GOASIAPLUS January 2017

Bucket List
WORLD’S BEST
Boutique Hotels
The World Boutique
Hotel Awards was
held in London during
the closing of 2016,
announcing the crème
de la crème of boutique
hotels worldwide.
The Asian region saw
two boutique hotels
nabbing top honours.
Let’s discover these two
outstanding properties
that might make it into
your hotel wish list.
WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI · PHOTOS BY
THE CHEDI CLUB TANAH GAJAH &
EL NIDO
THE CHEDI CLUB TANAH GAJAH
Bali, Indonesia
WORLD’S BEST RELAXATION RETREAT
Many associate Bali with its turquoise waters and
colourful culture. But there is an artful element to
this Indonesia hot spot that is subtle yet deeply
relaxing. The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah understands
the importance of artistic design, creating a
relaxation retreat to calm the senses.
The 5-hectare property was the former
residence of Indonesia’s most respected art
collector, Hendra Hadiprana. 20 villas ranging from
the spa pool villa to family villa and the exclusive
Hadiprana with its outdoor Jacuzzi are designed in
the traditional Balinese design and decorated with
Hendra’s extensive art collection.
If you think the villas are enough to invoke a
sense of serenity, the spa treatments and health
club will elevate that to another level. They curate
complimentary yoga classes for guests and have an
array of spa packages conducted at their paddyfacing
spa suites.
www.ghmhotels.com/en/tanah-gajah
EL NIDO
Pangulasian Island, Philippines
WORLD’S BEST BEACH OR COASTAL HOTEL
When one wins an award on beach beauty, expect
it to be on a secluded island with powdery white
sands and waters in every shade of blue. That
paradise lies in the Palawan Province in a town
called El Nido that is also home to one of the most
beautiful beaches in the world ranked by Condé
Nast Traveler’s List.
The Pangulasian Island features 42 deluxe
accommodations built in a contemporary Filipino
architecture. Their canopy villa perched 15-18
meters from the ground host expansive views of
the sea and the surrounding islands while their
pool villa is equipped with a private pool right
outside your balcony.
Besides lounging around and doing nothing,
guests can indulge in their luxurious spa treatments
and dine in a romantic dinner by the beach. Plus,
we heard that the sunsets are spectacular in these
parts of Palawan.
www.elnidoresorts.com/pangulasian-island
24 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM