Jan 03:Thailand honeymoon
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hi Stephen:
We got back almost two weeks ago the day before the Blizzard of '03. We were immediately thrown back into the harsh realities of living in New York City and only now are we feeling settled. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, I have been trying to find a block of time to sit down and write you. First, let me say that the trip, on a scale ranging from 1 to 10, was a 12. Detroit can manufacture cars, France can make fine wine, Iceland does ice, but southeast Asia can definitely do hotels and resorts. The whole trip was fabulous. We had love, luxury, adventure, perfect weather and fun. Our transfers were almost seamless and the guides were all knowledgable and helpful.
The Peninsula in Bangkok was our overall favorite. All of the facilities were modern and thoughtfully designed: the pool, gym, spa and all the restaurants were exceptional. The suites were beautifully designed, totally "wired" with DVD, CD player, fax machine, etc. We sat in our room looking out the window at the Bangkok skyline and the boat activity on the river. Although the Peninsula has many incredible features the service really sets this hotel apart from any other hotel in the world. It was as if "Big Brother" was watching our every move. We left our room for one hour and when we came back the room was tidied and our shoes/boots were polished. We stayed at the Peninsula on the first night of our vacation and we loved it so much we left the Amanpuri at Phuket a day early to go back to Bangkok.
The Regent Chang Mai was a close second if not tied with the Peninsula as our favorite. The Regent property, the grounds, make you feel like nirvana. Thai "Lanna" style villas are dotted around the site surrounding a cascading terracced rice paddy. Stone pathways lead in every direction and exotic plants, flowers, trees, hanging lanterns and beautiful antiques were found at every turn. While Chang Mai is a fascinating city it was an effort to leave this majestic resort to go downtown. We did manage to ride mountain bikes, feed the elephants, watch a Cobra handling show, visit several homeware factories, attend a regional flower festival and shop in the Night Bazaar. The service, food and facilities were all superior quality as well.
Krabi was our favorite destination. The beach, the limestone cliffs and the diverse activities including rockclimbing, watersports, island hopping make Krabi a more dynamic beach area compared to Phuket. The Rayavadee is also an amazing resort but not as fine/upscale as Peninsula or the Regent in Chang Mai. The rooms are quite interesting and appealing. Each guestroom is a 2-story cylinder with living space on the ground floor bed and bath upstairs. The rooms are all very modern and comfortable but you don't see the fine details we saw at the Peninsula and the Regent Chang Mai. No big deal, this is a beach destination after all.
We left Rayavadee by speedboat and we were picked up by a Phuket based tour guide at the port in Krabi. We had a wonderful ride along the coast. We saw rubber tree plantations, rice fields, small villages and we even stopped at a temple inhabited by a clan of 200 monkees.
Next stop was the Amanpuri in Phuket. You had tried to warn me about the value proposition at Amanpuri but Holly really wanted to stay at an "Aman" resort. Anyway, it was gorgeous but at 4 times the price of hte Peninsula we decided to stay 2 days instead of 3. The travel guides in Phuket helped use change our itenirary. They were really helpful.
I am so happy that I booked this trip with you. I found you on the internet and as a result I worried about your credibility. Holly loved the trip also. I will do whatever I can do to direct business your way. Thanks Again.
joshua
|
