Today, we are having an additional overseas package.
Originally, I intended to present them together during our meeting on Monday. However, upon reviewing the offerings, I realized that several products needed detailed introduction and emphasis, and combining them would diminish their significance.
Thus, the additional session is arranged!
What do we have today?
– 2 nights in a Sunrise Beach Villa at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort + 2 nights in an Over Water Villa at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort + HB package (daily breakfast and dinner) + a couple’s 60-minute Anantara signature massage, priced at 9599 yuan per person. There’s no price increase for the summer holiday, and cancellations can be made without penalty after verification.
– 2 nights stay in a 195㎡ One-Bedroom Suite (Pool Pavilion) at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas with breakfast included, priced at 4319 yuan. No price increase during summer or National Day holidays.
– Club Med Cherating Beach, Malaysia offers an all-inclusive package starting from 5299 yuan for 1 adult and 1 child for 3 nights; for 2 adults, 3 nights all-inclusive from 6399 yuan; for 2 adults and 1 child, 3 nights all-inclusive from 8099 yuan.
– 1 night at the luxurious Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur including breakfast + 3 nights at Moonshadow Resort’s Bungalow with all meals included + transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Oasia Suites + transfer from Oasia Suites to Moonshadow Resort, priced at 3399 yuan per person.
– Direct flight from Shanghai to Thailand’s Phuket & Chiang Mai for 6 days (round-trip airfares including taxes, checked baggage + 1 night hotel) starting at 1899 yuan per person.
Let’s talk about the Maldives first; the offerings today may not suit everyone.
Today’s Maldives package centers around a 2+2 dual island experience, ideal for those wanting to check off two islands in one go. The lagoon island has wonderful beaches and beautiful waters, perfect for stunning photographs; however, it’s not ideal for snorkeling. Most people visit the Maldives only once or twice in their lifetime, so selecting the right island that suits personal preferences avoids future regrets.
The distinct feature of the Maldives is that each island typically corresponds to one resort, which means each island has its own unique offerings. Most travelers tend to choose a single island for their stay, dictated by the logistical nature of the Maldives. Traveling between islands usually requires a return to Malé unless the islands belong to the same resort chain or atoll, which may have transport arranged. This can be quite tedious, consuming half a day or sometimes a full day on transit.
Some travelers, however, may feel that visiting just one island isn’t enough. After traveling a long distance, and considering the ticket prices, they want the chance to experience multiple islands. The dual-island stays avoid being overly boring while allowing you to experience contrasting styles and styles, helping to alleviate decision-making stress.
Currently, popular dual-island combinations chosen by tourists include:
– Jao Li + Jao Li Being, known as the “rare pair,” must-have selections among Maldives influencers.
– Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru + Four Seasons at Kuda Hura, a benchmark for family trips – except for being pricey, everything else is commendable.
– Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru + Angsana Ihuru, showcasing affordability between simplicity and luxury.
– Anantara Dhigu + Anantara Veli, representing a premium lagoon experience.
The current offering is the 2+2 package at Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli. This is the last Maldives offering during the 618 promotion, and there won’t be more after this.
– 2 nights in a Sunrise Beach Villa at Anantara Dhigu + 2 nights in an Over Water Villa at Anantara Veli + HB package (daily breakfast and dinner) + a couple’s 60-minute Anantara signature massage (free if checking in before 9:30), priced at 9599 yuan.
Validity until October 31, 2024, with no price increase during the summer; however, from September 27 to October 31, an additional 2400 yuan per person will be required.
As mentioned earlier, both islands offer a top-tier lagoon experience. I’ll share some images, and you will see the beautiful lagoons and extensive white sandy beaches.
These two islands are located in the South Malé Atoll of the Maldives and are accessible via a 30-minute speedboat ride. In fact, this is part of a tri-island resort under the Anantara brand. Dhigu is a family-friendly island, Veli is for adults, and Naladu is a private island.
