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Special First Anniversary Deals at the Ayana

18 February 2010
Filed under: Hotels — Tags: — Michael @ 7:21 pm

When I was in Bali earlier this month, I was surprised at how many of my local colleagues had been to the Rock Bar at the Ayana, and how enthusiastic they were about it. Now these are guys that I wouldn’t have thought could normally afford a drink at a five star hotel bar, let alone rave about – and have the pictures on their phones to prove it. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time for a personal visit this time, but if you’re looking for a "wow" setting for sunset drinks, the Rock Bar is it.

Now, I wouldn’t have bothered to post about just that, but soon after my returned I received word about Ayana’s first anniversary promotion. To mark the occasion, the resort has launched a First Anniversary Package from just US$239++ per night. Available for stays between 1 March and 15 June, the promotion allows guests to experience new features including the Rock Bar and the renovated Padi restaurant, and original highlights such as the Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pool. The package also includes a signature AYANA gift for every guest upon check-in.

"The 1st Anniversary promotion reflects the celebratory atmosphere at AYANA as we approach this landmark occasion," said General Manager Charles de Foucault. "We wanted to share our joy and appreciation with our guests, whose support just saw us awarded the #1 Spa in the World in the 2010 Conde Nast Readers’ Spa Awards, and the World’s Leading Luxury Resort in the 2009 World Travel Awards.

"These accolades don’t only reflect the upgrade in our facilities, but also the highest level of service from our staff, whose warm hospitality and friendly nature makes AYANA a home away from home for our guests. We hope they are able to take advantage of the 1st Anniversary package, so we can welcome them ‘home’ again soon."

Formerly The Ritz-Carlton Bali, AYANA rebranded on 1 April 2009 after a management change initiated by the owner, who’s invested millions of dollars to strengthen the property’s position as Southeast Asia’s premier destination resort. Recent enhancements include the new Rock Bar, located on natural rocks abutting the ocean, and the renovation of Padi and Damar Terrace restaurants and AYANA Ballroom.

The Conde Nast and World Travel Award accolades follow several other awards since AYANA’s rebranding, all based on independent surveys of travelers. It was the only hotel in Indonesia ranked amongst Asia’s Top 15 Resorts – and the World’s Top 100 – in Travel + Leisure’s 2009 survey; was voted Bali’s #1 hotel by NOW! Bali readers; voted Bali’s #2 resort in the 2010 Destinasian Readers’ Survey; and voted Asia’s #3 Spa Resort by SmartTravelAsia readers.

For details, see the Ayana Resort web site.

Get Your Rewards in This Life With Banyan Tree’s ‘Karma’ Promotion

17 February 2010
Filed under: Hotels — Tags: , — Michael @ 9:22 pm

Ever since my first stay at the Banyan Tree Phuket several years ago, a pool villa there has been high on my list of recommended honeymoon spots. Now a stay there is more attractive than ever. Their latest promotion will give you one night’s credit for every booking of two nights or more. That’s up to US$1,860 to spend on spa treatments, fine dining or other shopping and services.

The offer is good at all Banyan Tree and Angsana hotels and resorts. There are, of course, some limitations and fine print. See the full press release below.

A delightful sense of Karma awaits at Banyan Tree and Angsana hotels and resorts – enjoy spending credits equivalent to one night’s rate for every booking of two nights and above at the best available rates at banyantree.com and angsana.com. Valued at up to US$1,860, the complimentary credits can be used to offset charges for spa treatments, dining occasions and purchases at the retail galleries.

The limited-period “Karma” online promotion is available for booking only at banyantree.com and angsana.com from 1 to 15 March 2010, for stays between 1 April and 30 June 2010 (dates inclusive).

Best available rates range between US$215++ for a Premier Suite at Banyan Tree Bangkok and US$1,860++ for a Two-Bedroom DoublePool Villa at Banyan Tree Phuket in Thailand; and starts from US$115++ for a Superior Cottage at Deer Park Hotel in Sri Lanka (managed by Angsana Hotels & Resorts), capping at US$1,110++ for a Premier InOcean Villa at Angsana Velavaru in the Maldives. Rates are inclusive of daily breakfast for two people and a non-refundable advance payment for one night is required.

Mr Arthur Kiong, Managing Director, Sales and Marketing of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, says, "While the economy is on the upturn, the global consumer trends of short booking lead times, demand for value-driven quality holidays, and searching on the Internet for the best deals remain. The Karma online promotion addresses these trends by offering guests hotel credits that would motivate them to enjoy the various brand touch-points – such as indulging in our spas, destination dining or shopping in our galleries, without having to contemplate every expense when they are staying with us. The name of the online promotion – Karma – is inspired by the strong support from our customer following, especially in 2009."

Spa Indulgence

A choice selection of treatments that infuse traditional Eastern therapies with a holistic focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony – including signatures like the Rainmist and Master Therapist experiences at Banyan Tree Spa and Angsana Spa’s Fusion and Ibu’s Secret – ensures a pampering and rejuvenating sojourn for guests.

With a focus on high service standards, all Banyan Tree Spa and Angsana Spa therapists are professionally trained at the proprietary Banyan Tree Spa Academy. Banyan Tree Spa also ranks amongst the world’s best, having received recent awards such as "Spa Academy of the Year" in AsiaSpa Awards 2009 and "Best Spa Brand" in Hurun Report’s Best of the Best 2010, as well as being bestowed for the fifth consecutive year as the "Best Spa Operator" by Travel Trade Gazette.

Dining Occasions

From contemporary Thai cuisine at Banyan Tree’s signature Saffron restaurant to healthy yet tasty spa cuisine at Tamarind, there is something to suit every palate. To complete the culinary adventure, a must-try would be the destination dining experiences that are unique to selected Banyan Tree resorts. For instance, Dinner on the Rocks and Reflections at Banyan Tree Bintan, which are set over giant boulders at the shore and in the middle of a pool carved out of rock respectively.

Retail Therapy

Select hand-woven silken throws and bamboo baskets made by cottage artisans, or a signature aromatherapy oil burner and essential oil, when at Banyan Tree Gallery or Angsana Gallery. Each retail galleries offers a choice selection of proprietary spa amenities, traditional crafts, resort-style home furnishing and apparel, enabling guests to recreate the quintessential Banyan Tree or Angsana experience in the comforts of their homes.

For more information and reservations, visit banyantree.com or angsana.com.