March 2012

Top 10 Things to do in VietnamTop 10 Hotels & Resorts in Vietnam

Oxygen Infusion Spa Therapies at Six Senses

Evason Ana Mandara in Conde Nast Traveller Gold List again Sand Dunes of Mui Ne

March 20122

Publisher Raymond Wong • raymond@interfacemedia.com.sg

Editor James Chen • james@interfacemedia.com.sg

Sales Director Rainer Huang • rainer@interfacemedia.com.sg

Web Sam Soh • sam@interfacemedia.com.sgFranco Nelo M. Sevilleja • franco@interfacemedia.com.sg

• Published by Interface Media Pte Ltd10 Ubi Crescent, #05-60 Ubi Techpark Singapore 408564 TEL: +65-66353 173 | FAX: +65-66353 174

ContentsOxygen Infusion Spa Therapies at Six Senses 3

Evason Ana Mandara in Conde Nast Traveller Gold List again 3

Top 10 Things to do in Vietnam 4

Top 10 Hotels & Resorts in Vietnam 6

Editor’s NoteThe Rise of Vietnam as a mainstream travel destination

Unlike a decade or so back, Vietnam is

no longer just about Ho Chi Minh City

and Hanoi. The country has become a

mainstream tourist destination, rather

than one which is more of the exotic

genre. While there are still relatively

limited direct international flights to

other provinces of Vietnam besides via

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, they are nevertheless slowly but surely

increasing in stature. The likes of Danang, Nha Trang and Mui Ne, once

favourites with the domestic tourists, are gaining popularity with

international leisure travellers. Likewise, international travellers are

now increasingly being exposed to different facets of Vietnam which

they never knew existed. They include the beaches on the coast of

Vietnam and sand dunes in Mui Ne. This and more in the very first

issue of Asia Travel Exclusives. James Chen | Editor, Asia Travel Exclusivesjames@interfacemedia.com.sg

Editor’s PickRoyal Caribbean’s cruise passing Vietnam sells out

According to a spokesperson from Luxury Cruise Liner Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean’s 5 Night Exotic Asia Cruise on 11 March 2012 via

Legend of The Seas has already totally sold out. This cruise passes by Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang from Singapore, en route to Hong Kong.

The next cruises from Singapore passing Vietnam will be the 8 Night Exotic Asia Cruise on 11 June 2012 and the 14 Night Asia & Australia

Cruise on 22 October 2012 going to Shanghai and Perth respectively. Both cruises are by the Voyager of the Seas, which kicks start her maiden

Asian season this May and pass by Ho Chi Minh City on the way to their destination ports.

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Oxygen Infusion Spa Therapies at Six SensesSix Senses Ninh Van Bay’s Six Senses Spa is currently the first spa in Vietnam with a full professional and retail range of Intraceuticals Oxygen Treatments. Oxygen Detoxification Wellness Programs as well as Beauty and Wellness Spa Holidays which include a full course of Oxygen infusion and inhalation therapies, are also available to guests.

Here are some treatments from Intraceuticals technologies available at the resort:

Oxygen Infusion Treatments

Rejuvenate Infusion The deeply hydrating Rejuvenate Serum is enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamins A and E and is applied to the skin using cooling and calming oxygen under light pressure. Your skin will emerge youthful and glowing with a noticeable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles together with a visible lift. Safe for all skin types. Opulence Infusion Ideal for uneven skin, the Opulence Infusion balances the skin with Green Tea and Vitamin C extracts. Brighter skin is revealed along with increased luminosity and radiance. This luxurious experience includes a decollete and hand

Evason Ana Mandara in Conde Nast Traveller Gold List againVietnam’s famous beach resort in the province of Nha Trang, Evason Ana Mandara, has been continuously listed in the Conde Nast Traveller Gold List for the past 4 years. This year, the resort come in as Vietnam’s highest-ranked hotel and resort. The Gold List is Conde Nast Traveler’s compendium of the best hotels, resorts and cruise lines in the world, and is based on data collected from the magazine’s annual Reader’s Choice Survey. For more information about Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang, Vietnam, please visit: http://www.sixsenses.com/Evason-Ana-Mandara-Nha-Trang.

treatment.

Atoxelene Infusion Designed specifically to smoothen the forehead, soften the eye contour and immediately plump and smoothen the lips. The natural amino peptide, Argireline, significantly targets expression lines. After infusion, the skin instantly looks smoother and feels tighter and

firmer - an all natural alternative to invasive facial treatments.

