Luxury Hotels - Seeking your ideas for August...

Greetings folks..

I'm looking for some unique ideas for a 4-5 night excursion in early August. Departure city is Tokyo, and I'm looking for something within approximately 6-8 hours of flight time. Will be flying paid C and would prefer Star Alliance to accrue EQM. Have about 5 days total including travel time available.

At the same time, I'm looking for a luxury resort destination, preferably on a beach in the hot sun. Naturally the first things which came to my mind were Amanpulo (*A carrier flights - NH - require 2 overnights in MNL to catch the prop to the island). Amanpuri/Trisara, but I was just in Phuket a few weeks ago. Bali, except no good way to get there on *A without ridiculous fares and long layovers in BKK.

So I'm pounding my head here for other ideas. Aman Summer Palace sounds nice, but certainly isn't a beach resort. Guam doesn't seem to have a luxury scene. Hawaii is reachable, but recently did FS Hualalai and Maui.

Anyone have any unique ideas? Thanks in advance!

Why not work with a travel agent and have him offer you options ?

have you been to puri since they added gym?

i presume you looked at this/etc for example?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narita_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinat ions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haneda_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations

You've hit all the obvious choices.

Pulo - Take the HND>BKK redeye (great F and great cheap C) and then BKK>MNL to connect. Or you could overnight in SIN. On the return, do the reverse but back through NRT. The Pulo lounge at MNL is very pleasant and both the F and C lounges in BKK are great. You can UG at the airport from C to F for about $400 on the BKK<>NRT/HND portion. PA (?) is decent in C and less than $2k for C if you book a week in advance but no *A EQM.

Bali - I always bite the bullet and do Garuda to save time but you can do the overnight through BKK as well. Good connections times in BKK. Bali is great in August. Garuda may cut you a deal if you visit their office in Marunouchi. Premium economy used to get free upgrades and their new C is quite nice.

I do SPN a lot because it's super convenient from Tokyo and nice beach. No EQM unless you go through GUM which defeats the convenience. Not luxury but the suites at the Hyatt are decent. Found one good restaurant recently, but otherwise the food is mediocre on the island. Great diving and golf if you like that.

Langkawi is an easy hop from Singapore....

has anyone really explored MNL arrival/departures times re pulo?

arriving from YVR on PR lines up well with morning flight

im not looking forward to transit/stops from/to IAD
edit - wow i think i might be done figuring it out

has anyone really explored MNL arrival/departures times re pulo?

arriving from YVR on PR lines up well with morning flight

im not looking forward to transit/stops from/to IAD

Did it recently and rechecked before posting. Times work well for the TYO<>BKK redeyes. They'll hold the outbound MNL>Pulo a bit if you're running late.

Folks - Thanks for all the replies! Good ideas and appreciate the links and thoughts.

has anyone really explored MNL arrival/departures times re pulo?

arriving from YVR on PR lines up well with morning flight

im not looking forward to transit/stops from/to IAD

I really would like to head back to Amanpulo. I have researched the times extensively from TYO to MNL on *A. Even non *A. JAL times are perfect, but *A on the new NH flights (relatively new now) are terrible as I noted earlier. The idea of taking the HND TG redeye to BKK and connecting is a good one. I flew that same bird in F a few weeks ago and it was glorious.

5khours, thanks for the heads up on the possible comp upgrade to C on Garuda. Glad you've had first hand positive experience. I'm trying to hit 200K EQM though across UA and NH this year, so I'm focused on trying to optimize around that. I can't believe *A doesn't have better direct service into Bali. I guess I thought it was a much higher traffic destination than perhaps it is. What's with NH not even flying there? Do Japanese not go to Bali?!

SPN is an interesting idea. Hard pressed for luxury though as noted. Figured the same for Palau. Fiji and Tahiti are high on my list, slightly further than desired flight time wise, but both a complete and utter disaster on *A. And I thought the UA / CO merger would open up the south pacific via CO, but apparently it's micronesia focused.

