Lynn Manuel – Joint Managing Director MP Travel, recommends…
Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing
“In Beijing I stayed at the Aman at Summer Palace. An amazing feature of this hotel is the meet and greet service at Beijing Airport! An Aman representative meets you as soon as you deplane (yes, AIR side) and escorts you (like royalty) through immigration, customs and right through to the VIP section of the car park to your waiting limousine. They also greeted us on departure, curb-side, took charge of the luggage and escorted us right through to the VIP lounge.
The Aman at Summer Palace (awarded Hideaway of the Year 2010) is a wonderful alternative to downtown Beijing, 30 minutes away from the smog and noise. It directly adjoins the grounds of the Summer Palace which guests can access through a private gate, perfect for early morning walks before work. Typical of Aman Hotels, the hotel is built in the traditional, low-rise, Chinese “courtyard” style. The popular courtyard rooms have tranquil, leafy outlooks, polished clay tile floors, exposed beamed ceilings and tasteful mix of modern & Ming Dynasty furnishings. The rooms are more like junior suites with sitting areas and huge bathrooms. The facilities are outstanding for such a small hotel: Gym, spa, Pilates studio, huge private theatre, pool and even a squash court (I couldn’t resist picking up a squash raquet again and having a hit by myself). The restaurants were superb – and the degustation we had at the French/Japanese Naoki, was better than 2 & 3-star Michelins I experienced in France & Italy! ”
Peninsula Hotel, Shanghai
“The elegant, art deco style of the Peninsula Hotel located right on the Bund is hard to beat. The rooms are spacious and elegant with separate, luxurious dressing rooms and the unique Peninsula bathrooms with his and hers vanities, TV and an amazing spa “environment” at the touch of a button. The hotel would have to be the most technologically advanced for the business traveller with your own “business centre” in the room including wi-fi, printer, scanner, fax and VOIP with unlimited (free) worldwide calls!!! A personal expresso machine was another fabulous touch. A truly outstanding hotel.”
Candice - MP’s Corporate Travel Specialist recommends….
Paradise Cove Luau, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
“During a recent trip to Oahu, Hawaii I booked myself into an Oceanfront room at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. The location was perfect – directly across from Waikiki beach and the famous Duke statue. The view from my room was simply astonishing. I instantly hit relaxation mode and went to a luau! For Hawaiian people a luau is a way to celebrate a variety of occasions such as birthdays, graduations etc. As I was in Hawaii celebrating my sister’s wedding we wanted to indulge in Hawaiian culture and headed to the ‘Paradise Cove Luau’ that evening. Upon arrival we were given a Tropical Mai Tai cocktail and posed for our souvenir photo. We then took part in the many activities on offer including spear throwing, canoeing, lai making and you can even get you own fake tribal tattoo. Luau performances can differ however one common feature of any luau is the Imu ceremony – the cooking of the pig in an underground oven the old traditional way. While enjoying our Hawaiian feast we were entertained by many performances including fire twirling, the NZ Haka and Hula dancing – another activity everyone can partake in if they choose. Paradise Cove Luau offers a number of different packages available to book, however I would recommend the deluxe package which includes front row seats to the main show and table service rather than buffet style. This package also includes 4 cocktails that you can enjoy throughout the evening. Paradise Cove Luau was certainly a very enjoyable experience.”
Toni - MP Travel’s Corporate Travel Specialist recommends…
The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
“ For total luxury this Asian retreat is a definite must see and must experience. Located along a 1km stretch of prestine white sand of the South China Sea, The Nam Hai – Hoi An, is a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the main cities of Vietnam, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Spread over spectacular manicured gardens, my one bedroom villa had views of the ocean and only a few steps away from 1 of the 3 infinity pools in the resort. The resort staff cannot do enough for guests and are an example of the ultimate in service excellence. Only 8kms from the centre of the UNESCO township of Hoi An, you can shop for jewellery, art and of course visit the many tailors/cobblers to have your own garments and shoes made in your own individual style. If you are seeking a change from the usual holiday destinations of Phuket, Bali and Fiji, then Hoi An and the Nam Hai will be a breath of fresh air. I definitely would recommend!”
Violeta – MP Travel’s Corporate Travel Specialist recommends…
Istanbul, Turkey 
“Merhaba! I recently had the opportunity to visit and spend 5 amazing days in the magnificent city of Istanbul. Words cannot explain the feeling of excitement I had driving through the narrow streets of the “Old Town” with overwhelming history at every turn—this city definitely has an atmosphere of its own.
There are several attractions here that have to be seen and in the area of Sultanahmet I would recommend:
The Blue Mosque with amazing architecture and an interior lined with ceramic tiles in the shape of various flowers are an exquisite example of Turkish style. Topkapi Palace Museum and the Harem where historical clothing and jewels are on display including an 86 carat diamond! Underground in the Basillica Cistern you can see two upside down Medusa heads made out of stone. It was fairly dark inside but the red lights reflecting off the water created a special ambience. The museum of Ayasofya that was once a church, is now converted into a mosque displaying beautiful mosaics and if you go up to the second floor you will get the best view of the interior of Ayasofya. The Grand Bazar was a place like no other. Endless streets full of merchants selling an abundance of gold, jewellery, mosaic lamps, souvenirs, clothing, paintings, leather goods etc. This Bazar truly captured the essence of Istanbul. A short distance away is the Spice Bazar filled with endless rows of all kinds of spices, teas, dried fruits and many other things.
I took a cruise on the Bosphorus and went to the shopping district of Taksim Square, drank beautiful Turkish tea, tried shisha whilst watching traditional Turkish dancing and ate the best halva, sweets and burek. The restaurant choices are just endless and there is nothing like authentic Turkish cuisine.
Istanbul is a city rich with history and culture. It was however, the friendliness and kindness of the Turkish people that made this visit very special. I can’t wait to go back there again….”
