - the Gallery Hotel is Singapore's first hip art design hotel. This 223-room hotel features award-winning architecture and colourful interiors. Situated in the heart of the trendy Robertson Quay, Gallery Hotel offers a delightful waterfront experience.

Four Seasons Marunouchi, Tokyo
Prominently placed In the Marunouchi CBD, Four Seasons features a contemporary setting within 5-star luxury. Minutes from the Imperial Palace, Four Seasons is a quiet, luxurious haven of 57 spacious guest rooms and suites. The hotel is ultra modern in every sense of the word - from the polished minimalist decor to plasma TVs, egg-shaped bathtubs, an elite spa and gourmet dining. This 66-seat restaurant offers modern French cuisine in a setting overlooking historic Tokyo Station.

Amenities include: a fitness centre, business centre, high speed internet and spa. The spa offers shiatsu, steam sauna, a traditional Onsen bath, aromatherapy and reflexology - for the ultimate in relaxation.

Hotel 1929, Singapore
In a traditional city bathed in the glow of modernity, Hotel 1929 beckons with a whimsical mix of old world architecture and art nouveau chic.

The hotel features 32 individually designed rooms decked in a mix of classic designer and retro vintage furniture. The beauty of 1929 is that no two rooms are alike, from furnishing and beds right down to bathrooms. The hotel evokes the nostalgia of a bygone era, with the foyer showcasing photos from the early 20th century and a collection of unusual chairs from the owner's private collection. Highlights of the collection include a Joseph Hoffman 'Kubus' sofa designed in 1910, Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' and 'Egg' chairs, a pair of Poul Vaoulther 'Corona' chairs, plus many more.

Due to the history of the building 1929 is protected as a 'conservation' building, which serves as a fabulous juxtaposition to the flat-screen LCD TVs, CD players, digital phones and broadband connections that feature in every room.

Cosmo Hotel, Hong Kong
Cosmo Hotel in Hong Kong is a hip boutique hotel that surpasses the hotel tradition through its sleek interior, funky colour-coded rooms and ultra-modern amenities. Its charm lies in its inventive use of colour - soft orange originates from the reception area in the Lobby, while all the guest rooms are colour-coded in bright orange, mint green or pastel yellow.

Reminiscent of the sixties, the wallpaper blends seamlessly with the overall trendy, contemporary design of the hotel. The Nooch Bar is a highlight of this hotel, offering the most chic experience in town with award-winning cocktails, crystal decoration, and live music.

Speak to luxury holiday experts Travel Associates to book your next fabulous holiday.

Emirates Luxury in Australia

Want to get in touch with your outdoorsy side?  Well, I've got the place for you!  Emirates Hotels & Resorts has chosen Australia's Blue Mountains region for it's first resort outside of Dubai.  Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is worth a cool A$125m and will open its doors to visitors this month.  There is an amazing list of activities on offer including:

• Horse riding
• Nature walks
• Mountain biking
• Wildlife safaris, and
• Historical tours

For those of us that prefer an apri approach to the outdoors there are 4 different culinary options, including private dining and the fabulous Valley Bar & Terrace, the Timeless Spa and the obligatory fitness centre.

If you're going to try this incredible resort, stay in the Wolgan Suite (Go on!  You deserve it!).  With 410 square meters of deliciousness, two bedrooms with ensuites, staff quarters, all the entertainment equipment you'll ever need, pool deck and fireplace you'll never want to leave.

A Bed Under The Stars

If anyone ever asks me if I'm into camping I always answer, "I'll sleep under the stars if there are 5 of them."  As you can see, I'm hilarious.  Then I started thinking... what would it take to get me into the great outdoors?  So I've found a few of the ultimate outdoor sleeping arrangements.

Loisaba Star Bed
Located in Kenya, Loisaba Wilderness represents some of the best in African luxury.  Boasting outstanding wildlife (you'll almost certainly see the big 5 here), breathtaking landscapes and friendly locals, this wildlife reserve is a must see.  But let's not forget the best part.  The unique Star Beds allow you to sleep under the stars in total luxury.

Soneva Gili
This post wouldn't be complete without the Soneva Gili in The Maldives.  This resort defines "barefoot luxury."  It would take a lifetime to count all the stars out there but someone has to do it :).  The wonderful staff here will arrange your sleep quarters for you - all you have to do is chill the champagne.

