March 12, 2010 | Singapore
Issue #500: It's issue number 500!

Escape Routes, Jan 29, 2010

Escape Routes, Jan 29, 2010

January 29th, 2010

Sexy Times
Love is still in the air, so Jet Airways has prepared an educational package to give out some pointers to lovers. The Khajuraho Temples Of Love Tour takes you to a UNESCO world heritage site in central India that offers up one of the most explicit depictions of the Kama Sutra, the art of love. While there, you’ll learn that these very different temples (built by the founder of the Chandela dynasty [10-11th Century]) are not for worshiping deities or religion; the sculptures are said to be a revelation of all the treasures of passion and erotic fantasy. The sensual and informative package consists of 6D/5N accommodation, flights and a tour that not only visits the temples of love (which are located in Madhya Pradesh), but also takes in Delhi and the holy city of Varanasi as well, all starting from $1,448 per person twin. Sharing this is not only a great way to learn about ancient history but it’s also a great way to get you in the mood for some good old-fashioned romance. 
For bookings, contact the following travel agencies:  
Airelated Travel www.airrelatedtravel.com.sg +6532-5686
Asia-Euro Travel www.eztravel.sg +6338-5566
Centour Travel www.centourtravel.com +6344-3492
Classic Travel www.classictravel.com +6538-0993
Ik Chin Travel www.ikchin.com.sg +6535-4334
New Shan Travel www.newshan.com +6220-4924

Arabian Nights
No need to rub Aladdin’s lamp —your wish might just come true without the extra help. Banyan Tree Al Wadi (Ras Al Khaimah, +971-7-206-7777) opened its doors this month in the United Arab Emirates (about 45 minutes drive from Dubai) and the deluxe oasis is the ideal spot to switch off the blackberry and tune out from the world. The spa resort boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, beach access and the natural beauty of the Arabian desert—just picture yourself, walking around the private nature reserve surrounded by local Arabian gazelles and oryxes as you camel ride across desert dunes—aah, the serenity. Well pack up your Kaftan because to celebrate! Banyan Tree Al Wadi is offering a special promotion—buy two nights and get your third night absolutely FREE. This offer (valid until Feb 28) also includes a complimentary 90-minute spa session for one, daily breakfast and welcome cocktails for two. Rates start at $795 per night for an Al Rimal deluxe pool villa. For bookings visit www.alwadi@banyantree.com.

Island in the Sun
SIA Holidays have put together the ultimate getaway package to the Maldives; starting at $4,816 per couple and spanning 6D/5N, this is the perfect opportunity for some much needed post-CNY R&R. The best part is that you don’t need to plan a thing—everything detail will be taken care for you—from a welcoming arrival at Malé airport to your quick five-minute transfer to the first stop: The beachside Hulhule Island Hotel. After a goodnight’s rest, you will be whisked off on a seaplane tour and you’ll get to enjoy complimentary refreshments in the exclusive Banyan Tree and Angsana Lounge. Next stop will be Angsana Velavaru, your “floating resort” home in the middle of the Indian Ocean for the rest of your stay. The unspoilt island paradise is the ideal setting to enjoy a whole host of activities including diving/snorkeling, dolphin spotting or just sitting back and relaxing surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise seas. This easy-travel package includes economy return flights with Singapore Airlines, accommodation, daily breakfasts and transfers. Go on, spoil yourself. Visit: www.siaholidays.com.sg or call +6438-8822 to book. All bookings must be made before March 15 and travel must be completed by March 30.

Thai Recovery
Now that the tourists are safely back home, it’s your turn to enjoy some post CNY/V-Day recovery. The Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa (#99-9 Bophut Bay, Samui Island, Surat Thani +66-7742-8300 www.samui.anantara.com) is a good spot to shed some of that tiger abundance you may have packed on. Only a short flight away from Singapore, this new hotel is smack bang in beautiful Koh Samui. Enjoy the prosperity of the new year by taking care of number one—just help yourself to some heavy-duty reparations and try one of the spa pamper packages on offer. They combine the techniques of Ayurveda as well as traditional Thai and international therapies to melt away the stress. You’ll be back in tiptop shape in no time after soaking away the stress of the previous weeks in beautiful Koh Samui.