Koh Samui Restaurants

Full Moon
Alfresco Dining/Italian
A: Anantara Koh Samui Resort
P: 66-77/428-300
Cost: dinner for 2 – 65 USD

Banana Fan Sea
Cockails on the beach
A: Chaweng Beach
P: 66-77/413-483

Zazen
Fusion/Great atmosphere
A: Zazen Boutique Restaurant & Spa
P: 66-77/425-085
Cost: dinner for 2 – 80 USD

Pla Pla
Book ahead/seafood
A: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
P: 66-77, 243-000
Cost: dinner for 2 – 100 USD

Dining on the Rocks
Asian influenced/alfresco on 9 wooden terraces
A: Siz Senses Hideaway Samui, 9/10 Moo 5, Baan Plai Laem, Bophut Samui
Cost: dinner 155 USD

Restaurants & Bars - Bali!

Warison

indo/med with views of rice-paddy

A: Jine Raya Kerobokan

P: 62-361/731-175

Cost: dinner for 2 – 50 USD

Sarong Bali

Bali’s hot new spot

A: 19x Jin. Petitengit 19X, Kerobokan

P: 62-361-/737-809

Cost: dinner for 2 – 45 USD

Waroeng

UBUD – casual/artsy café

Favs: noodle soups

A: Monkey forest road, Ubud

Cost: 10 USD

Naughty Nuri’s

mixed grill BBQ

A: Jin Raya Sangingan, UBUD

P: 62-361/977-547

Cost: dinner for 2 – 20 USD

Jimbaron Fish Grill

squid, fish, lobster, crab all grilled over coconut husks…cheap and fun

Cost: dinner for 2 – 20 USD

SPOIL CAFE - Great for Private Party

Opening Hours:
12 noon-10.30pm, Monday to Saturday

Location:
G/F, No. 1, Sun Street

Contact:
(852) 3589 5678

Private Kitchen - Hong Kong

La Fête

Vibe: Bohemian

Address: 1/F, Block 3, Hoover Towers, 15. St. Francis St.

Phone: 2893-5891

Cost: 380 HKD per person

Bespoke Tokyo

From the author of Tokyo's Luxe Guide - Nicole and her team know all the secret places in Tokyo. They can organize customized tours based on what you are looking for...dining, wining, etc.

Bespoke Tokyo
www.bespoketokyo.jp

Zhuhai Guided Tour - Custom Made Furniture

Antique and Custom Designed Furniture - Zhuhai Tours from Hong Kong

What they do?
*Need new furniture? This group customizes in tours from Hong Kong to factories in Zhuhai and beyong.
*Shipping anywhere in the world
*Mandarin/English guide

Website: www.antiqueszhuhai.com

Contact: Contact Donna on 97440558
What you require?
*Get ideas from magazines and bring these along for copy in Zhuhai at great prices
*Travel to Zhuhai via Macau (5 minute ferry) or Hong Kong - they can meet you when you arrive

Design your own guidebook?

Design your own guidebook? This is a very cool concept out of San Francisco...

OFFBEAT GUIDES

You input your destination, travel dates, etc. and offbeat's technology puts together a personalized travel guidebook. It is based on available information on the internet so it is completely up to date!

You can keep the PDF (9.95 USD) or request for a hardback book (24.95 USD).

www.offbeatguides.com

Aqualuna sails to Stanley on the weekends!

AQUALUNA

Aqualuna, the old and beautiful Chinese junk has launched a new sailing route to Stanley Market!

Saturday: 12:15 PM from Central Public Pier 9

*board boat to return to Central at 3:30 PM (Stanley)

Sunday: 12:15 PM from Central Public Pier 9

*board boat to return to Central at 3:30 PM (Stanley)

Time: 90 Minutes

Cost: 190 HKD (one-way), 290 HKD (roundtrip)

BOOKINGS: http://www.aqua.com.hk/

CHIC Boutique Hotel in Hong Kong

Check out Hotel Bonaparte in Hong Kong - affordable, small, and chic set in Wan Chai so you are close to EVERYTHING!

HKD: 688 (USD 88)

280 Rooms

http://www.rhombushotels.com/hotels_bonaparte.shtml

Wine Residence's Napa Wine Bar & Restaurant - Shanghai

Fine dining set in restored century old Tudor style mansion and with a Michelin chef!

