Thailand

(Photo from HolidayVillasThailand.com)

The ScheckTrek this week tours Thailand: from its capital of Bangkok, up north to the more rural areas of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the Golden Triangle (where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet), and then down further south to Phuket, on the Indian Ocean.

Probably everyone knows that the former name of Thailand was Siam and that Siam’s most famous king was Yul Brynner! Thailand's longest reigning monarch, however (being serious now), is the current monarch, King Bhumibol (pronounced Pumipon), who also has the distinction of being the world’s longest-serving current head of state (Wikipedia).


First stop: Bangkok.
My hotel pick for Bangkok is the Mandarin Oriental.

(Photo from MandarinOriental.es)

(Photo from DiningInFrance.com)

(Photo from LaperLenoire.ch)

(Photo from Images.forbestraveler.com)

(Photo from AsiaTravelMag.com)

(Photo from Images.TravelNow.com)

(Photo from Yahoo Images)

(Photo from UrbaneNomads.com)

Stop #2: Chiang Mai
From Bangkok we move 435 miles north to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s 5th largest city. Until the 1920s, the only way to reach Chiang Mai, in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, was by river or elephant. That isolation helped to preserve some of the charm of the area (Wikitravel).


Not to be in a rut, but my hotel pick for Chiang Mai is the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi. I think the reason will be obvious when you see the photos.

I can't get over the architecture of this hotel!
(Photo from MandarinOriental.com)

(Photo from Statics.atcloud.com)

(Photo from AlluringAsia.com)

The Royal Residence Bedroom.  Can you even imagine sleeping there...
and not breaking your royal neck stepping off the platform if you get up at night?
(Photo from Concierge.com)

Mandalay Residence
(Photo from 1.bp.blogspot.com)

Colonial Pool
(Photo from Concierge.com)

Colonial Suite Terrace
(Photo from Concierge.com)

Penthouse Residence
(Photo from Concierge.com)

Rice Terrace Field at the Hotel
(Photo from Concierge.com)

I never saw lighting like this in columns before!
(Photo from http://www.lorringolf.com/)

The Dheva Spa
(Photo from Concierge.com)

Watsu Pool
(Photo from Concierge.com)

The woodwork is like lace!
(Photo from Concierge.com)

 Stop #3: Chiang Rai, The Golden Triangle
If you share Robert Frost’s opinion that it is taking the road less traveled that makes all the difference, then you’re going to like Chiang Rai in the Golden Triangle. Though the village has only 62,000 inhabitants, not counting elephants, I decided it was worth a stop because of the Four Seasons Tented Camp. As long as “Four Seasons” is capitalized and not referring to summer/fall/winter/spring, that’s the kind of tent I’m willing to consider camping in! I guess another reason to go there would be for an elephant ride in a beautiful rural area of Thailand.

(Photo from render2.snapfish.com)

(Photo from Concierge.com)

Do you believe this?  Look at the attention to detail they put in the shower head.
(Photo from Alluringasia.com)

(Photo from FourSeasons.com)

Photo from Concierge.com

View into Myanmar
(Photo from Concierge.com

Meals are eaten at different places from day to day.  This looks inviting. 
Except for the elephants.
(Photo from Concierge.com)

I love how they incorporated tribal textiles into the chair upholstery--
and didn't match them.
(Photo from FourSeasons.com)

Elephants at the picnic.  Maybe it's better than ants,
though I've never known an ant to smell like an elephant!
(Photo from FourSeasons.com)

(Photo from Magazine.FourSeasons.com)

(Photo from ThailandInStyle.com)

(Photo from lh4.ggpht.com)

This is definitely the way to camp!
(Photo from FourSeasons.com)

I'm not going to say it.  But they're in the shadows.
(Photo from SeasonsInStyle.com)

Final stop: Phuket

Though it doesn't always get the rave reviews we might expect, what trip to Thailand would be complete without a visit to Phuket?  My pick for lodging is Villa Kiana, a vacation rental overlooking the water. Believe it or not, it was a tough decision but, I think, the right one. You can’t argue with those views in the following photos!