One other option I was considering was Amansara, although I didn't find any great *A options, but there was something workable via SQ or TG.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I feel like the options are so limited sometimes for high end luxury properties. I guess the sky's the limit once I can get over paid C prices and just fly anywhere. Need to get rid of the biggest pain in the butt though first - my job. ;-)

I will be trying Soneva Kiri at some point in the near future, as I am looking for more remote places to explore in Thailand and am fascinated by the Six Senses Soneva resorts. The only drawback might be that August is rainy season and the seas may be rough, although I have had beautiful weather in south Thailand in July and August.


Four Seasons Langkawi also looks nice, especially the beach villas.


It's a shame NH does not fly directly to DPS, as Bali would be ideal in August.

One SQ connection I found does not look too bad- Redeye flight SQ 633 from HND connects to Garuda codeshare SQ 5551, arriving DPS at 11:35 am. On the return SQ 947 leaves DPS at 8:05 pm, and connects to redeye SQ 638 arriving NRT at 8:00 am.

Have you ever stayed at The Busena Terrace? Perhaps not quite up to your usual luxury standards, but the club cottages are arguably the nicest resort experience you can find without leaving the country.

Folks - Thanks for all the replies! Good ideas and appreciate the links and thoughts.

I really would like to head back to Amanpulo. I have researched the times extensively from TYO to MNL on *A. Even non *A. JAL times are perfect, but *A on the new NH flights (relatively new now) are terrible as I noted earlier. The idea of taking the HND TG redeye to BKK and connecting is a good one. I flew that same bird in F a few weeks ago and it was glorious.

5khours, thanks for the heads up on the possible comp upgrade to C on Garuda. Glad you've had first hand positive experience. I'm trying to hit 200K EQM though across UA and NH this year, so I'm focused on trying to optimize around that. I can't believe *A doesn't have better direct service into Bali. I guess I thought it was a much higher traffic destination than perhaps it is. What's with NH not even flying there? Do Japanese not go to Bali?!

SPN is an interesting idea. Hard pressed for luxury though as noted. Figured the same for Palau. Fiji and Tahiti are high on my list, slightly further than desired flight time wise, but both a complete and utter disaster on *A. And I thought the UA / CO merger would open up the south pacific via CO, but apparently it's micronesia focused.

One other option I was considering was Amansara, although I didn't find any great *A options, but there was something workable via SQ or TG.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I feel like the options are so limited sometimes for high end luxury properties. I guess the sky's the limit once I can get over paid C prices and just fly anywhere. Need to get rid of the biggest pain in the butt though first - my job. ;-)

It will be very hot in Indochina, so I don't think Amansara or Amantaka should be on your list.. Not beach either.
You can consider of the Amans in Bali , fly SQ. Have seen many connecting from all over the world :)

I really would like to head back to Amanpulo. I have researched the times extensively from TYO to MNL on *A. Even non *A. JAL times are perfect, but *A on the new NH flights (relatively new now) are terrible as I noted earlier. The idea of taking the HND TG redeye to BKK and connecting is a good one. I flew that same bird in F a few weeks ago and it was glorious.

5khours, thanks for the heads up on the possible comp upgrade to C on Garuda. Glad you've had first hand positive experience. I'm trying to hit 200K EQM though across UA and NH this year, so I'm focused on trying to optimize around that. I can't believe *A doesn't have better direct service into Bali. I guess I thought it was a much higher traffic destination than perhaps it is. What's with NH not even flying there? Do Japanese not go to Bali?!

SPN is an interesting idea. Hard pressed for luxury though as noted. Figured the same for Palau. Fiji and Tahiti are high on my list, slightly further than desired flight time wise, but both a complete and utter disaster on *A. And I thought the UA / CO merger would open up the south pacific via CO, but apparently it's micronesia focused.


Decided this morning to head for the beach for a couple of days so I just went through the exercise. Ended up deciding on Puri. Leaving out of HND tomorrow night. The redeye on TG F is better than sleeping in my own bed. That said connections through SIN to DPS looked OK also. Why do you need 200k EQM this year. I did that for the last couple of years, and then realized it was pointless. Why not just do 100k and then not worry about the rest.