18:00-22:00

Close to people's square

Indochina Trekking Company

This looks like an interesting company - provides trekking and off the beaten track adventures in Asia: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand

Indochina Trekking Company
http://www.indotrek.com/

Tea House - Hong Kong

My favorite tea house in Hong Kong:

Lock Cha Tea Shop
UG Floor 290B, Queens Road Central
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (Ladder Street entrance, MTR A2 exit)

tel: 852-2805-1360

**It has excellent teas and I love the atmosphere for trying new teas. I always take friends here!

Where to find Havianas in Hong Kong?

Lane Crawford carries them - but the variety is very limited. I.T. has them as well, but a few months of the year.

I stumbled on Havianas heaven in TST...Granville Circuit - a local designers market.

Rise Commercial Building
5 Granville Circuit (Granville Road off Nathan road)
First Floor - next to alley in the back of Granville Circuit
TST

Outside Shanghai

1. Zhujiajiao
60 minutes from Shanghai
Serene little village outside the city

*Ah po teahouse - 122 Dongjing Street


2. Zhouzhuang
90 minutes from Shanghai
Great waterside architecture

3. Tongli
2 hour drive from Shanghai
*least known of the canal towns

FABRIC MARKET Shanghai

How to do this market?

Open: 9 AM - 6 PM

Tips:
Bargain - prices are per meter
You can buy fabric from one stall and take it to a different tailor
Bring samples to be copied

Stalls to go to...
No. 5 - silk brocades
No. 141 - linen
No. 142 - high quality cashmere
No. 155 - wools for suits
No. 177 - bright silks (think Shanghai Tang)

Lawrence at No. 102 - mens shirts/suits (one week)
Jack Ding at No. 142 - Womens dresses, suits, blouses (one week)
Mr. Yang at No. 155 - mens suits/shirts (3 days)

B&Bs Shanghai

Shanghai Boutique B&Bs

1. Old House
A: 16 Ln. 351 Hoashan Road
60-150 USD
12 suites, room 302 is best
86-21-6248-6118

2. The Nine
A: 9 Ln 355 Jiangao Road
90-160 USD
Book the Junior Suite, it has a library
86-21-6471-9950

SHANGHAI

EAT:

Yongfoo Elite
www.yongfuelite.com

CHINESE SLIPPERS?
17 Fuzhou Road, Room 101
www.suzhuu-cobblers.com

ANTIQUES?
1. www.hu-hu.com
1685 Wu Zhong Road

2. Dongtai & Fuyu
Dongtai Road at Xizang Nan Road
Fangbang Zhong Road at Henan Bei Road

3. Shanghai Center - Lilys

CARPETS?
Torana House

COOL CERAMICS?
1. Spin
2. Blue Shanghai White - 17 Fuzhou Road

Boutique on Budget

Atlanta, Chicago, Houston
Hotel Indigo Chain
USD 100+

Sydney & Auckland
Base Backpackers
USD 58+

London
easyHotel bijou orange rooms
USD 45+

New York City
Hotel QT
USD 125+

Golfing in and around Hong Kong

1. Mission Hills Golf Club
www.missionhillsgroup.com
Shenzhen, China

2. Xiii Golf and Country Club
*greens from 65-115 USD
Tang Lung Village
www.xiligolf.com
Shenzhen, China

3. Sand River Golf Club
110-160 USD
Bai Shi Road
China

4. Noble Merchant

5. PUBLIC - Kau Sai Chau
82-120 USD
www.kscgolf.com
Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Custom China?

If you are looking to create your own china set - check out...

Wah Tung China
3 Yue Fung Street
Tin Wan, Aberdeen

852-2873-2272

Luang Probang, Laos

To Stay?
*Villa Santi Hotel, www.villasantihotel.com

*Villa Santi Resort

*Grand Luang Probang, www.grandluangprobang.com

*Le Residence Phau Vao, www.pansea.com

To Eat?
* Mrs. Chansook's (Phau Vao Road)
* L' Elephant (Ban Wat Nong)
*3 Nagas Lao (Sakkaline Road - Lao Cuisine)

Shopping in Bangkok - Soi 23

Sukhumvit Soi 23

*Start: L'Arcadia - 12 Sukhumvit Soi 23 (Thai/Burmese Furniture)
*Le Dalat Indochine - 14 (Vietnamese Food)
*Almeta - 20/3 (silks)
*Buono (ice cream)
*Rasi Sayam -32 (handicrafts)
*Shinawatra - 94 (silks)
Nandakwang - 108/3 (candles, cusions, linens)

HONG KONG Designers

Check out...

Azalea by l'sis
4 floors of HK designers....