(Photo from Thai-Real.com)

(Photo from UK.LuxuryRetreats.com)

(Photo from Holiday-Rentals.co.uk)

(Photo from CaribbeanWay.com)

(Photo from CaribbeanWay.com)

(Photo from Holiday-Rentals.co.uk)

(Photo from CaribbeanWay.com)

(Photo from ImagesEU.Holiday-Rentals.co.uk)

(Photo from PrivateLeisure.com)

(Photo from VillaRental-Asia.com)

Would you ever want to close your eyes?
(Photo from VillaRentalAsia.com)

According to Holiday-Rentals.co.uk: Perched near the top of exclusive Cape Panwa, on the southeaster tip of Phuket, Kiana Villa is part of the Sri Panwa (Resort and Spa) development in what is arguably the finest private vacation destination on Phuket. Sixty villas are scattered throughout 32 acres of lush, tropical surroundings offering accommodation of the highest quality, maximum privacy and superior service. From Villa Kiana, it is only a short walk to the local beach and market area and just a 30-minute drive to Phuket’s incredible beaches, restaurants, golfing and shopping. It is only a 45-minute drive to Phuket International Airport.

And it is from there that we must return home, all too soon!

United Arab Emirates

Photo from Expedia.com

(Information on the UAE from Wikitravel.org)
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Each emirate has its own ruler, or Sheikh; and as a result, the laws and culture vary from emirate to emirate. “For example, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum of Dubai is very modern, so Dubai is forward-thinking and cosmopolitan. The ruling sheikhs of Ajman and Sharjah are more conservative, thus the rules there are more strict concerning religion, alcohol, drugs and general living conditions.”


Alcohol is allowed in all of the emirates except Sharjah, but there are certain regulations one should be aware of, as well as guidelines for what is considered appropriate dress for women. Tourists will also want to be aware of Ramadan dates, during which it can be more difficult (though not impossible) to purchase food during daylight hours. Ramadan is going on right now until September 9. It will be August 1-29 in 2011. Because they’re on a lunar calendar, it moves from year to year.

“Basic commodities used to be cheaper than in most western countries, although this is changing rapidly (Dubai has moved up the ranking to be the 25th most expensive city to live in; Abu Dhabi is close behind). Hotels rates are not cheap — there is a shortage of hotel rooms available, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which keeps the hotels often at above 90% occupancy. Vast numbers of new hotels are scheduled to come on line during the next five to ten years, but as tourism is on the rise, it is unlikely that prices will come down.”



CLIMATE
The UAE receive only a few days of rain a year. “Despite that, Emiratis use water at an alarming rate: there are broad swaths of grass in the major public parks, for example, and landscaping can be extensive in the resorts or other public places. The majority of this water comes from desalinization[sic]. … The weather from late October through mid-March is quite pleasant, with high temperatures ranging from around 27°C (85°F) to lows around 15°C ( 63°F). It is almost always sunny. Rain can happen between November and February, and can cause road hazards when it does. In the summer, the temperatures soar and humidity is close to unbearable — it is widely suspected that the officially reported temperatures are 'tweaked' to cut off the true summer highs, which can reach 50°C, or around 120°F, or even higher!”


THINGS TO DO
One of the main focuses of tourist life (other than shopping) is the beach. The waters of the UAE…are remarkably warm, clean, and beautiful. …The snorkeling and diving can be magnificent, especially along the eastern (Indian Ocean) coast. Vast swaths of desert stretch to the south of the major urban areas, offering dramatic views and terrifying rides in fast-driven safaris. The mountains are dramatic, steep rocky crags, and a visit to them (for example, the town of Hatta) is well rewarded with amazing views. Women wearing bathing suits will draw unwanted attention at the public beaches; it is advisable to pay for a one-day entry pass to a private beach at a hotel.

“Ski Dubai in Dubai Emirates Mall opened in December 2005. It is the world's third largest indoor ski slope, measuring 400 metres and using 6000 tons of snow. Ski Dubai resort is the first UAE indoor ski slope to open, and more are planned.”


One of the draws to the area is shopping. “There are no sales taxes in the UAE, but it is very difficult to find any real bargains anymore as inflation is at an all-time high. If you are interested in shopping, you can't leave the UAE without visiting Dubai. Dubai boasts the best places for shopping in the whole of the Middle East, especially during the annual shopping festival, usually from mid-January to mid-February.” In addition to malls, there are still a few traditional souks in the Emirates, though they can be more difficult for the traveler to locate. According to Wikitravel, the Abu Dhabi souks were torn down in 2006 and no longer exist. However, there are some wonderful ones in Dubai.

Desert safaris are also good attractions around Dubai. It’s a good idea to book these through your travel agent, and make sure the vehicle is 4WD.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, and Dubai is the most frequent entry point for tourists, being the transportation center for the Emirates. So this week, the ScheckTrek will visit both.

