Travellers' Checks | Indonesian tree house resort the ultimate escape; deals at Bangkok spa

Nihiwatu, a remote and luxurious resort on the otherwise impoverished Indonesian island of Sumba, about 400km east of Bali, has added a three-bedroom tree-house complex (above) to its portfolio of design-award-winning villas. Elevated among surprisingly young-looking "ancient trees", complete with two infinity pools, it all looks very appealing at www.nihiwatu.com, as indeed it should for at least US$6,000 per night. Most visitors reach Nihiwatu on one of two scheduled daily flights from Bali. Flying time is just over one hour.

Good prices with some value-added extras are available with Swire Travel's Spa Escape @ Banyan Tree Bangkok packages. The Shopaholic Spa Escape includes two nights' accommodation, a 60-minute "Shopaholic Massage" and a set dinner from HK$3,190 per person, twin share. The Royal Banyan Spa Escape comes with a lengthy three-hour massage treatment and a Japanese lunch from HK$4,030. Both offers include a sunset drink at the Latitude Lounge and Bar (above), and non-alcoholic minibar consumption. Prices, which include flights with Cathay Pacific, are valid for departure from January 3 to February 2, and from February 10 to March 30. For further details and reservations, visit www.swiretravel.com.