The Siam Journey: Thai Massage Workshop at The Peninsula Bangkok

The best digs in Bangkok? Try The Peninsula, the stunning riverside hotel that's a fixture on "World's Best" lists. Every one of its sprawling guest rooms and suites offers sweeping views over the city. There's a three-tiered swimming pool, destination restaurants, top-notch Peninsula Spa by ESPA and fitness center-- all attended by doting staff. And here's something else that distinguishes The Peninsula Bangkok: a new program with The Peninsula Academy called "The Siam Journey." The Peninsula Academy Programs were created to give guests a personalized introduction to key aspects of local culture, lifestyle, cuisine, arts, and history– through individualized classes, tours, and activities in each Peninsula location. This particular program was designed to share the Thai heritage of wellness with guests, enabling them to take the experience home and practice it in their daily lives.

Start off with The Peninsula Tea Ceremony paired with a relaxing foot ritual. Then learn the history and practice of Thai massage in a special workshop, providing insights into the unique herbs used in Thai treatments. After this learning experience, guests are treated to a 1-hour and 20-minute Thai massage described thusly: "the therapist’s skilled hands, elbows and feet are used to massage pressure points to open the body’s flow of energy, elongate the muscles and release deep-seated tension." The journey concludes with traditional Thai snacks to savor, and guests receive a Siam Journey Wellness Gift. Taking place in a Spa Suite, the half-day program begins at 9:30 am and is priced at THB 5,000 per person.

Andaz Arrives in China with a New Hotel in Shanghai

Fans of Hyatt's Andaz brand will be thrilled to learn that Andaz is bringing its signature complimentary inclusions (think internet, local calls, and mini-bars) to Asia. The trendy boutique brand has quite the following for its smart hotels in London (Andaz Liverpool Street), Los Angeles (Andaz West Hollywood), San Diego, and New York (Andaz Wall Street and Andaz Fifth Avenue). The newest sparkling hotel to hit the scene will be the Andaz Shanghai, debuting this summer in the city's Xintiandi neighborhood. You can be sure that the 307-room hotel will have plenty to write home about: a restaurant, brasserie, bar, lounge, a spa and pool. Up next for Andaz? Properties in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Delhi, India; Papagayo, Costa Rica; Sanya, China; Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands; and Wailea-Makena, Hawaii.

Pictured: Andaz Wall Street.

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It’s Here: Andaz Wall Street Opens Its Doors (with Free Wifi, Local Calls, Croissants)

Special Rate at Shanghai’s Magnificent Fairmont Peace Hotel, Newly Restored

Shanghai's Fairmont Peace Hotel reopened in summer 2010 to much fanfare. To quote CNN: "Like a sleeping beauty the Fairmont Peace Hotel has been roused from a lengthy slumber with a spectacular face lift that modernizes the celebrated hotel while remaining true to its history." In its heyday in the 1920's, the hotel was known as the "Number One mansion in the Far East" because of its luxurious accents (white Italian marble floors, Lalique glass artwork) and prime Shanghai setting on the Bund. After a restoration by the acclaimed design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the landmark hotel has recaptured its glamorous Art Deco heritage. Eager to experience this beautiful property first-hand? For a limited time the hotel is offering a special package called "The Fairmont Peace Hotel - 2010 History Begins." Priced from CNY 1929 ($289 USD) per night plus 15% tax and service charge, based on double occupancy, the package includes:

* Accommodation in a spacious Fairmont Room

* Daily breakfast for two

* Welcome cocktail for two persons in the famed Jazz Bar

* High Tea for two persons in the Jasmine Lounge

* Complimentary access to the Fitness Center

* Complimentary guided tour of the hotel with one of the hotel's Heritage guides and access to the Peace Gallery

This offer is available for stays until March 31, 2011, subject to availability. Minimum two-night stay is required.

Where to Stay in Istanbul: Special Rates at A’jia Hotel (with Bosphorus Views!)

