Anyone for Golf? Exotissimo has organised a number of golf tournaments for leisure and corporate groups recently including groups from France, USA, Hong Kong and Singapore. We also handle logistics for the annual PWC Bangkok tournament for 80 pax each year. Highly recommended golfing destinations include Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa, Chiang Mai Highlands, Phuket, Hua Hin and Pattaya. For tournaments, group bookings or golf holidays please contact Hamish@Exotissimo.com.

For centuries, Chiang Mai has established itself as one of the main centres of Buddhism in Asia. The capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom is home to over a hundred wats (temples) and is the perfect place for an intimate approach to the Buddhist religion. Starting early morning with the daily alms giving ceremony at a local market, receiving blessings and chatting with the monks, this new fascinating half-day tour helps you experience several authentic activities focusing on the country’s main religion. Please contact Thailand@exotissimo.com for more information.

Destination Air Shuttle, Thailand’s only seaplane shuttle service will officially launch services from Phuket International Airport beginning January 2007. Offering 12 flights per day, leaving every 2 hours from Phuket International Airport, Destination Air Shuttle will serve Phi Phi Island, Krabi and Koh Lanta. Further landing locations are planned for Similans, Koh Racha, and Khao Lak.

The Korean-based Dauwoom Company will build a USD 20 million international golf course and hotel in Luang Prabang. Construction will begin in January 2008. This 18 hole golf course is expected to host the 25th SEA Games in 2009 which Laos will host.

The Sofitel Metropole Hanoi has recently opened its 157-room ‘Opera Wing.’ This is the latest renovation to fit the hotel with state-of-the-art technology and amenities. Guests used to the hotel’s classical colonial style will be impressed with its seamless integration with the latest 21st century technologies. The rooms of the Opera Wing are all decorated following neo-classical themes, and their bathrooms have been updated with red marble and new vanity. According to hotel’s General Manager Gilles Cretallaz, the Opera Wing renovation integrates both the historical and modern parts of the historic hotel while installing the very latest amenities to assure guest comfort.

The Mandarina Spa has opened a second branch in the Namphou Area. Famous for its use of French treatmenst and spa products, the spa has a signature Lao traditional herbal massage which uses 15 different traditional herbs. The new spa is located on Samsenthai Road in Vientiane.

The Chau Praya Restaurant in Siem Reap is once again open for business. Re-opening on 1st December 2007, it had been closed for a period of time. The restaurant serves European and Asian cuisines.