Exotissimo News Blog

Newly opened in Pyin Oo Lwin, the Bravo Hotel boasts of international standard facilities and a restaurant serving Burmese, Chinese and Western cuisine. The Bravo is ideal for an overnight trip from Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin or for those traveling onwards to Muse.

Scheduled for opening in July, Paresa Resort will join Exotissimo’s list of preferred hotels along Phuket’s quiet Kamala Beach. The luxurious beachside resort has 49 suites, villas and residences and many on-site facilities including a spa, cooking school, infinity pools and three restaurants.

The Arawan Riverside Hotel recently opened by the banks of the Mekong River in Pakse. The hotel features rooms and suites with facilities such as a swimming pool, meeting rooms and gymnasium. It is an affordable accommodation choice for travelers visiting the attractions of Pakse or Southern Laos.

The Accor group is developing new Mercure properties in Vietnam. Scheduled for opening in the third quarter of 2009, the 102-room Mercure Hanoi La Gare is situated on Ly Thuong Kiet Street, a short distance from Hanoi’s business district and the Hanoi Train Station. Another hotel opening this fall is the Mercure Hue Gerbera, a 110-room property beside the Perfume River in Hue. The 380-room Mercure Hanoi Hado, meanwhile, will open in Hanoi in 2010. Exotissimo expects these Mercure properties to be suitable for both leisure and business travelers.

The Pristine Lotus Spa Resort has just opened in the Inle Lake area. Decorated in the traditional Burmese architectural style, the resort consists of 52 suites and villas and counts a business center, spa, gallery and a café as amongst its facilities. Located near the natural hot springs in Khaung Daing Village, it is accessible by boat or car from Heho or Inle Lake.

Built by Khmer craftsmen with traditional tools and materials, the Kanika is the first luxury catamaran in Cambodia. The boat has a 100 passenger capacity and will primarily be used for sunset dinner or cocktail cruises on the Mekong and Tonle Rivers in Phnom Penh. A top rear deck is ideal for private parties of smaller groups. A strong supporter of sustainable tourism, the Kanika donates a part of its proceeds to Seametrey, a local children’s charity.

Our latest self-drive program in Thailand, ‘Scenic Roads from Sukhothai to Golden Triangle’, explores destinations such as Sukhothai and Golden Triangle as well as lesser known towns such as Nan and Chiang Saen. Exotissimo Thailand will make all necessary arrangements, including accommodation, car rental and a road map with suggested routes and activities. View the detailed itinerary here.

Exotissimo Myanmar now offers an opportunity for couples to experience the unique tradition of a Burmese-style wedding ceremony. The wedding ceremony will take place in a picturesque village near Bagan and follows all of the local rituals and customs. This program can be arranged as a day excursion or incorporated in to our ‘Seventh Heaven - Honeymoon in Myanmar’ package. View the detailed itinerary here or contact myanmar@exotissimo.com for more information.

Exotissimo Laos has created new day trips in Southern Laos. ‘Boloven Plateau Loop’ is a full day trip that explores the scenic beauty of the Bolovan highlands, including visits to the Tad Lo and Tad Fane waterfalls and a coffee plantation. Besides the century-old railway, ‘A Day on the French Railways’ ventures into Siphandon (’4000 islands’), waterfalls as well as an easy cycling trip on Don Khone and Don Det Islands. View more details here.

Located in the quiet Wat Po Langka residential area, the Heritage Suites Hotel is one of Siem Reap’s top boutique properties with 26 stylish rooms and suites. The facilities include a restaurant, saltwater swimming pool and spa. Part of the Relais et Chateaux alliance, this intimate property is recommended for couples or travelers seeking a hideaway experience in Siem Reap.