{"id":21270,"date":"2020-10-29T19:08:47","date_gmt":"2020-10-29T11:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/?p=21270"},"modified":"2020-10-29T20:25:42","modified_gmt":"2020-10-29T12:25:42","slug":"authentic-escapes-understated-luxury-intimate-experiences-south-east-asia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/authentic-escapes-understated-luxury-intimate-experiences-south-east-asia\/","title":{"rendered":"Authentic Escapes, Understated Luxury & Intimate Experiences In South East Asia"},"content":{"rendered":"

The inevitability of change has transformed the way we think of, and plan our future holidays, our travels, our escapes. Our need for a change of scenery, an opportunity to experience something new – the essence of travel – has not extinguished one bit.<\/p>\n

Residents of the city-state Singapore have attempted to satisfy their hunger for a change with \u2018Singapoliday\u2019 within the city\u2019s 27km by 50km perimeter, hunting for unique experiences in their tiny backyard. Residents in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia have fared significantly better with a more generous array of destinations within and across state lines. Cross border leisure travel continues to be a story in development, with bubbles, corridors, bridges and green lanes coming online, slowly, one at a time.<\/p>\n

\"Belmond

Belmond Napasai’s Beach<\/p><\/div>\n

It is almost daily that I catch myself thinking, \u201cWhen the borders open, the first thing I would do is\u2026\u201d and the rolodex of destinations swirls, an instant mental pros-cons list gets created for each, followed by a quick analysis of the experiences I would plunge myself into with a solemn promise to appreciate every single minute of my future freedom in the new setting. Meaningful experiences and authentic escapes would be the threads that will weave through all my future travels.<\/p>\n

\"Iain

Iain Langridge, Managing Director of Belmond APAC<\/p><\/div>\n

An interesting conversation with Iain Langridge, Managing Director of Belmond APAC presented me with meaningful options to explore that are closer to home, once border restrictions have eased.<\/p>\n

Temporary restrictions on the freedom of movement have given prominence to the notion that travel is no more a commodity to use and overuse. Iain assesses that it is essential to bring positive interaction between traveller & destination. A meaningful escape would thus tend to be less of a \u2018touch and go\u2019 approach to a destination but rather a more extended trip that is more immersive, special and enriching. Authentic, understated luxury and intimate experiences would thus be preferred.<\/p>\n

There is an unquenchable thirst to be on a getaway, perhaps as strong as our desire to stay safe. Dreams of basking in an open beach, with the hot sand underneath one’s feet, and the soft rippling of the waters pacifying every woe. With Belmond hotels taking root in Southeast Asia’s dreamy, sun-kissed surroundings, Iain discovers a new trend \u2013 one that answers a pining for a quick getaway essential for one’s quiet healing and peace. \u201cAll our properties in Asia are intimate size with villa offerings that fit in well in the current situation,\u201d he divulges.<\/p>\n

\"Belmond

Belmond La Residence Phou Vao<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Belmond

Belmond Jimbaran Puri in Bali Villa<\/p><\/div>\n

To the luxury traveller, \u201cthis would lead to remarkable examples such as Belmond La R\u00e9sidence Phou Vao, a 34 suites sanctuary in Luang Prabang, Laos or the 64 suites & villas of Belmond Jimbaran Puri in Bali; both intimate in size with a focus on heritage, craftsmanship and genuine, unscripted service\u201d Iain said. When it comes to customisations and personalised service, Belmond takes a step further and gives autonomy to their teams to interact with the guests as they gauge the mood & needs of the guest. These are simple luxuries that remain in memories long after the flight back home.<\/p>\n

Wellness experiences, good living practices and authentic escapes<\/h3>\n

The current pandemic has brought the need for wellness to the forefront. Frequent travellers will now be on a lookout for indulging in specialised wellness retreats that come with extensive, structured programs ranging from a few days to a month, focusing on balancing the mind and body. Simplicity seekers will be exploring local wellness experiences for authentic escapes. The \u2018zen\u2019 among us will be mastering good living practices that go a long way in soothing the soul and adding meaning to the mundane.<\/p>\n

