This fantastical resort, conceived as an ancient walled city, offers a sense of place like few others and this is reflected in its carefully curated activities, designed to immerse guests of all ages into local culture.   Perfect for all the family, from little ones to adults, the resort’s Art and Craft Village offers an array of creative craft activities, from umbrella painting and paper making to bamboo weaving, which is led by a group of local village women who will help guests create beautiful artefacts and traditional toys from the plant’s leaves.

The building’s tiny resident petting ponies and llamas are sure to make a great ice breaker for children who can then choose from a varied range of activities to stretch and stimulate them mentally and physically, whilst offering an insight into traditional Lanna (the ancient kingdom of northern Thailand) and Thai culture.  Classes include Thai dancing and music and traditional Thai games and toys – children can also benefit for Thailand’s rich culture of wellness with mini Thai kick boxing classes and yoga for kids.

A must-try for visitors of all ages is the rice planting: donning a traditional protective tunic, the instantly recognisable Non La hat and waterproof socks, the session will teach budding rice farmers how the grain is grown from seed to harvest and includes the opportunity for all to wade into the squidgy warm mud and plant a few rows for themselves. Children will adore riding the water buffalo, which will obligingly walk little ones through the plantation.

Meanwhile adults can enjoy the Dhara Dhevi Cooking Academy, which stages daily Thai cooking classes, relax in the Jum Sri Hall Library, with one of its 5,000+ books, browse the 20 boutiques in Kad Dhara Shopping Village, or unwind and reboot at the Health and Fitness Centre and legendary Dheva Spa where in depth Ayurveda-based programmes are carried out in 11 spacious treatments suites.

Parents keen to make the most of the wide array of gourmet eating and drinking options at the resort can book the baby-sitting service, which is available on request.  All tastes and nationalities are catered for with international cuisines of the highest calibre, from Japanese dishes at the light and airy Ren; Chinese at Fujian, formal French at Farang Ses and contemporary international cuisine at the Akaligo, which offers views through wall to ceiling windows. There is even a Victorian Style tea salon, the Dhara Dhevi Cake Shop which caters to the sweet toothed serving decadent treats. Fabulously chic watering holes include the louche Horn Bar, an after dark cocktail bar, the al fresco Loy Kham Bar which overlooks the serene infinity pool and the Colonial Pool Bar, which centers around the heart of the resort, the spectacular and imposing blue and white tiled swimming pool.

Easily accessible via a 15-minute car transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport, the Dhara Dhevi makes for an immersive cultural experience perfect for crafting lasting family memories.

The Dhara Dhevi is one of Asia’s foremost luxury hotels.  More an experience than simply a hotel, this iconic property represents extravagant Thai luxury at its finest.  Nestling in 60 acres of beautifully landscaped tropical grounds, enjoying a picturesque and secluded setting in the countryside in the North, the resort has established itself as a classic ‘must visit’ for high end travellers to Thailand.  Its location on the outskirts of historic Chiang Mai, a walled ancient city known for its rich history of art and culture, is reflected throughout the resort.  The spectacular accommodation was built in keeping with traditional Lanna and colonial style architecture, set among lush paddy fields.  69 traditional Thai villas each boast a private swimming, or plunge pools, Jacuzzi tubs and separate showers.  54 Colonial Suites featuring separate living and bedroom areas with private terraces overlook the pool, lake or stunning verdant gardens.

 

 

 

 

But there will be times when you will just feel tired, I felt tired. I wanted a break, a short vacation, but little I had known that I was out of time. Summer had grown to a close and I was left with little time to plan, prepare and ready myself. I was supposed to be relaxing, that was then that I found Bacall Associates when I was at my wit’s end.

 

Working for hours to free up the next days while preparing everything proved to be tiresome. But Bacall fixed everything. In the end, I was only able to bring a few clothes, basic amenities and needs and next thing I know, I was on a plane. They prepared me a schedule that I can chose to follow, contacted hotels and made reservations and basically everything that I needed to do but didn’t have time to.

 

It was an hour after dawn when I arrived, most attractions are closed for the next few hours, and I had nothing to do. I checked in the given hotel dropped of what little things I had bring and took a walk.

 

As I stroll, I bought off what I didn’t bring, like clothes, bought myself some comfortable sandals (all in which I brought home as souvenirs) and continued to let myself be lost in the city. Had a lunch in a local restaurant I had passed through when I strolled (I’d recommend the Bak Chor Mee) and ultimately enjoyed.

 

Days went pass as I visited tourist spots like the gardens, the man made waterfalls and a lot more that in the end I felt satisfied. It was relaxing. It was then that I decided that once a year or two, I will take a vacation, god knows where but thankfully there is Bacall and Associates to help me with that.

 

 

 

Start your day at the Merlion Park where you can see Singapore's most famous landmark the Merlion. From the Merlion Park, visit the ArtScience Museum located at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Since you're already in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, check out its casino or just splash at its gorgeous infinity pool which is the highest and largest in the world. End your day marveling the sight surround the world's largest giant observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer.