GF, Po Foo Building
3-5 Foo Ming Street
Causeway Bay

Top Spas in Bali

Kriya Spa

Luxe Lounge Spa

Safari Wellness Spa - Ubud (Inside Elephant Safari Park)

Shanghai Boutique Hotel

Lapis Casa
18 Antique filled guest rooms
www.lapiscasa.hotel.com
Doubles - 200 - 250 USD

More Siem Riep Hotels!

Hotel BE Angkor
www.hotelbeangkor.com

Viroth's Hotel
www.viroth-hotel.com

More Bali Hotels!

Bambu Indah
John Hardy's hotel....

www.bambuindah.com
250-350 USD


The Calynx
2-bedroom clifftop villas
www.thecalyx.com
1500 USD per villa

Marrakech Hotels

Angsana Riads Collection Morocco

Riad Noir d'Ivoire

Chiang Mai Boutique

Check out....

1. At Niman Conceptual Home
8-room urban retreat

www.at-niman-chiangmai.th66.com

Doubles from 125-200 USD

2. Villa Water Orchid
Intimate B&B Style
www.waterorchid.com

Doubles from 110-170 USD

Hotel deal in Bangkok

SEVEN
Design hotel in Bangkok
www.sleepatseven.com

Green room - private garden
Pink/Purple rooms - King size beds

Getaway from Tokyo

80 Minutes from Tokyo on the Bullet Train...

House of Light
A bunkhouse style Ryokan that centers around light as meditation

www.11.ocn.ne.jp/~jthikari
from 205 USD per person

TAILOR IN SHANGHAI

W.W. Chan & Sons Tailor
Shanghai

Champage & Caviar

Check out Soiree
19 Elgin Street
Central

MONGOLIA

Nomadic Expeditions
www.nomadicexpeditions.com

Kayak and Hike Hong Kong

Check out www.kayak-and-hike.com

Remote Hong Kong

1. Tung Ping Chau
This beach is about 1-mile from the border - so bring your ID to be safe. It is great for remote camping, beaching, chilling, diving, chilling...

How to get there?
University KCR Station, 10 minute walk to Ma Liu Shui Pier, take ferry to Tung Pier Chau

2. Bride's Pool
Hidden waterfalls in New Territories

How to get there?
Bus 75K or green minibus 20C from Tai Po Market KCR Station to Tai Mei Tuk. Take a map and walk for a while...

3. Soko Islands
Remote island. They are building a landfill here soon - so check on this...

How to get there?
Junk from Aberdeen

4. Tung Lung Chau
Uninhabited Island - good views and picnics

How to get there?
Take MTR to to Sai Wan Ho. Take a ferry across the harbour, Take a ferry from Sam Ka Tseun during weekends. Its a 30 minute trip (25 HKD roundtrip).

5. La Chi Chong
Great campsite, apparently has top stargazing in HK, beach, very remote

How to get there?
Get to University KCR Station and go to Ma Liu Shui Pier. Take a ferry from there to La Chi Chong - 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM

6. Tao Mun
Grassy island - great views, camping

How to get there?
Take a boat from Wong Shek Pier or take a ferry from Ma Liu Shui (15 minute walk from University KCR)

7. Double Haven
Outward bound activites or some good camping/swimming/etc.

How to get there?
Get a boat or www.outwardboundhk.org

Islands of Malaysia - Perhentian Islands

Check out these remote islands..

From KL, take a flight to Kota Bharu (150 HKD) - 1 hour flight. Arrange pick-up with your resort or go by boat.

Pulau Besar (D'Coconut Resort)
Pulau Kecil

South Bay Beach Bar in Hong Kong

If you are looking for a chill day in the sun with a cool vibe...head to South Bay Beach Club

T: 2812-6015
Owner: Kenneth Howe

Week in Cambodia

Day 1: Bangkok - Phnom Penh

*Car Pick-up for KEP, 3 hour drive to KEP from PP

*Ask your hotel (88 USD) or contact Chandataxi@yahoo.com/ 012-797-334 in PP (30 USD)

KEP

Stay: Knai Bang Chatt

Dinner at the Hotel - on the water facing Vietnam

Day 2: KEP

Chill in KEP, take a ferry to Rabbit Island for the day, Visit Kampot

Sunset cocktails at Veranda Resort


Cruise past all the old villas in KEP - once a seaside top spot

Eat at the crabshacks! 5 USD gets you a full feast...


