Victoria Cruises Offers Complimentary One-Night A La Carte Dining Upgrade on Yangtze River China Cruises

Victoria Cruises operates a variety of itineraries on the Yangtze River in China ranging from four to nine days.

As it prepares its newly renovated fleet for the 2013 cruise season on China’s Yangtze River, Victoria Cruises (http://www.victoriacruises.com/) is launching a complimentary one-night à la carte dining upgrade offer. Passengers will enjoy one dinner in the Dynasty Dining room with à la carte dining menu service – an amenity normally reserved for guests enrolled in the cruise line’s VIP Executive Program.

Victoria Cruises works with Philadelphia-based Concepts By Staib, Ltd. to continually improve its culinary program. Internationally-acclaimed chef Walter Staib and his team routinely travel to China to equip the ships and train the culinary staff with the necessary skills and recipes to prepare high-quality Western dishes.

Travelers who book passage on applicable Victoria Cruises’ vessels as part of a packaged vacation from leading U.S.-based tour operators will also have access to the one-night à la carte dining upgrade. For a complete list of operators featuring the cruise line’s Yangtze River sailings, contact Victoria Cruises at 212-818-1680. Visit www.victoriacruises.com to learn more about river cruising on China’s mist-shrouded Yangtze.

New York-based Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for sailing China’s Yangtze River when its first ship edged out of port in 1994. Victoria Cruises remains the service leader and the only American-managed luxury cruise line on the Yangtze River with the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism Administration. Victoria Cruises has earned numerous awards and recognitions over the years including the 2011 TravelAge West WAVE Award Editor’s Pick for Best River Cruise Line as well as Best New River Cruise Ship in 2010 with the launch of the luxurious Victoria Jenna. Travel Weekly also recently selected the Victoria Jenna as a Silver Award Winner for the Magellan Awards’ River Cruise Ship category. The cruise line operates a variety of itineraries on the Yangtze ranging from four to nine days.

For more information and a free color brochure or promotional DVD, contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit http://www.victoriacruises.com.

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Context Travel launches scholar-led ‘walking seminars’ of Tokyo, Kyoto

A girl with her father admires one of the dolls on view at the Tokyo National Museum. Context has a new walking tour of Tokyo that features the Tokyo National Museum © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Context, a critically acclaimed walking tour company whose small-group, scholar-led “walking seminars” have revolutionized day tours in cities across Europe and North America, is continuing its expansion into Asia with the opening of tours in Tokyo and Kyoto. Working with local historians, Context has opened with five innovative tours in each city, designed to help curious visitors understand and appreciate Japanese history and culture.

Offerings in Kyoto include a thematic walk on Japanese garden and landscape design that visits the Golden Pavilion, as well as a tour on Shinto and Buddhism in the historic Gion neighborhood. Context also offers a woodblock printing workshop with a well-regarded master of the craft as part of its ongoing “experiential tours” program in all cities where it operates. Context’s Kyoto experts include historians of 19th century Japan, architects, and culinary writers.

Context’s Tokyo program includes a tour of anime, manga, and other forms of pop culture, focused on the Akihabara neighborhood, an epicenter of such otaku culture. The organization is also offering a walk on Japanese aesthetics in the Omotesando and Harajuku areas, as well as a visit to the Tokyo National Museum, and a three-hour Welcome to Tokyo program in which a local expert meets travelers at their hotel and assists them with the basic logistics of visiting this large, complex city.

“We have been blown away by the local scholars we’ve pulled together in Tokyo and Kyoto,” says Jessica Stewart, expansion manager at Context. “From an anthropologist in Kyoto who researches ghost possession and religious healing to a pop-culture expert in Tokyo who’s authored several scholarly treatments of this topic, we’ve gathered an amazing array of docents. Our clients, who’ve come to expect immersive experiences when they join our walks, are going to love Context in Japan.”

In both Tokyo and Kyoto Context offers walks privately on request and as regularly scheduled shared group walks. Private walks start at ¥32560 for the party, while group walks start at ¥7040 per person.

