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Travel Indochina’s Handmade Holidays Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos NEW brochure for 2009/2010!

Travel Indochina is excited to announce the launch of its new Handmade Holidays for Travellers: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos brochure.

The brochure is currently being distributed to travel agencies across Australia.

The Travel Indochina Handmade Holidays range provides travellers with a specially-selected range of travel products from across the Indochina region. “Our designers have again produced a brochure that is both stylish and informative – the clear layout means our travel agents and passengers alike can see information about our destinations at a glance, which is great when they are trying to design their own itinerary.” says Katrina Cameron, Communications Manager at Travel Indochina.

This brochure is part of Travel Indochina’s successful Handmade Holidays range including Travel Indochina’s other favourite destinations – India, China, Thailand and Borneo.

You will find an enticing range of options for travelling to Indochina – to help you tailormake the ideal holiday.

The best of our hand-picked hotels and resorts are featured, as well as Travel Indochina’s impressive range of independent journeys. ‘City Stays’, hotel and honeymoon packages, family experiences and unique, local adventures – these itineraries have been designed by our expert staff, who have lived and worked across this region for many years. There is also a wide choice, from half a day to 10 days/9 nights duration, from Budget to Superior and Deluxe accommodations.

NEW! for this year….
As well as some fantastic new hotels (from affordable, boutique guesthouses and home-stays to opulent, once-in-a-lifetime retreat destinations) and independent journeys, this brochure also features more of Travel Indochina’s most popular Small Group Journeys for 2009/2010.

This makes it easier than ever to combine your own hotel stay, City tour or family adventure with the amazing quality and value of a Travel Indochina Small Group Journey. With genuinely small groups of 15 or less like-minded travellers, expert Western tour leaders and local English-speaking guides, unique itineraries, superior boutique accommodation, a genuine commitment to responsible travel, and local offices offering 24/7 support – this is the way to travel in Asia

Crystal Cruises has launched a Save Now, Save Later promotion. When guests sail on any 2009 Europe, Trans-Atlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise, they’ll be guaranteed 20 percent savings on almost every cruise in every category in 2010.

 The 2009 cruise must be booked by March 31, and the 2010 cruise must be booked by Nov. 30, 2009. Eligible 2009 Save Now cruises include all Crystal Symphony cruises departing March 27 through Sept. 3 and/or all Crystal Serenity cruises departing May 23 through Nov. 12. Included are itineraries through China, Southeast Asia, Dubai, the Middle East, Western Europe, the Baltic, the North Cape, the British Isles and the Black Sea, as well as Trans-Atlantic voyages and more than a dozen seven-, 11- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises.

The 20 percent Save Later offer extends to every 2010 cruise aboard the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity, except the World Cruise and its segments and the December holiday cruises, for a choice of more than 50 2010 itineraries.

Pacific Delight Tours released its “2009-2010 China & Asia Experience” brochure in tandem with the news of a new preferred partnership with Ritz-Carlton that affords Luxury Gold Experience and Luxury Gold Exclusive tour participants accommodations at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Beijing and Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai. Additionally, all Gold Exclusive travelers are now upgraded to higher room categories in hotels and on Yangtze River cruises aboard Victoria Cruises Premier Series Fleet.

The new 84-page brochure details many of Pacific Delight’s Asia products, including both categories of the fully-escorted Gold tours, offering the very best in accommodations, sightseeing and cultural experiences: the Luxury Gold Exclusive program, limited to just 16 participants; and Luxury Gold Experience, designed for 26 travelers.

The brochure also details the company’s extensive Yangtze River cruising program, a tour component that is available on most programs: China & Asia SuperValue tours, offering some of Asia’s most popular destinations and sightseeing opportunities, at affordable prices; China & Asia Escapades packages, combining classic Asian cities with culturally-wealthy destinations such as Tibet and Japan; pre- and post options to Tokyo, Tibet, Vietnam and Bangkok among others; and City Highlights packages, allowing travelers to custom design vacations, choosing from among numerous leading Asian cities.