Amanwana

Amanwana

Amanwana would also be my top choice, as long as the float plane transfers worked out well. Time permitting, I might add a night at Amanusa at the beginning or end of the trip.

Decided this morning to head for the beach for a couple of days......Ended up deciding on Puri. Leaving out of HND tomorrow night.

WOW... I love this statement. Bravo to you!

One SQ connection I found does not look too bad- Redeye flight SQ 633 from HND connects to Garuda codeshare SQ 5551, arriving DPS at 11:35 am. On the return SQ 947 leaves DPS at 8:05 pm, and connects to redeye SQ 638 arriving NRT at 8:00 am.

Thank you for this. Guessing one can earn EQM on *A with that codeshare as well on Garuda. Too bad NH doesn't have codeshare flights with them from TYO to DPS. Now that would be fantastic.


Have you ever stayed at The Busena Terrace? Perhaps not quite up to your usual luxury standards, but the club cottages are arguably the nicest resort experience you can find without leaving the country.


Had never heard of this, thanks for sending. Explored the website. Looks very nice - I've never actually taken a vacation domestically in Japan. Not that I live in Japan. I'm just here (as I am now) quite a bit. Anyways, the hotel looks great but perhaps a little grand for my tastes. Certainly is a good idea though given the distance...


Decided this morning to head for the beach for a couple of days so I just went through the exercise. Ended up deciding on Puri. Leaving out of HND tomorrow night. The redeye on TG F is better than sleeping in my own bed. That said connections through SIN to DPS looked OK also. Why do you need 200k EQM this year. I did that for the last couple of years, and then realized it was pointless. Why not just do 100k and then not worry about the rest.


Agree with ABG. This is absolutely glorious. It's exactly what I did 6 weeks ago, hopping in TG F from HND and depositing myself and companion at Amanpuri into Pavilion 103 which they kindly let us check in to at about 9am. Enjoy your time. Puri was fabulous.

200K EQM. Yeah, I know, it seems like a waste. I need to maintain UA 1K for business travel purposes, especially TATL related and intra EMEA. I'd *like* to attain more than Platinum on NH and go for Diamond this year as there is quite a gap in benefits between the IFL access, upgrade points and substantial duty free credits. My minimum is 150K, 200K will be a stretch. We'll see. I won't be able to do it every year.... planning for some special things in 2013.


Amanwana would also be my top choice, as long as the float plane transfers worked out well. Time permitting, I might add a night at Amanusa at the beginning or end of the trip.


Thanks for the two votes for Amanwana. I would have never even thought about it having been so focused on Amanusa and the others on the main island. Would you put wana above the others accessible via DPS?

Amazingly, even though I'm a self proclaimed *A whore, I've never flied SQ - which seems like a crime to me. So SQ via SIN to DPS is sounding better and better... especially in a combination of F and C.

Thanks for the two votes for Amanwana. I would have never even thought about it having been so focused on Amanusa and the others on the main island. Would you put wana above the others accessible via DPS?

Amazingly, even though I'm a self proclaimed *A whore, I've never flied SQ - which seems like a crime to me. So SQ via SIN to DPS is sounding better and better... especially in a combination of F and C.

My focus is mostly on diving and snorkeling, as well as nature excursions, so for me Amanwana is where I will spend the bulk of my time in Indonesia. 'Nusa would make an excellent pairing with 'Wana because of its proximity to DPS. At Amanwana availablity and shcedule of float plane transfers are also a factor, in addition to tent availablity, so a stopover may be necssary.

SQ F and C are wonderful, so that is yet another reason to choose Indonesia!

SQ F and C are wonderful, so that is yet another reason to choose Indonesia!

Spent the last hour looking over airfares. They seem to be going up right before my eyes. But all in, looking like 4-5K per person RT in C on SQ from TYO to DPS in August. Ouch. Although may be willing to spring for that if I could upgrade with UA miles to F. I assume both legs are tri-cabin. Unfortunately checking availability for *A upgrades via UA can be unreliable before the reservation is ticketed - at which point you are already locked in.