Context Travel is a network of English-speaking scholars and professionals, including art historians, writers, architects and gastronomes, who organize and lead “walking seminars” in twenty-one world cities, including: Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples, Paris, London, Edinburgh, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C., Istanbul, Athens, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Shanghai and Beijing. A certified B Corporation, Context was named one of the fastest growing American companies in 2011 and 2012 by Inc Magazine. Travel + Leisure has called Context one of the top European tour companies for its innovative approach to travel and the depth of its programs. To learn more about Context, visit: www.contexttravel.com

See:

Day One in Tokyo: Hitting Tourist Highlights and slideshow

Day Two: A day in Tokyo spanning all the days of Japan and slideshow

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Dusit International to Award Dusit Thani Maldives Vacation in Social Media Contest

Dusit International is rewarding its loyal social media followers with an opportunity to win a vacation at the Dusit Thai Maldives resort

A leading Asia hospitality group, Dusit International, is rewarding its loyal social media followers with an opportunity to win a  Dusit Thani Maldives vacation by participating in its ‘Dusit Dream Holiday’ contest.

From November 29 to December 19, the online community is invited to submit a photo that embodies their dream vacation based on three separate weekly themes:

City Extravaganza: November 29 to December 05,
Beach Getaway: December 06 to 12,
Cultural Escapade: December 13 to 19.

Participants may submit as many entries as they wish through any of the following channels: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr or Instagram. Entries should include the #DusitDreamHoliday hashtag or tag Dusit International’s social account. Participants may also send in their photos via campaign@dusit.com.

All photos submitted will be uploaded to the Dusit International Pinterest board at https://pinterest.com/dusithotels/. The three photos gaining the most likes and repins will be selected each week to qualify for the final round. The participant submitting the winning photo will receive a five-night Beach Villa stay in the luxurious Dusit Thani Maldives that features a private deck area and plunge pool, plus daily free breakfast and round-trip seaplane tickets between Malé and Dusit Thani Maldives for two.

Dusit Internaltional media followers are invited to start clicking away for a chance to live the Dusit Dream this holiday season. More information is available at www.dusit.com/dusitdreamholiday.

Surrounded by a vibrant 360 degree coral reef and turquoise lagoon, the new Dusit Thani Maldives is located on the beautiful Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, in the Maldives, and comprises 100 exclusive villas and residences for retreat style relaxation. The resort also features three restaurants, two bars and the Dusit signature Devarana Spa along with a range of upscale amenities.

Dusit International has more than 60 years’ experience in the hotel and hospitality field. Founded in 1949 by Honorary Chairperson Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, whose first hotel was the Princess on Bangkok’s New Road, Dusit International has since acquired a unique portfolio of distinctive hotels, building upon Thai culture and tradition to create a personalized welcome for all guests made distinctive under the Dusit International brand promise; the delivery of an ‘experience that enlivens the individual spirit, no matter the journey’.

Dusit International comprises four hotel brands: Dusit Thani, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, and Dusit Devarana. It also operates Dusit Residences and its own signature Devarana Spa.

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Kuala Lumpur ranked among top 10 cities for shopping by CNN; Malaysia Year-End Sale goes to Jan 1

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) ranked fourth in CNN’s survey on the top 10 best shopping cities in the world, ahead of well-established shopping hubs such as Paris, Hong Kong and Dubai. The top three best shopping cities in the world were New York, London and Tokyo, respectively.

The judging was based on four categories comprised of ease of getting around, value, variety, and experience. Kuala Lumpur scored a total of 30 out of a maximum 40 points: 6 points for getting around, 10 points for value, 8 points for variety, and 6 points for experience. According to CNN International’s travel website, CNNgo, Kuala Lumpur’s impressive score came from its winning combination of high quality shopping, affordable prices and reliable sales, which can stretch for several months, citing 1Malaysia Year-End Sale as an example.

The Malaysia Year-End Sale held this year from November 10, 2012 to January 1, 2013, aims to encourage shoppers from all over the world to come to Malaysia to celebrate the last two months of the year with a fabulous shopping experience. Shoppers have 55 days to take advantage of great discounts and special offers put together by various shopping malls nationwide.