For the 2009-2010 season, Pacific Delight’s Luxury Gold Exclusive and Luxury Gold Experience packages call at China’s most intriguing cities, including Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guilin and Hong Kong, combined with luxury cruises on the Yangtze River. The 15-day Grand Yangtze River & Huangshan Mountain Gold Experience package actually traverses the river’s longest navigable length, providing guests the opportunity to embark on an excursion to Huangshan Mountain, celebrated for its spectacular rock formations, unusually shaped pines, hot springs and sea of clouds.

The programs also emphasize culinary experiences that blend Chinese and Western meals, including a Beijing Duck dinner party, a feast in Xi’an featuring the Empress Dowager’s favorite dumpling and a Tang Dynasty dinner banquet with traditional music and dance performances. Gold Exclusive guests enjoy junior suites with private balconies aboard Victoria Cruises’ Victoria Anna and Victoria Jenna, a la carte dining and small group shore excursions. Escorted throughout by knowledgeable, bi-lingual Pacific Delight tour guides, these top-shelf offerings range from 13 to 16 days, with prices for Gold Exclusive tours at $4,990 to $6,590 per person, double, and Gold Experience packages from $2,999 to $4,999.

China & Asia SuperValue programs boast deluxe hotels throughout; outside cabins on Victoria Cruises ships; daily breakfast and most lunches and dinners. In addition to eight, 11-, 12-, 16- and 18-day programs to China, some with the Yangtze River, there is the six-day Tokyo & Kyoto program; 11-day Japan In-Depth package; 17-day Thailand & the Golden Triangle; 14-day Visions of Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia trip; and 11-day Hong Kong, Singapore & Bangkok vacation — all with sightseeing, special cultural activities and performances. Land and land/cruise packages range from $1,299 to $4,499.

The China and Asia Escapade packages — the company’s mid-range product level — comprise a 14-day Japan & China package; a 15-day Tibet and Yangtze River itinerary; and a 17-day Asian Escapade program combining Hong Kong, Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Shanghai and Bangkok. Land and land/cruise packages are $3,199 to $3,899. City Highlight packages, where guests mix and match destinations, include upstream and downstream Yangtze River cruises; and cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Suzhou, Yangshuo, Xi’an and Lhasa (Tibet). Other Asian possibilities are Tokyo and Vietnam; Cambodia’s Angkor Wat; and Thailand’s Bangkok, Chang Mai, Chang Rai and Phuket.

 Prices depend on the choices made for the personally designed vacations.

All programs feature pre-confirmed hotels; Asia domestic air/land transportation, most meals, sightseeing, local tour escort, fuel surcharges, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling. Pacific Delight offers special airfare to China and Asia from the U.S. on United Airlines, Delta/Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways and Air China. Pacific Delight Tours is the market leader in escorted and independent tours to China, the Orient and Southeast Asia.

For information, call 800-221-7179 or visit www.PacificDelightTours.com

Launching Its First Asia Dedicated Brochure

NOVEMBER 2008: QANTAS HOLIDAYS (Tel 020 8222 9124 www.qantasholidays.co.uk) to date most closely identified for its comprehensive holiday options to Australia and New Zealand supported by an extensive range of stopovers, has produced its first Asia dedicated brochure featuring Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia, Singapore, Bali & Lombok, Malaysia, Hong Kong & China, Japan and India.

The Asia brochure opens with several multi-centre holiday ideas, demonstrating the colourful options this continent has to offer. This section is ideal for the independent traveller seeking ideas and inspiration as each itinerary is totally flexible and has been designed as a template that can be changed depending on individual requirements.

The brochure, which is also available to download on-line from the website, offers something for everyone – beach getaways, cultural experiences, action & adventure and sheer pampering & indulgence – all within a wide range of budget options, from best value to luxury.

Commenting on the new brochure, Esther Ward, Qantas Holidays’ market development manager, says:” Historically we have promoted Asia only as a stopover destination for our Australia and New Zealand itineraries, but over the years our product range has increased to such an extent that an individual brochure was the natural next step allowing us to present our customers with an extensive range of exciting options, considerable availability, great prices and special offers.

“With over 30 years experience, and being one of the world’s largest tour operators, we are able to use our knowledge and buying power to great effect, passing on great savings to our customers, offering them not only an excellent service and great choice, but also value for money.”

