Aleenta Resorts Launches Tailor-Made Wedding Guide

Wedding dreams become reality as Aleenta Resorts launches its indispensable tailor-made guide to tying the knot in Thailand – offering useful tips, valuable insights and some wonderfully unique ideas and venues that once again raise the bar for intimate beachfront wedding occasions.

The Aleenta Weddings book (download here), offers a creative and completely a la carte experience for couples, who are seamlessly guided through a host of imaginative and fun concepts at destinations renown for exquisite natural beauty, privacy and endless kilometres of untouched golden sands.

Dedicated personal wedding planners are on hand at the award-winning Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga and Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi resorts, to offer couples the opportunity to release rare turtles, breakfast onboard a long tail boat, stroll along the beach with a baby elephant or simply say "I do" over a quiet glass of champagne.

The book caters to anything from two people up to a hundred as couples can choose from venues such as Grand Villa Air, a picturesque beachfront house, or Grand Villa Satis where 80 guests can roam the stunning gardens that spill onto a 20km stretch of pristine beach – offering intimacy, style, privacy and and above all a day to remember.
 

Each resort is picture perfect, yet fully equipped to cater to all wedding needs. Ocean views are ubiquitous, as is Aleenta's concept of ‘Outside Living – In' so wedding parties will experience nature's charms alongside all the rewards of an exclusive, five-star resort. 

Dive into Aleenta's exquisitely designed guide and discover anything is possible; the resorts can be hired in their entirety exclusively for a wedding and are happy to provide any style of ceremony in any faith and in any language.

The Aleenta Weddings guide will whet appetites on how the perfect day will be achieved - bursting with details on everything from flower decorations, finding the right music and organising a candlelit ceremony to talented local photographers who seamlessly blend the resorts' stunning natural backdrops into wedding photos, to make-up artists and how to find the perfect wedding dress created by top local designers.

"This book is a celebration of one of the most important days of our lives – our wedding day," says Aleenta Resorts managing director Anchalika Kijkanakorn, who held her own wedding at Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga. "Our resorts are made for celebrations, and we're thrilled to be able to offer this book that will leave couples in no doubt Aleenta will make each and every wedding dream a reality." 

The Aleenta Weddings guide further demonstrates that there's more to a wedding than the day itself. Spa IV for example makes a superb setting for the ‘hens' to gather. The 'stags' aren't forgotten – organise a private cookery lesson with talented chefs – what better way for the groom to surprise his new bride. And as couples rejoice in their new life together they can commemorate the occasion by releasing endangered leatherback turtles back into the wild.

An Aleenta wedding presents the perfect opportunity to tie in the holiday of a lifetime with spending time with your loved ones. Couples can read in the guide how once they're here, they're already in the idyllic honeymoon destination; they can luxuriate in deluxe suites, enjoy mouth-watering gourmet meals and experience the highest quality service and hospitality for even longer. 

The guide is the ultimate preview to the wedding of a lifetime. When a couple declare their vows at an Aleenta wedding they do so against a background of ocean views, beautiful sandy beaches and the rhythm of the crashing waves – together, Aleenta will make it the best day of their lives.

For further information and high-resolution photography, please contact:

Anchalika Kijkanakorn
Managing Director
Akaryn Hospitality Management Services
Tel: +66 (0) 2514 8112
E-mail: anchalika@ahmshotels.com

Email: pa@ahmshotels.com
Website: www.aleenta.com                               

David Johnson

Managing Director

Delivering Asia Communications

Tel: +66 (0) 2246 1159

Mobile: +66 (8) 9170 9866

E-mail : dj@deliveringasia.com
Website: www.deliveringcommunications.com
 

  

Holi: Festival of Colours, India

We like to shout about the wonderful things that happen all over the world so that you know just where to be and when to experience them!

Coming up soon is Holi, the Festival of Colour, on March 8th. Celebrated primarily in India, Nepal and Pakistan, this is the first Hindu festival of the year and is something really special to look forward to. 

This two day festival is an array of colour, with people throwing coloured powder and water on each other, and celebrating the beginning of the spring, when colour starts to burst again after the winter season. 

We can't think of a better time to visit India, when the atmosphere is exitable and your surroundings are an erruption of colour.


Have a look at this video to see what Holi is all about...we're sure you'll be convinced in two and a half minutes time!

For information on planning a trip to India to experience this and countless other incredible events and sights in India, visit Creative Travel's website, or email rebecca@sandraleach.co.uk

Australia Day!!

Happy Australia Day everyone!!

It seems like just yesterday it was Australia Day 2011, and here we are again! To celebrate this year, here are a few things to tempt you to Hamilton Island in the sunny land down under...