Rejuvenate and Atoxelene Infusion The ultimate in anti-aging and skin rejuvenation with instant visible results. The Rejuvenate and Atoxelene Infusions work together to significantly reduce fine lines, while tightening and firming the skin for a more defined facial contour

achieving the much desired “movie star” look.

Sitting on the dramatic Ninh Van Bay with impressive rock formations overlooking the East Vietnam Sea, the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay will be the perfect location for Intraceuticals to demonstrate its strengths and further develop ways to serve the guests.

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March 20124

Top 10 Things to do in VietnamEnjoying the Sun, Sand and SeaVietnam’s beaches at Danang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc Island are one of the Asia’s best kept secrets. Be one of the first to experience the country’s resorts that are poised to rival the more renowned establishments in Bali, Boracay, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Phuket.

Sand Dunes of Mui NeThis is definitely a side of Vietnam that is unknown to almost all overseas tourists. The sand dunes of Mui Ne is definitely a highlight not be missed, when visiting the province of Phan Thiet. Like a mini Sahara desert of sorts, the best way.

Con Dao Vietnam’s take of the infamous Alcatraz prison, Con Dao, is just off Ho Chi Minh City and is easily accessible via place. A visit to this island paradise, though might not reveal Con Son’s storied past… That it was once hell on earth for the thousands of prisoners during the French and American regimes. The island is best known now for its lovely beaches, coral reefs and scenic bays, and its very growing popularity has seen it gain media coverage from as far away as the New York Times.

Halong BaySituated in the Gulf of Tonkin is Halong Bay, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. Halong Bay has 1,600 islands and islets. forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Located off Hanoi, one can spend one or two nights at Halong Bay on one of the traditionally authentic junks.

Cu Chi TunnelsThe tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Chu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City. They are part of a wider network of tunnels which connect most of the country. The Cu Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam war, and are now used as a tourist attraction

Experience a Sensory Experience After a day in tropical Vietnam, be pampered in heavenly bliss at one of the many top notch resort and city spas that will definitely smoothen your senses.

Ho Chi Minh MausoleumSituated right in front of Ba Dinh square, this was what Ho Chi Minh had read the Vietnam Manifesto on 2nd September 1945.

Nightlife in VietnamFor all its rustic charm, Ho Chi Minh City and to a certain extend Hanoi have a comprehensive nightlife experience catering to both tourists and locals alike. Reunification PalaceThis governmental building is significant in its role in the Vietnam conflict, and looks almost exactly like how it was in 1966. Rice Terraces of Sapa The view of rice terraces in Sapa is certainly a scenery to behold in all its beauty and greenery.

China Beach at Danang Reunification Palace

Sand Dunes of Mui Ne

Beach at Con Dao Halong Bay

Nightlife in Vietnam Cu Chi Tunnels

March 20126

Top 10 Hotels & Resorts in VietnamThe hospitality industry in Vietnam is developing at a very rapid pace with hospitality groups such as IHG who are already in the market looking to expand their network and other such as the Banyan Tree group looking to enter the country. For this week’s feature, we take a look at the existing hotels in Vietnam which cater to the different segments of leisure and business travellers.

Möevenpick Hotel SaigonA focal point of the bustling Phu Nhuan District, the Möevenpick Hotel Saigon is a 10-minute drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The city centre can be reached in 20 minutes. Combining five-star luxury with Vietnamese hospitality, the hotel offers 278 well-appointed rooms and suites, including 34 connecting rooms.

What’s Hot? Tired of boring airport hotels, Mövenpick Hotel Saigon provides an five-star accommodation just a stone’s throw away from the airport.

Parkroyal Saigon HotelLooking for a hotel even closer to the airport? The charming Parkroyal Saigon Hotel is located a mere five minutes away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

What’s Hot? Guests who book a minimum of 4 nights or more at Parkroyal Saigon Hotel stand to enjoy a 25% discount.

Ho Chi Minh CityCaravelle HotelCaravelle Hotel is situated in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 - the center of the business, shopping and entertainment district. It has 335 superbly appointed rooms, suites, exclusive Signature Floors, Signature Lounge and non-smoking floors. Wi-Fi Internet is complimentary in-room & throughout the hotel.

What’s Hot? Caravelle currently has a Weekend Escape promotion, which includes Bed & Breakfast valid until 30 November 2012. Valid for a minimum 2-night stay on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), the offer includes free daily buffet breakfast, complimentary unlimited use of Internet in room. Rooms are subject to availability, 5% Service Charge & 10% VAT.

