Monthly Archives: April 2016

Amanoi, Vietnam

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Every special hotel starts with a journey. The scenic coastal drive to Amanoi is almost as spectacular as the resort itself. It is made even more enjoyable by the hotel’s private transfer from the local airport, which is complimentary for all guests.

Amanoi is located in central Vietnam nearby to the protected Nui Chua National Park. The beautiful, rugged landscape is a stark contrast to the modern, design-focused resort but in my opinion presents the perfect juxtaposition. The hotel’s central pavilion houses its main restaurant, bar and library. Natural materials are used wherever possible and the space has as only a few exterior walls and windows, which gives an abundance of light and air.

There are 31 one-bedroom pavilions and five multi-bedroom villas. All are similarly spacious and thoughtfully-arranged, with vistas of the National Park, the sea or the lake. I stayed in a pavilion with a large balcony and an uninterrupted ocean view. The open-plan room was flooded with natural light and featured concealed and discreet electrical amenities and controls. The sleek decor and warm colours made it immediately appealing, and I spent as much time as I could relaxing in the comfortable living area. Through a pair of sliding doors was the expansive bathroom, with his-and-hers sinks and wardrobes, a large stone bath and sliding windows and doors to expose you to the elements.

The food at Amanoi is all of a very high standard, whether you dine in-room, at the beachside cafe or in the hotel’s main restaurant. Executive Chef Danny Woodbridge oversees all the menus and ensures guests requests and requirements are met. For our first dinner we enjoyed some delicious  international favourites, and on our second night were spoilt with a Vietnamese feast. Particularly memorable were the smoked eggplant with spring onion sauce, and the authentic beef claypot.

Breakfast was a daily highlight. A comprehensive menu of international and local treats, both healthy and indulgent options. I sampled impeccable dishes of eggs benedict, French toast and pancakes, alongside the daily selection of fresh exotic fruit and juices, and flaky homemade pastries.

When you are not relaxing in the privacy of your room or enjoying the hotel’s culinary delights, there are many facilities and activities to keep your entertained. The Aman Spa is a heavenly retreat, overlooking a lotus flower covered lake, with treatment rooms, sauna rooms and a yoga pavilion where each morning guests are invited to join a complimentary session.

The hotel’s two pools, health club and gym are also available free-of-charge, or for those wanting to have a go at watersports, the beach club (with its own pool) is another option. There are also a number of walks and hikes within and nearby to the property. For early-risers, you can catch a spectacular sunrise from the top of Goga Peak, just a 10-minute stroll from the hotel’s central pavilion.

Amanoi is an idyllic and isolated getaway from the busy cities of Vietnam. With sun year round it is very appealing escape from Britain’s less than reliable weather.

More information and book a stay at Amanoi here.

The Leela Palace, Udaipur

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Udaipur is known as the Venice of the East. This charming lakeside destination is one of the lesser known Rajasthani cities, but is the perhaps the most beautiful I visited. There are plenty of five star hotels to choose from in Udaipur, but I highly recommend the regal Leela Palace, a luxurious abode which offers faultless service and the finest facilities.

We were collected in one of hotel’s white BMWs and dropped at the private jetty to get a boat across to the hotel. It is a charming way to reach the property, and a lovely opportunity to see the city from the water. Back on land we were greeted with cascading rose petals dropped from a balcony above us and serenaded with traditional Indian music.

To make our one night at The Leela Palace Udaipur particularly memorable the management team upgraded us to room 305, the Royal Suite. This magnificent apartment in the palace wing had ornate high dome ceilings, a glittering chandelier and impressive artwork depicting local royalty. After exploring the living room, I found the lavish bedroom with a giant four-poster bed topped with opulent silk cushions. The walk-in wardrobe and marble bathroom felt grown up and exciting to use, with numerous gadgets concealed within their clever design. Everything you could need can be found in the Royal Suite, including a spacious dining room and practical kitchen, and a butler is on hand to make sure your stay is perfect. Unfortunately in my short stay of just 24 hours I couldn’t spend as much time as I wanted to in this incredible suite, but I did have time to admire the beautiful details, craftsmanship and indulgent touches.

The hotel has 80 rooms in total offering spectacular lake and garden views. Thanks to the modern design all bedrooms are spacious and thoughtfully arranged. In the hotter months the plunge pool rooms and suites are particularly popular.

When you are not in your room, there are plenty of stunning communal spaces to enjoy. Each night the inner courtyard hosts live music and dancing, while artistic guests may wish to join the daily heritage tour of the hotel’s art and artefacts with the in-house historian.

Poolside lounging feels very extravagant thanks to the attentive staff who bring out fresh iced tea and cooling flannels. Casual food is available all day and is delivered in picnic hampers. I loved the falafel wrap, a welcome break from curry and spice.

