Bhutan expands its tourist incentives for visitors, until 2027
By Lifestyle+Travel
Bhutan expands its tourist incentives for visitors, with the daily Sustainable Development Fee reduced by 50% for another four years, until 2027
The Royal Government of Bhutan is pleased to announce additional incentives and policy measures to boost its tourism sector, introducing a 50% reduction on its tourism levy, known as the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
The new incentives and measures shall consist of the following:
1. A fifty per cent (50%) reduction will be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD 200 for US Dollar-paying guests visiting Bhutan. The effective SDF with the discount will be USD 100 per person per night for US Dollar paying tourists.
2. In addition, a fifty per cent (50%) reduction on the SDF shall be granted on the rates applied to children aged between 6 and 12 years for US Dollar-paying children visiting as tourists. The effective SDF with the discount for children will be USD 50 per person per night for US Dollar-paying tourists. Children who have not yet turned six years old are eligible to visit Bhutan without paying any SDF.
3. The 24 hours SDF waiver for tourists staying in the border towns shall continue.
The above incentives will come into effect from Friday, 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years until 31 August 2027.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Rise to New Heights: The Elevated Club Med Kiroro Peak Experience
Being the leader in mountain holidays for nearly 70 years, Club Med is thrilled to announce that Club Med Kiroro Peak will open its doors as an Exclusive Collection Resort this December as it welcomes guests to experience the art of living amidst a pristine snowscape. At Club Med Exclusive Collection Kiroro Peak, being different and distinctive is a celebrated lifestyle. Those who visit will find themselves at the fringe of the extraordinary with experiences that are first-of-its-kind, brought alive by the authentic Club Med spirit and an amazing international Gracious Organisers (G.Os) team. With the beautiful mountain landscape as its backdrop and interiors celebrating local craftsmanship, an all-new experience in redefined luxury awaits at this mountain Resort. Exclusive Experiences for Guests at Club Med Exclusive Collection Kiroro Peak: Welcome champagne upon arrival Complimentary continental breakfast for Suites All-day room service for Deluxe rooms and Suites* Access to Club Med Kiroro Grand’s wellness facilities Enhanced access to Club Med Kiroro Grand’s restaurants and bar (including Yoichi, The Ogon – Asian hotpot specialty restaurant and Yotei Bar), in addition to Club Med Exclusive Collection Kiroro Peak’s restaurant, Otaru and The View Bar Priority reservation for all three specialty restaurants (including The Ogon, The Kaen* – yakiniku specialty restaurant and The Ebisu* – sushi specialty restaurant) Unlimited glasses of champagne daily at The View Bar after 6:00 pm And more: more surprises await at Club Med Exclusive Collection Kiroro Peak *Available at additional charges Where Japanese Avant-Garde meets Contemporary Western Designs Designed by hospitality interior specialists, Studio HBA, Club Med Exclusive Collection Kiroro Peak seamlessly blends tradition and modernity with contemporary touches and upscaled comfort for the unconventional travel seeker. Take the first step into the lobby and be charmed by the art-inspired décor that effortlessly interprets local culture with a twist. The well-designed spaces flow organically into one another through the avant-garde design of Japanese clean lines combined with bold, contemporary Western elements, providing guests with high-end aesthetics and comfort to elevate the vacation experience in an informal yet chic ambience, all while complementing the holistic Club Med experience. Experience the Best Powder Adventure Playground With a one-of-a-kind untouched snow experience in a natural environment complete with direct access to a pristine ski domain, Club Med Exclusive Collection Kiroro Peak offers some of the best powdery snow in the world of an average annual snowfall of 21 metres and long ski season lasting up till May each year, the only Club Med mountain destination in Asia to offer spring skiing. The 126-room Resort offers guests unlimited ski-in, ski-out access to an untouched ski domain with 23 courses and pristine off-piste ski slopes, and access to daily group ski and snowboard lessons, ranging from beginner to advanced. Delivering an Unconventional Hokkaido Experience Discover local Hokkaido delights and craftsmanship in the nearby Otaru Coastal Town, a port city known for their glasswork and oil lamp factories, music boxes and sake distilleries just 40 minutes away from Club Med Kiroro Peak in the northwest of Sapporo on Ishikari Bay. Wander through streets that showcase
By Lifestyle+Travel
Thailand’s Breathtaking New Lifestyle Destination Unveiled – Beyond Skywalk Nangshi