Hotel de l’Opera HanoiThe 107 meticulously-designed guestrooms and suites at Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi have an ambiance which blends a touch of French décor with the luscious operatic settings and the plush comfort of a sumptuous hotel of the 21st Century. Each guestroom has lavish amenities hand-picked for its quality, while its wooden floors compliment the finest Asian textiles and silks contributing to the room’s vibrant colours.

What’s Hot? Blending French décor with the finest Asian textiles and silks, always lends itself to a quirky, yet intriguing proposition.

Hilton Hanoi OperaStrategically located in the heart of Hanoi, opposite Hanoi Opera House, the Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel is a short walk from the famous Old Quarter and the city’s bustling business district. Recently awarded ‘Best Business Hotel in Hanoi 2010’ and voted ‘Vietnam’s Leading Hotel for five consecutive years at the prestigious World Travel Awards, the Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel is a landmark in the city.

What’s Hot? Located just steps away from the iconic Hanoi Opera House within the historical precinct of Hanoi, Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel takes guests on a journey to the past.

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Evason Ana MandaraThe resort is currently Nha Trang’s only beachfront resort occupying 2.6 hectares (6.42 acres) of private tropical gardens, offering simplicity, serenity and refinement. Comprising 74 semi-detached garden villas, Evason Ana Mandara’s guest accommodations combine traditional Vietnamese touches with modern conveniences. The private porches in every room are ideal to relax at the end of each day.

What’s Hot? There is no doubt about the popularity of Evason Ana Mandara, with the resort being in Conde Nast Traveller Gold List for the past 4 years.

Sea Links Beach HotelVietnam’s first all-resort complex integrated in Sea Links City, offers 188 elegant rooms and suites, four palatial-sized pools, restaurants and bars, spa, and recreational amenities. The Hotel is seated on the untouched bay of Mui Ne and a stone throw away from Phan Thiet City, Vietnam’s most southeastern province of Binh Thuan. Sea Links Beach Hotel offers the most breathtaking views of the surrounding area and is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

What’s Hot? The integrated resort has a golf and country club that looks over the ocean, with panoramic views of Mui Ne Bay. This modern but traditional links style golf course that exists nowhere else in Vietnam.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay The resort sits on dramatic Ninh Van Bay, with its impressive rock formations overlooking the East Vietnam Sea, white sand beach and towering mountains behind, all adding to the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature. The exclusive property also presents the reality of the destination, with an architectural style reflecting the traditions of Vietnam.

What’s Hot? Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is definitely one of THE places in Vietnam for both honeymooners and couples.

Nha Trang

Anantara Mui Ne Resort & SpaAlong Vietnam’s stunning southeast coast, Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa redefines luxurious beachside living with indigenous appeals. The Resort & Spa is located 198 kilometres northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and only 11 kilometres from Phan Thiet train station. Retreat to one of 89 rooms, suites and villas, designed to reflect traditional Vietnamese style and set amongst tropical landscaping with views of luscious gardens, the pool, fresh water lagoon or sea.

What’s Hot? The pinnacle of luxury at this resort is an Anantara Two Bedroom Beach Front Pool Villa, boasting of 128 square metres of living space spread over two storeys, with a master bedroom on each floor providing a wonderful sanctuary for families, or couples and friends travelling together

Mui Ne

La Residence Hue Hotel and SpaThe hotel with its distinctive bowled façade, long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, has become a Hue landmark and a destination in its own right. With frontage along the south bank of the Perfume River, the hotel’s terraces, gardens and ample banks of windows offer outstanding views of Hue’s Flag Tower bastion and Truong Tien Bridge. The hotel’s 122 rooms and suites feature such touches as louvered shutters, hardwood floors and lofty ceilings. The Signature Suites are a collection of individually designed and uniquely decorated spaces.

What’s Hot? The 81-year-old boutique La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa was built as part of the French Governor’s official residence in the former colony of Annam.

Hue

Phu Quoc IslandLa Veranda Resort Phu QuocSet in tropical gardens on a beautiful stretch of beach,the resort boasts evocative design comprising a richblend of dark woods,fine linens and mosaic tiles,complemented by large terraces with sweeping views.In addition to 43 rooms with private balconies, La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc features two restaurants,a lounge bar,swimming pool,water sports and day spa.

What’s Hot? Located on Phu Quoc Island, La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc, boasts a style reminiscent of a French seaside mansion.

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