RESORT OF THE DAY-Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia.

An archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is a tropical paradise of lush foliage and dramatic cliffs. Set on Tanjung Rhu, one of the island's best beaches, Four Seasons combines indigenous architecture with gracious service in a resort experience unmatched in Malaysia.

"The coddling begins the moment of arrival at Four Seasons Langkawi, with a warm greeting, a cold scented towel and a cool drink. Through a series of quadrangles and secret gardens, the mix of Asian, Indian and Arabic architecture and influence is slowly revealed. Views are framed by beautifully shaped portals; Moghul windows look out to ponds set amongst frangipani and bougainvillea. It's beautiful,

City Hotel Of The Day-CINNAMON LAKE COLOMBO

Overlooking the tranquil Beira Lake, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is the epitome of indulgence and elegance. Our inimitable blend of luxury, personal attention, sincerity and warmth gives you the opportunity to operate at your own pace and in your own space, regardless of whether you are visiting for an important business luncheon or dropping in for a quick coffee with a close friend; planning your dream wedding or organising a highly publicised conference; attending to important business or on a well-deserved vacation.

Sprawling over 7 acres of land, this unique resort city hotel of the Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts chain presents you with innumerable choices of perfect accommodation, a wide array of restaurants, state-of-the-art facilities, entertainment for all ages and moods, comfort and peace of mind - the selection is before you to indulge in! You only have to choose the memories you want to make.

Enhancing all this is our own brand of Cinnamon hospitality, giving you the liberty to decide what you want, when you want and where you want it. After all, we believe that it is the little things that make a great difference.

Spa Of The Week

Amburaya Spa




Just the two of us in Valentine Paradise at Sheraton Pattaya ResortEndear yourself to your Valentine with a special spa journey steeped in romance. "Just the Two of Us" two-and-a-quarter hour package is specially created for you to celebrate and strengthen the bonds of love. The sensuous scent of chocolate and almonds emanates from a unique body scrub to start. The exquisite road of rejuvenation and renewal continues with a life-changing Amburaya Embrace signature massage. Then culminates in the ultimate enhancement to your complexions: the profoundly nourishing and revitalizing Natural Facial. Unforgettable, it's what true love's all about.Price: 4,000++ baht per person 7,500++ baht per couplePromotion period: 1-28 February 2010About Amburaya SpaPeople seeking a tranquil, relaxing retreat in Pattaya should seek out Amburaya Spa, perched on a hill surrounded by beautifully landscaped tropical gardens and breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Thailand at the Sheraton Pattaya Resort.

The delightful spa takes its cue from the hotel with warm wood furnishings, Asian fabrics and lush tropical flora to create an oasis of serenity.Still, meditative waters and natural light in Amburaya's expansive reception area herald the journey to bliss. The mood is gradually enhanced in the transition to softly lit, elegant, spacious treatment rooms paired with luminous outside areas with fresh air. Warm colours and calming ambient music promise to help one drift off to a tranquil slumber. With only six treatment suites, all equipped with ensuite showers and an outdoor massage area, guests can fully enjoy their treatments in privacy. The Grand Suite features a private sauna, whirlpool bath and lounge. Each of the two Deluxe Suites has a lounge while the two single rooms do not. There is also a wet room with a private Thalasso bath and wet body treatment area.An extensive array of Asian and Western spa therapies for the face and body have been carefully selected to pamper and soothe.

A wide choice of modern Western body scrubs, massages, wraps and facials choice of modern Western body scrubs, massages, wraps and facials using world-famous brands such as Elemis and Thalgo are highly popular for their ability to detoxify, de-stress, ease aches and pains, reduce cellulite and treat problem skin with high-quality natural ingredients.For the face, Thalgo's Rebalancing Mask with Microionized Marine Algae is an hour-long treatment that combines mineral and vitamin-rich pure seaweed with high-potency marine extracts in a deep-cleansing and stabilising mixture with anti-bacterial properties. Elemis facials are available for each type of complexion -mature, sensitive and oily or problem skins - each uses ingredients to suit the needs, and where necessary, booster serums are applied. All facials are complemented by a luxurious hand and arm massage and de-stress scalp treatment. Male guests are not forgotten with the Urban Cleanse Facial for Men. The deep-cleansing facial unblocks pores, neutralises impurities and accelerates skin repair. Fast-acting ingredients with vitamin C reduce the skin's sensitivity and help defend it against damage from daily pollutants.Thalgo's body remedies include a marine-based scrub, Holistic Remineralising Marine Mud Wrap and deeply relaxing Marine Algae Envelopment. The latter not only is a general pick-me-up and eases muscular aches and strains, but it also has healing properties to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, and is considered the ideal prelude to all slimming courses.