Day 3: KEP - Phnom Penh

*Car back to Phnom Penh

STAY:
FCC Phnom Penh (book online - 75 USD per night)
www.fcccambodia.com

DO: Take a tuk tuk for the day (about 5-10 USD)
*Killing Fields
*S21 Prison
*Russian Market
*Wat Phnom

SPA: Amara Spa (foot massages are fantastic)
Corner of Sisowath Quay at St. 110
023-998-730



Day 4: Phnom Penh - Siem Riep
Buy a 35 USD ticket for a boat ride to Siem Riep. You can chill inside with the AC or outside in the sun as you cruise past villages. I would recommend the speed boat (5 hours) and you can buy ticket the day before at your hotel/FCC. You will leave at 7:30 AM...

Sunset at Angkor Wat - pick up a bottle of wine and head over in a tuk tuk. Sit outside and watch the sun go down...can't beat it or the photos you get.

STAY: Hotel de la Paix - top!

EAT: Old Market Area - AHA


----------------
Now playing: Ladies Temple
via FoxyTunes

Day 5: Siem Riep
All day tour - Angkor Thom/Angkor Wat

-people take off around lunch time and head back to visiting around 3:00 Pm. However, if it is crowded, I would power through it to miss the crowd. You can be back and at the pool by 3:00 PM.

SHOP:
*Night Market - this is not junky! Highly recommend it.
*Artisans De Angkor - great silks!
A: Chantiers-Ecoles, Stung Thmey Street

Dinner at FCC Angkor (Next to Royal Residence)



Day 6: Siem Riep - Bangkok

Half day tour - Ladies Temple, Jungle Temple. others...

SPA: Bodia Spa
This is a great deal and a beatiful spa. Ask for the outdoor roof garden - its a treat - on top of the city! Call for reservations
Open: 10 AM - 12 AM
T: 063-76-1593
A: Old Market Area, Behind U-Care Pharmacy
w: www.bodia-spa.com

SHOP:
Rajana Knhmer Arts and Crafts (Old Market Area)

EAT:
Cambodia BBQ - quite the experience!
Old Market Area (off Bar Street)

Po Toi Island

Po Toi Island

Ming Kee Restaurant
852-2849-7038
*ask for the garlic!


Ferries from Stanley - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Leave Stanley: 10 AM
Leave Po Toi: 2 PM

Classes in Hong Kong

1. Boxing

Def Boxing - Thai and Traditional
15F, The Pemberton
22-26 Bonham Strand East
Sheung Wan
2840-0162
www.def.com.hk

Swish Club - all types
www.swishclub.com.hk

2.Dance

Oasis Dance Centre
www.oasis-dance-cemtre.com

Studiodanz
www.studiodanz.com.
Venue : Unit 2, 1/F, Block C,
Sea View Estate, 8 Watson Road
North Point, HK
Transport : By MTR (Fortress Hill Station A exit)
**I took a few classes here, really great instructors


3. Ceroc
Dre and I took an intro Ceroc class - it was a lot of fun.
www.ceroc.hk

4. Computer and Graphic Design
Welkin Computer Center - including English Classes
*I took an intense graphic design program here and it was fantastic!
www.welkin.com.hk

5. Mandarin Classes
www.ededc.com

6. YWCA Hong Kong
They have tons of classes ranging from cooking to HK history classes.
http://www.esmdywca.org.hk/PageContent.aspx?pageid=Hong-Kong-Expatriates-Home

Jim Thompson House

Andrew and I had a layover in Bangkok and decided to visit the Jim Thompson House. It is a great place to check out for a few hours...on layover or visiting the city...

We also recommend staying for lunch outside - nice atmosphere and great salads and food. The tour takes about 40 minutes.

OPEN: 9 AM - 5 PM (last tour)

Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2
Rama 1 Road

TEL: 662-216-7368

A great guide in Siem Reap 2008

Caroline and I had an excellent guide in Siem Reap. He was very smart and his English was great.

Mr. Thy-Em
Tel: 855-12786-337
Email: universitykhim@yahoo.com

Prices:
Tuk Tuk (Full Day): 15 USD + Tip
Guide (FULL DAY): 25 USD +Tip

If you are looking for a car, expect to pay between 25-40 USD

TAXIS in BANGKOK

FYI:

When in Bangkok, you can take a public taxi to the city for around 250-350 Baht. The service charge is 50 Baht and highway is a tiny bit more expensive, but it is worth it!

ALWAYS: Ask for a metered taxi! Once you get in the taxi, make sure you tell them and re-confirm that you must have it metered

Get Clothes Made in Shenzhen

We got loads of clothes made in Shenzhen by Sophia. You can bring clothes to copy pr show her examples in magazines of what you are looking for...

SOPHIA
No: 50A, Duacai Cloth City
Luoha

zhang.longnv@yahoo.com.cn
t: 13802556641

Work Time: 10:30 - 20:00

To get there from HK:

Take the train from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and exit to the clothing market. You will find this on the right of the train station. Go to the 5th floor and find Sophia at 50A. You will work with her on the fabrics and the design. They deliver FOC to Hong Kong.