Going to try a combination of awards and purchased tickets as well, that may work out better..

*EDIT*

Well, scrap the award travel. Availability is near non existent in C/F cabins on SQ. It is available in TG F on the way over via HND for insanely low miles, but the return is garbage. BTW, FWIW, didn't know Qatar Airways flies DPS to SIN. Strange.

Anyways, here's what looks best to me right now:

Outbound:
SQ633 HND (12:30am) -> SIN (6:20am)
SQ942 SIN (9:35am) -> DPS (12:05pm)

Return:
SQ943 DPS (1:05pm) -> SIN (3:35pm)
SQ636 SIN (9:30pm) -> HND (5:15am next day)

$5,073 per person.

Spent the last hour looking over airfares. They seem to be going up right before my eyes. But all in, looking like 4-5K per person RT in C on SQ from TYO to DPS in August. Ouch. Although may be willing to spring for that if I could upgrade with UA miles to F. I assume both legs are tri-cabin. Unfortunately checking availability for *A upgrades via UA can be unreliable before the reservation is ticketed - at which point you are already locked in.

Going to try a combination of awards and purchased tickets as well, that may work out better..

*EDIT*

Well, scrap the award travel. Availability is near non existent in C/F cabins on SQ. It is available in TG F on the way over via HND for insanely low miles, but the return is garbage. BTW, FWIW, didn't know Qatar Airways flies DPS to SIN. Strange.

Anyways, here's what looks best to me right now:

Outbound:
SQ633 HND (12:30am) -> SIN (6:20am)
SQ942 SIN (9:35am) -> DPS (12:05pm)

Return:
SQ943 DPS (1:05pm) -> SIN (3:35pm)
SQ636 SIN (9:30pm) -> HND (5:15am next day)

$5,073 per person.

August is high season as it's cooler ( southern hemisphere winter ) plus the Europeans stay for weeks for their summer.
Think some visit every summer & having flown SQ , they have also found the morning connection very good :cool:
We were at Nusa & Kila last Aug & flew SQ, full & some of us were wait listed on J.. & ended flying on separate return flights - nicely since it was Amans . This year it 'll be July on awards :D

Well, thanks again to all for the great ideas an inspirations. I booked the Indrakila Suite @ Amankila based on the replies in this thread as well as all the great commentary here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1346304-amanusa-amankila-ayana-help.html).

Now I just need to figure out how to rationalize $10K for two C tickets on SQ to DPS from NRT. Not to mention getting to NRT first.

Hey, it's just money, right?

Well, thanks again to all for the great ideas an inspirations. I booked the Indrakila Suite @ Amankila based on the replies in this thread as well as all the great commentary here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1346304-amanusa-amankila-ayana-help.html).

Now I just need to figure out how to rationalize $10K for two C tickets on SQ to DPS from NRT. Not to mention getting to NRT first.

Hey, it's just money, right?

:cool:

I think the flights and especially the Indrakila suite at Amankila will be such a wonderful experience that you won't regret the $10k at all.

Well, thanks again to all for the great ideas an inspirations. I booked the Indrakila Suite @ Amankila based on the replies in this thread as well as all the great commentary here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1346304-amanusa-amankila-ayana-help.html).

Now I just need to figure out how to rationalize $10K for two C tickets on SQ to DPS from NRT. Not to mention getting to NRT first.

Hey, it's just money, right?

Have you considered using miles? They should open seats up if you can be a little patient??????
Of course, I myself am not very patient.

Have you considered using miles? They should open seats up if you can be a little patient??????
Of course, I myself am not very patient.

One of the objectives is *A EQM according to OP. I suppose, of course, that the second ticket could be an award if availability opened up later on.

Do airlines allow passengers holding revenue tickets to cancel and refund, and then rebook using miles if award availability opens up? I don't see why not since the inventory would be different, but I have never encountered this situation before so am not sure.

