A host of high-profile golfers have come together to help raise nearly 2.5 million Baht at a charity auction in aid of the flood relief efforts in Thailand.

The Thai public and people throughout Asia in general are still attempting to come to terms with the country’s worst floods for 50 years and the clean-up operation is under way. Considering luxury golf breaks contribute to the Thailand tourism industry, it is entirely fitting that some of the stars of the sport did what they could to drum up some much-needed money to help the flood victims and raise awareness that more needs to be done.

Images from BillGoff.com

The likes of Darren Clarke, John Daly, Sergio Garcia, Charl Schwartzel and Lee Westwood all took time out from their preparations for the season-ending Thailand Golf Championship to attend the charity event and evening was a great success.

Ryo Ishikawa, one of the most promising young players in the sport, also attended and the recent events in Thailand are particular emotive for the 20-year-old. The youngster reacted to the earthquake and tsunami that struck his native Japan back in March by pledging all his earnings for the rest of 2011 to the relief efforts.

And Ishikawa was only too happy to lend his support to do what he can to generate money for the on-going charity efforts in Thailand. He said: “We had the same problem in Japan with the earthquake and tsunami and I was really touched with the help we got. “In return, I’m proud to be a part of this effort to help in Thailand. All the players feel the same and I hope the country recovers soon.”

Although Christmas and the New Year are just around the corner, it’s not too late to escape the chill on a last minute holiday. Just because the UK is being plunged into darkness and battered by cold winds and icy rain doesn’t mean the rest of the world is suffering the same fate. If you want to top up your vitamin D, work on your tan and sip cocktails at sunset, here are three of the best Asian winter sun destinations to do so. If you act quickly, you can pick up one of Thomas Cook’s last minute holidays to winter sun hot spots and head off before the year is even over.

Thailand

Put firmly on the tourist map by the film The Beach, Thailand is a paradise on earth. Tropical rainforests meet white-sand beaches; tumbling waterfalls cascade into emerald green rock pools; colourful coral reefs teem with even brighter coloured fish and in almost every vista there is a Buddhist temple or shrine.

The Land of Smiles always offers a warm welcome; the beaches are to die for and the culture, architecture and tradition is engaging and intriguing.

From the inland rainforest-surrounded city of Chiang Mai to The Beach paradise of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand has much to offer the winter sun seeker, the adventure enthusiast and the culture vulture

Sri Lanka

Tea plantations shrouded in morning mist, ancient deserted cities, mountainous national parks and miles of golden sand beaches make Sri Lanka one very appealing place to visit. It has been marred by civil war but the country now seems to be on the road to recovery and it’s welcoming tourists with open arms.

The climate is divine, the food is delectable and the landscape diverse. For such a small country there is a lot to see and do; from elephant rides to surfing, plantation tours to cookery classes this small slice of Indian Ocean paradise has plenty to offer.

Goa

Goa is like no other place on earth. It is firmly rooted on the Indian subcontinent, but its colonial rule by the Portuguese gives it a decidedly more European feel. Add to that a massive dose of laid back ‘hippy’ style living and you have one very eclectic place indeed.

It’s a spiritual haven, so yoga lovers will definitely be in heaven. It’s also a great place to shop with markets and street vendors all vying for your attention.

Aside from a stunning coastline, the hinterland is a muddle of criss-crossing waterways that make for relaxed afternoon boat cruises and further inland the dense rainforests are home to the illusive Indian tiger. To top it all off, the food is amongst the best in the entire country, lots of seafood curries, coconut milk and fresh fruit.

Asia is slightly mysterious, incredibly colourful, culturally heterogeneous and completely different to what Britons are used to. From ancient remains to tropical rainforests and a mixture of religions the Asian region is a top priority for many travellers. Of course the Asian continent is vast and there is much to see, but if you could only visit a handful of places, these are the ones that should come top of the list.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The intriguing temple complex at Angkor Wat in Cambodia is shrouded in mystery. It was built for King Suryavarman II in the 12th century in classic Khmer style. It is the largest religious building in the world and a symbol of Cambodia, yet much is still unknown about the building and its former residents. For example, the temple faces west unlike other Angkorian temples, and historians have no idea why. Surrounded by lakes and rainforest, this ancient gem is truly wonderful.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is breathtaking. The steep and towering limestone rock formations rise magnificently out of the emerald sea. The region is often dusted with mist and traditional fishing boats eerily scour the water for fish. This place looks more like a scene from a movie than real life.

Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia

The world’s oldest tropical rainforest is in the Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia. The rainforest is home to a huge range of unique wildlife, from the Asian elephant and Sumatran Rhino to the Malayan tiger and crab-eating macaque and some parts of the forest are still, as yet, unexplored.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal in India is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It truly is the jewel in India’s crown. Dating back to the 1600s, it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The architecture and its scale are mesmerising. Visit at sunrise to watch the walls change colour with the rising sun.