Shopping is a lucrative sector of Malaysia’s tourism industry. It holds the second biggest share of tourist expenditure after accommodation. Last year, tourists spent RM17.5 billion on shopping which constituted 30% of the total receipts of RM58.3 billion. Its important contribution to the economy has led the Government to focus on developing the shopping sector as one of the main tourism drivers. Efforts include positioning the country as a duty-free shopping destination for tourist goods, designating KLCC-Bukit Bintang as a vibrant shopping precinct and establishing three new premium outlets in Malaysia.

The country has more than 320 shopping malls and the top 10 largest shopping malls are bigger in size than the top 10 shopping malls in the UK.

For more information visit www.tourismmalaysiausa.com,

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Limited Space Left on Explore Bhutan Trip with G Adventures & David Suzuki; Proceeds to benefit Planeterra & David Suzuki Foundation

Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan

G Adventures, a leading small-group adventure tour operator based in Toronto, Ontario, is hosting an exclusive tour to the Kingdom of Bhutan with award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster David Suzuki. Departing March 23, 2013, travelers on the 12-day journey will have the unique opportunity to celebrate the spiritual festival of Tsechu, putting them face-to-face with the colorful mask dances and religious art forms of the country.

Led by a local CEO (Chief Experience Officer), guests on the Bhutan Festival with David Suzuki adventure will explore Paro, Thimpu and Punakha, learn about Buddhism, visit ancient monasteries and shrines, and stroll through valleys, forests and mountains trails in the pristine and peaceful landscapes of the Himalayan kingdom. Nature lovers, photographers and cultural junkies will uncover a purity of culture, traditions and kindness.

“Bhutan remains at the top of many bucket lists with its majestic natural beauty and fascinating culture. We’re excited to be partnering with David Suzuki to host the once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures founder. “Proceeds from the trip that’s sure to be memorable and life-changing will benefit Planeterra and the David Suzuki Foundation.”

“Bhutan is playing a huge role in changing the traditional notion of how to measure a country’s wealth and prosperity. The Bhutanese reject the idea that governments should simply measure national wealth through metrics like GDP, income and consumption. Instead they insist that the role of leaders should be to ensure the well-being and happiness of people,” says Suzuki. “I think this trip will offer a fascinating view of the global leadership role the tiny nation is playing.”

Twenty spaces for the limited departure are available for auction with a starting bid of $6,000 CAD per person. Proceeds will benefit Planeterra and the David Suzuki Foundation. Interested travellers may place their bid by emailing their full name, contact info, number of desired seats and their bid to silentauction@gadventures.com. Auction closes midnight EST on November 16, 2012.

For more information,  visit http://www.gadventures.com/bhutanwithdavidsuzuki.

G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the widest selection of affordable small group tours, safaris and expeditions to more than 100 countries on all continents. It is the only adventure travel company to offer 100% guaranteed departures in 2013. Powered by an international team of passionate travelers, the award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travelers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife. The intimate, authentic and sustainable approach to small-group travel introduces travelers to the highlights of a destination while offering the freedom to explore it on their own. Whatever age, interest, ability or budget, G Adventures has a genuine life-changing experience. For more information please visit http://www.gadventures.com.

Established in 2003 by adventure travel tour operator G Adventures, Planeterra Foundation is a non‐profit organization that supports social and environmental solutions in destinations around the world via its global network of travllers. The foundation focuses on local education and health, small-business development, emergency relief and conservation work. For more information please visit http://www.planeterra.org.

The David Suzuki Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding solutions for living within the limits of nature and mobilizing Canadians to make their communities healthy and green. http://www.davidsuzuki.org
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Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to visit Malaysia, Sept 13-16 as part of Diamond Jubilee World Tour

Prince William and Kate Middleton on their wedding day. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee Tour that will take them to Malaysia, Sept. 13-16, 2012 © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Prince William and Kate Middleton will travel to Malaysia from September 13 – 16, 2012, as part of the Diamond Jubilee World Tour celebrating the Queen’s 60th year of reign.