Average prices 5-10 USD per shirt (including fabric), 10-15 (pants), etc.

UPDATE: SPAS in Bangkok

Divana Spa
7 Sukhumvit 25, North Klongtoey
Wattana, Bangkok

Reservations:
+66-2661-6784-5
www.divanaspa.com

Oasis Spa
Caro and I visited this spa last week and it is now my favourite in Bangers!

64 Sukhumvit 31 (Soi Sawasdee)

+66-2262-2122
www.bangkokoasis.com

OASIS SPA

Golfing in Phuket

Mission Hills Golf Resort
Highway 4027 Muang Mai-Para
195 Moo 4, Pla Khlok, Amphur Talang
Phuket

T: +66-76-310888
W: www.missionhillsphuket.com
E: reservations@missionhillsphuket.com

Wine Bars in Hong Kong

New: Tastings
8F, Yuen Yick Building
27-29 Wellington Street
2523-6282

New Vietnamese Restaurant in Hong Kong

Cafe Annam

35 Elgin Street, Central
2545-9966

Apparently they serve the fish dish from my fav Hanoi spot - Cha Ca La Vong

Gallery in a Wet Market

The Creative Director from Shanghai Tang opened an art gallery in the middle to a wet market in Hong Kong.

Oooibotos.com
5 Gresson Street, Wan Chai

Explore Sai Kung

Explore Sai Kung
tours@exploresaikung.com

1. 7 Hour Trip
Cost: 880 HKD per person
speedboat ride, kayak, lunch, and hike

2. Sampan Ride
Cost: 490 HKD

3. Make your own trip...
wakeboarding, diving, sailing, etc.

KAT 0 Island

This is a new beach...

Kat 0 Island
Hiking, Diving (supposed to be the best in HK)...

Beach: Tung O Wan
Opposite Side: Abandoned fishing village & Tin Hau Temple

How to get there?
Call for a speedboat from Sai Kung
500 HKD
Ming: 9174-3914

Birthday Cakes

Need a custom birthday cake?

Cake-A-Licious
LG/F, 11 Lyndhurst Terrace
Central
2815-2218

Top Markets in Hong Kong

Markets:

1. Electronics/Computer Harware/Mobile Phones
Apliu Street
*MTR to Sham Shui Po, Exit A2 or C2

2. Buttons/Beads/Laces
Sham Shui Po
*MTR to Sham Shui Po, exit A2, walk to Yu Chau Street

3. Antiques Galore
CAT STREET
**MTR to Sheung Wan, Exit A2, walk to Hollywood Road

4. Overstock and Knock Off
Fa Yuen Street
**MTR to Prince Edwards Station, Exit A, walk 5 minutes

5. Flower Market
**MTR to mongkok East station, Exit D, walk to Flower market

6. Shopping Haven - mix of boutiques
**MTR to TST, exit B2, walk 5 minutes

7. Ladies Market
Souvenirs
**MTR to Mongkok Station, Exit D3, walk 3 minutes

8. Souvenirs, Vintage, Entertainment
Temple Street/Night Market
**MTR to Jordan Station, Exit A, walk 10 minutes

9. Stanley Market
Souvenirs

THAI ALFRESCO - Deep Water Bay

COCO THAI

10 minutes away from central Hong Kong through the Aberdeen tunnel and left into sunny Deep Water Bay. Deep Water Bay beach-COCO THAI-located at the beach opposite Hong Kong Golf Club.

THE DETAILS
COCO THAI is open 7 days a week. Lunch starts at 12 noon, we are open through the day till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, the kitchen is open till 2 am. Reservations are best on Friday and Saturday night. For telephone reservations and party bookings you can call at 28121826 or email two days in advance to cocobay@biznet.com .

LANTAU BEACH RESTAURANTS

Lantau Island

HEMINGWAY'S
Shop G09, Ground Floor, Block A
Discovery Bay Plaza
2987-8855

THE STOEP-
Cheung Sha Beach
2980 2699

OOH LA LA
Pui O Beach, Lantau
2546 3543

The Bay, SECRET Dining on Lamma

THE BAY

The Bay restaurant in Mo Tat Wan on Lamma Island...

The only way to get there is by sampan from Aberdeen’s Fish Market (near the Jumbo floating restaurant), or by foot from So Kwu Wan – about a 20-minute hike in.