Udaipur is beautiful during the day but at night it truly sparkles and the Leela Palace lakeside restaurant Sheesh Mahal is the ideal place to sit and appreciate your surroundings. It is only luxury hotel restaurant that also welcomes outside visitors, though with only a limited number of tables bookings are essential. It was wonderfully romantic when we sat and enjoyed a glass of local Sula wine and an epic Indian feast. The kitchen excel at regional Rejasthani dishes, most memorable was the spicy and creamy Hyderabadi Khatte Baingan (eggplant cooked with tomatoes and tamarind) and the assorted vegetarian kebab platter.

Breakfast can be enjoyed in your own room or downstairs in the main Dining Room where an abundant buffet is put on each morning. We opted for fresh waffles, exotic fruit and coffee, but if you are feeling brave, try some of the Indian delicacies.

Hidden in the foliage of the grounds is the serene ESPA Spa, a place for reflecting and relaxing. I was amazed at how my body responded to the two hour signature Ayurvedic treatment. This intensive massage treatment began with a brief consultation to determine my ‘dosha’ type before my therapist (Tashi) commenced with a foot ritual. She recognised both pitta and vatta tendencies and used specific oils and massage techniques to soothe and balance my body.

The next morning I returned to the spa for a private yoga class. This quiet and meditative class clears your mind before the day ahead and strengthens the core muscles.

Usually in a new city I am desperate to get out and explore, but the Leela Palace in Udaipur completely won me over. I just wanted to stay at this beautiful hotel and experience everything it has to offer. After a brief but beautiful stay I was sad to float back to reality on the mainland.

More information and book a stay at The Leela Palace Udaipur here.

RAAS Jodhpur

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There is something instantly alluring about Jodhpur. Known as ‘the blue city’ because of the numerous azure painted houses, it is a colourful maze of cobbled alleys and stall-lined streets. In this city I can’t imagine staying anywhere other than RAAS Jodhpur, a beautifully authentic, historic property at the foot of the famous Mehrangarh Fort. Here, within the walls of the old city, you will be immersed in the real Rajasthan, woken in the morning by the call to prayer and relaxing after lunch in the shadows of the city’s sites.


RAAS is Jodhpur’s first boutique hotel, opening in 2009 after three years of intensive renovating and building work. The property once belonged to a local noble family before it was taken over by the hotel group. The RAAS owners have kept the four old buildings intact and built three new modern structures which complement the style of the original design. Red sand stone unites the old and new, and adds a comforting warmth to the place. Almost all the rooms offer views of the magnificent Fort, which is equally impressive come day or night.


There are 39 rooms across 4 categories. We were very at home in room 134, a duplex suite with beautiful balcony views. Downstairs, the bedroom and living space was divinely luxurious, decorated in simple pale hues with vintage furniture and minimalist detailing. The marble white bathroom was fresh and indulgent, equipped with a walk-in rain shower and KAMA Ayurvedic toiletries from south India. Upstairs a more decorative living area and decadent bathtub was the perfect place to unwind with a book. Though I loved our room, for a particularly atmospheric stay I would recommend booking one of the heritage suites housed within the original buildings.

I was disappointed to not find many exciting eateries in the city of Jodhpur, so though I wouldn’t usually recommend staying inside the hotel for mealtimes, in this city RAAS’ fine food selection is definitely the best you will find. Enjoy rich and indulgent Indian cuisine or opt for International fare in the hotel’s only restaurant. The company have recently acquired the next door 800 year old step well, a truly magnificent heritage site which took months to clean. Enjoy the daunting views from above whilst devoured an assortment of Indian delicacies in the new Stepwell cafe. I was in great admiration of the chef’s fresh and vibrant creations, from addictively tasty Sev Puri (a Mumbai snack) to Aromatic Aloo Gobi Adraki (cauliflower and potato curry).

After lying by the stunning pool for the afternoon I took the opportunity to try the idyllic Ila spa, the first location for the beauty brand in India. Housed in the sacred historic building the spa feels instantly calm and reflective. The signature RAAS treatment is a brilliant massage which uses different techniques to sooth and rejuvenate the body. My therapist, Sonam, had magical healing hands and used hot stones and Argon oil to release uncomfortable knots and relieve tired muscles. After a day exploring the dusty town of Jodhpur there is nothing more refreshing than a trip to this heavenly spa.

The approachable staff are happy to help organise day trips or tour guides to help you get the most out of this unique destination. Before you leave the hotel don’t forget to take a ride in their very own sky-blue tuk tuk. A knowledgeable guide will take you on a whirlwind 45-minute tour of the city, which is complimentary with your stay.

This romantic hideaway offers a retreat within the chaotic but captivating city of Jodhpur. RAAS celebrate the local heritage of the place whilst offering a luxurious place to escape from it all. With the recent takeover of Devi Garh in Udaipur and plans to open a winter property in the Himalayas, it seems to be just the beginning for the RAAS brand.

More information and book a stay at RAAS Jodhpur here.