The southern Thailand hospitality Icon, Kata Group, marking 40 years of hospitality reign by unveiling "Colors of Beyond" – a transformative rebrand for the Beyond resorts and a splash of excitement into vacations. A 500-million-baht investment in Beyond Skywalk Nangshi, a sky-high landmark destined to attract global travelers. This is more than a facelift – it's Kata Group redefining hospitality and painting unforgettable experiences onto Southern Thailand's canvas. . Unforgettable Phang Nga Adventure Awaits at Beyond Skywalk Nangshi! Forget the ordinary and step into an exhilarating escape at Beyond Skywalk Nangshi in Thailand's stunning Phang Nga Province. Here, 500 million baht has been poured into crafting a 57-room haven that caters to every travel style and budget. Thrill-seekers will conquer their fears on Thailand's highest and longest glass-floored viewing platform, while nature lovers soak in panoramic vistas from the infinity pool. Couples can create lasting memories amidst verdant valleys, and families can embark on unforgettable adventures together. Beyond Skywalk Nangshi redefines the Phang Nga experience with its diverse room types, each promising a unique perspective on the surrounding beauty. Seaview Tent, these cozies 23 sq m tents offer comfort and style, blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature, imagine waking up to the gentle murmur of waves and a panoramic sunrise over the sparkling sea. Forest Tent, nestled amidst lush greenery, these 23 sq m tents promise a tranquil escape. Breathe in the fresh air and wake up to the symphony of birdsong, surrounded by the emerald embrace of the forest. Seaview Pavilions, climb the stairs to ultimate relaxation in these 30-31 sq m pavilions. Located in a charming two-story building, they boast sweeping views of Samet Nangshi's pristine beauty, offering a haven of luxury just steps from the beach. Pool Villa, unwind in a private oasis with one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas. Featuring a refreshing pool or Jacuzzi, stunning sunrise views, and a distinctive design, these villas offer the ultimate escape for couples or solo travelers. A noteworthy feature is the 'Beyond Skywalk,' recognized as the tallest and longest glass-floor walkway in Thailand. Spanning 180 meters and positioned 80 meters above sea level, the walkway comprises three layers of thick glass (30 mm), capable of supporting weights up to 500 kilograms per square meter. It reveals dazzling turquoise waters with stunning clarity. Every step feels like hovering, every glance offers a breathtaking perspective. Admission to Beyond Skywalk, which includes food and drink credits, is priced at 500 baht for adults, 300 baht for students/children, and free for young children (during the launch period until February 29). Beyond Skywalk Nangshi offers a smorgasbord of delights beyond its breathtaking skywalk. Fuel your adventures at Horizon, an all-day restaurant serving delectable cuisine with a panorama that'll leave you speechless. Or grab a casual bite and invigorating coffee at Skywalk Café, the perfect spot to soak in the laid-back vibes. Afterward, take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool on the 4th floor of the Upper Lobby building. Breathe in the fresh air as the Andaman Sea stretches before you, a shimmering
By Lifestyle+Travel
Unveiling Laguna Lakelands: Phuket’s Newest Pinnacle of Luxury Living!
Embark on a paradisiacal journey with Banyan Group's latest marvel, introducing Laguna Lakelands – Phuket's ultimate international residential oasis. Hold your breath as the visionary Banyan Group, creators of Asia’s grand destination Laguna Phuket, unveils an unprecedented eco-friendly lifestyle haven – Laguna Lakelands. Nestled adjacent to the iconic resort, this ambitious USD 2 billion project promises a revolution in luxurious living. Located in the prestigious Bang Tao district on Phuket’s Central West coast, Laguna Lakelands enjoys a prime location, just a 30-minute drive from vibrant Phuket Town, lively Patong Beach, and only 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport. Immerse yourself in the embrace of nature at Laguna Lakelands, a sprawling 700 rai residential masterpiece, crafted by the same minds behind the world-renowned Phuket Laguna. Unfolding over lush hills, enchanting resorts, and picturesque lakes, it stands as Phuket’s largest self-contained residential development. Spanning one million square metres of land, the community features five distinct themed residential areas – Hillside, Orchard, Forest, Lakeside, and Lagoon. Explore these havens interconnected by extensive 15 km of walkways and cycling trails, adorned with botanical gardens. Indulge in a plethora of recreational options designed for a new generation prioritising health and wellness. Laguna Lakelands boasts a community Country Club with a swimming pool, sports fields, tennis courts, and family-friendly activities. Elevate your experience with the Residents Beach Club – the only residential development in Phuket with its exclusive beach club for residents. Residents enjoy full access to the lavish facilities of Laguna Phuket, featuring an array of restaurants, bars, luxurious spas, BDMS medical and wellness centres, an International Kindergarten school, and even an 18-hole championship golf course with a PGA-branded golf academy. Discover a range of exquisite homes in Phase One, from one to three-bedroom Lakeview Residences to sophisticated four-bedroom Waterfront Villas. Condominiums in four and seven-storey complexes with rooftop infinity pools offer a touch of luxury starting from just THB 6.8m (USD 190k), while Waterfront Villas begin at THB 60m (USD 1.7m). Unlock a world of benefits with ownership at Laguna Lakelands, including worldwide discounts and privileges throughout the entire Banyan Group network through membership in the Sanctuary Club. Some residences also include complimentary golf club memberships and Thailand Elite VIP long-stay visa privileges. Laguna Lakelands isn't merely a residential development; it's a promise of a luxurious and vibrant lifestyle, inviting you to create a lifetime of memories in Phuket's most prestigious residential paradise!