MULTI-CENTRE HOLIDAY IDEAS INCLUDE:

SINGAPORE & MALAYSIA DISCOVERY – 11-night Singapore/Langkawi itinerary from £769.
Highlights include a one day “Footsteps of Raffles” tour tracing Singapore’s development as an international trading centre and Langkawi island hopping, whilst activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, wildlife spotting and shopping.

DISCOVER THE CHARMS OF THAILAND & VIETNAM – 14-night Bangkok/Hua Hin/Hanoi / Halong Bay itinerary from £965.
Highlights include a tour of the Bangkok Grand Palace home to one of the Wonders of the World - the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s residence; a wide range of pampering spa and world class golfing options; a water puppet performance and an overnight cruise on a wooden junk.

For travellers wishing to create a totally bespoke itinerary, the brochure goes on to provide detailed information, country by country, providing touring and accommodation options for cities and regions alike.

THAILAND is comprehensively covered in this programme with 26 pages devoted to must see destinations as well as off the beaten track options located within the “Hidden Gems of Thailand” section. Accommodation highlights include:

KAMALAYA, KOH SAMUI: a deluxe, yet affordable luxury resort located on a secluded part of the island offering an impressive selection of wellness packages.
THE ALEENTA RESORT, PHANG NGA: this stylish hideaway is the ideal choice for travellers seeking a romantic escape option.
DE NAGA, CHIANG MAI: this new, contemporary hotel in northern Thailand provides excellent value for money.
CHANDRARA RESORT & SPA, PHUKET: an intimate, secluded boutique resort overlooking the waters of Por Bay on the north east coast.
MERLIN BEACH RESORT: ideal for families, facilities include a kids’ club and a small secluded beach close to Patong.

The 12-night SPIRIT OF THAILAND itinerary is priced from£579 and features Bangkok, Chang Mai and Koh Samui.

BALI & LOMBOK offers visitors an extensive range of hotel and resort options whilst activities include white water rafting, volcano tours, reef cruising and pure pampering. Accommodation highlights include:

CONRAD BALI RESORT & SPA: set in secluded gardens on a lagoon, this contemporary retreat boasts amazing spa facilities.
PITA MAHA RESORT & SPA: this hideaway haven located in the hills of Ubud is ideal for travellers wanting an authentic Balinese experience.

VIETNAM is showcased in the 21-day VIETNAM GRAND EXPERIENCE itinerary priced from £1,413 which starts in Ho Chi Minh City and ends three weeks later in Hanoi. Meanwhile for travellers wishing to go further covering VIETNAM & CAMBODIA one option is the small, personally escorted 14-day two-centre group tour highlighting the best of both countries. This trip starts in Phnom Penh and ends in Hanoi and is priced from £1,755.

MALAYSIA - all the country’s key destinations are featured including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi and Borneo. A holiday suggestion of note is the three-night, four-star LAZE IN LANGKAWI package featuring the Berjaya Beach Resort & Spa from £159.

HONG KONG – great offers include “pay for three, stay for four nights” at the Hotel Jen; buy one get one free Hong Kong Island tour and from the renowned Peninsula hotel a HK$300 gift certificate for spa
treatment between May and September.

CHINA can best be explored on a 10-day BEST OF CHINA tour that travels from Beijing to Shanghai and covering all the key sights. Prices start from £1,368.

JAPAN can best be explored on a eight-day JAPANESE JOURNEY tour which includes Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakone and Kyoto and is priced from £1,250.

INDIA – touring highlights include the 16-day FORTS & PALACES OF RAJASTHAN tour which includes 10 different cities incorporating the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort and lakes of Udaipur and costs £1,575.

PRICES above include accommodation, meals as specified in each itinerary and transfers. They are exclusive of international flights.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Meet East package is available at all 11 of the group’s Asian properties from Jan. 1 to May 31, 2009. The package offers:

for 15 or more rooms, special group room rates for each hotel and an upgrade for one room plus VIP recognition and amenities; for 30 or more rooms, an upgrade for one room to a suite; for a meeting of 15 or more people, a special daily meeting package rate, inclusive of the meeting venue, one lunch and two coffee breaks per day with healthy menu options, meeting amenities and technical equipment, benefits including complimentary one-hour daily Internet usage in designated venue and special site inspection rates.

 www.mandarinoriental.com/at_your_service/meetings_and_conferences/meet_east.aspx

or contact the hotels’ meeting consultants directly.