12 Reasons to Visit Hamilton Island, Australia Throughout 2012

January 2012: From prestigious events to world-class cultural encounters and fabulous natural attractions, here are 12 defining reasons to include Hamilton Island (www.hamiltonisland.com.au), the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, in an Australian itinerary in 2012:

JAN – Learn a new skill, with over 60 activities to choose from (read more) FEB – Fall in love with some romance on the reef (read more) MAR – Spring clean the body with a spa treatment (read more) APR – Be reef-freshed with a Reefsleep experience (read more) MAY – On your marks for the Hilly Half Marathon (read more) JUN – Make a splash with Australia’s largest outrigger event, the Hamilton Island Cup (read more) JUL – Indulge in the culinary delights of the Great Barrier Feast (read more) AUG – Mingle with celebrities and sailors at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week (read more) SEP – Migrate south for whale watching in the Whitsundays (read more) OCT – Sign up for expert sailing tuition (read more) NOV – Enjoy an intimate audience with the Australian Ballet (read more) DEC – Tee off for a round of golf in the sunshine (read more) JANUARY - Visitors to Hamilton Island have over 60 activities to choose from including go-karting, bushwalking, scuba diving, parasailing, squash, tennis, fishing, sailing, kayaking, target sports and windsurfing, not to mention the new nine-pin indoor Kegel bowling alley, perfect for anyone wanting to learn a new skill for 2012. FEBRUARY – Whether you plan to pop the question or tie the knot, there is no more romantic month than February on Hamilton Island. From a seaplane ‘Love Flight’ over magnificent Heart Reef to an underwater ceremony or a pontoon wedding, Hamilton Island has it covered. Hamilton Island Weddings also have the only commercial permit in Australia to conduct ceremonies on Whitehaven Beach, in the middle of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Why not treat your loved one to some ‘Romance on the Reef’. The three-night Valentine’s package costs from AU$4,218 per Leeward pavilion (twin share), including three nights’ accommodation at qualia, a trip to Whitehaven Beach by helicopter with a picnic and a sunset cruise on the “Atomic”, qualia’s luxury power boat.  MARCH – Indulge in some pampering for body and soul this month at Hamilton Island’s fabulous spas. Whether you want to unwind at Spa wumurdaylin (“woo-mer-day-lin”), the Island’s first full service day spa, or revel in total pampering at the luxury Spa qualia you’re ensured of an authentic Australian wellbeing nirvana.  APRIL – Audiences inspired by the BBC documentary, ‘Great Barrier Reef’, can escape for their own close encounters with this most spectacular natural wonder with a reef-freshing break on Hamilton Island. April is the perfect month to check in to the Fantasea Reefworld pontoon in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, which by night transforms itself into a private floating hotel. Following a night on Hamilton Island, guests cruise out to the Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef where a range of activities, including semi-submersible tours and the underwater viewing chamber, allows them to explore the reef from both in and out of the water.  MAY – As Olympians prepare for London 2012, this month offers the ideal warm up with the Hilly Half Marathon challenge, which takes place on Sunday 6th May. A rugged 21-kilometre route uphill and down dale, the Westpac Hilly Half Marathon follows road, fire trails and walking tracks through Hamilton Island’s undulating interior.  JUNE - The island plays host to the annual Hamilton Island Cup from 14th – 18th June, Australia’s largest outrigger event and one of the world’s largest canoe regattas. Last year over 1000 paddlers took part from all over Australia plus international teams from Hong Kong, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Canada. The Cup features more than 100 sprint and medium-distance races. The main event is the 42-kilometre marathon Hamilton Cup, an impressive sight for spectators as the canoes circle Hamilton Island and race through the Whitsundays.  JULY – Foodies should flock to Hamilton Island to enjoy the ultimate food and wine event, set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays. The Great Barrier Feast kicks off with guest chef, Guillaume Brahimi, (6th – 8th July) from the much-applauded Sydney Opera House flagship restaurant, Bennelong. This month, Hamilton Island also plays host to a special photography workshop with two of Australia’s best known photographers, David Oliver and Peter Eastway. AWAY in the Whitsundays photography course runs from 29th July – 3rd August, offering the opportunity for hands on expert tuition in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.  AUGUST – This is the month that Hamilton Island hosts Australia’s largest and most prestigious off-shore yachting event - Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 17th – 25th August. From serious offshore racing and fabulous super-yachts to onshore glitz, glamour and gourmet fare, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week offers guests the opportunity to experience the best the Whitsundays has to offer.  This is also an ideal time for family travel - Australia’s winter is mild and comfortable for younger members of the family. Excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling safaris and a trip to see the island’s koalas, kangaroos and wombats at ‘Wild Life Hamilton Island’ make holidays for children both educational and fun. Accommodation and meals in selected restaurants are free for children up to the age of 15, whilst the Clownfish Club offers activities for children up to 14 years.  SEPTEMBER - is whale watching season when visitors can see baby humpbacks that have been born in the warm waters of the Whitsundays, travelling past the coast in pod sizes of between eight and ten whales. Whales, which can vary in length from five to 18 metres, can also been seen in their migrating season (June to September) from Hamilton Island itself. OCTOBER – Since Captain Cook charted Australia’s coastline in the 1700’s, the Whitsunday Islands have been recognised as one of the best sailing playgrounds in the world. Sunsail’s Sailing Academy on Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accredited marine qualifications for yachts, catamarans and motorboats, with tuition for beginners and experienced sailors alike. After offshore action, wind down at the iconic Hamilton Island Yacht Club.  NOVEMBER – The Australian Ballet returns for the fifth consecutive year to give an intimate outdoor performance at Hamilton Island’s luxury resort, qualia. Pas de Deux in Paradise will be staged from 16th – 18th November. Also this month, the Fujifilm Triathlon (10th November) and Fujifilm Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim and Junior Triathlon (11th November) take in some of the Whitsunday’s most iconic locations for a sporting epic. DECEMBER – Time for a round of golf on Australia’s only 18-hole championship golf course situated on its own island. The 6,120 metre, par 71, course is located on Dent Island, a five minute boat ride from Hamilton Island. Created by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson, the course is gaining a reputation as one of the world’s top courses not least because of the stunning Whitsunday views from each hole. The crowning glory of the course is the Chris Beckingham-designed clubhouse, ideally perched to take in the fantastic views of Passage Peak and the Coral Sea. The clubhouse offers an idyllic spot for non-golfing partners to relax over a laid-back lunch or for golfers to take stock of the day’s game over a cold beer.

