Hoshinoya Kyoto is nestled among the mountains and rivers in beautiful Arashiyama region of Kyoto City, a traditional vacation area dating back to the Heian era (794-1185).

Upon boarding a boat from the famed Togetsukyo Bridge, among Arashiyama’s natural scenery with a fifteen-minute journey up the Oigawa River you arrive to the ryokan resort. It is said that these private waterfront residences once served as the personal dwelling and library of famed shipping merchant Ryoi Suminokura (1554-1614). Here you can take pleasure in the same ambience of seclusion and the sophistication of Kyoto culture.
The resort inherited traditional Japanese architecture and offers a variety of opportunities to experience Japan like the self enlightenment through morning zen meditation in Buddhist temple, or Monko, a Japanese incense ceremony..

The resorts has 25 spacious rooms mixed the trational Japanese architecture with Kyoto”"s craftsmanship and contemporary touch. All guest rooms spread out along the riverside, providing a gorgeous view of the river andmountains with trees that change colors by season.! For an authentic Japanese expereince with modern comfort…

Koichiro Kimura is internationally active designer as well as  owner of the interior showroom ‘international‘. In his Aoyama showroom Kimura created a contact place to link his own artwork and national and international companies.

The showroom is in an old house constructed in the mid Showa era (around the 50’s) and renovated it into a shop on the ground floor and a showroom on the 2nd floor, using Kimura’s key colors of gold, white and super pink. From his minimal tableware to avant garde art pieces, all of his creation will be showcased in the space where you can fully enjoy the world of Koichiro Kimura design.

At the showroom on the 2nd floor, you will find the white space made out of 4,000 pieces of white pyramid objects, which portray unreal atmosphere as if you were inside a spaceship for a cosmic journey.

Make a reservation at Upper House

Following the successful launch of its first hotel, The Opposite House in Beijing, Swire Hotels has opened its  second hotel, The Upper House, in Hong Kong in October 2009.  This time the name ‘Upper House’, is derived from the design philosophy of an upward journey from Queensway towards Pacific Place, elevating into a  house above the bustling city. The hotel is  located within Pacific Place in Admiralty, Hong Kong Island’s premier integrated commercial, retail and hospitality complex.

The Upper House is designed by  Hong Kong architect Andre Fu  with the use of natural materials, distinctive sculptures and original artwork. T he hotel’s 117 rooms, all featuring  harbour or island views. Café Gray, of celebrated chef Gray Kunz is  located on the 49th floor overlooking Victoria Harbour.

Make a reservation at Upper House

Make a reservation at Sukhothai

The Sukhothai hotel takes its name from the capital of Thailand’s ancient Sukhothai Kingdom. The city thrived as a trade center; news of its beauty, magnificent style and architecture spread far and wide. The temples of Sukhothai emphasized their stupa and chedi as primary design features. The palaces of Sukhothai maintained an incomparable design and distinct style. Symmetrical colonnades, reflection pools, open-air arcades, combined with the best natural materials – bronze, teakwood and marble – together with fine fabrics and mirrors. Much of the décor in this world-famous hotel derives from that wondrous city whose name we proudly bear.

The Sukhothai is perfectly situated in the central business district and embassy district of Bangkok . All rooms and suites incorporate rich Thai fabrics, teakwood furnishings, impeccable detailing and luxurious bathrooms. Try hotels spa Botanica, which has many relaxing treatments.

Make a reservation at Sukhothai

Make a reservation at Peninsula Hong Kong

Peninsula opened in December 1928, as Hong Kong’s very first hotel. Founded by members of the Kadoorie family, the hotel today is part of the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels group. In 1994, the hotel was expanded with a 30-storey tower that follows the same style as the existing building. The facade of the existing hotel building was preserved, including the forecourt, the lobby and the front facade. The hotel has great location with spectacular views of the Hong Kong harbor.