The A'jia Hotel commands a prime piece of real estate in Istanbul, the city that famously straddles two continents. In a glorious setting on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, a former pasha's mansion has been converted into a sexy boutique hotel. Behind the Ottoman facade, sleek interiors showcase contemporary furnishings and all the latest technology. The 16 guest rooms-- some with private balconies-- have gorgeous water views and spacious marble bathrooms. (Note: There's one room that doesn't overlook the Bosphorus.) No surprise to see a queue of celebrities lining up to stay here. We love their complimentary boat shuttle for cruising between the continents and bypassing Istanbul's notorious traffic on the way to the Old Town for sightseeing.

Hot rates: Book the A'jia Hotel with Five Star Alliance and you'll get breakfast and tax included in your room rate. Simply select the "Five Star Alliance" rate when booking.

Win a Global Culinary Journey with Langham Hotels: Dine at the New Eight Restaurant in Auckland

Foodies, rejoice! There's a buzzworthy new restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand's City of Sails. Named for its eight kitchens, the new resto at The Langham inspires diners to take a culinary journey through world cuisine. From designer sushi prepared on demand to freshly baked naan bread pulled steaming from the tandoors, the $2 million (NZD) Eight Restaurant has a team of passionate chefs who will serve up what you're looking for. These diverse kitchens were named after different journeys. Think Silk Road (wok and dim sum), Spice Route (Indian tandoori and curries), Tōkaidō (sushi and sashimi), Route 66 (New York style grille), Great Ocean Road (seafood and oysters), Garden Route (salads), Champs-Elysées (pastries, crêpes and cheese), and Dessert Road (desserts).

Langham Hotels is celebrating the debut of Eight Restaurant with a competition where one lucky winner will snag an unforgettable prize: a Global Culinary Journey staying and dining at Langham Hotels worldwide. Each time you dine at Eight Restaurant, from now through April 25, 2011, you'll be entered for a chance to win:

· Three nights luxury accommodation at The Langham, Hong Kong dining at T’ang Court (2 Michelin stars) and also Ming Court (2 Michelin stars).

· Three nights luxury accommodation at The Langham, London dining at the newly-opened Roux at The Landau, the latest restaurant by the famed Roux brothers.

· Three nights luxury accommodation at The Langham Huntington, dining at The Royce by the acclaimed chef David Féau

· Return around-the-world economy airfares for two people from Auckland to Hong Kong, London and Los Angeles. (Full terms and conditions apply)

Winter Escapes: Get Room Upgrades and More at The Peninsula Hotels

Good news for all the luxury aficionados out there: The Peninsula Hotels group has brought back its popular "Winter Escapes" offer to its hotels worldwide, doling out value-added benefits to the delight of guests. Available until March 31, 2011, the special package combines great value on gorgeous guest rooms with a range of personalized benefits, ranging from room upgrades, spa treatments, culinary choices, airport transfers, and more. For example, at The Peninsula Hong Kong, choose between an upgrade to the next room category, one-way airport transfer, or holistic body massage for two at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA. Also included: daily American-style breakfast for two in The Lobby restaurant, complimentary wired and wireless Internet, and free local calls. "Winter Escapes" is available at The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Bangkok and The Peninsula Manila.

Related Article:

Chauffeur-Driven Mini Coopers: Now Available at The Peninsula Hotels in Chicago and New York

The New Spa at Amanpulo, Amanresorts’ Private Island Retreat in the Philippines

Dreaming of a deserted tropical island? Powdery sand, turquoise water, a colorful coral reef, not a soul in sight? Those idylls do exist... Take, for example, Amanpulo, the private island retreat in the Philippines' Sulu Sea, accessible only by private charter flight. Amanresorts, the collection of dreamy hotels started by hotelier extraordinaire Adrian Zecha, does it right with ultra-luxe amenities and stellar hospitality. And it keeps getting better. Amanpulo has just debuted a brand spanking new spa, designed in native wood with ceilings layered in capiz (shell)..