Ceremony of Sun by Elemis is a novel and sensual five-hour treat with self-tanning cream far better than lying out in the sun. A light body brushing is followed by a luxurious warm oil drip all over. Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow or Devils Ming Body Scrub cleanses and polishes the skin in preparation for the next steps. Exotic Island Flower Body Balm is applied and Total Glow Self Tanning Cream massaged into the skin to give a light healthy colour.

The tan will last for four to five days.To enter the world of utter relaxation, Amburaya Spa presents a unique selection of treatments from all over the world, from traditional Thai massages and herbal compresses, and ancient Egypt, Ayurvedic, East-West fusions, to Japanese-inspired therapies. Amburaya Embrace is a 60-to90 minute full body massage which combines five different techniques in rhythmic harmony. Roayal Siam, Shiatsu, Ayurvedic and Swedish therapies are enhanced with Aromatherapy. Try the novel A Walk through the Niles foot Massage based on ancient Egyptian beliefs about reflex points on the feet to relieve tension and improve blood circulation. Guests with chronic tension or tight muscle problems should opt for the hour-long Swedish massage with deep-tissue massage techniques to work on easing the entire body or specific muscle groups.Guests who prefer multiple treatments in one day should choose from the list of 13 Absolute Mystical Bliss Packages combining these wonderful treatments. Packages run from two to seven hours and can be reserved for singles or couples. Best of all is that guests can select their preferred treatment within each category. For instance, the three-hour Mystical Bliss Package indulges guests in Floral Bath, then their choice of body rub, 60-to 90- minute massage, ending with Enrich Facial.

The Traveller's fatigue is a rejuvenating programme to help overcome jetlag and relieve body shiffness, aches, and pains. Then a freshing face mask is applied to match the skin type, followed by a 60-to 90-minute Legend Massage. The one-day Spa Reviver lasting seven hours is perfect for couples and groups of friends. A sauna is followed by Aromatic Bath, Body Polish, Body Wrap, 90-minute massage, a healthy lunch or dinner, 60-minute Enrich Facial Treatment, A Walk Through the Niles foot Massage, and finally a Thai herbal drink and a healthy snack.

Hotel Of The Day

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives

Set amidst sensational sandy beaches and lush tropical foliage, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa Maldives is a unique all-villa Maldives resort property located in a spacious, boutique-style environment. Accommodations include private ocean retreats and tropical tree house villas making it a premiere Maldives luxury resort, while a selection of fine-dining choices and innovative spa treatments have been carefully designed to stimulate the senses.

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa is the first luxury resort in the Maldives to be located south of the equator. Offering guests a stylish experience in a spacious, all-villa environment, the resort is surrounded by lush vegetation, including 17,000 coconut trees, and over six kilometres of picturesque coastline with nearly two kilometres of white-sand beaches. Stylishly furnished accommodation includes private ocean retreats and tropical tree house villas - unique to the Maldives - with superb views.

Guests can enjoy a tempting selection of dining and entertainment facilities, innovative treatments at CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, and a variety of aquatic leisure activities, or explore by bicycle the five neighbouring islands connected by a 17-kilometre road. Those seeking an experience with a difference can enjoy a cruise on a luxury yacht with lunch on the equator. The resort is a 70-minute flight from Malé and an eight-minute boat ride from Gan Airport on Addu Atoll.

RED SHIRT-EFECT OF THAI TOURISM (Can Be)

Govt, reds edge towards talks

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his red-shirt opponents sat down for face-to-face talks broadcast on national TV on Sunday, but quickly showed the profound gap that will have to be bridged before the country can be brought back to normal.
The first round of talks between the prime minister and the red-shirt leaders has come to an end at around 7.20pm on Sunday, about 15 minutes after the talks were resumed after a short break.
Red-shirt leader Veera Musikhapong suggested that both sides go back and discuss things among themselves before they meet again on Monday evening.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said earlier that today's talks were a good start, although both sides may take more time to find solutions to their political problems.
Jatuporn Prompan of the red camp gave the prime minister two weeks to come to a decision regarding House dissolution. He did not say what would happen if Mr Abhisit decides not to dissolve the House.

EARLIER REPORT:

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is ready to hold negotiations with representatives of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, and his secretary-general Korbsak Sabhavasu is coordinating with the UDD to make the necessary arrangements, PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey said in a televised statement on Sunday morning.
The decision came as a large number of red-shirt protesters were massing outside the 11th Infantry Regiment camp where Mr Abhisit has been staying for the past two weeks since the rally began.Mr Sathit said the government wants the situation in the country to return to normal as soon as possible.Therefore the prime minister is willing to talk with UDD representatives, particularly Jatuporn Prompan, Natthawut Saikua, Veera Musikhapong and Weng Tojirakarn, and Mr Korbsak, who is in his contact with the UDD, is trying to work out the time and place for the talks to be held.