Upon arriving in Hong Kong, guests are taken from the airport to the hotel via a ten-minute helicopter ride or with one of the of the Peninsula’s Rolls-Royce limos. The interiors are postcolonial luxury, with heavy silk curtains, dark wood furniture,and porcelain antiques. All 300 rooms are very spacious and many of them come with their own telescopes for surveying Victoria Peak. Although it is around since 1994, Philippe Starck-designed Euro-Asian rooftop restaurant Felix is still a must-go.

Make a reservation at Peninsula Hong Kong

Make a reservation at Park Hyatt Shanghai

Park Hyatt Shanghai is a sophisticated modern Chinese residence occupying the 79th to 93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center,  otherwise known as “The Vertical Complex City”. Situated in the heart of the Lujiazui business district in Pudong, the Shanghai WFC measures 492 m (101 storeys). It is one of the tallest buildings worldwide, hosting Park Hyatt Shanghai as the highest hotel in the world.

All of the 174 guestrooms including 14 suites offer great views of  Huangpu River and the city.  The hotel with a sophisticated modern yet relaxed elements and business facilities is one of the best business hotels in the world.
But when you are ready to get away from all the activities,meetings  and excitement,  try out to  exercise with the master at the Tai Chi courtyard.

Make a reservation at Park Hyatt Shanghai

Make a reservation at URBN

URBN hotel is set in the heart of the city,in Shanghai’s famous beautiful French concession area. It is a sustainable project developed from a renovated factory warehouse. The interiors are made with 100% local materials and recycled wood from old houses, reclaimed bricks and walls stacked with vintage suitcase.

Each of the 26 room is sustainably and ergonomically designed with their signature sunken lounge, for work, play and they are all spacious. All materials are natural and recycled to ensure a relaxing, comfortable stay.

The restaurant “Downstairs with David Laris” is located on the first floor of the hotel. Keeping in line with URBN Hotel’s core beliefs of carbon-neutral and sustainability, the restaurant is an “honest, chic, urban eatery”.

It is the type of restaurant centered around smart and sustainable living in the modern world that is authentic and real. The space and design is completely new and reflects elements embracing reusable, recyclable and natural principles.

The hotel is also China’s first carbon-neutral hotel. You offset the carbon-footprint of your flight by buying a tree in the URBN forest in inner Mongolia.

Make a reservation at URBN

Make a reservation at Taj Lake Palace

The Taj Lake Palace is a dream hotel : A white marble palace that seems to float on the still waters of Lake Pichola located in the middle of Lake Pichola.  The palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar as a summer palace andafter a great renovation has trasformed to Tja hotel.  Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island – an almost surreal vision in marble. The Royal Butlers descendents of the original palace retainers look after all contemporary comforts and ensure that all guests are treated like Royalty.

The Palace has luxury 83 rooms including 17 suites with colored murals, ornately carved wood furniture and  Lily Pond or terrace views.  Guests can enjoy royal Mewar fare at the Lily Pond, where courtesans once welcomed royalty into the folds of the Palace. Or sail into the middle of a purple sunset for a feast on The Ganguar – a hundred and fifty year old ceremonial imperial barge that recreates the stately splendor of royal cruises with candlelight and resplendently dressed oarsmen. Dinner on the Mewar Terrace makes for an extremely scenic and romantic experience, with spectacular views of the surrounding palaces and Lake Pichola, and a lilting serenade of contemporary music. And for the eternal romantic experience, an intimate table for two floated on a pontoon in the moon kissed waters of the Pichola is a must do. Make a reservation at Taj Lake Palace

Make a reservation at Oberoi Udaivilas

Udaipur is the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world on Lake Pichola, against the dramatic backdrop of the Aravalli Hills.  The Oberoi Udaivilas, conceived as a Mewari palace is in this tranquil setting, recreating the romance of the past and yet completely in keeping with the 21st century, The hotel is spread over an expanse of 30 acres on the banks of Lake Pichola.Rambling elegantly around courtyards and walkway, gentle rippling fountains and reflecting pools and verdant gardens, The Oberoi Udaivilas is instilled with an overall serenity.

