Check into Hotels in Penang, Party at Koh Samui, Visit the Tai O Heritage Hotel and Biking in Burma
Go Party in Penang
It seems virtually everyone I know has taken a long weekend trip to Penang in recent months. Besides the obvious reason to go—the food, duh—there’s also a desirable crop of quirky-cool, stylish boutique hotels in George Town, mostly located in refurbished shophouses or, in one case, a mansion. If you decide to join the hordes, here are three hotels to check out. Opened in November, Macalister Mansion is an eight-roomer housed in a huge 100-year-old estate renovated in a playful, contemporary style. (It’s also a member of the Design Hotels group, which means it looks daaay-um good.) Then there are the decidedly more affordable but equally charming Muntri Mews and the newer Noordin Mews, the brainchilds of boutique hoteliers Christopher Ong and Karl Steinberg. At the Noordin Mews, a typical 1920s Peranakan building, expect four-poster beds, eclectically patterned upholstery and work by Penang artists on the walls. Muntri Mews, Noordin’s older sister, has a similar comfortable yet sylish vibe in an equally quaint, historic setting.
Find out more and book at www.macalistermansion.com, www.noordinmews.com, and www.muntrimews.com.
Slammin’ Samui
Anyone heading to the island paradise of Koh Samui for Christmas break? If so, boy, don’t expect to relax, ‘cuz there’s a special series of wild ‘n’ crazy nightlife events on tap. Nikki Beach Koh Samui (doesn’t the resort/beach club’s name just make you want to party?) has planned a lineup of winter events from December 23 through January 7 to fete the festive season. OK, who are we kidding… they just want an excuse to have a good time. Events include an upscale alternative to the Full Moon Party (whew, roofies avoided), some super boozy decadent brunches, a retro 70s-themed poolside disco and a Siam Social with Thai dancers and other cultural components.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.nikkibeachthailand.com.
Home for the Holidays
Didn’t plan ahead? Consider a staycation at the Tai O Heritage Hotel, a former colonial marine police station that was turned into a nine-room boutique hotel earlier this year. I mean, Tai O is so far away and exotic that it’s kind of like traveling, eh? Its columned white façade is beautifully wreathed, and there’s a four-course Christmas set menu for $398 per person with dishes such as lobster bisque, risotto and good ol’ turkey at the hotel’s Tai O Lookout restaurant from December 22 to 26 (there’s also a New Year’s dinner served from December 29 to January 1). Reserve soon if you want to stay the night or enjoy a festive meal.
For more information and to book, visit www.taioheritagehotel.com or call 2985-8383.
Biking in Burma
So I’m heading to Myanmar for the first time, but I’ve discovered that it can be hard to plan because domestic airlines don’t have websites, hotels don’t take credit cards and there are other un-first-world inconveniences. I’m relieved I came across Bike World Explore Myanmar, a local company that organizes cycling tours. From mountain biking outside the capital of Yangon to jaunts to beaches, Bike World can help you find the right fit or design a custom itinerary that suits your needs. Frankly, it makes me feel better to be communicating with someone on the ground. But yeah, then I’ll do the rest of the trip on the fly. Right. Totally. (Currently accepting suggestions for how to travel like that… my email address is below!)
Visit Bike World’s website for details: www.bwemtravel.com.
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