The conceirge: Short and sweet, All things Italian, Golfer's delight and Insiders experiences
By Cheryl Tan
SHORT AND SWEET
Sprawl on the beach and enjoy the sun at the newly renovated Bintan Lagoon Resort. Just 55 minutes away by speedboat from Singapore, the resort overlooks the South China Sea and the archipelago of the Riau islands.
Apart from the usual deluxe rooms and suites, visitors can choose to relax in the villas which come equipped with buggies so you can get around the resort in comfort.
For watersports, go wild on the banana boats, jet-skis and boat cruises. Also, try your hand at wakeboarding and windsurfing or take a snorkelling trip to explore the underwater world.
There are other activities if you need a breather from the sun, sand and sea.
There are all-terrain vehicles for rent, as well as badminton courts and an amusement arcade.
Alternatively, head to the resort's day spa which offers scrubs, facials and aromatherapy massages.
Golfers can challenge themselves on the 18-hole Bintan Lagoon Resort golf course, well known for its undulating fairways and scenic greens.
Guests can also sign up for the elephant park, fireflies or mangrove discovery tours.
Clubbers reluctant to waste their nights lazing in their rooms can head for the resort's party club Silk.
Immerse yourself in Italian culture, food and lifestyle for 17 days on a special tour by Ambience Vacations.
From Nov 20 to Dec 7, soak in Roman history at the Colosseum and admire Michelangelo's masterpieces at St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.
You will also get a chance to go down the Appian Way. Built over 2,000 years ago, the ancient road is still in use today and is one of the most famous of the ancient trade routes.
Next, head to the countryside in Florence to relax before moving on to Pisa, where you will see the world famous Leaning Tower.
In Venice, take a romantic boat ride down the Grand Canal and ogle the striking palaces along the bank.
Then, test out your agility as you ski down the Italian alps in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
For those who must shop, the last two days in Milan will not disappoint.
The package, at $4,580 per person (excluding fuel charges), includes a return flight on Singapore Airlines and unlimited free trips on public transport during your free time in Rome and Milan.
The east coast of Malaysia may not be a popular destination for Singapore golfers due to its lacklustre courses and bad weather. But Lanjut Golden Beach Golf Club in Kuala Rompin, Pahang, may just be its saving grace.
Redesigned and upgraded, the golf resort reopened in August last year and has wider fairways with a sea of bunkers and challenging holes.
Golfers can also enjoy the natural beauty of the tropical rainforest and sandy beaches during their game.
Buggies are allowed on the course and the strict course maintenance allows games to be played throughout the year.
Apart from catering to golf fanatics, the resort has other facilities to keep non-golfers occupied. With the beach, river and jungle nearby, it has activities such as boat rides, sport fishing, clam picking, jungle trekking and even island hopping.
Packages are split between those catering to golfers and non-golfers.
They start from $125 per golfer and includes a round of golf and a night's stay with breakfast and lunch.
Rates for non-golfers start from $98 per adult and $45 per child. They include a night's stay with breakfast and lunch. Guests are also entitled to two sports and recreation activities.
Pencil in a date with an award-winning chef in Hong Kong. Or see Tokyo like a local by going on a personal guided tour.
Guests at the InterContinental hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific can sign up for tours that allow them to see the non-touristy sights of the city or region.
These packages, Insider Experiences, consist of six categories ranging from culture, shopping and events.
Those staying in the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort in French Polynesia can expect a wide array of watersports and cultural activities relating to the region. Couples can also look forward to a picnic on a deserted islet.
If cooking up a storm is what you love, guests at the InterContinental in Bangkok can learn to cook Thai dishes after buying the ingredients at the morning market with the chef.
