THE THAI TOURISM Board will point you in the right direction to whatever destination you seek, from a spa, golf course and trekking itinerary to a marine eco-holiday. The website gives general information about the country, flight details, hotel and spa listings, and links to external golf websites. There is also a golf directory to cover the entire country, which lists basic information, from course to fees. The booklet Blue Horizon, Green Heartland is the guide to all things healthy. The comprehensive listing includes suggestions for itineraries that incorporate health and well-being programmes, with recommended hospitals, hot springs, spas and other health-related centres. For information, call 2868 0732 / 0854, or visit www.amazingthailand.org.hk . If diving is high on your agenda, consider a trip to the Maldives, care of the Four Seasons Maldives Resort. Packages include a number of water sports activities, from surfing for beginners to advanced diving courses taught by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). There are more than 35 diving sites within a 45-minute radius of the resort. Diver's packages for next year are available. Three-night packages begin from US$1,640 (May 10 to July 14). Each includes a beach bungalow, round trip transfer, daily breakfast, reef orientation dive for two, and four tank divers per person. Five-night packages begin at US$2,310. The resort chain's Indonesian packages include a three-night spa deal at Four Seasons Jimbaran and Four Seasons Sayan, beginning at US$1,425 for a one-bedroom villa (Jimbaran), and US$960 for a suite at Sayan. Prices are based on two persons and include breakfast, a Balinese massage, a floral bath on arrival and complimentary use of the gym. Check the group's website at www.fourseasons.com (which also gives information on Four Seasons' other resorts). Until December 22, guests at the Grand Hyatt Bali can check in for US$145 (per room, per night), and enjoy breakfast, a 15 per cent discount on green fees at the Bali Golf And Country Club, access to the Bay Club fitness centre, and discounts at Hyatt shops and boutiques, as well as adventure tours and sea and land cruises. Information and reservations can be made through the hotel website at www.hyatt.com . If you have yet to book a Christmas getaway, consider China and the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort 'rejuvenate your senses' package. There is a one-night package, between December 1 and January 31, that costs 700 yuan/HK$657 (double occupancy; 560 yuan single occupancy) and includes breakfast, airport transfer and a 90-minute herbal spa treatment. Each additional night costs 355 yuan. E-mail: tah-resv@shangri-la.com for information and reservations. Closer to home, in Macau, the Westin Resort Macau offers a number of packages for golfers and food lovers. The Romance Retreat packages, for example, includes a beach-view room accompanied by a floral bath with handcrafted chocolates and fresh strawberries on the side. The Golf Retreat begins on the rooftop, where an 18-hole golf course awaits. Packages include a complimentary game of golf, one night's accommodation and breakfast for two. The Food Lovers Retreat includes a dining voucher applicable to any of the hotel's restaurants or bars, one night's accommodation and breakfast (current prices were unavailable at the time of writing; for further information, visit www.starwood.com ). Le Meridien hotels offer a number of golf, spa and family breaks in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. A Le Meridien two-night weekend or celebration break is available till January 31 next year. Bookings through American Express get a third night free; a seven-night golf, spa or family break will receive an eighth night free. Amex Asia should be quoted when making reservations. Call 800 96 38 33, or visit www.lemeridien.com/amexasia .
