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The Magic that Remains
Nepal’s capital may not be the cityof innocence it was 20 years ago when he wrote Shopping for Buddhas, but for author Jeff Greenwald, Kathmandu continues to captivate
2009 Luxe List
The world’s tallest hotel; designer digs outside the Mongolian capital; an 18th-century Sri Lankan manor house reborn—it’s been a busy year for the region’s hotel industry, with what could be a record number of properties opening despite the economic gloom.
Dishing Up Dongbei
In China’s northeast, two cities—seaside Dalian and Russian-built Harbin—offer a tantalizing taste of the region historically known as Manchuria
The Whole Shebang
Bangkok may be synonymous with political rallies and sit-ins these days, but scratch the surface, and you’ll still find one of Asia’s most compelling—and affordable—destinations
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In terms of design, Bali’s newest resort, The Amala (108 Jl. Kunti, Seminyak; 62-361/738-866; theamala.com; doubles from US$215), certainly lives up to its name, which it takes from the Sanskrit word for “pure.” Like its sister property, The Balé in Nusa Dua, it offers a collection of sleek, white villas; of the 12 accommodations, those with private plunge pools also come with a large outodoor sundeck, living room, and handy kitchenette. And what would a Bali resort be without a yoga studio and spa?
Traveler's Check
To encourage flexible regional travel, Malaysia Airlines (malaysiaairlines.com) has introduced the ASEAN Pass, a set of four prepaid ticket vouchers offering greater value and connectivity for its flights in Southeast Asia.
Tour
Retro Ramble
Fond of flapper fashion? In the market for a velvet loveseat? Join Melbourne’s A Vintage Outing (61-3/9663-3358; avintageouting.com) tours and you’ll probably find what you need.
Goods To Go
Heaven Can Wait
But why should it? To mark the 10th anniversary of its famously firm and fluffy Heavenly Bed—a 10-layer mattress with 33 centimeters of sleep-inducing pillow-top—Westin Hotels & Resorts has added a host of new products to its Heavenly brand.
Attraction
Comyns Get It
Royal Selangor’s visitor center in Kuala Lumpur has taken on a new shine with the addition of the Comyns Archive (royalselangor.com; 60-3/4145-6000), which showcases the artistry of the venerable British silver maker that Royal Selangor acquired in 1993.
Hotels
Arabian Nights
A trio of soon-to-open properties aims to up the luxury ante in the Persian Gulf. In October, look for the unveiling of Anantara’s second venture in Abu Dhabi, the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort (971-2/642-8412; qasralsarab.anantara.com; doubles from US$381).
Spa
Beachside Bliss
Feel the sand between your toes … and all over your body at Hong Kong’s newest day spa, The Retreat (852/2803-1860; the-retreat.com.hk).
Food
Fare Enough
Roving gastronomes, mark your calendars: October and November will serve up three regional food festivals.
SHOPPING
While the ION’s Hot
Singapore’s recently opened ION Orchard (2 Orchard Turn; ionorchard.com) may look like a vision from the future, but London-based architectural firm Benoy drew its inspiration for the shopping mall’s design from the site’s history as an orchard.
On The Rocks
Bali has its fair share of fabled sunset destinations, but few bring you as close to the water as the Ayana Resort and Spa’s new Rock Bar (62-361/702-222; ayanaresort.com).
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