Though Dhigu and Veli are older resorts, both have been completely renovated. Dhigu opened in 2006 and was refurbished in 2023; Veli opened in 2008 and was remodeled in December 2022. Therefore, the facilities on these islands are quite new, and the vegetation is lush. Let me show you the upscale Over Water Villas at Veli (the type sold in this package) – you can enjoy the azure lagoon from your bed, and stepping outside through the glass doors, you’ll feel the sea breeze on your face.
The package for Dhigu includes the Sunrise Beach Villa; while we visited, we couldn’t photograph it due to availability, but we did capture images of the Beach Pool Villa. The interiors are nearly identical, and they too feel quite new.
These two islands are lagoon islands in the Maldives. Lagoon islands typically have shallow waters, presenting a light blue hue, perfect for clear, brilliant photos but unsuitable for snorkeling. I’ll post some images for better understanding. During low tide, the water recedes, revealing expansive sandy areas that are visually appealing.
Why do I say lagoon islands are great for photography? Just look at the pictures below, taken even under less-than-ideal weather conditions. It’s hard to balance the requirements of lagoon islands and snorkeling islands; it depends on individual needs.
I’ll also provide a comparison with a snorkeling island, where the underwater visibility shows vibrant coral reefs, yet for photography, you get a murky, shadowy effect that doesn’t translate well in photos. Below is an example from the Hyatt Hadahaa, a well-known snorkeling destination.
Now, let me detail these two islands.
The pictures of Dhigu show its spectacular beach – the hotel boasts a 360° sand perimeter, featuring several long tails revealed during low tide. A critical indicator of an island’s attractiveness is having a sand border all around.
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort has a total of 110 Beach Villas and Over Water Suites. For this package, Dhigu offers the Sunrise Beach Villa, which I believe is appropriate for an island with such great sands.
Breakfast is served at Fushi Café, a beachfront buffet restaurant. I’ll share some images of breakfast offerings; Anantara outlets generally offer high-quality cuisine.
Dinner options include Aqua (Italian cuisine and snacks), Cumin (Southeast Asian flavors), Dhoni Bar (Mediterranean food), and Fushi Café, providing ample choices. Due to time constraints, we could only dine at Aqua and Fushi Café. During our Maldives exploration, we experienced one restaurant per day. Aqua is a poolside dining area that is quite appealing.
The varieties on the menu primarily include Italian fare, with pasta, burgers, fried chicken, and fries.
Fushi Café also serves dinner in buffet style, featuring a wide selection of seafood, meats, and desserts.
The package also includes a complimentary spa (a couple’s spa if checking in before 9:30), and the Dhigu Island spa features excellent ocean views. Anantara’s spa is renowned.
Dhigu is relatively large and includes amenities such as a basketball court, volleyball court, and trendy overwater swings, all absolute photo hotspots.
The sunsets on Dhigu are stunning, making it a picturesque lagoon island.
Moving on to Veli Island, this is an adult-only island, accommodating only adult guests. Therefore, couples will enjoy their privacy without disturbances. Almost all accommodations at Veli are water villas, with a total of just 67 rooms, minimizing the likelihood of couple interruptions.
The spa at Veli is set within a forest environment.
Veli’s main dining venue, Cumin, features Sri Lankan cuisine located along the beach, with excellent sea views.
Breakfast at Cumin is à la carte, while dinner guests on HB (half board) can order four dishes. For curry enthusiasts, this restaurant is fabulous.
BAAN HURAA is a Thai restaurant situated on the bridge between Veli Island and the private Naladu Island. Guests under HB can spend up to 60 USD per meal; any excess will be at their own expense.
ORIGAMI is a Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi, teppanyaki, and tempura, similarly capped at 60 USD for guests on HB.
DHONI BAR, a pool bar, boasts excellent ambiance and views. I feel Anantara’s dual islands shine particularly in dining options. Whereas most HB packages limit restaurant choices to the main dining house, these islands offer significantly more dining options.
