October 2014

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TRAVEL
242 October14
Hot destinations & great places to stay WHAT’S NEW
Landlocked in the mystical, medicinal
Himalayas, Bhutan is one of those rare
places where culture and tradition remain
intact. Buddhism has predominated in
the country since the 7th century, forging
a harmonious union with the natural
environment. Embark on a seven-night
journey of discovery to the “Land of the
Thunder Dragon” with Amankora, by the
Aman group of luxury hotels, and enjoy
exclusive benefits from Singapore-based
travel group Country Holidays.
Special offer: Travel between 1 and 19
December 2014 or 6 January and 28
February 2015 and receive 40 percent off
the room rate (a huge saving of S$6,500
per couple), a complimentary hot-stone
bath (worth $450), and a one-night stay
at Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel,
Bangkok ($280). For more details, email
6334 6120 | countryholidays.com.sg
SKI-LIFT UPGRADE
Whistler Blackcomb is renowned as the top-
rated ski resort in North America, and the official
alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and
Paralympic Winter Games. It’s situated in the
Coast Mountains of British Columbia, just a 1.5-
hour drive from Vancouver. Whistler Blackcomb
is set to make the journey to the snow a lot more
enjoyable this season with the announcement
of new eight-passenger gondola cabins for its
lift system. The sleek new $6-million renovation
will dramatically improve the resort experience
for skiers, snowboarders and sightseers alike.
+800 4422 1122 | whistlerblackcomb.com
VIET VACATION
Thinking of Vietnam for your year-end getaway? October
is the best season for trekking in Sapa and enjoying
the views in Hanoi and Halong Bay. Late in the year is
also the best time for beach holidays, and one of Flight
Centre ’s top picks is Ho Tram Beach, which is only a 2.5-
hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. You can also double
the fun and relaxation by taking a lazy Mekong River
cruise over to Phu Quoc Island to enjoy some winter
sun. Or, if you’re willing to travel a little further to escape
the urban bustle, spend a few days in a charming beach
resort at Mui Ne (four hours from HCMC). Call Flight
Centre at 6692 9764 or visit one of its four Singapore
outlets for more information. flightcentre.com.sg
Winter Sun