I'm back home in Tuscany following my family's three month, around the world trip and I am just now fully digesting the highlights from the Asia leg of our journeys. Of course it is impossible to summarize months worth of travel in a few quick slides, but won't keep me from trying. Below you can read about my absolute top ten finds.
Ondine Cohane is a prolific travel writer and a Contributing Editor to Conde Nast Traveler
Gallery
#1: Hangzhou's West Lake(01 of10)
Hangzhou's West Lake. Southwest of Shanghai, this area of one of China's most evocative cities was just designated a UNESCO heritage site and it truly has a Venice meets Asia feel, with gorgeous pagodas and islands with little temples that peek through the mist. We rented a little wood boat and made our way through secluded canals under romantic bridges until we reached the main part of the lake with a ring of mountains as the backdrop. The Four Seasons has just opened a new property there and it is gorgeous with acres of gardens and spacious beautiful rooms and an incredible destination spa--don't miss the indoor pool with its tucked away alcoves. We got to Hangzhou by the new high speed train that's taken the journey from three hours to 40 minutes and that in itself was an eye-popping glimpse into the future of China's transportation system. After multiple trips to China I have a lot of concerns about the environmental pressure and pace of development but I hope that recent designations to the UNESCO Heritage Site program will help preservation efforts in unique places like West Lake .You can read more about my trip in the New York Times. (credit:jaaron/Flickr)
#2: Niseko, Japan(02 of10)
In addition to the tragic human cost, the tsunami and its aftermath has devastated tourism in Japan. I discovered this incredible mountain area about a month before the tsunami hit and was completely taken with it--one of my favorite discoveries of the last few years. The powder snow there makes it a snowboarder's dream and the food from the island (from delicious oysters plucked from the sea an hour away to winter asparagus harvested under the snow) make it a foodie must, plus the natural hot springs (onsen) are incredible. I included it in my picks of where to go in 2011 and as it did not suffer any damage in the earthquake or aftermath I hope that people will head back there as soon as possible. (credit:David McKelvey/Flickr)
#3: Kep, Cambodia(03 of10)
Most travelers to Cambodia have a single destination in mind: Angkor Wat, but we chose to venture to this former French colonial retreat that was known as the St. Tropez of Asia in the 60s with villas overlooking the sea. After the Khmer Rouge took power the French fled but now the sweet village is back on the radar and some of the former hideaways have been transformed into fabulous boutique hotels like Knai Bang Chatt and Villa Romonea. The food, especially the delicate crab from the town market, is sublime and inexpensive. I really want to go back as soon as possible!
#4: Singapore(04 of10)
I went here a few years back and was underwhelmed to be honest but when I returned in February it was like visiting a whole new city with its great new restaurants, hotels and designer boutiques. If you want to see where the new epicenter of power of Asia is taking shape plus eat amazing street food, this is the spot. (credit:edwin.11/Flickr)
#5: Singapore Airlines(05 of10)
This is obviously not a destination but after a flight with them from Singapore to Newark they are hands down my favorite airline. Because the flight is the longest non-stop and I was traveling with my 11-month old solo I decided to splurge on their business only flight by using miles. It was so worth it and I was so well taken care of by the crew--steward Faizal Rahman practically put Jacopo to bed and then accompanied us to our taxi. After being dismayed about some of the treatment I have had recently on other carriers, I was so happy to travel on an airline that understands what good and courteous service is. (credit:Rudy Herman/Flickr)
#6: W Taipei(06 of10)
My in-laws live in this city in Taiwan and my husband grew up here so we have gone a few times and although I like aspects of it I wouldn't say it has ever felt particularly stylish. But with the addition of the new W there which opened on Valentine's Day this year I think the fashionable crowd has a new hangout--the pool area and bar with spectacular views of the city is particularly cool and if I had to have a dinner party there it would be at the large table under a pergola looking on the mod crowd in one direction and the skyline in the other. Oh and if you like Dim Sum don't miss famous the original Ding Tai Fung--what I would give for one of their dumplings right now... (credit:ernestch/Flickr)
#7: Peninsula, Shanghai(07 of10)
This new luxe property on the Bund felt so comfortable and pampering that I didn't want to leave after one night but it was the attention to my son that really stood out--in addition to toys and rubber ducks left in our room there was even a baby-sized robe and slippers. They have a pretty pool and the location is unbeatable. And you can find a good rate (considering this level of accommodation) if you are flexible on the dates. While in town we went on a nightlife crawl (Jacopo was with a very nice hotel babysitter) with my husband's childhood friend Danyeu and he took us to some great glam spots like the Monkey Lounge and El Coctel. I also still have a fondness for the Glamour Bar , which I discovered on my last trip to Asia and has one of the best views in the city. (credit:HBarrison/Flickr)
#8: Kid's Amenities(08 of10)
We spent a lot of time in airports this winter, but on the Asia leg we were blown away by play areas with books, blocks, slides and the like, bathrooms for parents with children that included a comfortable, quiet place to nurse, a sterilizer for bottles, free diapers and wipes, and in-flight play packages (with playing cards and stuffed animals). It really put into perspective how we don't really have anything of the kind in many US airports, let alone bum warming toilet seats. (credit:Dan Harrelson/Flickr)
#9: Park Hyatt, Tokyo(09 of10)
I have already blogged about this awesome hotel in Japan's capital but as this in my top ten list, I have to include them. The service is insanely good here--someone in the family forgot to get our China visas and without the help of the concierge at the hotel we would never have made it to Shanghai for Chinese New Year. (credit:jczart/Flickr)
#10: Cambodia's Islands(10 of10)
Looking for the type of island idyll that is the equivalent of Thailand's Koh Samui? Look no further than the amazing white sand islands off Sihanoukville (they number in the hundreds) like Koh Rong where you can rent a bungalow at Angkor Cham, for $15 a day in a secluded cove, and eat amazing seafood for practically nothing under a covered wood dock. Enough said. (credit:Happytimeblog/Flickr)
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