Longitude 131
Head into the Australian Outback and you'll find this little gem.  It's not technically open air but it is fabulous.  Luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic this 5-star resort in a stone's throw from Uluru (Ayres Rock).  There are just 15 luxury tents here so you'll feel like you and your companion are the only people in the world.

Do you know of any other 5-star open air sleeping options?  Leave a comment for this post

Top 5 Overwater Bungalow Destinations

If you like the thought of one of the long, lazy luxury vacation packages at some of the world's most pristine tropical playgrounds, wouldn't it be even better if you could continue being surrounded by the crystal clear water even while you are relaxing in your hotel room? In an overwater bungalow you can do just that.

Imagine complementing your holiday with the sensational experience of staying in an over-water bungalow, where you can look through the glass bottom floor to watch the colourful reef fish and sting rays playing below you. Many of the overwater bungalow resorts also offer delicious canoe breakfasts were your fresh gourmet breakfast will be delivered direct to your villa by a friendly local in a canoe.

Here are our pick of the top five overwater bungalow destinations:

1. Tahiti

One of the most exotic and romantic parts of the dazzling South Pacific would surely have to be Tahiti. Overwater bungalows originated in Tahiti and the surrounding islands back in the 1960s so it's no surprise that the majority of luxury Tahiti resorts have overwater bungalows available.

The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa is truly decadent, complete with a satellite and plasma TV, air-conditioning and a private security safe. Of course, it also has exquisite views! If you like to pamper yourself with champagne and bubble baths, you will love the divine bathrooms in the over-water bungalows at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa. Of course, this comes complete with glass floors and even clear coffee tables so they don't obstruct your view.

2. Maldives

The ever-glorious Maldives are perfect at any time of the year and the best way to make the most of your luxury Maldives holiday is by staying at one of the many over-water bungalows -- or water villas -- on offer here. At the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort you can not only enjoy your over-water villa, you can also dine in the unique underwater restaurant, Ithaa.

Cocoa Island Resort is 30 minutes from the airport by speedboat and well worth the trip.

Owned by the COMO Hotels and Resorts group, it has the same elegance that is typical of these resorts. Nearby Kandooma Channel has been referred to as one of the Maldives' best dive sites, with excellent snorkelling spots nearby too.

Other resorts where you can treat yourself to a stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives include the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Resort, Baros Resort, and One and Only Kanuhara.

3. Mauritius

Mauritius is another tropical paradise located off the African coast, in the southwest of the Indian Ocean. This island has a more cosmopolitan atmosphere and is somewhere you can blend relaxing days on the beach with vibrant water activities, great shopping, fine dining and exciting nightlife. The only Mauritius resort offering overwater bungalows is Le Prince Maurice, where you can also enjoy glass-bottomed boat tours, water sports and use of the resorts' two golf courses, located nearby on the mainland. Sheltered from winds, this private sanctuary provides many secluded retreats as well as a natural fish reserve.

4. Caribbean

If you want to enjoy a luxury Caribbean holiday there is only one resort that offers over-water bungalows and that is the 9 Beaches Resort at Bermuda. Choose from one of 84 stylish cabanas, all located over 18 acres of exquisite private waterfront. You can spend your days participating in all manor of water sports and activities, or simply put your feet up and sip ice-cold cocktails and daiquiris while lazing on the soft, sandy beach - or from the veranda of your private over-water cabana.

5. Vanuatu

Another piece of paradise in the South Pacific is Vanuatu, a small chain of idyllic tropical islands. Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu is nestled amongst 75 acres of tranquil gardens, alongside the stunning Erakor Lagoon. With the most amazing views all around you, this resort is only eight kilometres away from the International Airport. For shop-a-holics, Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, is the best place for shopping and is only three kilometres from Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu. This spectacular South Pacific luxury resort boasts three restaurants and bars, each serving a feast of delectable cuisine.

If you plan on treating yourself to a luxury Vanuatu holiday, make sure you visit Vanuatu's unique underwater post office ? the only one in the world!

Thanks to overwater bungalow specialists, Travel Associates, for this one.