Traveling between Dhigu and Veli is facilitated by a shuttle boat that takes about 5 minutes. Guests from both islands can visit each other’s accommodations, but Veli being an adult-only resort prohibits underage children.
Adjacent to both Dhigu and Veli is a deserted island, which possesses stunning beauty and a small tail. Picnicking on the deserted island can be arranged (but incurs additional fees).
The two islands are also flanked by a deserted island that you can access when the tide recedes, showcasing an extraordinarily high sand ratio.
In terms of activities, guests at both hotels can participate in daily yoga and meditation classes, island cycling, kayaking, and more. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is available. Each room receives one outdoor photography session (offering one printed photo) and an Anantara branded tote bag. Honeymooners may also request flower decorations for their beds and cakes.
At Malé Airport, there is a dedicated speedboat lounge. These islands support 24-hour access, meaning that no matter how early or late your flight arrives, you can be taken to the island.
Family packages are also available. However, these options do not follow the 2+2 structure and instead arrange for 4 nights at Dhigu.
The package includes 2 nights in an Over Water Suite at Anantara Dhigu and 2 nights in a Beach Villa + HB (breakfast and dinner) + round-trip speedboat, priced at 11999 yuan.
The highlight here allows 3 adults and 1 child or 2 adults and 2 children, with the first child free and a second child at only 1199 yuan. Children aged 2-11.99 must share accommodations with at least 2 adults. This is an exclusive 618 promotion. Validity extends to October 31, 2024, with no summer surcharge, but guests will need to pay an additional 3200 yuan per person during the period from September 27 to October 31.
This package offers a combination of beach and over-water experiences; let me show you more about the Over Water Villas on Dhigu Island, which are spacious at over 100 square meters and include trendy net beds.
Dhigu Island features a sizable children’s activity center, alongside ample space for sand digging.
1 Purchase Taobao Code: 38￥ CZ3452 KBbGWCn51iX￥ https://m.tb.cn/h.gf0rv7f/
Rest assured in booking and scheduling; you can enjoy a free cancellation once if you change or cancel at least 20 days before your scheduled stay. The policy is very favorable, and there’s no summer price increase.
You shouldn’t worry about service, as both islands employ staff fluent in Chinese.
2) Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, a 195㎡ one-bedroom suite (Pool Pavilion) including breakfast for 2 nights, priced at 4319 yuan. Valid until October 31, 2024, with no price increase anticipated for National Day, summer, or weekends.
The calendar typically shows rates around 2700-3500 per night, meaning this 4319 for two nights offers substantial savings.
The hotel is located at the northern tip of Phuket, featuring long stretches of golden sands accompanied by lush national parks. It’s a property rooted firmly by both beach and expansive internal lakes, with a high forest coverage, making it suitable for vacations.
Anantara Mai Khao’s private coastline is limited, as few hotels in Phuket have exclusive beach access.
The hotel provides an array of communal areas, undoubtedly offering spectacular ocean views.
There are many sports and recreational facilities available at the hotel.
Although I haven’t been there, come August, I plan to take my kids to Phuket, where we’ll stay 4 nights at Club Med and then spend 2 nights at the Anantara property in Maikhao and Raya. We’ve recently taken a shining to Anantara; my assistant just returned from Anantara Sabanaya Island, where giraffes, peacocks, flamingos, and Arabian oryxes occasionally appeared right outside her room. Hoping to see similar promotions for this hotel, we’re working hard for that.
Anantara Mai Khao consists entirely of villas. This promotion refers to a one-bedroom suite (Pool Pavilion) but is essentially a villa with a private pool, measuring 195㎡, quite spacious.
It is said that the hotel’s dining options are notably excellent, featuring breakfast overlooking the internal lake, plus a tree-top restaurant. More specifics will follow once I visit in August.
1 Purchase Taobao Code: 67￥ ZH4920 O2VsWCm1Lgy￥ https://m.tb.cn/h.g44WbVw/
No price increase is expected during National Day or summer; however, as this is a villa hotel, availability is limited, and I suggest booking early for holiday periods.