NICE VIEWS, BEACH, SUNSETS, FAMILY SIZE TABLES

7 Beach Front, Mo Tat Wan, Lamma Island, 2982 8186, www.thebayhk.com. Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 11am-10pm.

Random Trip - Abandoned Luxe Development

SEA RANCH - Ghost town

Cheung Chau Island is the gateway to Sea Ranch, and small boats can be hired for $30-$80 each way. This trip takes about 25 minutes.

Times Square Picnic

Grab lunch at City Super in Time Square and head to the 13th floor and turn left - where a smaller set of escalators lead you to menard cosmetics retailer. Go straight past and the terrace is on your left. The terrace closes at 6 PM - FYI.

SECRET SWIMMING IN LANTAU

Secretive swimming: Lantau waterfalls

For an infinity pool outside the Four Seasons hotel, you could do worse than a trip to Lantau, where you can find a beautiful private swimming spot among the rocks and foliage of the hillside above Tai O. Take the bus to Tai O and hop off by the temple built for Li Ka Shing’s late wife. Past the temple’s entrance, you’ll see a car-park on your right. From there, take the overgrown waterworks road that veers off to the left and walk for ten tranquil minutes until you arrive at a dead end featuring a large rock pool. Years ago the stream was cut off by a man-made wall built into the hillside. The result is an infinity pool, with water gently trickling over the edge. Dive in – it’s nice and deep – and you can literally float in the pool with your elbows resting on the wall. Enjoy the view.

While you’re in the area, take any of the buses from Mui Wo in the general direction of Tai O or the Big Buddha. A couple of stops after Pui O, you’ll pull into the tiny village of San Shek Wan. Now, we’d upset our sources if we blew the cover on this one, but here’s a clue: look up, and don’t go during the rainy season. Somewhere in the hills there’s an idyllic series of rock pools fed by waterfalls.

Hong Kong Music Scene

Didn't know there was one....

1. Blue Door Jazz Club
5th Floor, 37 Cochrane Street
Central

2. Dinamoe Hum Jazz Bar
1st Floor, 28 Elgin Street, Soho
*nightly jazz

3. Gecko
Lower ground floor, Ezra Lane

4. Joyce is Not Here
weekly jam nights
38-44 Peel Street

5. Ned Kell's Last Stand
11A Ashley Road
Dixieland jazz and blues

6. The Fringe Club
2 Lower Albert Road

7. The Wanch
54 Jaffe Road, Wanchai

Shopping in Bangkok

Chatuchuk - SECTION 2
**up and coming Thai brands

Candles: Karma Kadet
No. 185-187, Section 2, Soi 3
candles from 296 Bt

NEW HOTELS IN BEJING

Check out the new design hotel in Beijing:

Hotel G Beijing
www.hotel-G.com

Serviced Apartments in Asia

A great alternative to the hotel...

1. www.moveandstay.com
2. www.agoda.com
3. www.roommillion.com
4. www.asiaexpat.com

Ryokan in Kyoto

1. Hiiragiya - one of the best in Kyoto
**979 USD per night

2. Kinmata Ryokan
www.kinmata.com

3. Yoshi-ima Ryokan
Candlelit evening tea ceremonies
**355 USD
***www.Yoshi-ima.co.jp

Wellness Retreats

1. Ashstar Wellness Center
Thung Wua Laen Beach
Chumphon, Southern Thailand
www.ashtar.com

2. www.kamalaya.com/detox-thailand-weight.com

3. Middle Way
40 Mu 8 Klong Soang
Khlong Luang
Pathumtani, Thailand
+66-891-099-219

4. The Quan Yin Experience
Chiang Mai, Thailand
www.taoretreats.compages/retreat_thailand.html
**WOMEN ONLY

5. Spiritual Tourism
A-53, Nizamuddin East
New Delhi, India
www.mystic-asia.in

6. Tria Integrative Wellness
Bangkok, Thailand
triaintegrativewellness.com

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

Chinese Medicine:

Bauhinia Chinese Medical Clinic
4F, Cammer Commercial Building, 30-32 Cameron Road, TST
2316-7615

**body slimming, acupuncture, bone setting, body pains, fatigue
**modern


Ching Yu Tong
1F, 23 Canal Road West
Wan Chai
2388-3613

**cupping, scrapping, moxibution (circulation)
**ADHD, Kids learning disabilities

Quality TCM
www.qualtytcm.com

YMY Chinese Medicine and Healthcare Center
99D Wellington Street, Central
2815-3213
massage, acupuncture, bone setting, slimming, pedi/mani


ACUPUNCTURE

* Health and joy (www.health2joy.com)
* Holistic Healthcare Practice (www.hhphk.com)

Top Restaurant Experience - Private Dining

Great find!

