From the sunny beaches of Hainan (known as the ‘French Riviera of China’) to exploring the Angkor Wat temples and experiencing authentic Khmer Culture in Cambodia, Raffles Hotels & Resorts suggests nine places to escape the tinsel for Christmas 2013.
Best for… families: an island paradise at Raffles Praslin Seychelles
Set on the northern tip of Praslin in the Seychelles archipelago, Raffles Praslin is a true island paradise – and is swapping Christmas trees for Coco de Mer palms. Families will arrive at Raffles Praslin Seychelles to completely relax, enjoying the comfort of their private pool villa and the services of a legendary Raffles Butler on hand to take care of every detail. Relaxation and rejuvenation is the order of the day – from sunrise yoga classes for mom and deep-sea fishing for dad, to brand new paddleboards for children to master, and the promise of a visit to see the giant turtles on Curieuse. Treatments at the signature Raffles Spa are based on the philosophy of transformation – encouraging guests to arrive as one person, and leave as another – without an ounce of Christmas stress to contend with. From December 1 2013 to January 31 2014, enjoy a complimentary night’s stay with a minimum stay of 3 nights at Raffles Praslin Seychelles with ‘The World and You, with Raffles’. www.raffles.com/praslin
Best for… winter sun: Raffles Dubai
Sun-seeking families should look no further than Raffles Dubai for their winter dose of Vitamin D. With temperatures settling at around 80°F in December, Christmas is the perfect time to drop everything and jet to Raffles Dubai. Perfect for families, the iconic pyramid of the hotel is a destination in its own right – with something to do for everyone. From the fun-packed Raffles Play Room and a 20-foot high advent calendar, to delicious afternoon teas and seven of the best restaurants and bars in town, Raffles Dubai is ideal for all ages. Spectacular sunsets over the Dubai skyline, an irresistible spa, outdoor pools and a botanical garden will create lasting memories – as well as a private entrance to the Wafi Mall for a Christmas shopping extravaganza. From December 1 2013 to January 31 2014, enjoy a complimentary night’s stay with a minimum stay of 3 nights at Raffles Dubai with ‘The World and You, with Raffles’ www.raffles.com/dubai
Best for… chic children: a next –generation Palace for the next generation: Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
True to its own very distinct and creative spirit, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris has a new original and inspirational children’s program, Le Petit Royal, ideal for treating kids for Christmas – and enjoying a magical break in the City of Light. Hand over the children to Maria de la Chica, Director of Children’s Relations, and the rest is taken care of: DJ lessons for teens; being a Paris Reporter for a day for budding journalists; personal shopping for catwalk queens-in-the-making; or pizza cooking classes for mini Michelin Star Chefs and even creating their own perfume under the supervision of a professional perfume designer. Meanwhile parents can disappear into the sublime Spa MyBlend by Clarins for some winter down-time, sip cocktails at Le Bar Long and lunch at La Cuisine – recently awarded a Michelin Star. From December 1 2013 to January 31 2014, enjoy a complimentary night’s stay with a minimum stay of 3 nights at Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris with ‘The World and You, with Raffles’ www.raffles.com/singapore
Best for… Khmer culture: Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh
Today there is an exciting new energy in Cambodia, as the people strive to reignite the traditional Khmer arts which were lost during the war, and visitors are discovering that Phnom Penh is at the heart of the Cambodian cultural revival. Built in 1929, Raffles Hotel Le Royal has played a central part in the history of the capital. Full of atmosphere and authenticity, the hotel is allowed to display the Royal crest above its door and to serve original Khmer dishes created from recipes from the Royal kitchens granted to them by the late King Father Norodom. Instead of recipes for a Christmas turkey dinner, learn to prepare dishes served in the Royal Palace at special gatherings, including the flavorful Amok Trey (coconut fish mouse steamed in mild spices) and crepes filled with mung beans and grated coconut. Culinary classes at Raffles Hotel Le Royal are available on request, with a minimum of 5 guests. www.raffles.com/beijing
Best for… colonial cool and temples: Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap
