Ready to Get Wickedly Wild at the New W Retreat Koh Samui?

The debut of the W Retreat Koh Samui is right around the corner. Accepting reservations from November 1, 2010, the latest luxe addition to the tropical Thai isle will be something to write home about. Here's the word (in our favorite "W" lingo): "Sunshine, spice, and everything nice – like swaying hammocks, epicurean tastings, turquoise water, and pristine beaches." The new W Retreat promises to be the ultimate adult playground with yummy eateries, hip bars, and a cutting-edge spa (offering the first "Thaimazcal" treatment facility in Asia, which is based on Mexican tribal rituals mixed with local Thai ingredients). The villas are decadent with a capital "D": think private plunge pools, daybeds, outdoor showers, and high-tech in-room entertainment.

A Sky-High Infinity Pool and More at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore

How do we love the Marina Bay Sands? Let us count the ways. An infinity pool 55 storeys above the ground with 360 degree views of Singapore... The incredible Sands SkyPark, a tropical oasis floating atop the hotel and stretching longer than the Eiffel Tower on its side... The restaurants by Guy Savoy... The museum shaped like a lotus flower...This is the world's most expensive hotel, built at a cost of billions, so we expect nothing less. Book one of the 2,560 guest rooms and you'll be privy to the inside secrets of a business, leisure, and entertainment destination that's unparalleled. As globorati points out, Savoy's resto is "only the second restaurant outside Paris for the multi-starred Michelin chef," with most of the ingredients flown in from France. What else is inside? An indoor canal, "the best shopping mall in Asia," a convention centre, a casino, and an outdoor event plaza and theaters featuring Broadway hits such as "The Lion King."

Limited Time Special Offer at the New Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore

We just learned about an exciting limited time special offer at The Fullerton Bay Hotel, the sparkling new addition to Singapore's Marina Bay waterfront. (Read us wax poetic about the new luxury hotel's glam interiors here. One of our fave features: the private balcony in each guest room with expansive panoramic views of Singapore's skyline.) Usually The Fullerton Bay Hotel's "Best Available Rates" are for the room only. But from now until December 30, 2010, guests who book the "Best Available Rate" for stays between October 1- December 30, 2010 will also get breakfast and in-room Internet access. Rates from S$450 / S$480 (Single/Double).

David Thompson Opens a Bangkok Outpost of nahm, the Michelin-Starred Resto

It seems only fitting that London's Michelin-starred Thai restaurant nahm should come to Bangkok. David Thompson just opened a second outpost of the beloved resto at The Metropolitan Bangkok, the hip urban hotel known for its oasis-like rooms and chic lounge bar. A major new address in the Thai capital, the restaurant will no doubt become popular with guests and locals alike. What's on the menu? A quick read of the website certainly whets the appetite: "Standout dishes will include rare ingredients from all regions of Thailand. These include a jungle curry with pla chorn (a fresh water fish). There will also be a colourful array of salty and sweet Thai desserts and an extensive wine menu." The Metropolitan Bangkok is inviting guests to toast the resto opening with an overnight stay packed with extras — including a signed copy of the Australian chef’s book on the cuisine. The offer, which runs until October 31, 2010, includes an exotic welcome drink on arrival, dinner for two in nahm, as well as breakfast the next morning. Rates start from US $205 (single occupancy) or US $280 (double occupancy) for an overnight stay.

Special Offers in Thailand: Spa Treatments, Meals, and More with Aleenta Resort

This just in. Aleenta Resorts in Thailand has extended their special "Summer Spa Paradise Package" until the end of October 2010. The perfect way to rejuvenate body, mind and soul, the package includes massages at the spa, a romantic candlelit dinner including a bottle of Aleenta’s wine label, welcome cocktails, tropical fruit basket, and perhaps best of all: the Gourmet Breakfast. Talk about celebrating the morning! Carefully prepared and served at your table, the Gourmet Breakfast includes: Smoked ham, cured salmon, a range of cheeses, handmade muesli and home-made preserves, freshly baked pastries, fresh fruit & vegetable juices, an array of organic egg dishes, and a variety of traditional Asian-inspired breakfast choices.

This 6-day 5-night package is available at both the Phuket and Hua Hin properties.

