Travel Agent - November 26, 2007 - (Page 30)

DESTINATIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 playroom with a nanny; a squash court; swimming pools; a sauna; and a yoga/aerobics studio where daily group sessions are held. After a day’s work, don’t forget to request the club’s signature foot massage based on Chinese body-soothing techniques. Reservations should be made at least three days in advance via health club manager Jennifer Lin (mandara@landis.com.tw, 886-4-2320-9696, ext. 8801). Another large accommodation is the 3,700-square-foot Presidential Suite (located on the 15th floor), which has a living room, a spacious balcony and dining area with commanding views of bustling Chung Kang Road. All suites can be booked via sales manager May Yang (sales@landis.com.tw, 011-886-4-2323-0778, ext. 2302). If you are booking VIPs, the specialservices team (011-886-4-2326-8008) is a great contact. For dining, the Landis’ Tien Hsiang Lo is popular with visitors and residents for authentic Chinese cuisine. We recommend stewed pork flank with Shao Shin wine. Just 90 minutes away from Taichung in Nantou County is the Lalu Sun Moon Lake Hotel (www.thelalu.com.tw). This all-suite property sits on the shore overlooking a tranquil lake and the Central Mountain Range. Once the villa of former President Chiang Kai-shek, the hotel turned into a star attraction after a makeover in 1998. AGENTADVICE A former resident of Taiwan, Brian D’Ottavio (bdottavio@ absolutetravel.com), the luxury travel manager of Absolute Travel in New York, says that even though Taichung is often overlooked by travelers to Taiwan, it is definitely worth visiting. “For your first stop in Taichung, I recommend the National Museum of Natural Science—I love the interactive exhibits and the theater shows,” says D’Ottavio. “Because many of the exhibits have no English translations, visiting with a guide is a must. If you prefer to skip the science, stop in at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts instead; I personally love Chinese sculpture and brush painting, and this museum has excellent examples of both. These museums are best visited during the week, as they can get very crowded on the weekends.” D’Ottavio also makes sure to explore the city’s famous night markets: “Visitors should not miss the Fengchia Night Market, near the university by the same name. Come hungry, though, because you can sample many of the local delicacies for pocket change!” Taichung’s central location holds more surprises. D’Ottavio says guests can take a number of interesting day trips from a base in Taichung. “Just over an hour east by road is the mountainous area known as Puli; it is best known for its stunning mountain scenery, clear water and hiking opportunities on the old local trails.” For those in search of a more spiritual excursion, he recommends heading north to Shitoushan (Lion’s Head Mountain) in Maoli county. “The hotel accommodations near the famous temple in the mountains are basic: The wake-up call will be early and the food tends toward simple vegetarian meals, but it is amazing how refreshed and satisfied you will feel in the magical mountain surroundings!” 30 | TravelAgent November 26, 2007 http://www.thelalu.com.tw bdottavio@absolutetravel.com bdottavio@absolutetravel.com http://www.vacationrentals4agents.com http://www.vacationrentals4agents.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - November 26, 2007

Travel Agent - November 26, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: InterContinental Geneva Puts Forth a New Look and a New Way to Get to Know the Swiss City London’s Soho Hotel Pacific/Asia: Taichung: Taiwan’s Third Largest City Pacific/Asia Briefs and Packages Tanzania Travel Specialist Mexico: A Roundup of Premier Hotels in Mexico City Q&A with U.S. Director of the Mexico Tourism Board Mexico Deals Las Vegas: A Three-Day Itinerary for Gen-X couples Creating a Kid-Friendly Vacation for Gen-X Clients that Still Includes Alone Time for Parents Richard Harper of Mandalay Bay Caribbean & Bahamas: What’s Happening in St. Kitts Puerto Rico’s Other Rainforest, Toro Negro Hawaii: The Big Island: First-Class Resorts and Native Culture Hotels: The Sky Lodge in Park City; The Lodge at Vail Tours: American Safari Cruises in Alaska’s Inside Passage Pacific Northwest: Suncadia, Eco-Friendly Resort Near Seattle Cruise: The Added Lure of Sailing with a Celebrity Onboard Small Ships Offer Up-Close Experience Cover Story: Hip Hotelier, Social Scientist Supplier Profile - Maximilian Brockmann: The New Face of Auto Europe Agent Profile: Sigrid Carter of Envoyé Travel The Orient-Express: Fabled Train Remains an Elite Product Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Europe Bookings as Dollar Falls Freestyle Cruising Casinos On the Rise in the Caribbean Maui’s Grand Wailea Resort Prepares for Major Renovation Visit Europe Media Exchange In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - November 26, 2007

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.