The mystical ancient temples of Angkor Wat have been drawing travelers to Siem Reap, Cambodia – and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor – for many years. There’s nowhere more magical to spend Christmas morning than watching the sun rise from behind the temples, having cruised through Siem Reap in the Raffles 1950s Jeep. Guests can try their hand at cooking classes for authentic Royal Cambodian cuisine with some of the recipes originated from the Royal Household, or disappear to the spa for total relaxation. Catch traditional dancers warding off the spirits, and encouraging peace and happiness for the year ahead. Stays at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor over Christmas from $405 per room per nightwww.raffles.com/hainan
Best for… a taste of the Orient: Raffles Singapore
Somerset Maugham once said “Raffles stand for all the fables of the exotic East,” perfectly encapsulating the lush gardens, courtyards and fountains, verandahs and colonnades which make Raffles Hotel Singapore so special. Guests will swap Christmas trees for traveler’s palms, rustling quietly in the breeze, and the story of Christmas for stories from Leslie Danker, Resident Historian at the hotel – topped by the tale of a runaway tiger in Singapore, found under the Bar & Billiard Room in 1902, before being shot. With the scent of frangipani wafting through the incredibly private gardens, and the Afternoon Tea tradition taking a festive turn, Raffles Singapore offers the most atmospheric of Christmas breaks. From December 1 2013 to February 7 2014, enjoy a complimentary night’s stay with a minimum stay of 2 nights at Raffles Singapore with ‘The World and You, with Raffles’. www.raffles.com/makati.
Best for… old and new: Raffles Beijing Hotel
Raffles Beijing Hotel sits at the point where old world charm and opulence meets the exuberance of 21st century China. Over 90 years, the hotel has witnessed key social and political events in the capital, playing a key part in the history of the city. With an enviable address closer to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City than any other hotel in town, Raffles Beijing is perfect for the hustle and bustle of the city while offering an oasis of calm inside. Guests should call upon John Spooner, Raffles Ambassador at the hotel, to discover the best of Beijing – from trips to the Great Wall, to visits to the 798 Art District, blending the ancient with the modern. From December 1 2013 to January 31 2014, enjoy a complimentary night’s stay with a minimum stay of 3 nights at Raffles Beijing with ‘The World and You, with Raffles’ www.raffles.com/beijing
Best for… trendsetters – and trying something new: Raffles Hainan, Clearwater Bay *NEW*
Combine the culture of Beijing with a very different side of China – a beautiful tropical beach – without having to worry about traveling to another country. Just opened at Clearwater Bay, Raffles Hainan sits at the heart of the new hotspot on the southeast coast of Hainan Island – China’s answer to the French Riviera and a rising star in the Far East.
A total escape from the buzz of the mainland, Hainan has everything which would be expected of a resort of its caliber. For her: a 1,5070 sq.ft Raffles Spa (the first in China) with both Asian and Western spa treatments, and outdoor lagoon and swimming pool. For him: two championship golf courses designed by US-based Schmidt-Curley Design, Tennis and a 24-hour fitness center. Dining is a highlight here, with superb restaurants – from traditional Chinese, to al fresco Balinese-style dining. The legendary Raffles’ Long Bar has also traveled to Hainan, a tribute to Ngiam Tong Boon, the Hainanese bartender who created the original Singapore Sling. Enjoy a bottle of Champagne and dining credit worth CNY 888 (USD $145) with ‘Join and Celebrate’ at Raffles Hainan. www.raffles.com/hainan
Best for… a city break with a difference: Raffles Makati, Manila
Vibrant and glamorous, Manila brims with fine restaurants, world-class shopping, a vibrant night life and endless beaches. At the very heart is Makati, the fastest growing cosmopolitan center in Metro Manila. Here a striking, newly built landmark 30-floor tower is home to Raffles Makati – a 32 room all-suite luxury hotel on the 9th-11th floors, each with its own Raffles Butler. Away from the buzz of the city, guests can sip specially crafted cocktails in the Long Bar, and make the most of two swimming pools and the Willow Stream Spa – the ideal combination of city and relaxation. When the city gets to be too much, guests can head off to nearby islands for world class diving and time on the beach. From December 1 2013 to January 31 2014, enjoy a complimentary night’s stay with a minimum stay of 2 nights at Raffles Makati with ‘The World and You, with Raffles’ www.raffles.com/makati