There are many very upscale hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, to western eyes, many may seem reminiscent of Caesar’s Palace. I hate to say garish, but…

However, there were some notable exceptions, and we’ll tour four of my favorites.

First, Dubai. For a taste of elegance on the coast, I recommend the One and Only Royal Mirage, which is made up of three separate hotels.

Photo from StylishResorts.com

Photo from Venere.com

Photo from http://www.gammat.ru/

Photo from 2daydubai.com

Photo from Expedia.co.uk

Photo from Expedia.co.uk

Photo from Expedia.co.uk

Photo from Venere.com

Photo from Xoprivate.com

Photo from Expedia.co.uk

Photo from Orbitz.com

Photo from Expedia.co.uk

For something a little more authentic, without having to rough it in the desert, I recommend the Jumeirah Bab Al Shams. Not that I would want to spend a great many days there, but just one or two to experience dusk falling over that desert.

Photo  from Expedia.com

Photo from Expedia.com

Photo from Expedia.com

I'm not sure if it was the rug, or the closet doors (on the left) that sold me.

Photo from Expedia.com

Photo from BaileyRobinson.com

Originally, Dubai was going to be my only stop, but I found I liked the hotels better in Abu Dhabi.  :)  And, after all, this blog is all about the hotels!







In Abu Dhabi, I’ll start with my recommendation for the desert hotel, the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. As with the Jumeirah Bab Al Shams, it mentally transports you not just to another geographic location, but to another whole way of life. A hard life outside the grounds of this resort, not fit even for plant life. It would be most comfortably experienced during the day from inside its air-conditioned walls of glass through which to enjoy the desert’s desolate beauty.  Then go out at night to see more stars than you could even imagine could fit into one sky!

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Photo from Qasr Al Sarab.Anantara.com

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Deluxe Garden View Room.  Photo from Qasr Al Sarab.Anantara.com.

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Photo from Abu-Dhabi-Dubai.com

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Photo from hotel website

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If I had to choose just one hotel in the United Arab Emirates, however – and that is, after all, the stated purpose of this blog, to choose one – it would have to be the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Normally a bit opulent for my taste, I would be willing to overlook that to experience what has been said to be the most expensive hotel in the world to build: $3 billion. After the photos is a list of statistics about the hotel and what $3 billion will get you in a resort.

Photo from Watg.com

Photo from EyeRevolution.co.uk

Photo from Orbitz.com

Photo from Travelocity.com

Photo from Apnimarzi.com

Photo from Orbitz.com

Photo from FiveStarAlliance.com

Photo from Orbitz.com

Photo from Orbitz.com

Photo from Travelocity.com

Photo from Travelocity.com

Photo from Travelocity.com

From http://www.hotelmanagement-network.com/projects/emirates-palace/ come the following details about this hotel (taken almost verbatim from the referenced website):







• The hotel was built as a superlative for national prestige and not really as a profit- making concern.


• Rooms are priced from $5,989 to $12,251 a night at the Palace.


• [I’m having trouble connecting those last two statements in my mind!]


• It employs about 2,600 staff members from approximately 50 nationalities.


• Over 20,000 roses are used every day throughout the entire Palace!


• The hotel is set in 1,000 hectares of beautifully landscaped park with palms and fountains; the architecture reflects the different landscapes of the desert.


• There is a .8-mile private beach attached to the hotel.


• The external architecture boasts 114 impressive domes that rise up to195 feet in the air and glisten in the sun, resembling pure gold.


• The design of the hotel incorporates the beauty of traditional Arabian elements such as the Grand Atrium dome. At 195-feet high and 137-feet in diameter, it is the largest dome in the world. It's decorated with 13 colors of marble, ranging from sunrise yellow to sunset red – to reflect the many different hues of the desert – and finished in silver and gold glass mosaic tiles. It is topped by a 44-pound solid golden finial, and over 22-carat gold leaf covers the inside of the dome, making it the greatest gilded expanse ever created in one building.


• The building has 114 domes. That of the Grand Atrium is higher than the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.


• The Emirates Palace Archway, covered in Italian stone, and bigger than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, containing a museum.


• The resort has over one million square feet of marble, imported from Italy, Spain, China, and India.


• The resort boasts 200 fountains amid 600 acres of exotic park grounds, home to over 8,000 trees, and the hotel’s private heliport.


• It is the official guest palace of the government of Abu Dhabi, with 22 three-bedroom suites capable of hosting as many heads of state and their entourages.


• The highest floor has six rulers' suites, which are out of bounds to all except members of the royal families of the UAE.