And the winners are . .
The World's Best Hotels according to Travel + Leisure magazine's World Best Awards 2003 Best Hotel in Asia: The Peninsula, Bangkok (above) Best Hotel in Europe: Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul Best Hotel in the US/Canada: The Peninsula, Beverly Hills Best Hotel in Central and South America: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires Best Hotel in Africa/Middle East: Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa Best Hotel in Australia/New Zealand: Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef Best Hotel in the Caribbean/Bermuda/Bahamas: Cap Jaluca, Anguilla Best Hotel for US$250 or less: Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Singapore
The great escape: Until December 31, the Banyan Tree Bangkok is offering a Day Escape package at HK$1,755 for two, instead of HK$5,460. This allows you four hours in a Spa Suite set up for the 'Intimate Moments Experience' (petal-strewn satin sheets, petal-filled bath, candlelight, spa music, aromatherapy oils, bottle of red wine); and two 90-minute massages; Club Lounge benefits; and use of the pool, sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi (tel: [66] 2679 1200;
www.banyantree.com/bangkok).
Shanghai surprise: Window Discovery Tours has a four-day/three-night Shanghai package available until the end of August at the Hilltop Country Club (HK$1,399), Holiday Inn Downtown (HK$1,918) and Regal Shanghai East Asia (HK$1,918), or the Portman Ritz-Carlton (HK$2,238). Prices are based on twin share and include return flights; roundtrip transfers; daily buffet breakfast; and insurance. Call Brian on 2366 7830 or Nicola on 2366 7810 for more details.
Kuta time: To commemorate the New York World Trade Centre tragedy in 2001, and the Bali bombings 13 months later, the Kuta Karnival will take place between September 11 and October 12. Celebrations will include sports events ; live bands, food fairs, , fashion shows and art exhibitions. Events will close with the unveiling of plans for a memorial at the site of the October 12, 2002, bombing of Sari Club and Paddy's Bar in central Kuta-Legian.
www.gokuta.com
Correction: In last week's Check in column, long-stay packages at the Evason Phuket Resort & Spa were listed in US dollars instead of HK dollars. One-month packages start from HK$362 a day for a 400-sq ft Studio Room with breakfast for two, or upgrade to a 540- to 740-sq ft Deluxe Room for HK$498. Available until October 31, the offer includes 30 per cent off spa treatments and 20 per cent off tennis coaching, the Kids Club and F&B (10 per cent on wine). The Evason also has a private island (
www.sixsenses.com/evason-phuket; tel: 8106 7610). Send travel news to Tinja Tsang at
