Starck reality Jia, the uber-cool Philippe Starck-designed boutique hotel in Causeway Bay, is offering special summer rates to local residents. Until August 31, the 380-sq-ft studios are available at HK$895 and the 780-sq ft one-bedroom suites for HK$1,295, with rates including breakfast; evening wine in the lobby; and use of the nearby California Fitness gym. The rooms feature a fully equipped kitchen, as well as Philippe Starck furnishings, a flat-screen television and a DVD player. Guests must present a Hong Kong ID card at check-in to enjoy the rates (tel: 3196 9000, www.jiahongkong.com ). Boutique bargain Trisara is a stunning boutique resort scheduled to open on the west coast of Phuket in October. Located 15 minutes south of the airport, near Nai Thorn Beach, Trisara comprises 33 freestanding pool villas all looking out to the Andaman Sea. Each villa measures 2,700 sq feet, including a 1,000-sq ft bedroom/bathroom, and each has a 10-metre sea-facing infinity pool and an outdoor garden shower. Alternatively, guests can book one of 12 two- to four-bedroom residential villas, ranging in size from 8,000 sq ft to 16,000 sq ft, and featuring 20-metre private pools, separate living and dining salas, kitchens and live-in maids and cooks. Resort guests will also have access to a spa, a gym, two restaurants, a 45-metre pool and tennis courts, and staff will be able to arrange yachts for charter, and membership to the Blue Canyon Golf Course. Until November 30, introductory rates from HK$2,535 will be available, as the spa and gym will not be ready until December, representing a 50 per cent discount on future prices (tel: [66] 76 310 100, www.trisara.com ). Fit to fly Song, Delta's budget airline which brought us cabin crew uniforms designed by Kate Spade and healthy organic airline meals, has introduced an in-flight fitness programme developed by US fitness guru David Barton. For US$8, passengers are given a ball, a resistance band and instructions for a 15-minute workout designed to decrease stress and fatigue, and improve strength and flexibility. Song provides services between major cities in the northeast US and Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and key Florida leisure destinations ( www.flysong.com ). All mapped out Looking for a novel gift for a jet-setting friend or loved one? Inspired by the 'escape maps' issued to Allied airmen during the second world war, map scarves are exactly that - maps printed on 100 per cent silk twill scarves with hand-rolled edges. Six cities are available - London, Paris, New York, Rome, San Francisco and Washington, DC - at HK$538 each. Order online at www.mapscarves.com . A decent proposal The Edsa Shangri-La in Manila is offering a one-night 'Diamond Ring Fantasy Package' priced at 500,000 pesos (about HK$70,000). For that tidy sum, you're welcomed by the hotel manager and escorted to your suite with a bathroom filled with aromatherapy oils and candles. Lie on a bed scattered with rose petals and toast with two bottles of Dom Perignon champagne and 'passion' chocolates. There's also an intimate candle-lit dinner in the suite, serenaded by a string trio (Saturday arrivals may choose instead to dine al fresco in the tropical gardens, by the swimming pool). When the moment's right, present your loved one with the package highlight - one-carat-worth of diamonds, set in jewellery of your choice. Valid until September 20, the offer also includes limousine transfers; 24-hour butler service; massage for two; personalised bathrobes and towels; a special gift; a souvenir studio photo; and breakfast (tel: [63] 2636 9082, www.shangri-la.com ). Send travel news to Tinja Tsang ( tinja.tsang@scmp.com )