3) Club Med Cherating Beach, Malaysia, features an all-inclusive package starting from 5299 yuan for 1 adult and 1 child for 3 nights; 2 adults for 3 nights all-inclusive from 6399 yuan; for 2 adults and 1 child, 3 nights all-inclusive from 8099 yuan.
Included is airport transfer, with all meals and afternoon tea plus activities in an all-inclusive format, along with complimentary care for children aged 4-11.
Additionally, those traveling on July 18, July 23, or October 1 can enjoy an additional discount of 200 yuan per booking (requires verification before June 30), while those on August 2 or October 3 can upgrade to sea-view rooms for free (limited numbers, first come first served, registration must be done before June 25). This serves as a reward for the fans of playful travel!
This Club Med is located in West Malaysia, near Kuantan. Typically, journeys to Club Med Cherating involve flying to Kuala Lumpur and then taking a charter car there (around 4 hours). While connections via Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan are available, I personally find chartering a car more convenient.
For this journey, I was concerned about potential boredom during the trip. Therefore, this charter isn’t just a direct ride to the hotel; it’s an all-day tour. Each family will have their car, visiting three specific scenic spots (Batu Caves for at least 1 hour, an elephant sanctuary for about 40 minutes, and touring Kuantan city for an hour). Although this does extend travel time to between 6-8 hours, it effectively transforms the entire trip into a mini-tour. The product manager for this offering from Feizhu was thoughtful in orchestrating this.
These included scenic spots make the trip stimulating.
Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur is a religious site filled with Indian temples inside. It requires climbing 272 steps to enter the cave, but the view inside is spectacular. Many visitors to Kuala Lumpur tend to overlook this attraction due to the distance from the city.
The elephant sanctuary is particularly engaging and provides close interaction opportunities for feeding elephants.
Kuantan city is primarily known for its old streets and mural streets, where guests can eat and shop.
Now let’s shift focus to this Club Med.
Club Med Cherating Beach holds significant prestige within Southeast Asia’s Club Med resorts and is the first owned Club Med in Asia.
Spanning 85 hectares, the resort possesses three beaches, creating an immense resort experience akin to a tropical forest. This forest is shared among monkeys, gibbons, and fireflies.
Nestled between the hills and the ocean, it features tropical rainforest along with pristine beaches. For context, the Beijing Forbidden City covers only 72 hectares, showcasing how immense the Club Med Cherating Beach is.
However, the number of rooms at Cherating is only 297. This provides guests with ample space to enjoy activities.
Here’s a look at the celebrated coastline of Club Med Cherating Beach.
Being the first Club Med resort in Asia, the G.O. (Gracious Organizers) here are exceptionally trained.
To be blunt, the classic experiences at Club Med are best found in Southeast Asia and France. The atmosphere with G.O.s here is distinctly different. Moreover, the proportion of G.O.s who can speak Chinese offers convenience, as Malaysia consists of populations of Chinese, Indian, and Malay.
The rooms here feature traditional Malaysian stilt-house architecture. The record-holder for the world’s longest stilt house is located within this resort.
However, this Club Med does come with drawbacks.
Like many Club Med properties, it exhibits consistent age (opened in 1979, renovated in 2014), and the rooms are relatively small (standard room size is 21㎡).
The image below shows the basic room at Club Med Cherating, which is quite typical. This is also why this package is not recommended for stays with 2 adults and 1 teenager (ages 12-17).
Furthermore, wildlife is abundant at Cherating. Monkeys are often seen around the resort, and if you leave doors and windows ajar, they may invade your room. Other wildlife, including lizards and gibbons, may also be encountered. This is inherent due to the resort’s proximity to tropical rainforest, a natural habitat for these animals.
Club Med operates on an all-inclusive model, including:
– All meals throughout your stay, encompassing various dining options and snacks available at all times.
– Open bars featuring selected spirits, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages.
– An extensive array of sports and activities.
– Mini Club, Passworld, and Amazing Family inclusivity.