For Andrew's birthday, we visited One Thirty One the four table french restaurant located in a three-story New Territories village home on Three Fathoms Cove. It might be the most romantic place in Hong Kong. All the food and spices come from the owners private garden - expect 6-8 dishes.

One Thirty One, 131 Tseng Tau Village Road, Ma On Shan. Tel: 2791 2684
www.one-thirtyone.com

Videos from the Gobi March

VIDEO: Day 1 - the starting line



VIDEO: Day 1 - entering camp



Gearing up - dancing at the finish line






After the race...

GOBI DESERT, CHINA

Andrew ran in the 2008 Gobi Desert Race in Northwest China. This is a challenging 7-day, 250K race through some of the toughest terrain on the planet. Andrew finished 16th out of 180 racers! Shea was a volunteer for the race - incredible opportunity!



Shea and Camila - sweepers in the Gobi Desert Race, Racing the Planet

Racers starting Day 2


Kashgar, China



Gobi Desert, China


Kids at the finish line


Dre and Warren - 16th out of 180!

For more info and photos:
SHEA'S PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/SHEASTANLEY00/GOBIMARCH2008

RACING THE PLANET WEBSITE
www.racingtheplanet.com

Mongolia grasslands

Mongolia Trip

Contact: www.utc88.com

uniquetourschina@yahoo.com.cn

Great Wall Sunrise Overnighter

Check out www.localnoodles.com

SPA in Beijing

1. Zenspa
*courtyard hutong style spa - top knotch!
*House 1 8A Xiaowuji Road (East 4th Ring Road, Exit 15)

2. No 8 Hot Springs Club 8
They dug 2500 to hit hot water...its a chinese palace of relaxation
www.cnmish.com
24H Chaoyang Park
t: 6591-8888

3. Dragonfly Retreat
www.dragonfly.net

4. Jing Club
8526-1100

5. Lilyspring Spa
www.lilyspring.com

6. Summa Spa
www.summaspa.com

Beijing Yoga

1. Yoga Yard
www.yogayard.com

You can eat at Olive afterwards...for lunch/dinner

2. Mountain Yoga
Yoga retreat in fragrant hills
www.mountainyoga.cn

3. Om Shanti Hot Yoga
www.omshantiyoga.cn

WEBSITE for China Hotel Bookings

Check out this one...

www.sinohotel.com

Shanghai Art+Shop+Eat+Drink - Taikung Lu

TAIKUNG LU

can not believe I nearly lest Shanghai without visiting this uber cool area! This is a must-do for eating, drinking, shopping, and art...

Taikang Lu
*this is an enclave of stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries...tiny streets you can wander in with lots of surprises!

Where to buy a good cigar in Hong Kong?

Dre's latest discovery....

Wholesale Cigars
C&P Trading Company
Rm 312, 3/F, Yip Fung Bldg
2-18 D'Aguilar St.

Contact: Tony Chan
Mobile: 9427-8132

Great Silk Scarfs and - BEIJING

Check out this place for nice silk products...

WOO
www.wooscarf.cn
110-1 Nan Luo Gu , Dong Cheng District

This is the same street that has Plastered Tees, and some great backpacker bars, good restaurants.

Weekend in Shanghai

Places to stay:

BOUTIQUES
1. JIA HOTEL SHANGHAI
This is the new design hotel - very funky and in a great location
931 West Nanjing Road, Shanghai
t: 86-21-6217-9000

2. Mansion Hotel
Old Mansion in the middle of great shopping area, nice rooftop
82 Xinle Lu
t: 5403-9888

3. URBN
New Eco-hotel in Shanghai

HOTELS
1. Hyatt on the Bund - very cool!

2. Grand Hyatt Shanghai

3. JW Marriott


EATING AND DRINKING

Areas:
Xintiandi
Bund Area
French Concession

Fav Places
FOOD:
1. Jean Georges - 3 on the Bund
- place to have a nice meal, great views, and fine wine
2. Mesa
-casual and cool
3. Lost Heaven
-Yunnan Folk cuisine and a total find, funky atmosphere (old villa) in french concession
4. The Chinoise Story
5. Laris - 3 on the Bund
6. T8
7. 1931 - pre-war parlour, regional food
8. Xinjishi (jesse) - great find for Shanghai cuisine, good atmosphere in Xintiandi

LUNCH
1. Elements Fresh - if you are looking for a fresh salad this is the place - across from Ritz Carlton
2. Ferguson Lane - I stumbled on this accidentally - it is a lane with lots of cute high end boutiques, wine/cheese place, and a good coffee shop with wi-fi for chilling - Coffee Tree.

