Southeast Asia’s Top Chefs Head to Napasai Resort, Koh Samui for February Culinary Event

Napasai, an Orient Express resort on the north coast of Thailand's Koh Samui, is already known for its authentic Thai culinary delights. (Dishes like Gai Hor Bai Toey, fried chicken wrapped in pandanus leaves, and Gaeng Massaman Phed, duck curry with shallots, are seductive palate-pleasers.) Now the beachside resort is planning a culinary extravaganza sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters. From February 23-25, the resort will welcome six chefs from top restaurants across Southeast Asia: Alexis Voisin of La Residence d'Angkor, Cambodia; Nicolas Reynard of La Residence Phou Vao, Laos; Iain Murray of The Governor's Residence, Myanmar; Bansani Nawisamphan of Ubud Hanging Gardens, Bali; and Michele Greggio of Jimbaran Puri Bali.

Napasai's Executive Chef Gilles Galli gets lavish praise from award-winning chefs worldwide. As reported by Luxury Insider's Current Affairs blog, Marc Veyrat, "the first chef to receive a perfect grade of 20/20 in the Gault-Millau Guide," said: "Chef Gilles Galli is a key figure promoting French cuisine around the world and I am very proud to support him." All profits from the event will go to Thailand's Foundation for Slum Child Care.

Sofitel Debuts First New Five-Star Hotel to Open in Phnom Penh in a Decade

Travelers to Cambodia's capital will find a new luxury hotel available to rest their heads. The first new five-star property to open in Phnom Penh in over a decade, the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is situated in landscaped gardens overlooking the Mekong River in the city's old quarter. Close to major attractions, the colonial style hotel has 201 guest rooms, elegant restaurants and bars, a spa, two pools, a sports club, and conference facilities that are touted as the finest in the country.

A recent interview with General Manager Didier Lamoot in The Phnom Penh Post describes how the hotel's opening has ushered in a "fresh dawn in the capital" and a boom in Cambodian tourism:

When talking about Cambodia, people immediately think of Angkor Wat. And who can blame them? It is one of the world’s marvels. For the past dozen years, so much of the interest in Cambodia, for both the leisure and the corporate traveller, has been on Angkor Wat. There’s been so much attraction to Siem Reap — gravitational attraction, inevitable attraction — that Phnom Penh has been left with the second fiddle. But the second fiddle is now asking the first violin for some time on the main stage.

Market Tour, Dim Sum Cooking Class, Chef’s Table at Shangri-La Hotel Beijing

Foodies visiting Beijing will be interested to learn about an exceptional gourmet journey offered by the Shangri-La Hotel Beijing. Start off by learning insider's tips about the local market on a tour with one of the Shangri-La's chefs. Then partake in a Dim Sum cooking class and a Chinese tea ceremony, capped off with an exclusive five-course Chef's table showcasing the Chinese, Japanese, Western and International specialties from the hotel's award-winning restaurants, paired with fine wines. All while bedding down in pure luxury in a Valley Wing Premier Room for two nights. This "Gourmet Journey" also includes access to the exclusive Valley Wing Lounge, daily buffet breakfast plus one customized chef-prepared breakfast, round-trip limousine transfer to/from the airport, a 15% discount for treatments at CHI, The Spa, and a 10% discount for a local sight-seeing tour arranged by the Tour Desk. Priced from RMB 7,200 per night. Available through July 31, 2011, subject to availability. Minimum two-night stay required.

Live in Asia? Get a Discount at Bali’s Jimbaran Puri Resort

Jimbaran Puri Bali, an Orient-Express resort in Bali, just launched a promotion targeting residents of Asia. (Ex-pats, you qualify.) Bask in the sun on one of Bali's most beautiful beaches while getting spoiled rotten with the signature service that's made Orient-Express famous the world over. With the "Between Us" promotion, you'll get the lowest available prices when you stay two nights or more. We're talking a mere $205 per night including a sumptuous breakfast for two. Valid for stays until March 31, 2011. Just a few minutes away from the popular Jimbaran market, the resort offers uninterrupted sea views from luxury cottages nestled in lush gardens. Swimming conditions are ideal from the beach.

The Peninsula Hong Kong Celebrates 82nd Birthday with Launch of “Our Hong Kong”

In the 1920's some architects drew up plans for "the finest hotel east of Suez" and when The Peninsula Hong Kong opened its doors in 1928, the hotel transformed Kowloon from a sleepy backwater to the focal point of a vibrant social life. Home to visiting tycoons and movie stars, the illustrious hotel has been witness to the dramatic history of Hong Kong, weathering war and military occupation. "The Pen"-- as this Grande Dame is affectionately known-- has seen a lot, and has thousands of stories to tell. So it's only fitting that to celebrate its 82nd anniversary this past December, The Peninsula launched "Our Hong Kong," a beautiful book filled with 50 personal stories from the hotel's staff, revealing their passion and knowledge for the city.

The book reveals Hong Kong through the eyes of insiders like Johnny Chung, Senior Bartender, who is the longest serving staff member with more than 53 years of service. Available in all rooms and suites, the beautifully illustrated book is chock full of anecdotes illustrating the lesser known aspects of Hong Kong, such as 500-year-old villages, the little island where prawn paste is still made by hand, and rare festivities such as the annual Fire Dragon Dance.