The public will get a glimpse of the royal couple during a cultural event at the KLCC Park where they will experience the richness and diversity of Malaysian culture beneath the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

Their Royal Highnesses will also attend a business lunch organized by the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC), where the Duke will deliver a speech underscoring the importance of UK-Malaysia ties and prosperity. The lunch will be attended by 1200 guests comprising key members of the business fraternity, ministers and senior government representatives.

Meanwhile, two lucky winners of The Ultimate Royal-Tea Photo Competition, announced September 7, will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the royal couple at a Diamond Jubilee Tea Party hosted by the British High Commissioner at his residence. The contest ended on September 1 and saw entries from Malaysian residents nationwide.

Their Royal Highnesses’ other engagements in Malaysia include a lunch hosted by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak at Seri Perdana and an official dinner hosted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah at Istana Negara. They will also visit Hospis Malaysia where the Duchess, a patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, will give a speech to patients and staff. This is only the Duchess’ second public speech and her first outside the UK.

In Sabah, the royal couple will go deep into the rainforests of Danum Valley where they will learn about the conservation efforts of the Royal Society, of which the Duke is a Fellow. Sabah is home to some of the last remaining areas of virgin tropical rainforest in Southeast Asia.

“I am thrilled that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be visiting Malaysia as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration,” said British High Commissioner HE Simon Featherstone. “I know the couple are eagerly anticipating experiencing the warm welcome, rich cultural diversity and stunning natural environment of a key Commonwealth country with such enduring connections to Britain.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Malaysia from 13 – 16 September. Their Royal Highnesses’ visit to Malaysia is the second leg of their tour through Singapore (11 – 13 September), Solomon Islands (16 – 18 September) and Tuvalu (18 – 19 September).
Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, have marked The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a series of regional visits and engagements throughout the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland during the year.

In addition, members of the Royal Family will travel overseas representing The Queen throughout the Diamond Jubilee year, visiting every Realm, the 15 other countries where the Queen is head of state as well as undertaking visits to some other Commonwealth countries, Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories.

Malaysia was once a part of the British Empire. It received independence on August 31, 1957.

For more information about visiting Malaysia, www.tourismmalaysiausa.com or www.tourismmalaysiany.com or www.tourismmalaysia.ca.

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Access Trips Introduces 9-Day Thailand-Flavors and Culture of Exotic Siam Culinary Expedition

Access Trips’ will offer the brand new, nine-day culinary expedition, Thailand – Flavors and Culture of Exotic Siam for the first time in November of 2012.

Access Trips’ will offer the brand new, nine-day culinary expedition, Thailand – Flavors and Culture of Exotic Siam for the first time in November of 2012.

Guests on this journey will experience the depth of Thai culture from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and beyond.

From a morning visit to Wat Po, where monks gather for a morning chant, to an elephant ride through the Thai jungle, the captivating cultural highlights delight the senses. Master the art of preparing your favorite Thai specialties during intimate cooking courses featuring everything from phad thai and curries to spring rolls and hot and sour soup. No detail has been spared in crafting a tour that masterfully captures the diverse landscape, distinct customs and rich flavors of the “Land of the Free.”

Access Trips is a leading travel company specializing in exotic and edgy learning vacations to 13 countries worldwide. This new Thai culinary adventure features the perfect balance of “must sees” and magical secret spots.

Discover the Flavors and Culture of Exotic Siam

The new Thailand – Flavors and Culture of Exotic Siam tour  provides a full Thai immersion Highlights of the nine-day, eight-night journey include:

• Home-Style Cooking Courses – From tangy salads, to rich, hearty soups and delectable curries, enjoy three extended cooking classes featuring some of Thailand’s most exotically spicy and delicious meals. Savor a traditional long-tail boat ride up the Chao Phraya River to Chef Tam’s home for your first cooking course in Bangkok. After a tour of the herb gardens, head to an open air kitchen overlooking the breathtaking landscape where you will learn to prepare Phad Thai, coconut chicken soup, coconut pancakes and sumptuous wok fried ground chicken with basil.