For the quick and easy, Belmond\u2019s digital care package brings elements of wellbeing to the fingertips including music playlists, start-of-day sense awakening ritual, moving idling from an art form to a full time feature on the daily calendar and many other one of a kind experiences curated by good living experience makers. The Belmond Invitations series on IGTV brings personalities such as Chef Raymond Blanc, singer and pianist Joe Stilgoe, explorer Levison Wood and many more into our homes for the essential escape, a gift that allows\/permits\/ us to dream of better things and better days.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve launched a new campaign to bring together a good living philosophy for life,\u201d Iain proudly shares. \u201cThe Belmond Good Living is a concept in well living and a celebration of Joie de vivre. It is about enriching experiences that go beyond pure wellness. It\u2019s more holistic, creating memories from mindful to meditation to physical and mental challenges to cultural immersion.\u201d In essence, it is to completely nourish the human mind and heart, satisfying the many spectrum of needs. \u201cFrom the Belmond side, we have appointed a council of experienced makers and these are experts in their field. What they do is curate one-of-a-kind experiences and link them so much in the real world.\u201d Little things, such as daily wellness rituals and quick meditations, collectively and positively transforms a person\u2019s inner-being.<\/p>\n

\"Belmond

Belmond Road to Mandalay’s excursion<\/p><\/div>\n

Moving from travelling and discovery within digital devices to actually immerse oneself in the destination, Iain points out Belmond\u2019s experience in Bali where guests start the day at the local temple. Witness, and capture on one\u2019s Instagram, the first rays of the sun waking up the Balinese temple from her slumber as the priest lights up the incense and places flower offerings at every corner. This serene, calm, peaceful and meditative experience of capturing dawn in Asia is also available at Angkor Wat, fifteen minutes from Belmond La R\u00e9sidence d\u2019Angkor and the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar onboard the Belmond Road to Mandalay river cruise. These are unique \u2018First Light\u2019 programs by Belmond in partnership with Leica Sport Optics, build around discovering the mesmerising nature as the dawn breaks.<\/p>\n

\"Belmond

Belmond Road to Mandalay’s excursion<\/p><\/div>\n

Slowing down to improve wellbeing<\/h3>\n

Being always connected numbs the mind. Slow down. Take the time to think and enjoy. The future of pleasurable, meaningful escapes is slow travel! South-East Asia\u2019s rich marine national parks are the playgrounds of Phinisis and yachts. Closer to land, classy river cruises and luxury trains rule the domain of slow travel. Take for instance Belmond\u2019s Road to Mandalay river cruiser that operates between Bagan, Mandalay and Bhamo along the Ayeyarwady River. Imagine practising days of perpetual laziness in sophistication and style as you glide past villages, forested areas and pagodas. Deep contemplation starts early in the morning with yoga on the observation deck, followed by appreciating culture and traditions while cycling around or hot-air ballooning over ancient relics.<\/p>\n

\"Belmond

Belmond Road to Mandalay<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Belmond

Belmond Road to Mandalay<\/p><\/div>\n

Experiencing serenity while gliding through nature and time<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

This two-decade route in Myanmar is an unforgettable experience. As the understated luxurious cruise glides across the watery surface, the panorama changes. Foggy mornings welcome the mysterious atmosphere of Bagan\u2019s scenic plain, draped with thousands of Buddhist temples, invoking a prayerful moment that kindles healing and meditation. The serene view slowly translates into Mandalay\u2019s landscape; thrills with the sight of the colourful Zegyo Market, which beckons one to revel in its glorious treasures \u2013 from locally-woven fabrics, delicate pottery, stunning jewellery, and of course, good food. This grand gallery of picturesque views \u2013 perfect in every frame \u2013 is best enjoyed by the deck, where sunbeds parade by the balcony, and a glistening blue pool quells the Southeast Asian humidity.<\/p>\n