Mr Sathit said Mr Abhisit wanted the talks to be held in a friendly climate without any threats being made.Meanwhile, Mr Korbsak said in a television interview that a possible venue for the talks might be the King Prajadhipok Institute in Nonthaburi, but this was not yet finalised.Mr Korbsak said the mass gathering of red shirts in front of the 11th Infantry Division camp was considered by the prime minister as a threat and intimidation. He said the withdrawal of the red shirts would improve the climate.On Sunday morning, the UDD gave the prime minister until 10.15am to arrange the talks. Soon after this, Mr Sathit appeared on television to tell the public of the latest developments.Mr Abhisit's message was welcomed by the red-shirt leaders, who announced on the stage at Phan Fa Bridge that they are ready to talk with the prime minister.

The announcement was made by Mr Veera, Mr Jatuporn, Mr Natthawut and Mr Weng, who would possibly represent the UDD in the talks.Mr Jatuporn said he would have no objection if the talks were held at the King Prajadhipok Institute.He told the red shirts, both at Phan Fa Bridge and in front of the 11th Infantry Regiment camp in Bang Khen, to remain peaceful pending the arrangements for the talks being finalised.The prime minister's agreement to hold talks with the protesters was an abrupt about-face from his position two hours earlier, when he went on television to say he would not bow to ultimatums from the red-shirts.

At 8am, he said he would not engage in talks under an intimidating climate."If the protesters come to the 11th Infantry Regiment camp, I will not be there to talk," he said earlier in the day. "This is not to deny efforts to find a solution, but the talks should be held in a good climate."
The photo gallery below shows the red-shirts in front of the 11th Infantry Regiment and their leaders at the rally site near Phan Fa bridge. (Photos by Apichart Jinakul, Apichit Jinakul and Pattanapong Hirunard)

Thank to Bangkok Post.

Auwardt

SPA WORLD

The word "spa"

conjures up images of long days filled with mud baths and meditation classes, exquisitely prepared spa cuisine, and fragrant eucalyptus groves.
But spas, lately, seem to be popping up everywhere: office buildings, strip malls, village storefronts. Salons with one tiny massage table tout their spa services. Even nail places call themselves spa pedicures. How can they all be spas?

For one thing, there are several different types of spas. The first kind is a destination spa. At a day spa you just drop in for treatments like massage, facials and body treatments Often, day spas are an extension of a hair salon, which is fine as long as the spa is a separate wing that offers a quiet, serene, environment.

But no one is regulating use of the word spa. That's why some salons promote spa services when all they have is one massage table, or use names like "spa pedicure." If you have any doubt, check out the facilities yourself before booking an appointment. Just drop in and ask for a quick tour. At a minimum, a day spa should offer professionally administered massages, facials and body treatments in a quiet, serene atmosphere.

There's also a huge range of experiences at resort spas. Again, no one is regulating the use of the name, so it could be anything from one massage room next to the fitness center to a multi-million facility. You should do research on the facilities before you book.

There's even a difference with destination spas, ranging from small specialty inns to Canyon Ranch , which has a staff of physicians, psychologists, nutritionists and physical therapists. It offers so many classes, lectures and services that and so many things going on that you could spend months there and still not experience them all.
What does it mean? It's up to you, the spa-goer, to figure out what kind of service and experience you want, and find the place that suits you.

Types of spa
Club spa - A facility whose primary purpose is fitness and which offers a variety of professionally administered spa services on a day-use basis.
Cruise ship spa – A spa aboard a cruise ship providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.
Day spa – A spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-use basis.
Dental spa – A facility under the supervision of a licensed dentist that combines traditional dental treatment with the services of a spa.
Destination spa - A destination spa is a facility with the primary purpose of guiding individual spa-goers to develop healthy habits. Historically a seven-day stay, this lifestyle transformation can be accomplished by providing a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthful cuisine and special interest programming.
Medical spa - A facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complimentary and/or alternative therapies and treatments. The facility operates within the scope of practice of its staff, which can include both aesthetic/cosmetic and prevention/wellness procedures and services. These spas typically use balneotherapy, employing a variety of peloids.

"Balneotherapy treatments can have different purposes. In a spa setting, they can be used to treat conditions such as arthritis and backache, build up muscles after injury or illness or to stimulate the immune system, and they can be enjoyed as a relief from day-to-day stress."[16]
Mineral springs spa - A spa offering an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments.