Related Article:

Thai Cooking Classes, Yoga, and Sea Turtle Rehab with Phuket’s Aleenta Resort

Free Stuff in Hong Kong: Golden Week Celebration at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

The first week in October means holiday vacation in China and where better to shop, dine, and relax than Hong Kong? Stay in style at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong-- boasting glamorous digs overlooking Victoria Harbour-- and reap the rewards with a special offer. Choose between 10 restaurants and bars (two of which are Michelin-starred!) for decadent meals and unwind at the award-winning spa that spans three floors and features a pool, salon, gentlemen's barbershop, and gym. With rates from HKD 2,900, the Golden Week Celebration offer includes:

* Daily continental breakfast for two in either The Clipper Lounge or Café Causette

* A complimentary bottle of sparkling wine

* One afternoon tea for two at The Clipper Lounge

* A hotel credit of HKD 600 for room bookings or HKD 1,200 for suite bookings to be used at The Mandarin Spa or in our restaurants and bars during your stay

A minimum two-night stay is required, valid until October 10, 2010, subject to availability.

A Luxury Value in Koh Samui: Breakfast and Dinner Included at Napasai Resort

So you're looking for a little luxury on the Thai island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Siam. Paradise found at the secluded beach resort of Napasai, set in a grove of cashew trees and tropical gardens beside the white sand on Koh Samui's north coast. You'd expect no less from a luxury property operated by Orient-Express. Listen to this: "A family of buffalo roam the grounds: brought here to work, they were soon too relaxed to do anything but graze. Likewise, guests quickly acclimatise to the indulgent atmosphere which comes from a mix of traditional local delights and innovative contemporary accents." You can spend all day beside the infinity pool, explore the island by hiking or elephant trekking, snorkel from the beach, or indulge with a Thai massage at the spa. And with the "Great Affordable Escape," you can enjoy a taste of paradise with all kinds of free inclusions. Priced from THB 7740, the package includes roundtrip airport transfers, a daily breakfast buffet for two, daily bottled water and free wireless Internet, and a special dinner with beautiful views over Koh Samui. Subject to availability.

Friday Photos: Fairmont Beijing Preps To Open Willow Stream Spa

One of Beijing's newest luxury hotels-- the rose-colored architectural landmark that's the "gate" to the Central Business District-- has light-filled interiors decorated with contemporary Chinese art. At the Fairmont Beijing, you can sample a slew of epicurean delights-- from crispy Peking Duck at Lunar 8 to Waguu beef at The Cut, not to mention a flute of bubbly at the Champagne Bar. Buzz: The hotel will soon be opening its Willow Stream Spa, a three-level space which promises to be "a destination in itself," offering holistic, tailor-made therapies inspired by nature.

The World’s Best Hotel Views (from the Bathroom)

Sure, five-star hotels like The Peninsula Tokyo, The Carlyle in Manhattan, and the French Riviera's Palais de la Mediterranee have some pretty awesome views from their rooms. But their bathrooms often take advantage of these spectacular vistas, too. ABC News Travel has published a round-up of the world's best hotel bathroom views. (And they're not talking about views of your fellow guest through peekaboo baths!) On the list: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town (pictured), "standing at the very edge of the Atlantic"; the Soneva Kiri by Six Senses in Thailand, featuring "private outdoor bathrooms that have plenty of star-gazing space and outdoor bathing facilities"; The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, whose 80 overwater villas have guest baths with panoramic windows overlooking the lagoon; the Hotel Caesar Augustus in Capri sitting on a cliff 1,000 feet above the sea.

Coming to New Delhi: The Leela Palace Kempinski To Open in November

We like the sound of the rooftop pool at the brand spanking new Leela Palace Kempinski. Set to open in November (with a soft opening in October when 100 guest rooms will be ready), the Leela Palace is the first newly-built luxury hotel to be constructed in New Delhi in 15 years. Hats off to The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts for also bringing an ESPA spa to the Indian capital. The dining options aren't too shabby either. Guests can choose between regional specialties at Jamavar, The Leela's signature Indian restaurant; international grub at the glass-walled Qube; handmade pasta and pizza at the rooftop Italian resto; or Japanese at Megu, the first outpost in India, which will open in January 2011. (Did we mention the Martini Menu at The Library Bar?) Perhaps best of all: the The Leela Palace's Royal Club Rooms are said to be the largest in the city, tricked out with all the latest technology and served by 24-hour private butler service. Get this- three of the suites have private pools, and the Maharaja Suite has its own spa room and Jacuzzi.