– Evening entertainment activities (live bands and performances).
The resort features multiple restaurants, with the main restaurant serving buffet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Dining options by the beach offer multi-course meals, all included at no extra charge thanks to the all-inclusive model of Club Med.
If you ever find yourself hungry outside meal times, there’s a snack bar available.
There are two bars, with one located directly on the beachfront.
The hotel encompasses 4 clubs for children over the age of 4.
– Baby Club (fee): for children aged 4 months to 23 months.
– Petit Club (fee): for children ages 2 to 3.
– Mini Club (free): for children aged 4 to 10.
– There’s also a club for teenagers.
Club Med’s childcare truly allows for parents to enjoy time for themselves while children are engaged in fun activities.
Friends who have taken their children to this Club Med report it helps kids connect deeper with nature while enhancing their creativity, courage, confidence, and teamwork… Plus, it’s a great stress reliever for parents.
A dedicated area known as the Quiet Pool caters specifically to adults aged 18 and over, allowing for a retreat for relaxation while professionals help supervise children, making it an ideal setup for families to unwind.
Club Med Cherating offers numerous activities.
This is the only Club Med resort in Southeast Asia to feature natural climbing walls, which have become a major attraction. No worries, there are multiple routes of varying difficulty to choose from.
The water sports available at the resort are plentiful, right on the coastline with paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and surfing options.
Club Med ensures activities are supervised by G.O.s, so there’s no need to worry about safety or lack of experience.
Land-based activities include jungle treks and the signature trapeze experience unique to Club Med.
The resort is adjacent to the Cherating River, flanked by mangroves, offering exciting encounters with fireflies at night.
Guided tours provide views of these glowing creatures while revealing their natural behavior. However, this particular activity incurs an additional fee.
Should everything align perfectly, each month has a designated turtle awareness day (only once a month, dates must be confirmed with the local hotel front desk). This initiative partners the resort with the Malaysian Turtle Conservation Society, covering how daily soap use impacts turtles and aquatic creatures. Guests will have opportunities to craft biodegradable soap, discovering more about turtle shells and specimens during their visit. If you visit in July, the resort also hosts a turtle release event on the beach, as it serves as a nesting site for turtles annually.
Additionally, there are Malaysian cooking courses to learn about local cuisine. This region boasts unique culinary attributes with Indian, Nyonya, and Chinese influences creating interesting fusions.
Club Med includes nightly performances.
Ultimately, staying at Club Med won’t be dull since there are countless activities, and most are offered at no extra charge.
1 Purchase Taobao Code: 79￥ HU0025 wcVVWCmcqz5￥ https://m.tb.cn/h.gfKAFVr/
Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Changsha, Xiamen, and Ningbo offer direct flights to Kuala Lumpur. If you’re unsure about vacationing with kids in the summer, Club Med indeed makes for an excellent choice. My personal plan is to visit the Club Med resort in Phuket with my kids this summer.
4) Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur for 1 night including breakfast + 3 nights at Moonshadow Resort’s Bungalow with all meals + Airport transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Oasia + transfer from Oasia to Moonshadow Resort, priced at 3399 yuan.
Valid until September 20, 2024, with applicable price hikes and exclusion details listed on the page. Reservations made between May 22 and June 18 will include an additional complimentary spa for one person at Moonshadow (just mention “Xiyou” at time of reservation).
Let’s start with Oasia Kuala Lumpur.
This hotel is fabulously located within less than 100 meters from the Kuala Lumpur subway station, making it one of the central transportation hubs.
Oasia Kuala Lumpur is built on the site of the historic “Dai Hua Hotel” established in 1932, a landmark recognized by the Malaysian government as a national historical and cultural heritage site. This hotel was a symbol of prosperity after World War II in Malaysia.
Oasia Kuala Lumpur opened in 1932, showcasing British colonial-style architecture. The hotel comprises old and new towers; the old tower opened in 1932 is permeated with British charm. Below is an image of a room in the old tower.