Located on a slope above the treetops with views of the sea, the Aman Spa features six spa treatment rooms in three pavilions, each equipped with a deep soaking tub, dressing room and steam shower. There's also a Yoga and Meditation Pavilion, a Pilates Studio, a gymnasium with top-notch equipment, and a Finishing Salon for hair, hand and foot treatments. All with views of the sea, of course. In March, the spa will open two steam rooms with cold plunge pools. A spa valet will pick you up at your guest room and usher you to spa reception, or you can motor over to the spa yourself, as each casita comes with a private buggy for getting around the island. So spaaaah.

Sponsored Article: The Eugenia, a Colonial-Style Gem in Bangkok, Joins lebua Hotels & Resorts

Anyone who's ever stayed at lebua at State Tower-- the all-suite luxury hotel located in the second tallest tower in Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River-- has gleaned a thing or two about lebua Hotels & Resorts. The luxury boutique hotel operator specializes in creating new concepts in luxury hospitality; lebua at State Tower has Bulgari amenities and private balconies in every suite, plus mind-numbing views of the city from the Sky Bar and Sirocco Restaurant, one of the highest al fresco restaurants in the world. lebua also owns and manages the Tower Club at lebua (the pinnacle of luxury on the top floors of State Tower) and the award-winning Lake Okareka Lodge (an exclusive hideaway surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Rotorua, New Zealand).

Just recently, lebua Hotels & Resorts welcomed a new addition to its elegant portfolio: The Eugenia, a refined Relais & Chateaux property in the heart of Bangkok. Situated in a graceful Colonial-style house, The Eugenia by lebua is a heritage gem reflecting the values of a bygone leisurely era in the tropics. Inside the suites, you'll find antique furniture and period decor dating back hundreds of years: four-poster beds, bath tubs made of hand beaten copper and aluminum alloy, beautiful desks.

Contemporary amenities are not lacking; think Wifi Internet access and free VOIP telephone calls, along with a complimentary afternoon fruit plate with soft drinks. Outside, a garden pool and teak deck beckons for rest and relaxation. As to be expected at a lebua property, the personalized service is exceptional. Pre-pay rates are available at The Eugenia by lebua for just $181.80 with Five Star Alliance.

The Peninsula Tokyo is Awarded “Best Asian Hotel”

Awards season is upon us. Not only are we getting our red carpet fix (celebrities in haute couture dripping Fred Leighton diamonds), but we're also getting the scoop on where to sleep around the world-- as top travel magazines are coming out with their lists of the world's best hotels. It's no surprise to see that The Peninsula Tokyo nabbed the award for "Best Asian Hotel" in Conde Nast Traveler's 2010 Reader's Choice Awards. The awards ceremony was held recently at the IAC Building in Manhattan and hosted by Angie Harmon and Liev Schreiber. The Peninsula's General Manager accepted the award from actress Kelly Rutherford. The Peninsula Tokyo deserves top honors-- for its in-room technology, jaw-dropping views, and hip hotel bar.

Book with Five Star Alliance and Get Free Stuff at the Shangri-La Hotel Beijing

The Shangri-La Beijing gets rave reviews for its luxe facilities (what a spa!) and customized guest experiences, like gourmet tours of the local markets with a hotel chef. Now you can test-drive the award-winning guest rooms with special rates with Five Star Alliance. And what rooms they are! Bed down in the Deluxe Valley Wing and you'll bask in the glory of floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets, spa-like bathrooms, multiple flat-screen TVs, you get the idea... Book the Shangri-La Beijing with Five Star Alliance and you'll get Internet, daily breakfast, free round-trip airport transfers, laundry and dry-cleaning, plus one 60-minute spa treatment per person. Simply choose the "Five Star Alliance" rate when reserving your room.