Resort/hotel spa - A spa owned by and located within a resort or hotel providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.
Mobile spa - A spa which provides services at home, hotels, or wherever you are

ONE OF THE BEST TOURISM-LAND OF SMILE(THAILAND)

Tourist numbers have grown from 336,000 foreign visitors and 54,000 R&R soldiers in 1967[2] to over 14 million international guests visiting Thailand in 2007. The average duration of their stay in 2007 was 9.19 days, generating an estimated 547,782 million Thai baht, around 11 billion Euro.[4] In 2007, Thailand was the 18th most visited country in the World Tourism rankings with 14.5 million visitors. France, comparable to Thailand in land area and population, led the list with nearly 82 million foreign visitors.[5]
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand,[6] 55% of the tourists in 2007 came from the Asia Pacific region, Japanese and Malaysians forming the two biggest groups. The largest groups of Western tourists come from the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, the United States and Scandinavia. The number of tourists arriving from the Middle East and Russia is on the rise.[7] Around 55% of Thailand's tourists are return visitors. The peak period is during the Christmas and New Year holidays when Western tourists flee the cold conditions back home.

Domestic tourism has also grown significantly in the past decade. Revenues from domestic tourism have gone from 187,898 million baht in 1998 to 380,417 million baht (approximately 7.8 billion Euro) in 2007.[4]
Asian tourists primarily visit Thailand for Bangkok and the historical, natural and cultural sights in its vicinity. Western tourists not only visit Bangkok and surroundings but in addition many travel down to the southern beaches and islands. The North is the main region for trekking and adventure travel with its diverse ethnic minority groups and forested mountains. The region receiving less tourists is Isan in the north-east. To facilitate foreign visitors, the Thai government established a separate tourism police with offices in the major tourist areas and its own central emergency telephone number.[8]
It can't be denied that sex tourism also contributes to arrival numbers. Although officially illegal, prostitution in Thailand is monitored and regulated by the government to stem the spread of STD's and to prevent excesses. Prostitution catering to foreigners is believed to be around 20% of the total prostitution scene in Thailand, and is concentrated in a few major red-light districts such as Pattaya, Patpong and Patong Beach.[9]
Thailand has been receiving increased competition ever since Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam opened up to international tourism in the 1980s and 90s. Destinations like Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang and Halong Bay now contest Thailand's former monopoly in the Indochina region. To counter this, Thailand is actively targeting niche markets such as golf holidays, or holidays combined with medical treatment. Around 2 million foreigners visiting Thailand for medical treatment are expected in 2009, more than 3 times the amount of tourist visiting for that purpose in 2002.[10] According to Lonely Planet, Thailand ranks second of "Best-value destinations for 2010" after Iceland; the latter having been hit very hard by the subprime mortgage crisis.[11]
[edit] Positive trends forecast for 2010

The easing of the monetary crisis, the renewed vigorous growth of the Chinese economy, the relatively stable internal political situation following the 2008–2009 Thai political crisis and the 2009 flu pandemic having less of an impact as initially feared, have changed the tourism outlook for 2010. Thailand experienced a decrease of international visitors of 16% over the first six months of 2009 but the last four months of 2009 have seen a return of foreign tourists to Thailand with a marked increase in the months of November and December.

The provisional numbers for 2009 have now been revised upwards to close to 14 million international visitors, which is a decrease of only 4% compared to 2008. Initially, it was feared that 2009 would show a decrease of 38% for certain sectors of the tourism industry. The new marketing slogan which was adopted in mid 2009, Amazing Thailand, Amazing Value, and the government stimulation package, also seemed to have helped reversing the downward trend for the latter half of 2009 and for the present year. If no unforeseen circumstances arise in 2010, international tourist arrivals are expected to grow 7 to 10% and number between 15 and 15.5 million. Domestic tourism is also forecast to increase due to a stronger Thai economy which is expected to grow by 3 to 4% in 2010.]

HOSPITALITY MALDIVES

MALDIVES

Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that.

Holidays in Maldives

Spend a relaxing spa holiday in sunny Maldives and be mesmerized with stretches of naturally formed atolls alive with marine activity. There are 26 natural atolls in Maldives islands that complement pristine pure beaches and aquamarine lagoons.Enjoy the treasures of Banana reef; see the markets and mosques of Male, maldives accommodation, Maldives islands, the capital of Maldives and enjoy the vistas at Addu atoll with Tourism in Maldives. The coral islands of enchanting Maldives are akin to glittering jewels afloat the turquoise Indian Ocean. Date sea birds and abundant marine treasures, maldive island resorts scuba dive, snorkel and swim while you celebrate tropical Maldives. maldives honeymoons in style on pure white beaches fringed generously with dancing palms and tropical island trees. Tourism in Maldives is developing on a very large scale. By virtue of being a quite paradise, Maldives islands attracts peace seekers and honeymooners to come and enjoy togetherness with its unmatched locales acting as the perfect chaperone for a perfect holiday in maldives.
1190 islands clustered like brilliant diamonds on the vast Indian Ocean form the grand Maldives. Enjoy water sports and be a part of the Maldives islands spirit marked by revelry and happy enthusiasm. Of the 1190, only 202 islands are inhabited. Find out more on tours to Maldives by visiting the web links mentioned below:

life

life with lots challenges and lots choice