Have you considered using miles? They should open seats up if you can be a little patient??????
Of course, I myself am not very patient.

Patience? Sorry, not familiar with the term. :D

One of the objectives is *A EQM according to OP. I suppose, of course, that the second ticket could be an award if availability opened up later on.

Do airlines allow passengers holding revenue tickets to cancel and refund, and then rebook using miles if award availability opens up? I don't see why not since the inventory would be different, but I have never encountered this situation before so am not sure.

Correct. For my companion, the EQM aren't needed, thus I did investigate an award ticket for that portion. On the way over, I found some decent (not ideal, but decent) flight times, available for a saver award in F on TG. Nothing at all on SQ. But even those TG flights through BKK, on the return, were terrible times with long layovers and unworkable times schedule wise for the return to TYO.

Now, if I did have some patience, or rather, was more of a risk taker, I may be inclined to wait out award availability and see if anything opens up. But I don't like 'chance' to play a role when I'm taking a vacation. After all, the point is to relax..

Swapping out a rev ticket for an award is a good idea. I don't see how/why the airlines would mind this, but of course it'd have to be a fully refundable ticket. I do not think any airline would generally waive those "cancellation" fees if you were swapping out rev for miles, or at least it's nothing I've seen / heard of before. Which doesn't say a lot. ;-)

Now, given the cost of these fares though, they may indeed even be refundable, I need to check into that. I think it's a full C fare, and therefore may fit the bill. Need to give SQ a call today..

I think the flights and especially the Indrakila suite at Amankila will be such a wonderful experience that you won't regret the $10k at all.

Thanks, Mike. Appreciate the positive motivation. Unfortunately my accountant wouldn't agree with you. Good thing I don't talk to him any more!

Now, given the cost of these fares though, they may indeed even be refundable, I need to check into that. I think it's a full C fare, and therefore may fit the bill. Need to give SQ a call today..


At $5k~ they should definitely be refundable, perhaps with only a small cancellation fee. It would be great if award availability opened up, and you could rebook your companion on an award, thereby lowering the average cost to $2500 per person for airfare.

Have you ever stayed at The Busena Terrace? Perhaps not quite up to your usual luxury standards, but the club cottages are arguably the nicest resort experience you can find without leaving the country.

I went there on a business tour with my colleagues. It was the mid of winter and reining all the time, so we couldn't swim there. As a whole, we enjoyed the trip a lot. Everything was perfect. Rooms were clean, staff was friendly and provided best services. It was so perfect because we stayed in club floor. Especially the buffet breakfast was really excellent. You can enjoy here as you have in your pockets.

Especially the buffet breakfast was really excellent.

Oxymoronic. If I want to make my own breakfast I can eat at home.

I went there on a business tour with my colleagues. It was the mid of winter and reining all the time, so we couldn't swim there.
Not even in the indoor pool?

As a whole, we enjoyed the trip a lot. Everything was perfect. Rooms were clean, staff was friendly and provided best services. It was so perfect because we stayed in club floor. Especially the buffet breakfast was really excellent. You can enjoy here as you have in your pockets.

I really liked the library. Best hotel library I've ever seen.

Ritz Carlton Okinawa finally opens next week. It will be interesting to see how The Busena will react...they are probably due for a refurbishment soon.

Oxymoronic. If I want to make my own breakfast I can eat at home.

For some, luxury is the freedom to choose from a wide assortment of delicious, well-presented items at his/her leisure.

At $5k~ they should definitely be refundable, perhaps with only a small cancellation fee. It would be great if award availability opened up, and you could rebook your companion on an award, thereby lowering the average cost to $2500 per person for airfare.

Just because a fare is $5k, it doesn't mean it is refundable. Check with the carrier before taking any actions based on this presumption!

For some, luxury is the freedom to choose from a wide assortment of delicious, well-presented items at his/her leisure.

Sounds like a grocery store is the place for that.

Sounds like a grocery store is the place for that.

Perhaps, but prepared food made to order is more than your average grocery store can provide....