Monday, July 23, 2012

Out on a limb at the Bangkok Tree House






Inspired by Henry David Thoreau's classic book 'Walden', the Bangkok Tree House is taking eco resort style to a whole new level of cool. Located just a half hour drive out of crazy busy Bangkok on Bang Kachao, known as the 'Green Lung' of Thailand's largest metropolis, the tree house - although beautifully designed -does not make promises of super luxury or sophistication. This is very much an eco-minded retreat that proudly proclaims that it is "not for everyone" ... but therein lies the allure. 
The Bangkok Tree House is as its name suggests - set out in the trees with a variety of "nests". We like the sound of the "Honeymoon Nest" which has its own private green-roof, or the "Tree-top Nest" with the ample private outdoor areas to lounge and sun-bathe. Or for a really unique experience, spend the night out on a limb at the "View with a Room" and sleep under the stars - no electricity, out in the open wilderness, and only for the truly brave of heart!  
Bangkok Tree House also takes a natural approach to dining, with the freshest ingredients served up from the farm to your table - local, organic cuisine and a seat with a view of the Chao Phraya River. A rare green retreat from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok ... and only accessible by boat and foot, worlds away from reality. Check in, and zone out.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Nikki Beach Club comes to Mallorca, Spain






Wednesday ... or as it's known around Holidays for Couples HQ, Hump Day - we're on the downhill slope towards the weekend, and day dreaming about being somewhere where the days are hot and the nights even hotter. How about some fun at the brand new Nikki Beach Club, just opened on the beautiful island of Mallorca, Spain? Sounds like a perfect plan!
This is the global Nikki Beach brands second club to open in Spain (Nikki Beach Marbella opened in 2003), and it's set to carry on the legacy as one of the sexiest destinations for locals and visitors alike to spend luxurious afternoons and memorable nights against Mediterranean Sea. Guests can enjoy themselves on exotic, oversized white plush lounge sun beds, sipping champagne and dancing to the all-day & night grooves of Nikki Beach's world-class DJs and live entertainment. The club will also offer a complimentary yacht pick-up service.  As you do ...!!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Luxury retreat of yoga, bliss and relaxation - Koh Samui, Thailand









Thailand's mecca for holistic, spa and wellness holidays can be found on the beautiful island of Koh Samui in the south, a tropical paradise for both purists and hedonists alike. From yoga and detox to fine dining, massage, relaxation and romance, this island serves it up in cosmopolitan style.

Combining the very best elements of a yoga retreat with all the sophistication of a luxury villa escape, Villa Michaela is offering a fantastic 7 night yoga retreat from 7th - 14th October this year for couples wanting to immerse themselves in a total mind and body experience in a stunning seaview villa. 

Your teachers Teresa and Kes Kennard are the founders of The Yoga Retreat on the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan, and they have been living and teaching yoga in Thailand for almost a decade. Together they will bring their combined knowledge of ashtanga yoga, meditation and pranayama to guests of Villa Michaela with daily classes in luxurious surrounds. There is also an in-house spa where you will be treated to daily massage plus a sauna, an infinity-edge pool and expansive decking for your relaxation, as well as a full time Thai chef to prepare delicious dishes for your stay.

The cost is USD $3,900 for two people sharing a master suite, or you could get your friends or some other couples together and book the whole house out - with a maximum number of only 10 guests, you're assured a really intimate ambience.  Reconnect to your bodies and to each other with the perfect holistic holiday in paradise. You're in for a truly special and transformative island experience! 


Monday, July 2, 2012

Boutique Luxury at Villa Howden - Hobart, Tasmania







Located on the tranquil shores of the North West Bay just 15 mins from Hobart is a private oasis of calm and sophisticated chic, the stunning estate of Villa Howden. Beckoning discerning couples looking for some luxury and time out in beautiful Tasmania, this delightful villa is set on the edge of the Huon Valley tourist route, making it an ideal base from which to discover the magnificent views from Mount Wellington and all that Hobart and the Huon Valley have to offer. 

The place has just undergone a recent refurbishment programme, including the creation of a piano bar, and is now launched as Villa Howden by Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the year 2007 Val Harding, who knows a thing or two about luxury travel and the very finest of hotel style - she had her own hotel interior design firm in England and later a new hotel cosmetics collection of botanical personal care products called “Serendipity”,  designed exclusively for the finest hotels in Australia and now available internationally. 

A perfect indulgence, staying in one of these 10 luxurious suites with exquisite landscaped gardens on the shores of the North West Bay, where days can be spent touring the local regions or the sights of Hobart, and nights spent enjoying fine dining and a unique and secluded ambiance back at the estate.