For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Meet East package is available at all 11 of the group’s Asian properties from Jan. 1 to May 31, 2009.

The package offers great value, including complimentary upgrades for delegates. Creative solutions to meeting requirements include complete technological support, gourmet menus with healthy options, innovative meeting spaces and world-class spas for unwinding at the end of the day. Each hotel provides dedicated and knowledgeable event planners to offer support and organizational assistance.

For 15 or more rooms: Special group room rates for each hotel, an upgrade for one room plus VIP recognition and amenities. For 30 or more rooms: An upgrade for one room to a suite (subject to availability). For a meeting of 15 or more people: Special daily meeting package rate inclusive of meeting venue with one lunch and two coffee breaks per day with healthy menu options; meeting amenities and technical equipment; exclusive benefits including complimentary one-hour daily Internet usage in designated venue; and special site inspection rates.

 For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com/at_your_service/meetings_and_conferences/meet_east.aspx

 or contact individual hotel meeting consultants directly. For more information on Mandarin Oriental, visit www.mandarinoriental.com

The countries of Indochina are diverse and unique, each steeped in history and rich in tradition. Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam all offer a kaleidoscope of attractions: stunning ancient ruins, sacred Buddhist temples, antiquities, colourful markets, pagodas, shrines and peaceful, charming people.
Global luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) brings exotic Indochina to life with over 45 years of award winning experience.

Inspiring Journeys

Abercrombie & Kent’s latest brochure Inspiring Journeys 2009 is the epitome of all that A&K represents - refined elegance and exotic destinations, combined with ancient history and the natural world. It has a crisp new look, eye-catching imagery and plenty of exciting enhancements containing 128 pages of outstanding individualised holiday ideas.

The brochure contains a range of itineraries in Indochina showcasing its amazing history, monuments and breathtaking scenery.

• The popular Highlights of Vietnam follows the classic journey from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Hanoi taking in Central Vietnam en route. There is a choice of Platinum or Gold featuring some of the country’s finest accommodation options including the beautiful Nam Hai in charming Hoi An where luxury resort living complements the region’s cultural attractions. Highlights include a river trip on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An, Hue’s Imperial Citadel, the exotic French influences of Hanoi and an overnight junk cruise on Halong Bay. 12 day tour prices start from AUD$4,085.
• As a side-trip, A&K recommends 5 days in Sapa in the mountain region of Vietnam’s north-west. Transport is by overnight train from Hanoi and highlights include the area’s rugged scenery and traditional hill tribe culture. Another extension is from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta by private boat for floating markets, ancient pagodas and riverside villages. Prices for 3 day Mekong Extension from AUD$2,085 per person.
• With two offices in Cambodia, A&K is uniquely positioned to coordinate an outstanding itinerary in the country. The 5 day Temples of Angkor is a wonderful introduction and focuses on the awe-inspiring World Heritage Monuments of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat plus the history of more recent times seen around the capital Phnom Penh. Choose from Platinum and Gold accommodation options and prices from AUD$2,490.
• The sleepy Buddhist nation of Laos is coupled with northern Thailand in the Golden Triangle & Laos itinerary; a delightful 7 day overview of this magical part of the world. Three nights in a luxury tented camp in the Golden Triangle of Thailand features interaction with the Asian elephant and a cruise along the mighty Mekong River. The trip finishes in World Heritage Listed Luang Prabang, the country’s ancient northern capital. Here guests tour all the major highlights and have unique opportunities to participate in a Baci welcome ceremony or temple meditation with a monk. Prices from AUD$7,490 per person.

A&K’s Australasian Managing Director, Sujata Raman said, “At A&K we have been offering itineraries in Indochina for many years and our experience really shows here. Rich in history, culture and spiritual destinations, coupled with our range of Insider Access, Design your Day and Pearls of Wisdom, and any itinerary is sure to create a lasting impression.”