The guestrooms are very spacious and all of them are with private terraces, large marble bathrooms with separate shower stalls and freestanding Victorian bathtubs that overlook private walled courtyards. Restaurants serve traditional Rajasthani, Indian and International cuisine. The outdoor swimming pool of the spa is the most charming place of the hotel, overlooking to the City Palace and two 17th-century island palaces on the lake – Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas. With its location, service,architecture, amenities and serenity Oberoi Udaivilas is for sure one of the greatest hotels in the world

Do not forget to make an afternoon excursion with hotels traditional rowboat on the lake Pichola.

Make a reservation at Oberoi Udaivilas

Tsukiji Fish Market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. The market is at the same time the Mecca for Sushi.. Being also a major attraction for Tokyo visitors, at 5:00 p.m. the market begins to receive shipments. Fresh foods and other products pour in from various parts of the world by truck, plane and ship until late at night.In the”‘ inner market”‘ at 5:30 a.m. the tuna auction starts and a lot of middlemen and authorized buyers bid against each other. At 8:00 a.m. retailers load the goods which they have bought at auction or from middlemen into their trucks and carry them back to their own shops in town.

The “outer market” however stays open till afternoon and is a mixture of wholesale and retail shops that sell Japanese kitchen tools, restaurant supplies, groceries, and seafood, and many restaurants, especially sushi restaurants. Visiting and eating the freshest sushi in the world is a real experience, however,you have to  expect to wait a long time in line . There are many restaurants in the area and Sushi Dai is one of the best ones.

Lodhi is located in a three-level, free-standing building within the grounds of Aman New Delhi . Guests are given the choice of two dining areas; the entrance level features a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the large reflection pool, whilst guests dining on the upper level will enjoy its jaali windows, leather floor, silver leaf ceiling and Catalonian cuisine created in the open kitchen and wood-burning oven.

The Tapas Lounge on the lower level offers a selection of authentic Spanish tapas and features a central serving area with elevated seating, creating an informal setting. A Wine Cellar offers an intimate tasting area and the wine selection is impressive.

Make a reservation at Aman Delhi

Aman New Delhi is the first ‘city-based resort’  from Aman group. For the first time an Aman has elevator, TV’s in the rooms and its restaurants and spa are also open to the public. But you can feel the ‘Aman spirit’ in every aspect. Aman Delhi sits on a  six acre green properts but ata the same time is in the heart of Delhi.

Contemporary lines and modern amenities are mixed  with traditional Indian design creating spaces of tranquillity and timelessness.  Olive-hued Khareda stone lies underfoot, warmed by handmade rugs in muted earth tones and dark wood panels accentuated by discreet lighting. Traditional ‘jaali’ screens provide terraces and exteriors with serenity and mystery, while patterns of sunlight and shade onto stone walls and floors.

Designed by Australian architect Kerry Hill, Aman New Delhi houses 31 Aman Rooms and eight two-bedroom Aman Suites in a dramatic nine-storey structure, each offering its own private plunge pool – a unique feature in a multi-storey city resort. Suites are furnished with crisp white linens and woollen throws dressing king-sized beds, upholstered day-beds, and brass vases of marigolds providing a splash of colour.

Rooms and Suites are of varying sizes and configurations, each complete with sitting/dining areas, writing desks, separate dressing areas, double vanities and large bathrooms. A glass picture window separates the bathroom and bedroom areas and frames a 5 m x 5 m private plunge pool with daybed and views of the city beyond.  All rooms feature terraces with outdoor seating.  Each floor features dedicated butler service.

The Health Centre, set in a tranquil sunken courtyard, includes tennis and squash courts as well as a gym. The 50-metre pool overlooks the Pool Bar where Indian snacks and a selection of light meals are served.  There are several dining options at Aman New Delhi ranging from authentic north Indian cuisine to international fare.