For more information on Hamilton Island, visit their website or email rebecca@sandraleach.co.uk

Gaetano Trovato Returns to The Sukhothai

Two-Michelin Star Gaetano Trovato, chef and owner of Arnolfo Ristorante in Siena since 1982, returns to The Sukhothai Bangkok to present masterpieces from his family’s famous Tuscan cuisine inspired by the azure waves of the Mediterranean. On this visit, Chef Gaetano will be accompanied by his brother, Giovanni, who will complement each course perfectly with excellently selected wines.

Born in Tuscany, Chef Gaetano began his career as an apprentice in Saint-Moritz and moved on to work with Angelo Paracucchi in Ameglia, Roger Vergé at Le Moulin de Mougins and Gaston Lenôtre in Paris, always sharpening his appreciation for different flavours and techniques.  

Early in his youth, Chef Gaetano developed a love for fine cuisine by utilizing a blend of different and contrasting tastes: sweet, savoury, bitter and sour. His careful selection of the best seasonal produce is noted for a genuine and unique quality that allows him to use their true tastes to constant reinvent traditional Tuscan cuisine by welcoming changes and new techniques reflective of the brilliant perspectives that today’s culinary maestros can bring to the scene. 

The two brothers, Gaetano and Giovanni Trovato, and his chef team will be stationed at La Scala, The Sukhothai Bangkok, during 6-10 March 2012—for 5 days only! 

6 March                      Arnolfo Wine Dinner Night

7-10 March                Arnolfo Set Lunch and Set Dinner

For more information on this event, or any of our other clients, please email rebecca@sandraleach.co.uk

A Few Words from Creative Travel

 

 

 

Here are a few words from Ram Kolhi, founder and owner of Creative Travel to start 2012, and a short video which Ram and the whole team think says it all about India!

Everyone in the Kohli clan is excited & happy and ready to take on 2012 with gusto.
 
We Indians lead a very relaxed life. Our concept of time is very different from the western world. We spend the year deeply engrossed in our politics, our movies and in our cricket. We fight, scream and shout at every opportunity we get. Patience is an alien concept, yet we have an endless tolerance for our nations political incompetency’s & bureaucratic delays. We love our festivals, our togetherness, our opportunities to celebrate, never missing a moment to have a party. We love our rituals and ceremonies. We love our summers for the mangoes they bring and our winters for all the hot tea and spicy pakoras to eat. We love being different, confusing and unique. This viral video on 'Driving in Delhi' says it all. 

India is an unexplainable phenomenon and Indians can sometimes be odd, but we are a people who truly believe that 2012 will be yet another greater year to party, enjoy family & friends and to cherish life for the future moments it gives rather than moaning about the past..