Images & interviews available on request

For more information or a copy of the 2009 Inspiring Journeys brochure, contact:
Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 851 800, or visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au

3rd edition Faraway Shores winter 2008, 2009 – winter 2009, 2010

Thomson has launched its new year-round 3rd edition Faraway Shores brochure for Jan/09 – Apr/10, available in store and on-line. Highlights include daily flights to Cancun, a new range of twin centres as well as a host of new properties in Aruba and Barbados.

NEW: DAILY FLIGHTS TO CANCUN
For winter 2009/10 the newly branded airline will be flying as Thomson Airways and due to popular demand, Thomson will be offering daily flights from a range of UK airports to the popular Mexican resort of Cancun a destination which is ideal for a winter break offering beach focused holidays, a tropical climate plenty of water sports and some of some of Thomson’s finest accommodation options.

NEW: CUBA YEAR ROUND PROGRAMME: 2 NEW RESORTS, VARADERO AND HOLGUIN
Cuba is now available to book for summer 2009 and will continue for inclusion into a year round programme for Thomson which features a range of all inclusive hotels from 3T – 5T. Highlights include the new all-inclusive 3T+ Blau Costa Verde Hotel in Guardalavaca which is located on the beachfront. It’s exclusive to adult’s whist boasting a range of facilities including 5 restaurants.

NEW: THOMSON LAUNCHES FOUR NEW FARAWAY PROPERTIES

The 4T Bucuti Beach Resort sits right on the edge of Eagle Beach in Aruba and comes with the accolade of being voted 10th best in the world for romance by Trip Advisor, making it particularly suitable for adults.

Barbados hosts 3 new properties for inclusion in the Faraway Shores brochure. The 5T The Crane hotel is set on the cliffs overlooking a beach that has been voted ‘one of the ten best beaches in the world’. In addition, the hotel features a range of dining options coupled with luxury facilities. The 4T Almond Casuarina is a newly refurbished all-inclusive property set within close proximity to St Lawrence gap and well suited for families, offering a Kids Club and a host of activities and entertainments. The 3T Silver Sands resort offers board basis’s from self-catering to all-inclusive and stands within close proximity to all the main resorts.

NEW: THOMSON TWIN CENTRES AND TOURS

In both Sri Lanka and the Maldives, there are a variety of new twin centre offerings which boast new superior room upgrades. The upgrades are available at the Water Villa in the Maldives and as part of the Discover Sri Lanka tour.

The Jammin in Jamaica Tour is new to the Faraway Shores brochure and offers a great way to explore the island with visits to Bob Marley’s home, climbs up Dunn’s River Falls and rafting along the Rio Grande.

NEW: THOMSON WORLDWIDE

Thomson is featuring 3 destinations for inclusion in the new Faraway Shores brochure. Thailand, Dubai and Mauritius make their debuts in the brochure and with daily departures, there’s complete flexibility on when you can travel.

SRI LANKA: THOMSON’S LATEST DESTINATION, FEATURING A RANGE OF HOTELS FROM BAMBURI TO BERUWELA

If you’re looking for outstanding scenery, unsurpassed exotic culture, Sri Lanka is flanked by outstanding beaches on all parts of the island. Thomson will be providing captivating holiday experiences to this Indian Ocean country for Winter 2009/10.

THOMSON’S KEY ARUBA PROPERTIES

For winter 2008/2009 Thomson will be showcasing the 5T Riu Palace Aruba on Palm Beach and the 4T Divi Aruba on Eagle Beach, two all-inclusive properties, well placed to enjoy the benefits of great beaches. Inside there’s a variety of restaurants, from seafood and Japanese to Brazilian.

From Spain to Sri Lanka, Italy to Indonesia, BAILEY ROBINSON (tel 01488 689 700 www.baileyrobinson.com) has handpicked over 170 of the world’s most opulent, lavish and indulgent properties for inclusion in their 2009 LUXURY RESORTS brochure.

Quite simply this portfolio of properties has been selected to offer discerning travellers the best the world has to offer – all the featured resorts are based in stunning locations offering the divine combination of breathtaking views, impeccable service, great architecture and interior design and mouth watering cuisine, not to mention a wide range of activities, health and beauty treatments.

The properties spotlighted below have been selected either because they are brand new products for 2008 or because they are new additions to this Luxury Resorts brochure. The per person price guide below, valid until 30th September 2009, is based on seven nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis with international economy flights and transfers, unless otherwise stated.

