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February 11, 2015

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Home » Feature » Travel

Relaxing getaways ... with the family

To travel during the Spring Festival presents dilemmas. On one hand, the popular destinations are packed with people, while on the other it’s difficult to go to lesser-known places for an adventure as Chinese New Year is time of family get-togethers — which means the needs of the whole family need to be put into consideration when planning a trip. An excellent compromise is to choose a good hotel in a beautiful location, move your family reunion there, and enjoy a few relaxed and refreshing days, without exhausting young and elderly family members with long flights and constantly moving from one place to another. Shanghai Daily has chosen a few destinations — both domestic and in nearby countries and regions — for the upcoming Spring Festival.

Crosswaters Ecolodge and Spa

The hustle and bustle of a big city can leave us exhausted. But Crosswaters Ecolodge and Spa in southern China’s Guangdong Province is a holiday option to relax and feel rejuvenated in harmony with nature.

As suggested by its name, the resort is located at the confluence of two rivers, Gankangmei and Sumaoming and has an area of 1.5 square kilometers surrounded by forest on the Nankun Mountain. It is 98 percent covered by vegetation and the air is fresh and rich in oxygen. The mountain produces the famous Maocha tea, also known as Longevity Tea because its habitual drinkers tend to enjoy a long life. Free-range chickens are another specialty of the mountain.

The five-star resort offers a whole range of facilities in addition to its unique, idyllic surroundings. It has a Chinese restaurant, a Western bar and a traditional teahouse with beautiful views.

An observatory tower is a favored spot to gaze at the night sky.

Many structures in the resort are built with bamboo and the cottage rooms are simple but elegant, in keeping with nature and local culture. Guests can enjoy the views through large windows or from the balcony and listen to the sounds of nature.

Website: www.crosswaters.net.cn

Tel: 0752-7693-666

Songtsam Meili

Meili Snow Mountains, averaging 6,000 meters in altitude, lie at the confluence of Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nujiang River in southwest China’s Yunnan Province. Described by National Geographic magazine as one of the last five unspoiled havens on earth, the mountains are famous for the beauty of their snow-capped peaks.

Accessible only to backpackers in the past, the peaks can now be viewed from an inn 3,600 meters above sea level.

Songtsam Meili overlooks the majestic mountains in Deqing County. Most of its rooms enjoy mountain views and there are 17 spacious deluxe rooms featuring massive beds, exotic sofas and armchairs and a cosy fireplace. Guests can read a book, listen to local music, watch films or simply gaze at the snow-capped mountains.

Breakfast is served in a small room where guests can see the sun rise over snowy peaks.

They can also have a romantic dinner on an open terrace with the peaks seemingly at arm’s reach.

Gujiunong, where Songtsam Meili is located, is a tranquil village inhabited by only five Tibetan families who raise goats. Travelers can visit their summer pastures and see their rustic life in idyllic surroundings.

 

Website: www.songtsam.com

Tel: 0887-8288-889

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay is near the central area of Singapore to the east of the Downtown Core. Scenic spots around the bay include Asia Square, F1 Pit Building, Youth Olympic Park, Bayfront Bridge and Gardens by the Bay.

Marina Bay Sands is a waterfront complex with hotels, convention and exhibition facilities, theaters, entertainment venues, shops and restaurants. It features three 55-story towers, occupied by a luxury hotel. The towers are bridged by Sands SkyPark which offers a panoramic view of Singapore, numerous restaurants, gardens, a 150-meter-long infinity pool and an observation desk.

The hotel towers are next to the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands Casino and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands luxury shopping mall. Visitors can also watch world-class performances at the MasterCard Theaters.

Website: www.marinabaysands.com

Tel: 65-6688-8888

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a national heritage of Malaysia, where many government receptions and glamorous events have been held and visiting dignitaries have stayed.

Sitting on a 3.2-acre plot on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, the hotel is close to the Central Station where visitors can take a train to Kuala Lumpur International Airport in 28 minutes.

It is also in the city’s central business district with Kuala Lumpur Convention Center and just 10 minutes away by car.

The hotel’s Majestic Wing and Tower Wing are linked by a glass-shielded, air-conditioned walkway. The Majestic Wing is the original historic building with 47 deluxe suites, all tastefully appointed and showing a perfect mix of the past and the present. Guests here enjoy 24-hour butler service.

With buildings in colonial and Art Deco styles as the backdrop, guests can choose dishes of various regional cuisines and fusion food as well.

Website: www.majestickl.com

Tel: 603-2785-8000

The Crystal

Sun Moon Lake is the most famous and the second largest lake in Taiwan. It is 7.7sqkm in surface area and is surrounded by rolling hills, pavilions, a temple and a pagoda.

Close to the lake, the Crystal is a boutique hotel with only 20 guest rooms overlooking the beautiful lake. Each room is elegant and comfortable in design and furnishing.

Guests can enjoy breakfast of seasonal offerings and rooms have big-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, refrigerators and other amenities. The front desk can arrange bicycle rental to cycle to see the lake and other scenic spots, such as the Peacock Garden where more than 200 peacocks and pheasants live.

Website: www.thecrystal.com.tw

Tel: 886-049-7008-188




 

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