Vivanta By Taj – Bekal, Kerala
Life is tough at this new, 71- room spa
resort in undiscovered north Kerala. Should I order a Mojito or a Mai- Tai
cocktail? Take a spa treatment go for a walk on the beach, or a have a gentle
kayak on the serene backwaters? Set on 30 acres of land fronted by Kappil
Beach, 80km from Mangalore airport, the resort has wonderful views of the
Arabian Sea. The 17th- century fort of Bekal, the largest in Kerala,
is a 40- minute walk away and guests can also walk or cycle on paths along the
pretty backwater, fringed with dense palm groves. The secluded beach is perfect
for paddling, but the currents can be dangerous so swimming is restricted to
the infinity pool. The distinctive architecture with its sweeping lines and
high, vaulted ceilings fashioned from hand- woven bamboo was inspired by
kettuvallam, the traditional Keralan boats. The public areas weave around
beautiful water garden and there is an abundance of local stone sculptures in
the Hindu tradition as well as Islamic- inspired artworks and lighting. Every
room has a mural, some hand- painted by local artists. The spacious Jiva Spa is
at the core of the resort with eight suites offering traditional Ayurvedic
treatments and a dedicated Ayurvedic dining room and juice bar; there is a
separate yoga pavilion. The energetic and passionate chef, Valentine Athaide,
produces authentic Keralan cuisine and a fresh seafood menu. The resort’s
signature Sadya lunch is a delicious banquet served on banana leaves and
features homemade pickles and specialty curries.
Vivanta
By Taj – Bekal, Kerala
When to go
The most comfortable time is between
December and February, when the skies are clear and the daytime temperatures do
not exceed 32*C.
Room to book
The 10 Premium Indulgence Villas have
private plunge pools and outdoor bathrooms. For greater privacy the Deluxe
Delight rooms have a similar footprint but have enclosed courtyards. Both are
well worth the extra price. 00 91 467 661 6612; www.vivantabytaj.com. Doubles from $297
Thailand – The ST Regis Bangkok
Thailand
– The ST Regis Bangkok
What views! From the floor- to- ceiling
windows of almost every room of the St Regis you get terrific panoramas over
the energetic Thai capital. In the evening a luminescent world of neon
stretches out. By day there are outlooks over the LEGOLAND- like Skytrain and
bird’s- eye views straight on to the golf course of the (very) exclusive Royal
Bangkok Sports Club.
The epicurean breakfasts at Viu restaurant
on the 12th floor tend to be drawn- out as guest gaze on to the
green far below, mismarked by the action. The hotel building is in a prime
position, just along from the Grand Hyatt and next door to the Four Seasons.
The St Regis has an edge over these rivals thanks to its location right opposite
Rajadamri sky train station. The clever layout allows for two dramatic
entrances: one on the second floor, from which a walkway leads to the sky train;
the other at street level, where you step into a huge lobby off which are two
restaurants: a franchise Zuma; and Jojo, an upscale Italian trattoria. From
there a lift scoots you up to the 12th- floor reception and the
‘Drawing Room’, a chic bar area that captalises on those jaw dropping views.
Above are the 227 rooms (51 of them suites), decorated on variations of
soothing cream, taupe and pale blue and furnished with silks and lush carpets.
There is a very generous sense of space: corridors are wide; even the standard
rooms are exceptionally big; bathrooms accommodate a separate rainforest shower
bath with ease. Facilities include a wine bar, Decanter, devised for serious
oenophiles and a 15th- floor leisure complex with gym, outdoor infinity
pool and Elemis spa where the relaxation areas are open to all guests whether
or not they book treatments.
Bed
room
When to go
November, December and January offer the
best weather.
Room to book
A corner Caroline Aster Suite with
spectacular views, stylishly comfy sitting room and prodigious bathroom. 00 800
325 78734; www.stregis.com/bangkok.
Double from $274