Make a reservation at Aman Delhi

Make a reservation at Imperial, Delhi

The Imperial is a legend that offers a unique experience embracing facets of India’s history, and stands witness to the birth of the capital city of New Delhi. Built in 1931 by Blomfield; one of Sir Edwin Lutyen’s associates and inaugurated by Lord Willingdon in 1936, the Hotel is known for its contemporary colonial style. As New Delhi’s landmark Hotel, it is located on Janpath, the erstwhile Queensway, steps away from the renowned shopping district and major attractions of the city.

It is a marvelous mélange of victorian, colonial and art deco styles in its interiors. The spacious high ceiling guest rooms, stunning crystal chandeliers, sparkling marble floors, large mahogany tables along with the impressive wealth of original 18th and 19th century art collection that adorns the corridors of the hotel, are a constant reminder of the elegance of the colonial era. India’s great personalities have walked the corridors of the hotel and shared the most daring ideas over a cup of tea in its restaurant and lounges.

The Imperial has 190 spacious guest rooms and an impressive collection of 43 suites, with high ceilings and thematic décor.

Make a reservation at Imperial, Delhi

India is known for its well-being philosophies including yoga and Ayurvedic treatments, The Spa at Aman New Delhi offers traditional Indian healing techniques blended harmoniously with modern therapies. Featuring eight private treatment rooms, two traditional hammam steam baths and a bamboo garden relaxation area, the extensive spa features treatments for men and women, as well as a hair and beauty studio from celebrated stylist Kim Robinson.

The Health Centre, set in a tranquil sunken courtyard, includes tennis and squash courts as well as a gym staffed with professional trainers for personalised fitness guidance. The 50-metre pool overlooks the Pool Bar where Indian snacks and a selection of light meals are served..

Make a reservation at Bulgari Resort

Bulgari Bali, 160-meter above the Indian Ocean is in a breathtaking natural location. 59 villa property is one of the world’s most exclusive and exotic destinations. The Bulgari Resort is located near the village of Pecatu and the stunning clifftop site of the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, on the island’s far southwestern tip.Nestled between the cliff and the ocean, a 1.5 kilometer long beach is accessible only through the resort’s inclined elevator.

Designed by architects Antonio Citterio and Partners, the resort reflects a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Balinese design while conveying the distinctive Bulgari Italian style. The layout and overall design also incorporates the culture and natural elements of the location. The hotel has been built and furnished using hand-cut volcanic stones, rich exotic woods and refined fabrics.Natural lava and palimanan stone are used for the garden and interior walls, refined bangkiray hardwood in the villas, natural green colored sukabumi stone to clad outdoor showers, plunge and swimming pools. A collection of exquisite Balinese antiques and exotic art pieces, including more than 90 examples, adorn the entire resort.

Beside its setting,  the resort also boasts sophisticated facilities, such as the Italian and Indonesian restaurants, a very romantic lounge bar, the Spa and the cliff-edge pool..An impressive Hindu Temple rises on the highest point of the property, designated as a place of worship in accordance with the Balinese tradition, while, further inside, the imposing arrival pavilion with its magnificent proportions and masterful design welcomes guests.. Start sipping cocktails late afternoon at the bar looking to tranquil waters while sun is going down.

Photos courtesy of Bulgari and Ozlem Avcioglu

Make a reservation at Opposite House

The name comes from the guest house which sits on the opposite side of a traditional courtyard style home. Also inside the Opposite House there is a balanced mix of old and new.

In the heart of Beijing the hotel greets you with emerald glass exterior. The inside space is very seamless. The house is a mix of modern and traditional. At the center there is a large atrium, where the conventional boundaries of hotel parts are blurred. There is a contemporary art gallery on the ground floor of the hotel represent the Chinese artists.

The hotel’s cool bars and restaurants represent food from all over the world and are always full of beautiful people..