So wherever you are and whatever your heart desires, on behalf of the Kohli family and the entire team at Creative Travel; Plan it! Meetings & Conferences, The Creative Academy of Tourism & JungleSutra Wildlife Journeys, we wish you and your loved ones a great and joyful 2012.  

For more information on Creative Travel, please visit their website, or email rebecca@sandraleach.co.uk

Aleenta Hua Hin Celebrates Chinese New Year in Style.

HUA HIN, THAILAND  – Chinese New Year begins with a gastronomic bang at Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi, where the resort's master chefs have delved into traditional Chinese beliefs and culture with a modern interpretation to create a sumptuous nine-course banquet.

Aleenta Hua-Hin-Pranburi is presenting a superb nine-course dinner to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. For high resolution image, click here.

The January 23 dinner is the highlight of a special Chinese New Year experience the resort is offering over the long weekend where two guests can relax in luxurious comfort for three nights for THB38,600 net including breakfast and roundtrip transfers from Bangkok.

As dusk descends on pristine Pranburi, the resort will raise the red lantern, release some beautiful Thai lanterns for good luck, and stage a spectacular Chinese dragon show to get the new year off to a cracking – not to mention crackling - start.

With a strong pork theme, using only the finest ingredients and locally sourced produce where possible, the event has been dubbed "Head to Toe", which might describe how satisfied diners will feel after they have sampled the delights of this stunning feast.

The Nine Courses

First half …the pig
1st ..Braised pigs cheeks with pickled cabbage and candied orange peel
2nd..Short ribs with Aleenta Johnny coke sauce, crispy popcorn
3rd..Grilled tenderloin, Shanghai style, crackled pork skin
4th..Pork and orange dim sum, pancetta and sherry broth
5th..Pig tail, kale soup with Chinese dumplings

Second half… the fish
6th.. Seafood marble, seaweed salad and miso jelly
7th ..Steamed ginger filet of sea bass, woked-fired vegetables, crispy roe wontons

The end… a reflection
8th ..Massaman ice cream with grilled pineapple and deep-fried Chinese plums
9th..Green tea with ginger sable
Entertainment: Chinese dragon show and lantern release with Chinese fireworks display
Welcome cocktail and fortune cookies at 6.30pm @ the lounge by the pool
Dress code: Casual
Dinner only costs THB3,500 for adults and THB1,500 for children below 12 years
Includes: Welcome cocktail, dinner, entertainment
For reservations please contact:
E-mail: rsvp@aleenta.com
Tel: + 66 (0) 2514 8112
Fax: + 66 (0) 2539 4373

Beverages during and after dinner not included
Price is subject to 10% service charge and 7% VAT

For further information on Aleenta or any other clients, please visit our website or contact rebecca@sandraleach.co.uk                 

The Sukhothai’s New Year Concert in The Garden.

It's time to welcome the new year with a special event at the Sukhothai, Bangkok. 

The Sukhothai Bangkok and the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation proudly present a special evening’s entertainment “The Sukhothai’s New Year Concert in The Garden” on Saturday 21 January 2012 in the lush green Sukhothai Garden. 

Fifty-eight musicians from the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jae Alexander, and featuring guest artists from the celebrated London-based ensemble Incognito Artists - soprano Seija Knight, and tenors Edward Heath and Thomas Lowe - will serenade the night away with a programme of waltzes and polkas specially selected from the world-renowned operettas of Franz Lehar and Johann Strauss.

It's up to you if you would like to join us for dinner after this wonderful performance. the concert starts at 7.30pm, and dinner is at 9pm.

Pplease contact The Sukhothai on 02 344 8888 or promotions@sukhothai.com, or the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation on 02 255 6617-8 or bsof@bangkoksymphony.org for information and to purchase tickets.

Happy New Year!

We've all had a lovely break here at The Sandra Leach Company for Christmas and New Year, and now it's back to normality with an exciting 2012 ahead!

We recently started working with Island Escape Cruises, as we previously posted, and to add to that we have now started working with the beautiful Aleenta Resorts and Spa property in Pranburi. Situated twenty minutes away from Hua Hin, and a mere three hour drive from Bangkok, Aleenta offers a haven away from the pressures of daily life. 

A boutique resort, Aleenta is quite different to your average Thai retreats, with circular suites, beachfront access, and a unique and sictinctive style that you'll never forget. 

In addition to this, AHMS hotels have another exciting project on the horizon. Aleenta's sister property Akaryn will be opening in March 2012 on Koh Samui, in a secluded bay with luxury at your fingertips. 

So plenty to gear up for in 2012, and we're sure that won't be the only exciting news over the next few months!

For more information on Aleenta Resorts and Spas, Akaryn Samui, Island Escape Cruises, or any of our other clients, please email rebecca@sandraleach.co.uk