Mount Everest, Nepal

The highest mountain on earth is nature’s greatest feat of engineering. Although you might not be physically able to climb it, it’s still worth visiting base camp and the surrounding Sagarmatha National Park. The scenery is out of this world with vivid blue glacial pools, rocky glacier tracks, vast meadows and of course towering snow-covered peaks.



If you want to visit one of these destinations in the near future, check out the range of all inclusive holidays from Thomas Cook. You don’t have to spend a fortune on these long-haul destinations and you might actually be surprised at just how affordable holidays to India and Malaysia, for example, actually are.

Annual policies could save regular travellers an average of 15%, says moneysupermarket.com

The latest travel insurance research by travel insurance compare giant, moneysupermarket.com, has found that families who travel regularly are financially far better off taking out annual insurance cover than single trip cover.

With half term here and the Christmas and Easter holidays fast being booked up, the comparison site is urging families to secure themselves an annual policy – and, of course, one with adequate cover for their travel requirements.

Far from saving a few pounds by neglecting to buy insurance cover, travellers can find themselves left with huge medical bills if treated abroad without worldwide travel insurance cover, or left without replacement cash or expensive baggage and gadgets should they be lost or stolen abroad.

Moneysupermarket’s recommended level of cover is as follows:
• £2m for medical expenses
• £1m personal liability
• £3000 cancellation (/enough to cover the cost of your hoiliday)
• £1500 baggage
• £250 for cash
• Policy excesses under £100
• Cover for scheduled airline failure and end supplier failure as desirable
• Delay cover (e.g. £20 per hour for the initial 12 hours).

Moneysupermarket’s advice is targeted, in particular, at those families who take a minimum of two trips per year or at least one long-haul getaway per year. The comparison site estimates that families taking three trips per year would save around 15 per cent if they were to take out an annual policy as opposed to single trip cover for each trip they book.

And what’s more, the levels of cover provided with annual policies are generally more generous for annual policies, particularly when it comes to that all important medical cover, as well as cancellation and baggage, which, for the average family, can amount to hundreds, even thousands of pounds for a long trip.

An example given by Moneysupermarket in their recent press release is of a family of four holidaying in the US for seven days. Comprehensive cover for just £26 that would offer:

£5,000,000 medical cover
£3,000 cancellation
£1,500 for baggage.

For an extra £13, the same family could get themselves an annual policy that offers all of the above PLUS an extra £5,000,000 of medical cover as well as cover for as many extra trips as they want in the specified 12 month period.

Moneysupermarket travel insurance expert, Bob Atkinson, said: “Heading abroad for a much needed break is always exciting but it’s essential to make sure you and your family are fully covered before you go. Many people leave travel insurance to the last minute and often overlook the finer details such as the varying levels of cover available, only to be caught out later on if a claim needs to be made.

“The price of a policy should not be the main factor when buying travel insurance however being a savvy regular traveller will save you money without compromising on cover. It really pays to take the time to get to grips with the small print and ensure you have more than enough cover for your needs. Annual policies normally provide an increased level of cover however this does come with an additional price tag.

“Holidaymakers need to think carefully about how often they plan to travel per year and if it is more likely they will travel to a long haul destination such as the USA, then it is definitely worth paying for an annual policy. It also gives flexibility if they decide to go on any last minute holidays or trips such as weekend city breaks abroad or in the UK, as they will already be covered.”

Photo credit - Simon Lesley Photo

As more young people go on holiday with their friends every year, tourist hotspots are increasingly selling themselves as partying and club scenes – with themed nights, potent fishbowl cocktails, and hundreds of other off-the-leash Brits having a wild time and casual sex. There’s a saying: what goes on tour, stays on tour. But if you’re not careful when you’re on the booze abroad it could end up changing your life forever.

You might think, while on holiday, that being a British citizen gives you a free pass out of trouble – if you’re a victim of crime, the consulate will sort it; if you get arrested, all you’ll get is a slap on the wrist. You couldn’t be more wrong: you’re subject to the often very different laws of the locality you’re in and they may choose to make an example of you or ignore your complaints. The consulate will provide support in terms of translation and travel money transfers but can’t negotiate with police, investigate crime or hire you a lawyer.

So here are a few don’ts and dos – with them and some common sense you can drink safe this summer:

Don’t: do activities drunk. Swimming, snorkelling or even hiking while under the influence or hungover is extremely dangerous; dehydration in hot climates, lack of coordination and unfamiliar scenarios are a recipe for disaster. Accidents can in the worst cases be fatal and in the best cases be expensive, as any evidence that you had alcohol in your system while doing potentially dangerous stuff like skiing will invalidate your travel insurance.