Opposite house brings a new sense of hotel approach to Beijing.

Make a reservation at Opposite House

The luxurious Udaivilas spa with its own swimming pool overlooks the lake and is a haven of serenity. Trained therapists pamper body and soul with rejuvenating treatments.

In the serenely appointed spa suites, spectacular views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace inspire the spirit whilst your body is revitalised by the healing hands of our highly skilled & trained therapists. The spa also offers the opportunity to undertake private Yoga, meditations and Pranayam sessions with the resident Yoga teacher or explore the city steeped in the romance of the oldest living dynasty in the world.

Make a reservation at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Mandarin Oriental is a legend, its history is dating back to more than 130 years..It is, the most famous  and grandest of the great colonial hotels.

At the legendary Chao Phraya River, through the heart of Bangkok, the hotel is filled with stories of the celebrated guests through the years like Barbara Cartland,  Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, John le Carre..

The original Oriental building  which was burnt down in 1865 and rebuilt in 1887, gives you a real flavor of those old days with its ceiling fans, carved balconies thick with climbing jasmine, old fashioned shuttered windows, intricately decorated four-poster beds, textured walls,  scent of tropical flowers.

The  new modern addition building, where the rooms, are  more comfortable, is rather standard but whether you are having breakfast or drinks in the evening, its terrace is magical. And the hotels Sala Rim Naan restaurant and its Oriental Spa is only a romantic ferry ride away.

Apart from all the above mentioned features, the most important aspect of this hotel is its superb service and great concierge: always smiling, sweet-faced, attentive, and round the clock.

In this hotel you can ask anything from concierge, anything..

Make a reservation at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

It’s glamorous and gorgeous … and you feel also glamorous and gorgeous in this, sexy, chic and comfortable bar..The Glamour Bar is located on Shanghai’s historic riverfront, The Bund, on the sixth floor of the former Nissin Shipping building. It has the spectacular, one-of-a-kind Bund and Pudong views.

A stunning chrome-and-mirror bar, its inspiration a sexy high heel, anchors the room; fabric screens with Chinese landscape images and an inviting hodgepodge of sofas and chairs create a feeling that is both ultra-comfortable and ultra-chic. With huge windows lining three walls, the Glamour Bar’s views of both modern and historic Shanghai are unparalleled.

The food is tasty, the cocktails are tempting. What else do you want from a place?

Make a reservation at Commune by the Great Wall

Commune by the Great Wall is located by the Great Wall and operated by Kempinski group and  is a private collection of contemporary architecture designed by 12 leading Asian architects like Shigeru Ban, Kengo Kuma, Rocco Yim.  It was exhibited at the 2002 la Biennale di Venezia and bestowed a special prize.

The original 11 villas are massive, ranging from four to six bedrooms, and are essentially luxurious experimental mansions. A new partnership with the Kempinski hotel company has brought about 31 new villas — cut from the same experimental cloth as the rest of the Commune, but sized (and budgeted) for individual travelers rather than moguls.

If you’re interested in the absolute height of modern architecture and luxury hospitality, by all means, book a villa. For the rest of us, the Kempinski additions are the best sampler of China’s newest architectural wonder.

Commune by the Great Wall-Managed by Kempinski is currently comprised of forty-two villas with 190 suites and eleven Presidential Suites, four restaurants, Anantara Spa, Kid’s Club and an outdoor pool. There is a private path accessing the Great Wall at Commune by the Great Wall.
Located in the Shuiguan Mountains, at the Great Wall,  amidst 8 square kilometers of private land,  it is 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Beijing city center.

The main problem of the Commune is that although it is presented as ‘contemporary architectural museum in China’, the pieces designed by these leading architects are not the most exciting work they have done. The most impressive aspect of this hotel is its location. You are sleeping and waking up and having your lunch or enjoying the day next to one of the Seven Wonders of the world: The Great Wall.

Make a reservation at Commune by the Great Wall