EUROPE: Italy, Sardinia, France, Spain/Mallorca/Canaries, Portugal/Madeira, Cyprus, Greece/Santorini/Crete

ITALY - Vigilius Mountain Resort : This year round destination - snow in winter, sunshine in summer - is Bailey Robinson’s first European mountain resort selected for its stunning location, excellent food, environmentally friendly design and extensive range of activities. £1,125.
ITALY - Relais San Maurizio: One of Italy’s hidden treasures, this charming property and former Franciscan monastery boasts a splendid wine cellar, superb cuisine, truffle hunting and the award-winning Caudalie® Spa famed for its Vinotherapie products. £985.
FRANCE - Le Couvent de Minimes Hotel & Spa: This new property and former monastery, located in the lavender rich hills of Provence, marries beautiful accommodation and fantastic food – its gourmet restaurant Le Cloître is overseen by acclaimed chef Philippe Guerin - with a world class spa which is also Europe’s first L’Occitane Spa. £1,125.
SPAIN - Read’s Hotel & Spa: A former manor house, this family owned boutique hotel is considered one of Mallorca’s finest properties. The restaurant is Michelin-starred with cookery courses available, whilst the newly opened Vespasian Spa is a tranquil sanctuary. £870.
GREECE – Eagles Palace: This Halkidiki situated property is ideal for families offering a glorious sandy beach, a selection of restaurants and bars as well as providing great value for money – the ideal blend of ancient Greek history and contemporary luxury. £690.

NORTH AFRICA & ARABIA: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Oman, Dubai

OMAN – Al Bustan Palace: This famous beachfront property is set to re-open its doors in November following a multi million pound refurbishment. Guests will encounter history, culture, lavish opulence, excellent dining, relaxation and activities galore. £2,950
EGYPT – Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh: An ideal Red Sea destination for families offering excellent facilities and an impressive range of activities including dancing and handicraft lessons for children and all within a value for money price. £895.
MOROCCO – Angsana Riad Si Said: Located in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina, this property offers a level of opulence befitting royalty, a perfect haven to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Facilities include a cooling pool and traditional oriental steam bath. £742 for four nights.

INDIAN OCEAN: Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka

SEYCHELLES – Banyan Lagoon 1: This stunning new catamaran offers Banyan Tree Mahé guests (maximum four) an exciting way of exploring the region’s hidden, uninhabited islands with a little help from a full complement of staff, personal sea host and skipper. £950 three nights full board sailing, based on four people sharing two cabins. Flights are not included.
MAURITIUS – Anahita The Resort: This brand new property will appeal to golfers and families alike. Facilities include a challenging 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by South African golfer Ernie Els, a professionally managed kids club and a great selection of restaurants. £2,100, based on four people sharing.
MALDIVES – Stay at Banyan Tree Maldives Maldivaru and sail on Banyan Velaa: This new “camp & sail” option combines accommodation in Maldives’ only tented villas resort with sailing in superior comfort on a stunning yacht built in the style of a traditional Turkish gulet. £5,365 full board and £585 for three nights full board sailing.
MALDIVES – W Retreat & Spa: Outdoor and indoor living combine perfectly on this beautiful island as peekaboo roofs offer glimpses of the Maldivian sky, glass panelled floors expose the marine life and floor to ceiling glass windows slide open to reveal wraparound verandahs. £2,605.
SRI LANKA – Ceylon Tea Trails: Built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, the four colonial plantation houses offer commanding views of an area rich in dramatic ravines, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking mountains. £1,970 per person, full board.

CARIBBEAN & LATIN AMERICA: Barbados, Bahamas, Anguilla, Antigua, British Virgin Islands, St.Martin, St.Kitts & Nevis, St.Lucia, The Grenadines, Grenada, Turks & Caicos, St.Barths, Mexico, Brazil

