The Ritz-Carlton is planning a sexy start for couples staying in its Bali resort over Valentine's Day (yes, it is planning that far ahead). On arrival, lovers can have a bath together. A butler will draw the water. Couples can also have an in-room massage side by side. Ritz-Carlton is organising Valentine's Day packages, all a little different, at its hotels in Osaka, Shanghai, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong. One wealthy guest is well-acquainted with the Ritz-Carlton's romantic baths for two. He had a bath with one girlfriend at their hotel in Singapore, and then headed off to have a bath at the hotel in KL with another girlfriend. He made the arrangement through the Ritz-Carlton's chief concierge in Hong Kong but, of course, discretion means the guest's name must remain a secret.
The Regent Bangkok, which was voted Asia's top hotel by Conde Naste Traveler readers this year, has a special offer on room rates over Christmas and the Lunar New Year. An extra-large superior room, decorated with Jim Thompson silk and handcrafted Thai furniture, will be US$138 (about HK$1,075) from December 15-January 5 and from January 19-28. The rate includes breakfast and use of the 24-hour health club. Guests who stay three consecutive nights will be offered a free massage either in the health club or in their room. For reservations, call (662) 251 6127 or fax (662) 254 5391.
The Tanjong Jara Resort on the coastline of Terengganu in Peninsula Malaysia is offering a second night free to guests staying there over the festive period. The offer applies to Serambi and Bumbung rooms. The former is M$790 (about HK$1,610) a night, and the latter M$670. The deal runs until March 31. The resort has two swimming pools, two tennis courts and two spa pavilions. Call (609) 845 1100 or fax (609) 845 1200 for reservations and more information.
Shangri-La Hotels is planning to double the number of hotels it operates by 2005 from the existing 37 and has announced three new management agreements on the mainland for hotels in Nanjing, Zhongshan and Zhengzhou. Shangri-La already has 15 hotels in China with 7,000 rooms. Early next year it will add 460 bedrooms in Nanjing and later in the year a further 264 in Zhongshan. The Zhengzhou hotel will be completed in early 2002, with 280 bedrooms and suites.