Beating a retreat: If you fancy a break from the hi-tech clatter of Hong Kong living, check into Aleenta, a super-chic beachfront boutique hotel in Pranburi, which is 30 minutes' drive from Hua Hin, and two and a half hours from Bangkok. Opened last year, all 13 suites, bungalows, beach houses, villas and penthouse are TV-free and feature book and CD libraries. If you can tear yourself away from your private chill-out zone, take a dip in the infinity pool, treat yourself to a spa package (from $296) or dine in the restaurant. Rates range from $881 in an Ocean View Suite, to $2,925 in the two-bedroom Palm Villa with living and dining rooms, kitchen and private chef. Yoga and spa packages start at $2,665. And if you can't get away, simply slip on the hotel's cool Fresh Sounds of Aleenta CD ($94 plus $39 shipping to Hong Kong), shut your eyes and imagine you're there (tel: [66] 2519 2044,
www.aleenta.com).
First writes: Those who wouldn't consider a destination unless there's a Lonely Planet guide covering it, may be interested in the publisher's first editions for Santa Fe & Taos in New Mexico, Coastal California and Austin, San Antonio & the Hill Country in Texas. All feature LP's new format, with colour maps, themed boxes and sidebars, and more top-end listings. Available at all major bookshops, but call Asia Publishers Service on 2553 9289 for specific stockists.