The Great China

The ubiquitous China is at it again! The country has taken long strides in the luxury travel market, and is, today, one of its top three players in the world. Here is why the country is on par with any in the world, in being able to offer the wealthy tourist a luxurious experience.

It comes as little surprise, really. With the meteoric rise witnessed in the Chinese economy, the country was always bound to flex its muscles in the luxury travel market. Take this astonishing statistic for instance – the country has over two million people whose personal assets exceed $2 million! It’s quite easy to see how the country has the wherewithal to attract the crème de la crème of the world. The Chinese also have the largest number of travel agents in the world, after Australia and South Korea, again affirming its status as a top player in the tourism industry.

Why China though? Embolstered by a vast history (it is one of the oldest civilizations) and great natural depth, including humbling mountains and expansive lakes, the country is a mish mash of cultural quirks, natural beauty, and culinary delights. With the largest population in the world, China, with all its wonderful eccentricities, does not allow you the liberty of a moment of monotony, and keeps you on your toes.

Almost all the luxury trips to China share a commonality; they usually comprise a visit to the three most popular cities in the country, namely Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. While Beijing, the capital of China, is the commercial centre of the country, Xi’an is the largest city in northwest Chennai and is a haven of rich history, thanks to having served as the capital of the country for more than 1,000 years. Shanghai, meanwhile, is the country’s most populated city, with a whopping population of over 23 million people by 2010. It is also considered to be the city that has maximum appeal as a global centre, thanks to its commercial foothold. In addition to these places, no luxury trip is truly complete without a sojourn to the twin party destinations of China – Hong Kong and Macau, the latter more than the former. These are true luxury destinations with the latter especially famous for its casinos.

China has its share of five star hotels including The Opposite House (Beijing), Fairmont Beijing, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Mandarin Oriental Pudong (Shanghai), Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, Hilton Xi’an, Swisstouches Hotel Xi’an, The Upper House (Hong Kong), and Mandarin Oriental (Hong Kong). Thanks to being luxury hotels, the places charge anywhere around $600/night, while offering breathtaking views and top-notch facilities at their premises that are comparable to those being offered by top hotels across the world. For instance, at The Opposite House, you are able to check in at the hotel wirelessly, and can order room service with an iPad left for you in the room! Can it get more luxurious than this, really?

The Chinese share with their Western counterparts an unmitigated love for brands too. Can any destination claim to be luxurious without the presence of top brands? From Adidas to Armani, the world's top companies compete with each other to show their wares in this great country. If these brands haven't convinced you of the luxury that the country plays host to, perhaps the following brands will? Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Cartier... the list of brands that this booming economy plays host to is limitless really. Prada, the Italian luxury brand, for instance, has no less than 27 outlets in China, with plans to bring this number to 50 in the coming years. With three stores each in Beijing and Shanghai, the brand's presence in the country is a reflection of the luxury that thrives in the streets of China.

A luxurious trip is inextricably, and quite naturally, related to comfort and all the pleasures that money can bring. It is often sought by those who crave for relief from a highly stressful lifestyle and a demanding schedule. What could offer you more respite than a relaxing day at a Chinese spa with its ancient therapies and healing rituals? With knowledge of age-old spiritual practices and relaxing therapies being passed over generations, the Chinese know how to make your body and mind feel at ease, and reinvigorated. For instance, CHI, the spa at Hotel Shangri-La, Beijing, offers its patrons a variety of massages, in addition to meditative practices and hydrotherapy in a wonderfully calm ambience. Another notable spa in the country is Banyan Tree Shanghai On the Bund, a five-star spa resort in Shanghai. Holistic treatments offered here include customised healing procedures that make use of Chinese herbs and attempt to create a smoother flow of 'Qi', understood by Chinese as the energy that flows through all living beings. Find out more hidden wonders on http://www.theluxetravel.com

Finally, regardless of the luxuries that man can fashion for himself, it is important to recognise that a beautiful sunset by the beach is an experience that is difficult to match up to. China's landscape is full of such natural beauty; from astonishing mountain ranges to tropical rainforests, the country is a natural treasure. How does the prospect of a luxury cruise on the Yangtze river sound? Or perhaps you would prefer to stay at a hotel in Tibet with a view of Mount Everest, the Earth's highest mountain? If you feel adventurous, you could also consider trekking across Mount Huangshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If your definition of luxury is being completely submerged in natural beauty, China has that on offer too.

Its location also places it at great proximity to other wondrous countries including the mysterious India, Nepal, a natural haven with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and Thailand, a beach paradise and party destination. With top-notch brands, five-star hotels, historical depth, replenishing spas, natural beauty, and friendly people who are eager to please, China is the ultimate destination for the traveller who seeks luxury.

Luxury Down Under

If you haven't guessed by the title we are referring to Australia. A country that boasts amazing, adrenaline filled, luxury experiences. Australia still is the land of opportunity and resorts are springing up all over the gold coast. We are going to cover the gold coast as this is where our experience lies but by no means, relates to the fact the west coast is lacking. We've heard wonderful things about Perth and Broome, and the ability to surf after working the city, appeals greatly to us. The first stop on your trip should be Melbourne, coincidently where many international flights arrive into. The best time of year to head here is in January. Melbourne is a city that has great sporting heritage and the year is kickstarted by the Australian Open, one of the first major tennis tournaments of the year.

We are particularly fond of the Melbourne open because getting tickets is far easier and affordable than getting them for say Wimbledon or the US Open. When staying in Melbourne it's good to be centrally located as the CBD is very easy to walk around the greater reach of the area is very vast. One of our favourite hotels is the The Olsen. It's a five star hotel that we would class as a boutique luxury hotel. There is a jacuzzi overlooking greater Melbourne on a roof terrace which has a waiter on hand.

On a side note before heading out to Australia always keen an eye on the exchange rate, the AUD/USD does tend to fluctuate and exchanging at the right time will save you hundreds while out there.

Melbourne beats Sydney as Australia's most liveable city, the downtown area is bustling with bars and nightclubs with raves that go on into the early hours if that is what you like doing. Alternatively you can head over to Dizzy's for some jazz and classical in the quaint piano bar. Australia isn't renowned for it's cuisine but it looks like the chefs in this part of the world want to change that. The Vue de Monde serves the best, oysters we've ever tasted.

After soaking in Melbourne it's time to explore some of Australia's natural beauty and where better place to start than checking out one of the prettiest beaches in the world in particular whitsands bay in whitsunday island. It's a short plane ride to brisbane and then another connection on a small seaplane to the the uninhabited island. The waters are as amazing as they look in the pictures. The beach vast, and there is not a single more beautiful place in the world.

The island is only a stones throw from the great barrier reef which, also boasts some incredible marine life and is something that would be a tragedy to miss on a luxe adventure down under. 

About the Luxe Experience

Here is some very simple basic information about us at the luxe experience;

• We love first class
• We love exotic beaches
• We want to visit every country in the world within our lifetimes
• We think travel and experiences are far greater than material goods
• We like doing things that make you happy

Richard Branson is a massive idol of ours and we love what he's done to Necker Island. We by no means expect to follow in his footsteps but we do hope to one day live on a paradise island like he does....