If you’re travelling with a company that offers daily activities, avoid paying for them in advance. If you’ve paid and go on to have a heavy drinking session the night before, you’ll be left unable to take part and short of cash.

Don’t: go it alone. Almost 300 rapes and sexual assaults were reported by Brits on holiday between July 2010 and July 2011 (FCO figures) and alcohol is the most common denominator: if you’re not in control, you need to know a friend will be there for you.

Don’t: drink and drive. Not only is the legal limit much lower in some countries than in the UK, it can vary depending on your age, the size of your vehicle and the level of your experience. Driving on a moped is just as dangerous if not more dangerous than driving a car: just because you don’t have to pass a test to be in control of one doesn’t mean the laws are laxer when it comes to being intoxicated behind the handlebars.

You’re going to be driving on strange roads, often on the right hand side, that could be dangerous or ill-maintained at the best of times – drunk, you’ll be extremely lucky to escape unscathed.

Do: know the local laws. Those that think they’re drinking responsibility could end up flouting the most basic restrictions, so check the legal drinking age and attitude to public consumption with the FCO before you set off.

You might find your preconceptions about the culture aren’t true: for instance, the legal drinking age in France is 18 and marijuana is illegal in Jamaica. Pleading ignorance won’t cut it so make sure you know where the boundaries are.

Do: unto other countries as you would have done to yours. Alcohol-related arrests could involve nudity and public urination, stuff you’d never do at home but risk abroad. People have been arrested for wearing beachwear on the high street and getting frisky in public places – or worse, getting violent. Drinking too much has been the catalyst for many a brawl abroad, because it lowers your already lowered inhibitions. It’s a good idea to have at least one person stay sober (or sober-ish) for the evening, to keep you safe and under control.

Old School Beauty – A Charming Themed Resort with Nostalgic Tints

Inside Lembang’s lush surroundings lies Jadul Village, a unique villa and spa concept offering you luxurious accommodations amidst an atmosphere of rich heritage. Located approximately 30 minutes away from Bandung, Jadul Villa boast 21 tastefully designed villas fully outfitted with five-star amenities. Guests are able to take advantage of the nearby spa, which offers exquisite facilities. The Jadul Spa’s signature treatments are based on aromatherapy, a fusion of techniques from East and West designed to refresh and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. Each spa is designed to fit into its natural surroundings, using indigenous materials that showcase local culture and heritage. There is also the D’Jadul Restaurant, which offers a wide variety of cuisines – from European to Pan-Asian and traditional Indonesian foods.

Jadul Village Resort Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
Jln.Terusan Sersan Bajuri No 45
Bandung – Indonesia
P:022-2785544/2785655
www.jadulvillage.com

A Touch of Zen – Affordable Luxury in Lembang

Deep in the heart of Bandung, the flower city of West Java, lies a natural boutique resort offering guests a peaceful stay at their evergreen area in the valley of Mt Tangkuban Perahu and Mt Burangrang. The Vila Air is an ideal retreat from daily metropolitan life, boasting private chalets with panoramic views of Mt Tangkuban Perahu. Each villa comes with three bedrooms, private balconies and terraces, a water-heated bathroom, and a cozy traditional living room. Vila Air also offers several activities which guests can take advantage of. If you enjoy nature, try Tea Walk, which takes you through nearby tea plantations. You can also visit the Strawberry Plantation, where you will have the chance to learn more about these sweet fruits and pluck your own fresh strawberries to bring home. Other than that, you can also embark on various tours such as a Bandung Shopping Tour, Lembang Tour and even a Horse Riding Tour.

Vila Air Bandung
Jl Kolonel Masturi KM 9
Cisarua, Lembang
+62 22 7070 2668
info@vilaair.com
www.vilaair.com

Pulau Umang – A Nature Themed Resort Island for All

The international global trend of going “back to nature” is a lifestyle that is fast becoming a passion to city-dwellers. Pulau Umang is proud to showcase a nature-themed resort which is uniquely designed to have each and every aspect of its architecture blend in with the beautiful nature surrounding it. This is the perfect place to rest and relax for individuals who are stressed out and bored by their daily routine.

Umang Island is located at Sumur, Pandeglang, Banten, roughly 183 km from Jakarta (approximately five hours away by car). With its mesmerizing mountains of Honje and Ujungkulon, this resort boasts an enviable location. Currently, the resort offers 60 nature-themed rooms, all located on prime beachfront property with a host of of amenities and facilities that offer traditional massage, a swimming pool, kids pool, and a jacuzzi, an event hall, table tennis, and a kids club. On top of that, there are other nature-based activities on offer, such as snorkeling, banana boat, flying fish, fishing, outbound games, barbeque and more.