DRINKING
1. Glamour Bar - for cocktails
2. Jean Georges/Latsis - great cocktails and views
2. Bar Rouge - if you are feeling like going out big
3. Face Bar
4. Mansion Hotel - cocktails on deck

SPA
1. Dragonfly - If you want to shop in my fav area for boutiques, you can pop by here for a massage afterwards. They also have a great mani/pedi venue...206 Xinle Road
2. Hip Hair - for a quick 10 USD, you can get your hair washed, massages, and blow dried - next door to Dragonfly - 208 Xinle Road
3. Apsara - My fav for facial, massage, scrubs...No. 457 Shanxi Road Northm Jingan District
4. Evian Spa - pricier but great - 3 on the Bund

SHOPPING
1. Fabric Market
2. French Concession
- Urban Tribe, Ferguson Lane
3. Julu Lu, Shaanxi Lu, Sinan Lu, Changle Lu

ACROBATS:
*Era - This is a must-do, best acrobats in Shanghai!

Shanghai Shopping

Shanghai Shopping

Shanghai is a fantastic shopping destination - lots of overstock luxe. I bought Theory, CK, Philip Lim, Daryl-K, etc, etc.

I spent a weekend running around the city - here are my favs:


ALL IN THE SAME AREA: street names below
1. Xinle Lu
*Start at Shaanxi Lu

2. Julu Lu
*Ask to be dropped off at Mesa Restaurant (also a great place for food): 748 Julu Lu
*Turn Left out of the restaurant and pop in and out of boutiques
*You can also combine this with Shaanxi Lu

3. Sinan Lu

4. Changle Lu

Boutique Hotels in Shanghai

URBN Hotel Shanghai

JIA Hotel Shanghai

Mansion Hotel

Hengshan Moller Villa

Brunches in Hong Kong

The Brunch Club
70 Peel Street
2526-8861

The Press Room
108 Hollywood Road
Central, 2525-3444

The Flying Pan
9 Old Bailey STreet
2140-6333
**greasy spoon, 24-hours

Bricolage
62 Hollywood Road
2542-1991

Yum Cha by the Bay
80 Stanley Main
2813-0123

JUMBO
**champagne brunches
www.jumbo.com.hk
2553-9111

COCOCABANA
Beach Building, Deep Water Bay
2812-2226
**great vibe, make reservations!

BEO
16 Arbuthnot Road
2868-0625

Water Sports in Hong Kong

Wakeboarding:

1. Sai Kung: Wakeben
www.wakeben.com
9227-6745

2. Sai Kung: Hong Kong Wakeboard
www.hkwakeboard.com
9021-4221

3. Sai Kung: Kei Ling Wakeboard
www.kwchk.com
9012-4841

4. Lantau: Wakeaholic
www.wakeaholic.com
9222-7887

5. Tai Tam: Tai Tam Wakeboading Center
www.wakeboard.com.hk
3120-4102

5. Tai Tam: Wakeboarder HK
www.wakeboarder.hk
9759-8060


Windsurfing

1. Cheung Chao Wiindsurfing Center
ww.ccwindc.com.hk
2981-8316

2. Jockey Club Wong Shek Sports Center
2328-2311
**2 day classes at 150 HKD

3. Chong Hing Water Sports Center
2792-6810
High Island Resevoir, Sai Kung

4. St. Stephens Windsurfing Water Sports Center
Wong Ma Kok Path, Stanley
2813-5407


Sailing:

1. Aberdeen Boat Club
3400 HKD for 5 Day Course
2553-3032

2. Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
www.rhkyc.com
2832-2817
**4500 HKD for course for non-members

Cappadocia, Turkey

Dre and I had an incredible trip to Cappadocia last August. Here are a few recommendations:

Places to Stay:

MUSEUM HOTEL - this was an incredible property and the owner is a rare rugs dealer with an appointment only store nearby. Dre's favourite was getting a shave by a barber at the property overlooking Cappadocia.

Eat:

Elai Restaurant

Museum Hotel Restaurant


To DO:

GUIDE: Get a provate guide arranged at the hotel, it is the friend of Omar the owner and is a top knotch guide for the area. We visited various ruins and went into other cities around including Avanos, Sarihan Caravanseri

KappadokyaBalloons - they were the first and are still the best! Lots of folks take the cheap route, but its not a goo idea.Publish Post

CROSS GOLF - cross country golfing

Rug Shopping - ask for Omar at Museum Hotel