The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya is the perfect place to say “I do”. This hotel in Sanya is the first to offer an intimate, chic wedding chapel overlooking the sea. Leave your “everyday” behind, and discover this gorgeous hotel, where majestic mountains share the landscape with miles of secluded beaches, rainforests and the pristine South China Sea!

Located on China’s most secluded beach (known as the “Oriental Hawaii”), The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya is the ultimate escape for both luxury travelers and honeymooners alike.

This luxury hotel features 450 beautifully designed guestrooms, including suites and private villas – which offer incomparable privacy. All the spectacular villas are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and offer sparkling private plunge pools and outdoor salas – perfect for lazing the day away.

Suites and guestrooms feature views of Yalong Bay or views of the resort’s well manicured gardens. And, for newlyweds or honeymooners, you can’t forget the champagne served alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries (for a perfect night of relaxation and romance).

After indulging in some of Sanya’s best cuisine at one of the hotel’s eight restaurants, unwind in the resort’s ESPA.

With such treatments as Golfers Restore, Traditional Zen Journey, and The Brightening Ritual, ESPA’s treatments are inspired by Chinese tradition created specifically for The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya. With the spa on the other end of the resort from the villas, what better way is there to arrive for your treatment than by being chauffeured by your own personal butler?

Another unique feature is the resort’s on-hand Romanceologist, who will be available to help organize many unforgettable “I love you” moments for newlyweds.  Be sure to make an appointment to take advantage of this unique and highly romantic service.

Honeymooning can be spent relaxing around one of the resort’s four oversized pools, exploring Yalong Bay’s pristine white sand beach or enjoying a pampering treatment at the ESPA.

For active couples, the hotel has a professional scuba diving and water sports centre, two tennis courts with night lighting, mountain bike rental services, a full-service gymnasium and two championship golf courses within minutes.

Kiwi Insider Erik Wachtmeister recently traveled to China. In part two of this series, he recounts his experience at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, a great hotel to stay at if you want a business oriented hotel.

I must admit that arriving in Hong Kong from Shanghai was very pleasant. It felt like a little deja vu from the days when I was commuting between Kiev and Paris.

Hong Kong is extremely civilized and has a special old world charm to it. You feel that it is THE hub in Asia, albeit not the center of China.

We stayed five nights at the Mandarin Oriental, definitely the most convenient place to stay in Hong Kong. You are a five-minute walk from ninety percent of all business, shopping and restaurant destinations. Nice spa and very good choice of in-house dining. We were very well taken care of at the Oriental , but the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong earns top marks.

We were persuaded to experience the service at this hotel in Hong Kong and were frankly blown away! I would recommend anyone visiting Hong Kong to stay there. It may not be the obvious choice, but sometimes the less obvious is preferable.

A Club floor room (30-37) or a suite is recommended as the best rooms in this China hotel. The views are exhilarating, the rooms large, service great, the spa and the four hands massage to die for!
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Ever wondered how to find time for a moment of bliss in your hectic business travels?

Well I found a few of those moments of absolute bliss and tranquility during my stay at the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong. I was in Hong Kong attending the HEDNA conference and during my conference tour I had an opportunity to experience the luxurious services of the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, which became one of the highlights during my conference stay.

I was delightfully surprised by the level of service and personal attention that was given to me during my stay. First off, the hotel was kind enough to upgrade me to one of their club rooms which had an 180 degree view of the Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, which is absolutely magnificent. I thought that It couldnt get any better, but  right in front of the view was a single seat sofa with a pedestal table and on it a beautiful bottle of red with a glass ready to be poured. I took that moment to throw off my shoes, loosen my tie and enjoy the view along with the wine.

After 15 minutes of tranquility in my room with a glass of fine wine, I reluctantly but also excitedly, got up to change into my robe for my massage the Plateau Spa. This oasis in a luxury corporate hotel is truly a step out of the extra-ordinary. They are true to the word of tranquility and sheer experience. My massage and facial treatment left me feeling refreshed and washed away the stress of the day! The Plateau, which is situated on the 11th floor of the hotel also has one of the most exclusive fitness and exercise studios in Hong Kong, and I made a mental note to take advantage of the fitness centre the following morning before continuing upon my conference.