With two additional cooking courses in Chiang Mai, you will master the art behind everything from Thai-style banana fritters to steamed fish with curry custard.

• Morning Visit to Wat Po – During an excursion to one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, witness the magnificent hum of the monks early morning chant. View the famous reclining Buddha before heading to the Grand Palace in an open air taxi.

• Private Dinner in Bangkok’s Chinatown – Venture through the bustling Bangkok marketplace to an unmarked door where culinary dreams come true. Pass through the door into an old Chinese shop house, where a private dining room with one circular banquet table awaits guests. Enjoy a multi-course banquet dinner prepared by Chef Jok using only the freshest ingredients of the day.

• Explore the Golden Triangle – Witness the infamous Golden Triangle, renowned for centuries as the center of the opium trade. From a hilltop view, marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak to form the actual “triangle” where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet.

• Elephant Ride through the Jungle – On the way to Chiang Mai stop by an elephant camp to witness the elephants take their morning bath in the river. Climb aboard an elephant for an hour-long trek along the Ping river through the lush jungle.

• Chiang Mai’s Most Mesmerizing Sites – Discover the principal religious center in northern Thailand during a trip to Wat Prathat, Chiang Mai’s most important and visible landmark. Built some 600 years ago, this iconic site is located near the summit of Doi Suthep, at 3,250 above sea level. Climb the magnificent 306-step Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase and reward yourself with a superb panoramic view of the city.

• Boutique Accommodations – Enjoy boutique luxury accommodations that blend the best of Thai style and hospitality to create a peaceful respite from your busy days. From a five-star riverfront hotel featuring views of the legendary “River of Kings” to a small hotel inspired by the traditional wooden architecture of Chiang Mai, all accommodations feature comfortable and stylish rooms.

Rates start at $3,490 per person and include accommodations, most meals, ground transportation in a deluxe van, airport transfers and domestic airfare. International airfare is not included. Groups are limited to 12 travelers, who are accompanied by a multilingual local guide. For more information please visit www.accesstrips.com or call (650) 492-4778.

About Access Trips

Access Trips is a leading adventure tour operator specializing in exotic learning vacations to 13 countries worldwide. This company offers a wide range of small-group outdoor sports and culinary-focused trips that are expertly designed to allow guests to experience a new culture, learn new skills or fine-tune existing ones, and revel in the splendor of their destination. Based in San Francisco, California and launched in 2001, Access Trips’ portfolio includes cooking, surfing, mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, and multisport itineraries. Regardless of the focus of the activity, Access Trips caters to a variety of skill levels, serving the novice as well as the expert in a relaxed, non-intimidating setting with the help of world-class instructors and multilingual guides. For more information about Access Trips and the tours available, visit www.accesstrips.com.

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Zegrahm Expeditions to Offer ‘Vietnam and Cambodia by Sea’ Trip in 2013

Zegrahm Expeditions, a Seattle-based tour operator specializing in an expeditionary style travel, is offering a 19-day Vietnam & Cambodia By Sea” trip, departing January 27, 2013.

From the bustling cities of Vietnam to the forest-enshrouded Angkor temples of Cambodia, this 1,400-mile journey in the comfort of the air-conditioned, 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey showcases a wealth of cultural riches and a bounty of sublime vistas. Travelers get to sample local culinary delights during a private cooking class, you cycle through emerald rice fields, and explore bustling, colorful markets.

Other highlights include:

Exploring the exquisite temple complexes of enchanting Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cruising down the Perfume River in vibrantly painted dragon boats

Visiting the “forbidden city” of Hue, once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the ruins at My Son, and the historic center of Hoi An, all World Heritage Sites

Enjoying a stunning martial arts demonstration with music and dance by Vietnamese hill tribes (see a video from the 2010 Vietnam expedition).

When you travel with Zegrahm, virtually everything is included in the cost of your trip, such as: all gratuities, from porters and ship’s crew to tour guides; all accommodations, including pre-voyage hotel night; welcome dinner and orientation briefing; daily activity options; a top-notch lecture and expedition team; all meals; transfers on group arrival and departure days; gift certificates for recommended expedition gear and reading materials; comprehensive packets to prepare for your trip; medical and emergency evacuation insurance; a dedicated Zegrahm program manager and air coordinator to answer all of your questions.