BRAZIL – Kiaroa: Ideal for activity seekers, this property is set in an ecological sanctuary in north east Brazil and offers visitors access to the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most biodiverse areas, as well as a coral reef teeming with marine life. £2,135 half board.
MEXICO – Rosewood Mayakoba: This new contemporary property sits on a two kilometre long white sandy beach on the edge of the Mayan forests facing the Caribbean Sea. This is an easy destination to twin with others in Latin America, the United States or the Caribbean. £2,365.
GRENADA – Mount Cinnamon: This new Peter De Savary hotel/villa venture boasts a hilltop location overlooking world renowned Grand Anse Beach. When not indulging in the Moi Spa visitors can kayak, snorkel and Hobie Cat sail. £1,895.
ANGUILLA – Cuisinart Resort & Spa: This property is located on a perfect three kilometre stretch of white sandy beach surrounded by lush tropical gardens and its own organic herb and vegetable garden. Unique experiences include hands on lunches where guests pick their own produce before settling back to relax and wait for lunch. £1,995.
ST. LUCIA – Discovery At Marigot Bay: Overlooking the bay described by James A. Mitchener as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean”, this is a contemporary resort that boasts a rich and varied maritime history. £1,350.

SOUTH EAST ASIA: Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia/Bali/Bintan/Lombok

INDONESIA – Banyan Tree Bintan: Under an hour by catamaran from Singapore, Banyan Tree Bintan is a collection of private villas epitomising tropical luxury. Ideal for families and couples, the island boasts world class cuisine, the excellent Banyan Tree Spa, tennis courts and a Greg Norman designed 18-hole championship golf course. £1,450 room only.
INDONESIA – The Kayumanis Collection: Consisting of small private estates in three locations across Indonesia in Nusa Dua, Ubud and Jimbaran, these properties come with their own private butlers. Surprisingly the height of luxury comes with a modest price tag - £1,525, £1,550 and £2,120 respectively.
INDONESIA – Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali: Since opening late last year this property has proved to be a popular choice for visitors seeking to embrace a relaxing, rejuvenating lifestyle and for those looking for a greater insight into the island’s unique healing traditions there is the Spa Village Academy inspired by a 75-year-old Balinese healer from the nearby village of Tembok. £1,430 full board with daily massage.

AUSTRALASIA & SOUTH PACIFIC: Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia

AUSTRALIA – Southern Ocean Lodge: This new resort on Kangaroo Island in South Australia has been hailed as Australia’s first true luxury resort akin to the super lodges of New Zealand. This is the place to spot native wildlife when not being indulged and pampered. £4,450 full board.
FRENCH POLYNESIA – Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: This new addition to Four Seasons’ acclaimed portfolio is the epitome of chic island living, accommodation options are split between over water and beach front bungalows whose architecture is locally inspired. £3,725 room only.
FIJI – Vatuele Island Resort: With Six Senses this year taking over the management, it is expected that luxury, service and indulgence will reach new heights at this barefoot luxury resort. £3,785 all inclusive.
FRENCH POLYNESIA – Nomade Yachting Bora Bora: new for 2008, this is simply the most indulgent way to explore the Society Islands, having no fixed schedule but maintaining the highest levels of luxury that include Philippe Stark bathrooms and Kenzo amenities. £5,930 full board.

EOA 2008 Australian press release - agent.doc A stylish and eye-catching new brochure from Travel Indochina – showcasing the delights of luxury resorts, Small Group Journeys and bespoke, independent itineraries for the discerning traveller.

“We are responding to the very strong demand from a growing number of travellers looking for a holiday that allows them to experience the culture, the history, the cuisine and the people, while staying in the finest and most atmospheric accommodation in Asia,” said Managing Director, Paul Hole.

The new Essence of Asia brochure is designed to inspire, with stunning photographs and magazine-style articles to pique the interest of your customers. Just a sample, a taste, of the best in accommodation, small group and private itineraries are presented – Travel Indochina’s expert staff can tailor-make your client’s dream holiday to Asia.

“The Essence of Asia, for us, means experiencing the history and grandeur of Indochina by spending the night onboard a Chinese-style junk in Halong Bay, or at one of our glamorous, French-colonial hotels. Whether your passenger is looking for the unrivalled luxury and seclusion of a resort in Thailand, Vietnam or the Maldives, a stay in a maharajah’s palace in India – our range of deluxe accommodation will inspire them,” says Katrina Cameron, Communications Manager.

With offices in Asia and over 15 years experience in the region, Travel Indochina’s local knowledge makes them uniquely positioned to discover and offer the latest in travel experiences.