The views along the Ayeyarwady River<\/span>
\nCruising down along the river takes us to the proud spectacle of Yangon, home to the gloriously bejewelled Shwedagon Pagoda, whose walls declare the richness of Myanmar\u2019s royalty. Steep gorges soon become a lush tropical jungle. At Bhamo, an old trading port that kisses the Chinese border, enthusiastic merchants in their vibrant attire greet guests coming from all crossroads, welcoming them in their merchandise-filled stalls.<\/div>\n

As the sun sets, Myanmar\u2019s historic temples are set against the bright, clear sky with golden rays falling atop the tip of the sacred temples, and on the leafy heads of its forested backdrop. The earthen-robed monks quietly walk back to their lodges, reminding that serenity is where one chooses to be. The escape into time transcends into a quiet evening and intimate date with stars.<\/p>\n

The interiors<\/span>
\nHead into the cabin bedecked with Myanmar\u2019s royal finery \u2013 from traditional local weavings to tasteful wood carvings that echoes the country\u2019s spirit; the small accents on the tables and the d\u00e9cor on the walls. Lush, bright flowers animate the room, mimicking the bounty of nature, served daily by the cruise\u2019s committed staff.<\/div>\n

A meaningful escape across the land on train<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Eastern

Eastern & Oriental Express<\/p><\/div>\n

Once the borders open up, there is no stopping Eastern & Oriental Express to mechanically glide across its historic tracks and treat its guests in the sweeping landscapes of Southeast Asia\u2019s countryside. Lush rice fields, magnificent mountains, and serene rivers \u2013 the iconic green-and-beige train traverses across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, with trips spanning for days.<\/p>\n

E&O\u2019s itinerary<\/span>
\nA 2-night journey from Singapore to Bangkok embraces the hidden secrets of Kuala Kangsar, a close glimpse of the famous River Kwai, leading up to the bright and colourful Bangkok. Fables of Peninsula, a favourite curated tour, is a 6-night journey that explores Kuala Lumpur, the misty Cameron Islands, the alluring sight of Penang, Huay Yang, and back to Bangkok.<\/div>\n

Twenty-two carriages make up the train, each of them, embedded with all forms of luxury. During the day, the spacious seating spaces are a great way to privately enjoy the remarkable landscapes that slowly unravel by the glass windows. Restaurant cars Malaya, Rosaline, and Adisorn gather guests in delightful lunches and formal dinners, and an observation car, slated at the end of the train, rewards the morning larks their early snacks. Late into the night, cocktails are served in the Piano Bar, where a resident crooner charms guests with cadences on the keys.<\/p>\n

\"Eastern

Eastern & Oriental Express<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Eastern

Eastern & Oriental Express<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s not just the trip \u2013 a peaceful gallery of grassy panoramas and rising cities \u2013 but it\u2019s also the immersive experience that comes with the journey. The train stops at River Kwai for a barge cruise or cycling. In Penang, guests can stop to admire the sprawling colonial homes set on a vibrant village. At Hill Trek, things get more physical with hikes and nature walks. Trains, once an avant-garde of fast travel, is now our transport to a meaningful escape, perfectly placed to give modern travellers like us a fresh perspective into the region we call home.<\/p>\n

The weeks and months that hide beyond the announcement of relaxed green lanes between nations are exciting! There will be a whole host of opportunities for us to experience; a buffet of indulgences in front of a deprived traveller. Understated, authentic getaways with meaningful escapes will reign supreme. www.belmond.com <\/em><\/a>\u25fc<\/p>\n

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.<\/em><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a9 This article was first published online in Oct 2020 – World Travel Magazine.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The inevitability of change has transformed the way we think of, and plan our future holidays, our travels, our escapes. Our need for a change of scenery, an opportunity to experience something new – the essence of travel – has not extinguished one bit. Residents of the city-state Singapore have attempted to satisfy their hunger […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":21285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[28],"tags":[2014,2036,457,2110,1698,2034,956,1338,2157,2065,514,980],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21270"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21270"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21270\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21270"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21270"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wtravelmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}