All posts filed under: Asia

Luxury stay at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore

Published by Jacqueline Langford

Stop looking and be wow’ed by the magic of The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore hotel. Panoramic city views, top-notch service.. a stay here that you surely won’t regret. This hotel is centrally located within Marina Bay and walking distance to many local attractions. Being completely honest, we were deciding between the famed Marina Bay Sands Singapore hotel or The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore and I am so glad we chose to stay here. Reading through online reviews, if you’re after a luxurious hotel stay, The Ritz-Carlton offers exceptional service and more. Less than a 10-minute walk apart, we visited the Marina Bay Sands Singapore hotel and when we first walked past the entrance located within the shopping centre, the queue that wrapped around the initial check-in area was not what we expected for a well-talked about hotel. We also dined at their Ce La Vi rooftop restaurant which adjoins the swimming area of this hotel and it was filled with tourists, so much so I’d be frustrated if I was a staying guest. That said, we opted …

Kyoto tour: Explore Gion and Possibly see a Maiko or Geisha too

Published by Jacqueline Langford

We stumbled across Kentaro’s small group Kyoto tour through Airbnb Experiences and what I loved about it – other than it being a tour about Kyoto – was that it offered a maximum of six participants. Six did you say? Yes you read right. You’re so use to seeing large group tours, 20+ participants, a flag held high and a loud hailer overhead. Which to be honest, I’m not a fan of unless I have no other option but to book such. With two spots secured by us – in addition to only two others joining – I’d highly recommend booking this tour for anyone who wants to learn what the beautiful city of Kyoto is really about. The group was of a manageable size, the tour was affordable, and I can assure you, you will have a brilliant Japanese local guide, Kentaro. Let me start by saying it is very rare that you can be guaranteed to see a true geisha (also known as a geiko in Kyoto), unless they’re not the real deal, …

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: Overwater 1 Bedroom Villa with Pool

Published by Jacqueline Langford

The villa accommodation at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is nothing short of saying it’s phenomenal. Whilst you have to keep in mind the room is not designed to that of a traditional island bure with a thatched roof, the architecture and modern technologies that are available to this room on a tropical island, 160km away from the mainland is quite impressive. We stayed in the Overwater Villa with Pool that overlooks the ocean and has a partial beach facing view. However for a little extra, you can upgrade to a Sunset Overwater Villa with Pool that has uninterrupted water views throughout and the added bonus of the sun setting each night. That said, there is a travel hack which is, you can wake up early in the standard Overwater Villa with Pool and watch the sunrise in lieu (which we did instead). This idyllic overwater bungalow experience is where all the impossibles are made possible, nothing I have ever experienced before and yet, the best stay I could even ask for and more. …

Luxury in the Maldives: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Published by Jacqueline Langford

Ever dreamed of that idyllic Maldivian holiday that’s forever on your wish list? One day? Maybe? If only?  Well, our dreams finally came true and boy, did it live up to expectations and more.  The Maldives has been on my travel bucket list forever.  No real time frame as to when, but just at some point in my life I’d like to go there.  After three years spent building two houses (and no overseas holiday in between), it was time to reward ourselves with the trip that we deserve and if it was to be the Maldives, then why not make the most of it. I can’t even start to explain how amazing this holiday was.  It was even better than the postcards and nothing that I could comprehend in my wildest dreams as being a holiday destination.  Situated on a private island, with access only via a 45-minute seaplane from Male, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is truly a magical experience. Upon arrival into Male, we were met by Shiyan who helped us check-in …

Experience Meditation at Osaka Castle with Kuniatsu 清晨冥想 아침명상

Published by Jacqueline Langford

After travelling for nearly two weeks across Japan, it was time to take a well-deserved break to simply reset. With a never-ending list of sightseeing at bay, we stumbled across Kuniatsu Suzuki’s Airbnb Experience: morning meditation with a Japanese Buddhist monk at Osaka Castle – the perfect stop to reflect and clear your thoughts at one of the most famous tourist landmarks in Osaka, Japan. With an early morning rise, we made our way towards Osaka Castle to meet Kuniatsu at 6.20am. Surrounded by stoned walls and moats, this historical castle stands out from a distance, showcasing its beautiful traditional Japanese architecture, well protected within the parks’ majestic gardens. Miraiza Osaka-Jo (a red and brown building) is our meeting spot, in-front Osaka Castle. Once a former headquarters of the Japanese Army, Miraiza Osaka-Jo is now a restored building filled with shops, cafes and restaurants, opening at 9am. From 6am however, you’ll hear the morning choir standing before it, awaiting the 6.30am exercise classes to begin. I was quite surprised at how many of the locals actually wake …