Virtuoso Best of the Best 2009 - (Page 68) trISArA Phuket, Thailand As popular as Phuket may be, Trisara offers a remarkably private haven – the resort is surrounded by 40 acres of tropical forest and sits above a sparkling bay. (After all, its name means “The Third Garden in Heaven.) Villas are immaculate, with infinity-edge pools, plasma televisions, spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs, spacious teak decks and outdoor showers – ask for one overlooking the Andaman Sea. There’s a full-service spa, and do take time to explore the tennis, golf, yachting and diving opportunities. When the stars are at their brightest, ask the staff to arrange private beachside dining. dIStAnCe FroM Phuket AIrPort (hkt): vIrtuoSo AMenIty $100 spa credit per room, once per stay. In the know Enjoy a romantic barbecue prepared by the resort’s chef and presented in the privacy of your villa’s pool deck. 8 mi/13 km 68 AS I A & PACIF IC SoFIteL MetroPoLe hAnoI Hanoi, Vietnam A longtime favorite of visiting ambassadors, writers, heads of state and business moguls, the French Colonial–style Sofitel Metropole Hanoi presides over the downtown area, offering a sophisticated stay in a convenient setting. European luxury and warm Vietnamese hospitality commingle in the public areas, 363 guestrooms and suites, fine-dining restaurants and full-service spa. Dining is a real treat – Le Beaulieu offers the finest French cuisine in town and is a favorite for Sunday brunch, while the Spices Garden boasts delicious Vietnamese cuisine. dIStAnCe FroM hAnoI AIrPort (hAn): vIrtuoSo AMenIty 30-minute foot massage per person, once per stay. In the know The hotel offers convenient express shoeshine service – the butler will bring your shoes back to your room within 15 minutes. 40 minutes the nAM hAI Hoi An, Vietnam Sitting enviably on a stretch of China Beach, near historic Hoi An, The Nam Hai is a prestigious luxury resort catering to the savviest of travelers. Architecture and nature harmonize in a lush setting, making the most of views across the South China Sea and the surrounding tropical grounds. Each villa is an immaculate escape complete with indoor and outdoor sitting areas, and, in the case of the Pool Villas, a private swimming pool. No visit is complete without treatments at the tranquil spa, with its spacious pavilions, chromotherapy baths, relaxation area and steam showers. dIStAnCe FroM dA nAnG AIrPort (dAd): vIrtuoSo AMenIty Champagne and canapés in room upon arrival and, for stays of two nights or longer, dinner for two, once per stay. In the know At the east end of Hoi An’s Central Market, there’s a special stall for silk tailors – much more economical than those along Le Loi Street. 25 minutes
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