One of my favourite things to do when traveling on business is to take in at least one wonderful dining experience, as it is one of the things I enjoy the most about traveling to foreign countries. And I make sure to immerse myself at least one time into local cuisine; enjoying delicacies that I may not otherwise find back at home…or at least as convincingly. One of my colleagues at the conference had said to me that if I enjoy dim sum I need not go too far to experience some of the finest in Hong Kong, as the Hyatt’s own cantonese restaurant, housed on the eighth floor of the hotel, was stellar…and I must say, my colleague’s recommendation was spot on. The restaurant had been recently renovated and I sat and ate delicious local cuisine while looking out at the magnificent views over Victoria Harbour. One recommendation is to save room for dessert. I chose the mango pudding…I recommend you try it as well!

Until next time…

With Olympic fever hitting the city of Beijing right now, I felt that it would be appropriate to put together a little top list of four favourite properties located in what is referred to by many historians as “…one of the world’s greatest cities”.

A little bit about Beijing: It is one of China’s largest metropolitan centres, with an approximate population over 14 million, and the city has served as the political and cultural hub of the country for over eight centuries. Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples and shrines, and its art treasures and universities have long made the city a centre for culture and art in China.

Here is a list (in no particular order) of some of my favourite luxury properties that make up part of the Kiwi Collection – ones that provide the discerning traveler with an experience beyond the norm, and will undoubtedly make a positive impact in travels while in this dynamic city.

The Opposite House – Eminent Japanese architect Kango Kama designed the Opposite House, a unique hotel embracing a modern lifestyle. The hotel presents contemporary style and abundant space perfectly complemented by refreshingly individual service, ideal for business or leisure travelers.

98 large studio rooms and suites plus a 2 level penthouse complete with roof terrace are designed with subtle touches of traditional Chinese décor intermingled with modern furniture to provide a sense of space, warmth and utmost comfort. Each room comes with natural wooden floors, King size down beds and the most luxurious spa bathrooms. Top shelf entertainment amenities, a Nespresso machine and premium toiletries enhance the guest experience.

Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski – The Commune by The Great Wall Kempinski is a private collection of living contemporary Chinese and Asian architecture, where modernism and tradition blend together. Offering an architectural experience with breath-taking views over the landscape of the Shuiguan valley and the Great Wall. This unique collection of architectural gems combined with an impeccable, personal service and attention to detail make the Commune an ideal place for business and leisure traveler alike.

A total of 46 bedrooms in 11 beautifully designed villas ranging in size from 300 to 700 m2, each with an average of four bedrooms, each villa offers dedicated butler service, available around the clock. All villas offer wireless LAN with broadband technology as well as computer data ports for easy Internet access. A wide range of the most unusual meeting space, featuring modern amenities is available to make every event an unforgettable success.

Raffles Beijing Hotel – Built in the 1900s, Raffles Beijing Hotel has long stood as an icon of Beijing’s historical heritage. Ideally situated at the crossroads of famous Chang An Avenue and the district of Wangfujing, Raffles Beijing Hotel is in the heart of the prestigious business and commercial districts and a few minutes from the mystical Forbidden City, historical Tiananmen Square, the Silk Market and other famous sights.

Raffles Beijing Hotel epitomizes elegance and exclusivity, as guests luxuriate in beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, which are some of the most expansive and decadent in Beijing. Guest rooms and suites are tastefully appointed with intricate Oriental accents and French elegance, providing exclusive accommodation for discerning travelers.

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street – The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street is located at the intersection of Taipingqiao and Jinchengfangdong, a magnificent focal point of China’s most significant business and financial center. Offering well-appointed guest rooms, comforting amenities and a wealth of high-tech conveniences, the hotel will be the ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Ritz Carlton Beijing, Financial Street offers 253 guest rooms including 33 suites and 34 Ritz-Carlton Club Level rooms. With contemporary design of glass and chrome defines the sparkling exterior, while the interior exudes elegance and warm hospitality. The Ritz-Carlton Beijing also offers their signature linens and featherbeds for extra comfort.