For details call 800-628-8747 or 206-285-4000 or visit www.zeco.com

 

Rigorous “Tour of the Dragon” mountain bike race takes place in Bhutan Sept 1

For cyclists seeking the ultimate challenge in the ultimate destination, the third annual “Tour of the Dragon” mountain bike race, taking place in Bhutan on September 1, 2012, provides participants an opportunity to test their mettle in a destination unlike any other in the world. With rugged terrain, quickly changing altitudes, and spectacular surroundings, this one-day road race offers riders a chance to test their skills and to prove their endurance in a stunning natural setting that remains largely untouched.

Starting in Bumthang in central Bhutan, the event – often dubbed the “Death Race” by participants – crosses four high mountain passes before concluding in the capital city of Thimphu in western Bhutan. It is not just the length of the race, however, that is truly challenging, but also the high elevation and extreme variation of altitude: The 268-kilometer (approx. 166-mile) race spans elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,340 meters (3,937 to 10,958 feet), and riders gain 3,790 meters (12,434 feet) and lose 3,950 (12,959 feet) in total during the race.

As grueling as this one-day race may be, it is breathtaking, with pristine natural surroundings encountered along the way. From some of the last virgin forests in the world to stunning views of some of the world’s highest peaks, the untouched ecosystems that riders will experience during the Tour of the Dragon make the effort worthwhile.

Participants at this year’s event will also find themselves riding alongside royalty. His Royal Highness, Prince Jigyel U. Wangchuck, who is a biking enthusiast and President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, conceived the race and is one of the few people who have completed it in record time.

For riders concerned about making the trip to Bhutan for a one-day event, there is so much else to see and experience in this peaceful and happy country. Many of Bhutan’s top hotels are offering race participants 10-night packages, which will also make riders feel like royalty.

For further information on the Tour of the Dragon mountain bike race, visit the event website at www.tourofthedragon.com. For information on the Kingdom of Bhutan and additional accommodations, visit the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s website at www.tourism.gov.bt.

Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB)

Tourism in Bhutan today is a vibrant business with nearly 200 private operators. The Tourism Council of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of high-value, low-impact tourism. Tourism in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and economically viable. Bhutan does not limit tourist arrivals; in fact, tourism is now a top priority for the government. “The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among people and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.”

For more information about the Tourism Council of Bhutan, visit www.tourism.gov.bt

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Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Penang, Malaysia Voted as Top Ten Grand Houses in the World

The Cheong Fatt Tze mansion in Penang, Malaysia, was voted as one of the top ten “greatest mansions and grand houses” in the world by Lonely Planet. “The mansion blends Eastern and Western designs, with louvred windows, art nouveau stained glass and beautiful floor tiles, and is a rare surviving example of the eclectic architectural style preferred by wealthy Straits Chinese of the time,” stated Lonely Planet.

Built in the 1880s, this famous indigo-blue Chinese courtyard house in Georgetown, Penang, was the residence of Cheong Fatt Tze, a prominent Chinese figure in the newly established Penang Straits Settlement. The mansion was built by master craftsmen brought in from China and includes 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases, and 220 windows.

Rescued from the perils of development in the 1990s by a small group of Heritage preservationists, the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion possesses splendid Chinese timber carvings, gothic louvre windows, russet brick walls and porcelain cut & paste decorative shard works, and art nouveau stained glass panels. The building layout is based on feng-shui principles, and is filled with a rare collection of sculptures, carvings, tapestries, and other antiques.

In 2000, the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion received the inaugural Unesco Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award, selected as the ‘Most Excellent Project’ in the Asia Pacific Rim following its USD 2.39 million (RM 7.6 million) restoration work. The mansion has been partially converted into a hotel, offering a unique heritage experience to visitors. Each room was individually designed by a famous local artist according to specific themes, complete with period furnishings. Guided tours are also available on a daily basis.

For more information on the hotel, visit www.cheongfatttzemansion.com/index.htm.