Pulau Umang also boasta two unique nature-based activities – Outbound Adventure and Amazing Camp Adventure. In Outbound Adventure, guests experience various “back to nature” activities, such as trekking, river rafting, as well as traditional al-fresco meals served in the heart of the jungle. Supported by a creative and professional group of nature-lovers, Outbound Adventure is sure to be a hit with urban dwellers. The Amazing Camp Adventure is another offering designed for kids to allow them to learn more about nature as well as their own capabilities and skills.

All in all, Pulau Umang is slated to become one of the main tourist attractions for those looking to have a family gathering, company events, outbound team building and more – there is a little bit of everything here!

The urban lifestyle of Jakartans continues to evolve, and now, a mall or a shopping center is no longer just a place to buy your everyday needs. But instead, it is now a center of life and activity, a meeting point to gather and socialize, as well as for young executives in between their busy schedules and a place for family recreation.

This is also true for the business lifestyle which differed very much compared to 5 to 10 years ago where formality, monotone and strict dress-codes are the order of the day. The modern business lifestyle is practical, dynamic, semi-formal and most importantly – mobile. Business can be done from wherever you want to, be it from the office, mall, cafe, restaurant, and others. This is true as well when looking for a place to stay, the trend gravitates toward emphasizing a homey atmosphere that is located near a business center.

It is to meet these evolving demands of the modern and future generation that longs for a life that is more practical and dynamic that Agung Podomoro Land undertakes the development project of super-block Kuningan City, which integrates the needs of a worker and businessman with the recreational activities and relaxation that are available to stay true to its tagline – Work, Rest and Play.

Kuningan City was built above a 2,9 hectare landmass, with a total built-up of 384,000 m2, boasting a parking space that can accommodate up to 3,000 cars. The property is divided into six floors of retail, 39 floors of residential towers, as well as 32 floors of The Oval Premium Office Tower which will be known as the AXA Tower in future.

The super-block development boasts an unparalleled portfolio with award winning DP Architects Pte Ltd from Singapore as the main Concept Architecture Consultant. They are the same brains behind various iconic architectures such as the Esplanade, the Singapore Flyer, Paragon and Dubai Mall.

For special lighting, First Concept Technologies by Chris Tju takes over the helm, while the Bennitt Design Group from USA is in charge of the Landscaping. The Kuningan City super-block will soon be a part of the business and commercial hub of International Shopping Belt Jakarta.
Various outlets such as Lotte Mart, Best Denki, Cinema XXI, PT Mitra Adi Perkasa, Trans Mahagaya, Flame Karaoke, Lollipop Playland, Eatery, Amazing Zone, Metrox Group and various other brands have signed up to ensure that the Kuningan City shopping center will be a lifestyle and entertainment destination for modern urbanites.

An immersive annual showcase and dialogue for art and film is set to take place at the Six Senses Yao Noi, Beyond Phuket from December 16 to 20, 2011. Film on the Rocks will be a 4 days and 3 nights of film showcase, local activities and conversation. Dictated by nature, the screenings will be informed by the tides, the activities will embrace Yao Noi and her neighbouring islands, whilst conversation will stem from interaction with locals. Tilda Swinton, Cultural Activist and Producer and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Filmmaker and Winner of the 2010 Palme d’Or will curate the inaugural Film on the Rocks. Ms. Swinton and Mr. Weerasethakul will present film titles to be screened on the rocks of Phang Nga Bay, under the stars. This year, emerging filmmakers will be chosen by Mr. Weerasethakul and their works will be premiered at Film on the Rocks.

The premiere event, Film on the Rocks will be 4 days and 3 nights of film showcase, local activities and conversation. Fully dictated by nature, the screenings will depend on the tides, and the wide array of activities all aims to embrace Yao Noi and her neighbouring islands. Local activities, debates and conversations will take place with the participation of Waris Ahluwalia, Jefferson Hack, Andre Saraiva, Olympia Le Tan and other personalities together with local villagers and the sea gypsies of Yao Noi. In addition, Film on the Rocks will be hosting residencies each year at Six Senses Yao Noi. This year, the emerging filmmakers will be chosen by Mr. Weerasethakul and their works will be premiered at Film on the Rocks.

The event aspires to be an alternative platform upon to showcase views where different worlds converge, to start a dialogue with not only each other, but also the environment and the world. It proposes to do so by bringing luminaries together to Yao Noi, an island detached from common big city concerns to reflect upon the notion of shared experiences. This will be the first event of its kind taking place at Six Senses Yao Noi. Yao Noi sits at the centre of some of the most magical locations and iconic sites in cinema history. Film on the Rocks aims to be a source of creativity and not just a backdrop to these moments. Six Senses has pioneered the idea of intelligent luxury and environmentally sustainable eco-tourism. It also continues to support cultural exchanges on its properties worldwide.