 

 

Begin the day by visiting the Sri Mariamman Temple, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, and the Thian Hock Keng Temple. These temples are accessible by just walking since they are situated not less than a kilometer apart. Rest and relax at the Esplanade Park after visiting the Temples, and then visit the River Safari. You can end your day by touring the Night Safari.

 

 

Day 3 starts with a stroll to the ArtScience Museum0 and then retracing the colonial history of Singapore by visiting one of the three quays on the Singapore River, the ArtScience Museum1. From these historical sites, you can visit the ArtScience Museum2 and the ArtScience Museum3 (chimes), formerly called the Caldwell House. The last stop for the day is the ArtScience Museum4 which has the largest collections of Singapore, Southeast Asian, and East Asian contemporary art.

 

 

ArtScience Museum5 is located on the island of Sentosa and has an area of 49 hectares. Within the park, you can feast your eyes on the Marine Life Park, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and the Maritime Experiential Museum. Interact and learn about the bottlenose dolphins at the Dolphin Island, and splash around the Adventure Cove Waterpark. End the day by walking through a museum and interact with the art work in the Trick Eye Museum.

 

 

ArtScience Museum6 is divided into 7 zones, visitors can enjoy cutting-edge rides, shows, and attractions based on blockbuster movies and television series. The zones include the Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar.

 

Singapore is a small country with its many attractions within walking distance from each other. While some of them are farther away, they can easily be reached via Singapore's public buses, trains, and taxi's.

 

Book a flight that will have you arrive late at night at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport to avoid the usual vehicular traffic on your way to the hotel, spend the night resting and preparing yourself for the adventure ahead.

 

The next day, explore Thailand's famous temples: the Wat Arun Temple (The Temple of Dawn), which according to CNN, is one of the most revered icons in Thailand, the Wat Pho temple (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

 

After sampling the local Thai food for lunch, return to action by exploring the Khlongs of Thonburi (Bangkok Canals) via public ferries. Spend the rest of the afternoon taking in the sights at the Grand Palace, one of the world's most visited palaces and castles according to CNN. Cap off the day by learning about Thailand's history via the Siam Niramit Show.

 

On your second day, explore another world famous landmark in Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Visit the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo, the Crocodile Wrestling Show and the Elephant Theme Show, and then go shopping at the Bangkok Weekend Market. Cap off the day with a Royal Chao Phraya Cruise Dinner Cruise. Have a good night's rest to prepare for your flight to your next destination the following day: Malaysia.

 

 

After an early flight, you'll arrive in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at around noon. Check in at your hotel and then go out and explore Kuala Lumpur's famous landmarks. Go to Merdeka Square, the Menara Telecommunications Tower, the Titiwangsa Park, Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC, Petrosains (Petroleum Discovery Centre), CNN0 (located at the 3r floor Suria KLCC), the CNN1 (located at the Twin Towers podium level). End the day by shopping and dining at Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur's well-known night market. Check out early next day and book a CNN2.

 

 

Day 5 starts with the bus-ride from Malaysia to Singapore will have you arriving at around noon. After checking in to your hotel, go out exploring CNN3, Fullerton Heritage, The Raffles Place, CNN4, Marina Bay Sands and Bugis Village. End the day by visiting the Fountain of Wealth at Suntech City.

 

Day 6 starts by taking in the sights at the parks then relaxing at the Resorts World Sentosa. End the day by going off a tour in the Night Safari.

 

Day 7 and your last day in Singapore will be spent at the Universal Studios. Enjoy the theme park's blockbuster movie and television series-themed rides.

 

1. There is a movie theatre located in Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and Transit Area where travellers can have film screenings free of charge. Moreover, there is an entertainment deck at Terminal 2 and Transit Area where guests can enjoy music in an MTV booth, or indulge in a sports game in the Xbox Kinect room.

 

2. Get cozy in the pool and Jacuzzi (yep, a jacuzzi!). Situated at Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel at Terminal 1 are swimming pool facilities and a jaczzi. available for an amount of $17 SGD.

 

3. Take a glimpse of orchids, cactus and plants. Head to Terminal 2 see more than 700 wonderful orchids and other beautiful plant species. The cactus garden awaits at Terminal 1 where travellers can view more than 100 species of cacti and other arid plants.

 

4. Go shopping! There are loads of stores that can satisfy the needs of different shoppers and tourists. There are local products, international brands and duty free items to choose from. 

 

5. Pause and relax at the rest areas and massage chairs. These facilities are located at the Snooze Lounge at Terminal 1, Sanctuary Lounge & at Oasis Lounge at Terminal 2, and at the Snooze Lounge at Terminal 3.The massage chairs are located across all terminals and they don't cost any cent.  

 

6. Use the internet connection. In all terminals, there are around 400 internet/computer docks available for all travellers to use. There are also connection facilities via the airport's wi-fi service Wifi@Changi, mobile phone surfing and WiFi Password Kiosks. The best part? these are all free of charge.