Visitors to "The Pen" in 2011 can participate in the "Our Hong Kong" program, which will include excursions to unique areas and activities introduced by staff as part of The Peninsula Academy, the hotel’s award-winning Chinese Cultural Experience learning vacation program, as well as special menus in the hotel’s Chinese restaurant, Spring Moon, featuring home-grown dishes that represent the culinary heritage of Hong Kong.

Hot New Hotels for 2011: Announcing the Viceroy Maldives

We're the first to admit it: we've got a big weakness for Viceroy Hotels and Resorts. From Santa Monica to Snowmass to Miami to Anguilla, Viceroy has staked its claim to some prime real estate, wowing with designer interiors (Kelly Wearstler at her best) and sumptuous facilities (glimmering private pools, dining with dramatic views). And get this. Pretty soon the world-famous L’Ermitage Beverly Hills will be reborn as Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills. There's more. Come summertime, the Viceroy Maldives will debut in the Indian Ocean, the first resort beyond the Americas for the collection. Set on the crescent-shaped island of Vagaru in the Shaviyani Atoll, the Viceroy Maldives will feature 61 luxury villas perched over the white sand and crystal clear water. These villas are billed as some of the largest in the Maldives, occupying between 1,345- 3,300 square feet of indoor space. Not to mention the private outdoor living areas and plunge pools.

2011 Grand Award Winners from Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report

Hats off to the 2011 Andrew Harper Grand Award Winners! Since 1979, the prestigious publication has tracked the best in luxury hotels, and now the newest list is out. What's the criteria for choosing the award winners? From the official website: "Mr. Harper chooses his favorite properties visited over the past calendar year to comprise this list. All possess exceptional character, a commitment to classic hospitality and a profound sense of place." And without further ado, the top award, the "Hideaway of the Year," is Il Salviatino in Florence, Italy. Other award winners include: Amangiri, The Hazelton Hotel, and Lake Placid Lodge in North America; Tambo del Inka and Titilaka in South America; The Peninsula House and Tucker's Point in the Caribbean; Banjaar Tola (India) and Sumahan on the Water (Istanbul) in Asia & Mideast; Villa Bordoni and Hotel Le Fontanelle (Italy), Lydmar Hotel (Stockholm), Tenbosch House (Brussels), Amberley Castle and Lime Wood (England) in Europe.

Hot New Hotels: Devi Ratn in Jaipur, India

Recently singled out by The New York Times T Magazine as a "hotel to watch," the Devi Ratn is a contemporary vision of Indian design: "The latest jewel of India takes inspiration from Jaipur’s gem industry. At the 63-suite Devi Ratn, red sandstone is made into lyrical domes and arches, and surfaces sparkle with metal inlay." Anchored in the architectural tradition of Rajasthan, a region celebrated for its vibrant color and culture, the Devi Ratn also pays homage to Rajasthan's ancient astronomical observatories. The hotel's 'Devi Spa by L'Occitane'-- featuring signature treatments from the French brand-- will catapult the Devi Ratn into a leading spa destination. Every suite has views of the Aravali mountains, and if you book a villa, you'll get access to your own private pool and jacuzzi.

New Year’s Bash and More: Warm Up in Shanghai at the JIA Boutique Hotel

In Shanghai for New Year’s Eve? Book a table at JIA-- the trendy boutique hotel-- and you’ll be privy to a 4-course celebration menu at issimo by Salvatore Cuomo with free flowing Prosecco 'til the wee hours. Add sparkle to your night by booking the special “Winter Warmth” package. You’ll get a room upgrade and all kinds of complimentary JIA extras: a hot cooked breakfast at issimo, 24-hour soft beverages, afternoon cakes and the evening wine reception in the lobby, local phone calls, and special entry to the exclusive KEE private member’s club. This special is available now through January 5, 2011. Priced from RMB 1280 in a chic Studio. The four-course NYE dinner is priced from RMB 688 per person. (Get unlimited Prosecco with a package price of RMB 288 per person.) While you’re in town, warm up with traditional hot chocolate served with a dash of either Disarrono or Grand Marnier and topped with whipped cream, at the hotel's Ciobar.

Designer Eric Raisina Creates Christmas Tree for Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

Move over, John Galliano. Another fashion designer has worked his magic on a yuletide surprise, this time in the lobby of Siem Reap's most elegant hotel, the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. You may have seen his fashion on the runways of Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix and New York Fashion week, but now Madagascar-born, Cambodian-based designer Eric Raisina has crafted a Christmas tree that's sure to get tongues wagging. Inspired by traditional life on the Mekong River, Raisina designed a non-traditional tree out of fishing equipment used by local Cambodians. Adorned with hand-woven fishing nets and bamboo fishing rods and baskets, the tree takes center stage in the lobby of the glamorous hotel. The recent Christmas Tree lighting ceremony heralded the start of festivities throughout the hotel which will culminate in the highly-anticipated New Year's Eve Gala celebration by the pool, with fireworks ringing in 2011.