5 Unforgettable Resort Arrivals
We are all about making an entrance. Here’s five most spectacular ways resorts will wow you even before you check-in.
Bawah Reserve
Fly from land and arrive on water. Your amphibious plane takes you from Batam’s International Airport for an 80-minute journey to the Riau Archipelago, the home of Bawah Reserve. The plane lands on Bawah’s spectacular waters right in front of your suite, but not before making a spectacular fly-past to give you a bird’s eye view of Bawah’s gorgeous isles and lagoons.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Arriving Hong Kong International Airport, you will be greeted airside (!) by The Peninsula staff, fast tracked past immigration and, after identifying your luggage (the staff swiftly take this from you) whisks you out of the Arrivals Hall to your waiting car. Blink and you’ll miss it – a Phantom Rolls Royce. Painted in The Peninsula’s exclusive Brewster Green colour, the ride is a spectacular amalgamation of polished wood and leather – and style!
On a personal note: we once had a Rolls Royce transfer from The Peninsula Hong Kong to another hotel and was involved in a minor fender bender. It was raining mildly. Traffic stopped. Our driver was extremely concerned about our safety (we were ok and enjoying the whole experience of being the centre of attention!). Barely 10 minutes past before another Peninsula staffer came with another Rolls Royce to ensure we made it to our destination. Best. Experience. Ever.
Soneva Kiri
Travel by air, land and water seamlessly. From Suvarnhabumi International Airport, you fly to Koh Kood on the resort’s private plane for about 90 minutes. Your plane lands in the neighbouring Koh Mai Si in the resort’s own airport – complete with a rustic waiting lounge and fire trucks! As you disembark, Soneva Kiri’s Fridays (hosts) collect you in an electric buggy for a minute’s ride to the jetty. From here, it’s a five-minute journey on the hotel’s private boat to the resort, with just enough time to down the fresh watermelon juice onboard. And don’t worry about your luggage – they are transferred discreetly to a separate boat and will wait for you in your villa.
Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection
Nestled deep within Cambodia’s South Cardamom National Park Wilderness in a pristine wildlife corridor three hours’ drive south of Phnom Penh is Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection. Radical best sums up the arrival. At this luxury tented camp, you arrive at the gate lounge by road or helicopter before strapping yourself to the resort’s purpose-built 380 metre zipline to make your grand entrance to the lobby. Enroute, you will pass river and waterfalls, arriving ‘Indiana Jones style’ in the Landing Zone Bar. Those who prefer a milder entrance can also opt for the jeep transfers.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
You will be greeted at Chiang Rai International Airport by Four Seasons guides who will escort you to a waiting car. Freshen up with cold face towels and sit back to enjoy the 75-minute journey past bucolic villages and emerald rice fields. Your journey ends at a small dock where you will then take a traditional long tail boat down river, arriving the Camp pier in just 10 minutes.
Main picture credit: The Peninsula Hong Kong