Top 10 most desired holidays by Hong Kong's platinum-class

Staying in a five-star hotel and relaxing on the beach sounds like a great holiday to most, but increasingly the luxury traveler is after much more than this. Experiential travel and luxury adventure is what it’s all about now, so much so that we have set up a stand-alone business to cater just for this: Quintessentially Escape.

Think whale watching in Argentina, wine tasting in South Africa, luxury safaris in Kenya, private tours of the Pyramids, driving tours across Western China. Particularly popular destinations include India, Egypt and Africa for our Asia-Pacific members, but we're starting to see a lot more demand for China. Latin America is also proving popular -- Peru, Brazil and Costa Rica.

Luxury travelers seek authentic experiences, but are increasingly demanding hotels, resorts and airlines that take environmental concerns into consideration. Environmental responsibility is more than simply not washing towels every day. Our members are interested in how their travels support local communities and use local produce. Our members don't want to hide away in classic all-inclusive resorts -- they are looking for unique insights into the destination and its people. 

Recent experiential holidays for Quintessentially members:
Driving Tours of China
Trekking in Papua New Guinea
Riding holidays in Mongolia
Sailing Asian waters on private yachts like the Silolana
Wine tastings through South Africa
Safaris in Kenya
All things Latin American – Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina
Archaeological tours of Egypt

Here are the recent most popular Asian destination hotels visited by Quintessentially members:

1. Leti 360°, India

Nestled in the Himalayas at 8,000 feet is boutique hotel Leti 360°. This place really is a once in a lifetime experience: off of the tourist trail, Leti enforces a minimum stay of three nights, no Internet connection and limited mobile phone reception. Crystal-clear skies and nights are the perfect antidote to Hong Kong’s stuffy weather and polluted haze. Almost everything is made from local materials -- think brass fittings and Burmese teak furniture, sit-out bonfires, bedrooms with sheer glass walls on two sides. We’ve said it before, but it really is closer to India’s landscape, people and culture than most of the usual luxury travel in the region.
www.shaktihimalaya.com

 

2. Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Sal Salis is "wild bush luxury" so you don’t suffer while camping in the Cape Range national park. There are just five (spacious) tents on the beach overlooking the Indian Ocean. Accommodation includes super comfortable beds, gorgeous sun decks and eco-friendly details throughout. This is perfect for stargazing at night and taking in the nearby Mandu Mandu gorge and reef. www.salsalis.com.au   

3. YL Residence No. 17, Koh Samui

This private residence on Koh Samui defies belief. It is seriously swanky and very exclusive, with gadgets, gizmos and a pared-down, cool white design aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place in an A-list Hollywood home. Ten guest rooms, a library, games room, cocktail bar, pool and club houses and plus free run of the gardens and beach. A very cool spot. www.ylresidence.com

 

 

 

4. Tawaraya Ryokan, Kyoto, Japan

Simply the best Ryokan in Japan, Tawaraya is charming and authentic. It has been run by the same family for about 300 years: the Okazazi family, who had originally intended the property to be a base for textile merchants. As you’d expect, accommodation is simple -- everything on Tatami mats -- but comfortable and the staff are warm and generous, preparing delectable traditional Kaiseki meals every day. Old school celebs such as Marlon Brando and Alfred Hitchcock have used this as a base from which to explore Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto in the past and our members love it.

5. Hotel De La Paix, Siem Reap

Ancient Khmer accents are felt throughout this warm and enveloping spot that offers bespoke luxury for when you need a reprieve from the mindboggling wonder of the UNESCO Heritage Angkor Wat site that is just a 10 minute drive away. Special features include custom-designed terrazzo soaking tubs, customized spa treatments and a seasonal Khmer menu brimming with local delicacies.
www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com

 

 

 

6. Trisara, Phuket

Only those in the know have been to Trisara. It is an exclusive resort and spa with a stunning collection of pool villas and suites, all with sea views from private pool decks. But it's the ambience created by the outstanding service that makes this place unforgettable. Everything has been thought of for you, so you don’t need to. The ultimate mini-break destination that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
www.trisara.com

7. Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle

Another once in a life time experience. This truly is breathtaking and totally unique. Set among the bamboo jungles where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet, this camp comprises 15 unique tents by the Ruak River in Burma and guests can explore the local hills on foot or with elephants on custom-tailored expeditions in this all-inclusive adventure.
www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle

 

 

 

8. The Peninsula, Shanghai

Since opening late last year, this addition to The Pen’s collection has racked up column inches for having some of the most technologically advanced hotel gear in the world. Rooms are spacious and plush, but it’s the prime site on The Bund and contemporary Chinese meets art-deco decor that ensures you get the Shanghai chic vibe.
www.peninsula.com

9. Uma Paro, Bhutan

Tucked away in the Himalaya’s pine covered hillside, Uma Paro is simplicity at its most luxurious. Taking its country’s culture to heart, rooms are decorated in tranquil white furniture, including yoga mats for you to relax on in front of the panoramic views of completely unspoiled territory -- a must-see before Bhutan really opens up to tourism.
www.uma.paro.como.bz

10. Silolona Boat, Indonesia

For the ultimate adventure, board this luxurious traditional wooden sailboat in Langkawi and set sail into the sunset for six days. This particular journey takes you through Komodo National Park, Flores, Sumba, Sawu Sea, Timor, Alor, Lembata to take in the stunning coves and islands. The sailboat is yours for the week and features five private suites, lots and lots of teak decking and lounge space. The culinary team are experts -- fine fresh cuisine is served up nightly and there are even professional diving facilities on board along with an attentive crew of 17 to cater for your every whim. The decision as to whether you barbeque and bonfire on the beach under the stars or banquet on the teak deck is a nightly chore.
www.silolona.com